0_Wizard
Hi there. Do you know much about autism? I only know it's apparently caused by a combination of genetic and environmental issues.
Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
chosen_Autism_0
Autism
chosen_topic_0_Autism
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication. Often there is also restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two or three years of their child's life. These signs often develop gradually, though some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then worsen. Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include certain infections during pregnancy such as rubella as well as valproic acid, alcohol, or cocaine use during pregnancy. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes; for example the vaccine hypotheses, which have been disproven.
Heritability of autism
The heritability of autism is the proportion of differences in expression of autism that can be explained by genetic variation; if the heritability of a condition is high, then the condition is considered to be primarily genetic. Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism is complex and it is unclear whether autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations with major effects. Early studies of twins estimated the heritability of autism to be more than 90%--meaning that 90% of the differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals was due to genetics.
Causes of autism
Many causes of autism have been proposed, but understanding of the theory of causation of autism and the other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is incomplete. Research indicates that genetic factors predominate. The heritability of autism, however, is complex, and it is typically unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Many other causes have been proposed, such as childhood immunizations, but numerous epidemiological studies have shown no scientific evidence supporting any link between vaccinations and autism. Autism involves atypical brain development which often becomes apparent in behavior and social development before a child is three years old.
Child development
Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, yet having a unique course for every child. It does not progress at the same rate and each stage is affected by the preceding developmental experiences. Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development.
Controversies in autism
Diagnoses of autism have become more frequent since the 1980s, which has led to various controversies about both the cause of autism and the nature of the diagnoses themselves. Whether autism has mainly a genetic or developmental cause, and the degree of coincidence between autism and intellectual disability, are all matters of current scientific controversy as well as inquiry. Scientific consensus holds that vaccines do not cause autism, but popular rumors and an article in a respected scientific journal, "The Lancet", provoked concern among parents. The "Lancet" article was retracted for making false claims and because its author was found to be on the payroll of litigants against vaccine manufacturers.
Environmental racism in Europe
Environmental racism in Europe has been documented in relation to racialized immigrant and migrant populations alongside Romani (Roma/Gypsy), Yenish, Irish Traveller, and communities (such as the Sami, Komi, and Nenets) from within continental borders. Environmental racism is the practice of environmental injustice within a racialized context, in which socially marginalized communities and minority groups are subjected to disproportionate exposure of environmental hazards, denial of access to sources of ecological sustenance such as clean air, water, and natural resources, or infringement of environmentally related human rights.
Autism therapies
Autism therapies are interventions that attempt to lessen the deficits and problem behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to increase the quality of life and functional independence of autistic individuals. Treatment is typically catered to person's needs. Treatments fall into two major categories: educational interventions and medical management. Training and support are also given to families of those with ASD. Studies of interventions have some methodological problems that prevent definitive conclusions about efficacy. Although many psychosocial interventions have some positive evidence, suggesting that some form of treatment is preferable to no treatment, the systematic reviews have reported that the quality of these studies has generally been poor, their clinical results are mostly tentative, and there is little evidence for the relative effectiveness of treatment options.
1_Apprentice
I do know quite a bit about it.  part of my job would be in that field.  It tends to present from early childhood, characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts