The Link Between The Cerebellum And Autism

“There is no known cause of autism. Current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain – although at this time no gene has been directly linked to autism.”(2, pg 105) Several theories, which exist, link the disorder to environmental and genetic factors. One such research project, performed by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D., is based on the concept of “Neuro-immunopathogenesis in Autism.” (1, pg. 26) Doctor Vijendra K. Singh identified his research and resolution as follows:

Symptoms typically are apparent before children turn 3 years old. (7). When individuals are born as an identical twin or have first degree relatives who have autism, they are automatically at a higher risk for developing it themselves. Other risk factors include immune dysregulation, altered short chain fatty acids, genetic mutations involving the metabolism of vitamin D, infections, teratogens, or antibodies maternally. For every 68 boys who are born, 1 will likely have autism, as boys are about five times more likely to present with autism than girls are. (3). When the brains of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder are studied and compared with those who do not have the disorder, there are obvious differences. In the Autism Spectrum Disorder brain, there are alterations to the striatal circuits, a dysfunction in canonical neural circuits, and an abnormal basal ganglion connectivity. These striatal dysfunctions of the brain are evidence as to why abnormal behaviors occur in autistic patients (repetitive grooming, stereotypic motor routines, and deficits in social interaction and decision-making). There may even be evidence that links genetics to these specific neural circuits. (8). When MRI’s are taken on young autistic patients, the hyperplasia of their cerebral cortex can often be seen. Because the frontal and temporal lobes are important for social functioning and language development, these anatomical anomalies are likely to underlie the pathophysiology of autism.

of development, how we experience the world plays a role in our brain development. In recent

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious disorder which affects the child’s neurological and behavior functions and may cause different levels of disability. Autism is a regressive neurodevelopment disorder that impacts social interactions, verbal and nonverbal, as well as negative behaviors. It is a disorder that is connected to abnormal biology and chemistry within the brain. Also, autism appears within the first three years of life. A child can seem developmentally normal and meeting all milestones that are age appropriate and then begins to regress. The ASD is a neurological disorder can have classified to a different level from moderate to severe. According to Reynolds and Miller “Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and repetitive behaviors” (166). Actually, the number of children who are diagnosed with autism increases and the Autism Spectrum Disorder becoming one of the fastest growing disorders in the USA. According to Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful researches show that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis techniques and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprises of a group of conditions including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (DSM-5, 2014). ASD are a type of neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed on the basis of three core behavioural domains: 1) Persistent deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication; 2) Impairments in social interaction; 3) Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of activities, interests, and behaviours (DSM-5, 2014). The variation in the severity of behavioural traits between, and within these three disorders is extensive. It should be emphasised that due to this high phenotypic heterogeneity, and clinical variability, caution in the

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as “autism”, is characterized by defects in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and atypical behaviors. The word autism is from the Greek word autos which means “self”. As the name “Spectrum” suggests, the degree of severity spans a wide range and varies by each individual. Research on this disorder dates back to 1911 when Eugen Bleuler first coined the term autism while referencing patients with schizophrenia who were “socially withdrawn” (Parks 88). Every decade the amount of individuals diagnosed with ASD rises. The Centers of Disease Control estimated about 1 in 150 children have autism. But, in the past autism was seen in 4 to 5 children per 10,000

But two primary immediate causes are both genetic and environmental. “Research in 2009 found that variations in an area of chromosome 5 appear to play a vital role in some cases of autism” (“Autism”1).This betokens that 5 concrete chromosomes are evidently found to involve certain components of the cerebrum that cause ASD. “Many of the genes associated with ASD are involved in the development of the brain. The proteins produced from these genes affect multiple aspects of brain development, including production, growth, and organization of nerve cells (neurons).” (“Autism”1).The designations and symptoms of autism that are viewed from these stunt in magnification of the genes are behavioral issues which reflect on environmental

In the United States, autism may affect up to 115,000 children between one and 15 years of age with an uncertain prevalence in adults (Rapin, 1998). Because of the high number of cases in the United States alone, testing has grown and encompasses many different ages and areas of autistic patients and their symptoms. Because of increased testing, researchers have found different options to meet the challenges autism presents.

Autism Awareness is growing, and the debate on the best way to help the children is still underway. However, this new study is a step in the right direction to understanding the disease and possibly having the ability to diagnose it better, and treat it

In a research, (P. O. Towle et al. 2008), autism spectrum disorder is equally reported as a severe, often life-long disability, which significantly affects the individual, family, and educational and societal resources. Their understanding of autism research has increased rapidly in view of the fact that there has been newly developed research tactics in genetics, neuropsychology, and brain imaging.

One the biggest psychological disorders in our society is childhood autism. Childhood autism is defined as “A pervasive developmental disorder defined by the presence of abnormal and/or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years, and by the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all three areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour.” (MHresource.org). Furthermore, boys are three to four more times likely to develop childhood autism than girls (MHresources.org). Statistics also show that the prevalence of childhood autism in births is one in fifty-nine and has grown 119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010 (CDC). Now, researchers are looking into what causes childhood autism. They are

An important goal of this research in autism is to identify the different abnormal genetic and epigenetic processes that underlie the phenotype of the disorder. This might allow individuals with autism

In my research, I have found that the inconclusive results of autism studies has lead to stunted development in finding effective treatments. Journals, news articles, and medical sources have only further supported this case. Researchers and scientists alike are torn between the type of cause, whether autism comes from genetic or environmental origins. The barriers to finding the cause of autism include the requirement of early detection, the limited amount of signs that appear at an early age, and the few studies focused towards autism. More research studies and projects need to be conducted in order to prevent autism in its tracks, before it fully affects someone.

Tens of millions of people have been diagnosed with Autism worldwide, effecting both genders, all races, ethnicities and people from all socioeconomic classes. In 2010 a Surveillance Summary was conducted in the United States, where it identified that one in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). It has been recognised

In 2011, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that on average, 1 in 10 children each year are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (Hunt & Marshall, 2012, p. 304). However, the number of children diagnosed with autism in recent years is