What the Latest Research Says About the Cause of Autism: What Parents Should Know
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder affecting an individual’s communication, socialization, and behavior, is present in an estimated 1 out of every 36 children. Though the exact cause of autism is unknown, parents of children with ASD can find plenty of available research on the potential underlying factors contributing to an ASD diagnosis.
Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in autism research is essential for parents whose children have special needs and may need treatment. To catch you up, we’ve compiled everything parents interested in ABA therapy should know about the latest research into the causes of autism to help their child thrive.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?
You should understand your options if you’re considering enrolling your child in a therapy program. Before delving into the latest research on the causes of autism, let’s break down ABA therapy.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy helps reinforce positive behaviors in patients that struggle with social interaction, communication, studies, and focusing. ABA therapy is commonly used to treat autism spectrum disorder and is tailored to meet each patient’s needs.
The patient goals of ABA therapy include the following:
- Increasing social skills
- Reducing negative behaviors
- Improving communication skills
- Working on self-maintenance behaviors
- Improving focus and academic skills
What the Science Suggests
Research about the causes of autism is inconclusive, given the broad scope of ASD. However, recent studies have focused on a few contributing factors that could play a significant role in uncovering the primary causes of ASD. Let’s take a closer look at what the science surrounding autism suggests and what parents with autistic children should know moving forward.
Is Autism Inherited?
For the most part, modern science considers autism to be an inherited disorder, with about 80% of a child’s risk for developing ASD is determined by DNA. However, given the rise in ASD diagnoses, parents must consider additional factors that could contribute to ASD beyond these details, including environmental and behavioral risks.
What Genetics Tell Us
Researchers have noted 102 genes that are involved in the development of autism and other neurological conditions. Variants in an individual’s genes may cause one to be likelier to develop ASD than those without these gene variants.
The genes identified as a potential cause of autism are a central focus for many scientists–gene variants, or de novo variants, describe genes present in the child but not in the child’s parents. These variant genes could play a significant role in how scientists understand autism and devise approaches to ABA therapy.
Neurological Discoveries
Scientists have also identified possible neurological factors contributing to the development of autism spectrum disorder. Research indicates a link between some cell malfunctions and ASD. Recent findings show that a decrease in myelin integrity–the protective sheath surrounding your brain’s nerve cells–is associated with a syndromic variation of ASD.
If this cell malfunction occurs, scientists believe it could significantly disrupt the brain’s nerve communication abilities, impeding brain development and fostering ASD-associated behaviors.
How the Gut Microbiome Fits In
A more shocking development in autism research is information on how the gut microbiome overlaps with some potential contributing factors to the development of ASD. Research has repeatedly found that imbalances in the gastrointestinal microbiome are linked to ASD and that some behaviors and symptoms related to autism could be improved by balancing an individual’s gut microbes.
Studies have also shown that microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) fosters gut microbiota diversity and helps treat ASD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism. Follow-up studies on MTT and its relationship to treating ASD found that the participants that received MTT still experienced fewer GI issues and showed improvement in ASD symptoms.
Recent studies have also indicated a connection between genes and an individual’s gut microbiome. In studies focusing on the causes of autism spectrum disorder, researchers found that lab mice lacking the gene CNTNAP2, which is linked to autism, had unusual gut microbiome populations compared to those with the gene. The mice showed similar social behaviors common in patients with ASD; when given a treatment to balance their microbiome levels, they experienced improved social behavior.
Factors that Could Increase the Chance of Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is notoriously tricky in terms of disorders without a specific, clearly-identified cause. Because of this, researchers have found various potential factors that could increase a child’s chances of having ASD. Below are some factors for parents to consider when seeking ABA therapy or additional treatment for their children:
- The parent’s age: research has historically indicated that the father’s age can significantly contribute to a child’s development of ASD. Studies have shown that men who become parents over 40 are more likely to have a child with ASD, while women at the beginning or end of their childbearing years (typically their teams to their 40s) are also more likely to have a child with autism.
- Age gap: given the above findings, science has also found that a child whose parents have a significant age gap where the man is much older than the woman is likelier to develop ASD.
- Environmental factors: studies have also indicated that where someone lives can influence the likelihood of developing ASD. Environmental factors play more significant roles depending on where someone is in the world, evidenced by areas of Sweden and the United Kingdom, where environmental factors significantly influence heritability.
- Chemicals: Furthermore, autism is believed to be part of a more significant developmental disorder spectrum, meaning that dysregulation of toxic chemicals that harm development could contribute to ASD.
Enroll Your Child for ABA Therapy With Path 2 Potential
As of now the only empirically validated form of instruction for children on the autism spectrum is ABA Therapy. Enrolling your child in ABA therapy services is essential to ensure they have the best support system possible to thrive in everything they do. Path 2 Potential takes an evidence-based approach to understanding autism and the best practices to help autistic children excel.
Our ABA therapy services are led by qualified and trained professionals dedicated to helping your child through a comprehensive treatment plan in which you can feel confident. Get started on enrolling your child in one of our services today and stay up-to-date with the latest autism research with our helpful content.