WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House announcement on autism is expected Monday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s weekend comment that he “I think I’ve found the answer” to his developmental disorder.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It was promised earlier this year The cause of autism will be determined by September. that Confused Brain Expert There is no single cause, and those who say rhetoric ignores decades of science and ignores genetic and environmental factors that may play a role.
This is what we know about autism.
What is autism?
Autism is not a disease. This is a complex developmental state well known as autism spectrum disorder that affects different people in different ways.
It can include delays in language, learning, or social and emotional skills. For some people, deep autism means being nonverbal and having an intellectual disability, but the majority of people with autism experience far more milder effects.
Autism rates have risen for decades
There are two main reasons. First, the definition of autism has broadened as scientists expanded their understanding of its broad characteristics and symptoms. It has resulted in a change in the criteria physicians use to diagnose autism and improvements in screening.
At the same time, parents increasingly sought diagnosis as autism became more well known and schools began to provide educational services they wanted to help their children.
In the 1990s, only children with the most severe symptoms were thought to have autism. In the early 2000s, the autism rate was estimated to be one in 150 children as definitions began to change. Latest count It was found that about 31 children were affected by autism spectrum disorder.
This increase is not one of the profound cases. Boston University expert Helen Tagger Fulsberg said this is a mild increase in cases that have not been historically considered autism.
There is no single test for autism. Autism is diagnosed primarily through developmental and behavioral assessment.
It is difficult to determine whether there are additional factors behind the increase.
What is the status of autism research?
Science shows that autism is primarily rooted in genetics, with hundreds of genes that play a role. Even if the parent does not show signs of autism, they can inherit these genes even if their brains are developing and their rapidly split cells make a mistake, even if their parents do not show signs of autism.
Experts say that various combinations of genes and other factors can all affect fetal brain development.
What about the impact on the environment?
Researchers have identified other factors that can interact with genetic vulnerability to increase the risk of autism. These include the age of the child’s father, the age of preterm birth, and whether the mother had certain health issues during pregnancy, such as fever, infection, or diabetes.
Concerns that paralyze vaccines or other vaccines – Can be linked to autism He was a leading stress scientist and has been exposed for a long time Advocacy groups For people with autism.
How about Tylenol?
The Washington Post reported Monday that the Trump administration plans to link autism to the use of Tylenol, or acetaminophen, a painkiller during pregnancy.
Research has increased the likelihood that taking over-the-counter pain medications during pregnancy could be linked to the risk of autism, according to David Mandel, an autism expert at the University of Pennsylvania.
One big note: Untreated fever during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and other problems, according to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Association.
The Tylenol label advises women to ask doctors about their use in pregnancy, and continues to advise society that it is a suitable option for treating fever and pain during pregnancy.
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