Autism why does it happen

Last updated: July 15, Share: Share. Our site uses cookies. I Understand. Autism risk also increases in children born to older parents. There is still much research to be done to determine the potential role of environmental factors on spontaneous mutations and how that influences ASD risk. For many children, symptoms improve with age and behavioral treatment. During adolescence, some children with ASD may become depressed or experience behavioral problems, and their treatment may need some modification as they transition to adulthood.

People with ASD usually continue to need services and supports as they get older, but depending on severity of the disorder, people with ASD may be able to work successfully and live independently or within a supportive environment.

There is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can substantially improve those symptoms.

The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of the individual.

Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better. In these interventions therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as applied behavioral analysis, which encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative ones. In addition, family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with ASD.

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in people with ASD. Parents, caregivers, and people with autism should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments. The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

Department of Health and Human Services agencies, the Department of Education, and other governmental organizations, as well as public members, including individuals with ASD and representatives of patient advocacy organizations. Such biomarkers could aid in understanding how and why ASD occurs in some children but not others, and help to identify patients who might benefit from early intervention.

Other ACE centers and networks are investigating early brain development and functioning; genetic and non-genetic risk factors, including neurological, physical, behavioral, and environmental factors present in the prenatal period and early infancy; and potential therapies. NINDS funds additional research aimed at better understanding the factors that lead to ASD, including other studies on genetic disorders associated with ASD, such as TSC, Fragile X Syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome which features such autism-like symptoms as intellectual disability, developmental delays, and problems with developing functional language , and Rett syndrome a disorder that almost exclusively affects girls and is characterized by slowing development, intellectual disability, and loss of functional use of the hands.

Many of these studies use animal models to determine how specific known mutations affect cellular and developmental processes in the brain, yielding insights relevant to understanding ASD due to other causes and discovering new targets for treatments.

For example, NINDS-funded researchers are investigating the formation and function of neuronal synapses, the sites of communication between neurons, which may not properly operate in ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders. Other studies use brain imaging in people with and without ASD to identify differences in brain connectivity and activity patterns associated with features of ASD.

Researchers hope that understanding these alterations can help identify new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The goals of the consortium are to understand shared mechanisms across these syndromes, which may suggest common approaches to their treatment.

NINDS supports autism spectrum disorder research through clinical trials at medical centers across the United States to better our knowledge about ASD treatment and care. Additional studies can be found at www. Both genetics and environment may play a role. One of the greatest controversies in autism spectrum disorder centers on whether a link exists between the disorder and childhood vaccines.

Despite extensive research, no reliable study has shown a link between autism spectrum disorder and any vaccines. In fact, the original study that ignited the debate years ago has been retracted due to poor design and questionable research methods. Avoiding childhood vaccinations can place your child and others in danger of catching and spreading serious diseases, including whooping cough pertussis , measles or mumps.

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. It's not clear whether this is due to better detection and reporting or a real increase in the number of cases, or both. Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all races and nationalities, but certain factors increase a child's risk. These may include:. There's no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but there are treatment options.

Early diagnosis and intervention is most helpful and can improve behavior, skills and language development. However, intervention is helpful at any age.

Though children usually don't outgrow autism spectrum disorder symptoms, they may learn to function well. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Autism spectrum disorder ASD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 4, A controversial study proposed a link between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella MMR vaccine. However, that study has been debunked by other research and was eventually retracted in Read more about autism and its risk factors.

Screening can help identify ASD in children earlier than later. They may benefit from early diagnosis and support. Parents fill out the question survey. Pediatricians can then use the responses to help identify children who may have an increased chance of developing ASD. Children who screen positively for ASD do not necessarily have it.

Learn more about the tests these specialists use to diagnose ASD. Rather, for some autistic people, supportive therapies and other considerations can help them feel better or alleviate certain symptoms. Massages , weighted clothing and blankets , and meditation techniques may also help some autistic people manage symptoms.

However, results will vary. Some people may respond well to certain approaches, while others may not. Shop for weighted blankets online. Research on alternative remedies is mixed, and some remedies can be dangerous.

These alternative remedies include things like:. Before investing in any alternative therapy, parents and caregivers should weigh the research and financial costs against any possible benefits. Learn more about alternative remedies for autism. Nevertheless, some autism advocates are exploring dietary changes as a way to help minimize behavioral issues and increase overall quality of life. Some autism advocates also endorse a gluten-free diet.

The protein gluten is found in:. Those advocates believe that gluten creates inflammation and adverse bodily reactions in certain autistic people. However, scientific research is inconclusive on the relationship between autism, gluten, and another protein known as casein. Some studies, and anecdotal evidence, have suggested that diet can help improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , a condition that may be similar to autism.

Find out more about the ADHD diet. Autistic children may not reach the same developmental milestones as their peers, or they may demonstrate the loss of previously developed social or language skills. For instance, a 2-year-old without autism may show interest in simple games of make-believe.

A 4-year-old without autism may enjoy engaging in activities with other children. An autistic child may have trouble interacting with others or dislike it altogether.

Autistic children may also engage in repetitive behaviors, have difficulty sleeping , or compulsively eat nonfood items. They may find it hard to thrive without a structured environment or consistent routine. If your child is autistic, you may have to work closely with their teachers to ensure they succeed in the classroom.

Many resources are available to help autistic children as well as their loved ones. Local support groups can be found through the national nonprofit the Autism Society of America.

Autistic children may find that certain exercises can help in easing frustrations and promoting overall well-being.