An autism diagnosis can be devastating to a parent. Often it becomes evident in the very early stages of child development. The worst thing about it is that a child may start well, but a few months later, they change into a completely different person, and a parent can feel like they are losing their child every day.
While there is no specific cause of autism, research shows that autism results from genetics and non-genetic and environmental influences.
Understanding Autism
Autism is the shortened version of what is medically known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and it’s a term used to describe a group of neurological developmental conditions. ASD is characterized by differences in social interaction and communication differences.
Also, people with ASD often demonstrate repeated pattern behaviors or restricted and repetitive interests. In the last few years, cases of autism have been on the increase, with some experts attributing the increase to environmental conditions. Autism has also been seen to be more prevalent in boys than girls at a ratio of 4.3 to 1.
Causes of Autism
Genetic Factors
It is impossible to point at one thing as the cause of autism. However, scientific evidence points to genetics as a major factor. According to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, autism runs in families.
Also, more evidence shows that mutations in some genes can increase a child’s chances of becoming autistic. The genetic aspect of autism is complex because every autistic person will have different mutations or a combination of them.
According to the NIH, not all persons with autism have mutations in all the genes cited by scientists as linked to autism.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are also known risk factors for autism. Studies suggest that some chemicals can and do increase the chances of an individual becoming autistic.
However, the NIH explains that the risk increases with other factors. For example, a person whose genetics predisposes them to autism has a high chance of autism when predisposing environmental factors are present.
The Use of Tylenol During Pregnancy Predisposes a Child to Autism
One of the more known environmental factors that pose a higher risk of autism in children is the use of Tylenol by a mother during pregnancy. According to recent studies published in the National Library of Medicine Journal, there is compelling evidence proving an increased chance of a child getting autism if the mother used Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy. To know more, read this article on ActionMatters.org.
The effect of Tylenol on the unborn child is not limited to ASD, other conditions such as Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder (ADHD), and other complex developmental disorders. The risk increases when the drugs are used regularly or in high dosages.
If your child suffers from a developmental disorder and you had used Tylenol during their pregnancy, you could be eligible for compensation. But you have to file a Tylenol autism lawsuit with the help of a lawyer that has experience in these cases.
Parents of Children With Autism Should Know…
Parents Of Children With Autism Should Know These Important Tips
Infections
According to a study published in AMA Psychiatry, infections can significantly increase the chances of a child developing autism.
The study involved 1,791,520 Swedish children and showed that if a mother suffered infections, the child had a 79% chance of developing autism. Infections that show a higher disposition to autism for children include sepsis, flu, and meningitis—even a minor infection such as a urinary tract infection.
The Role of Parent’s Actions
There is nothing a parent can do regarding genetic predisposition to autism. But when it comes to environmental factors, it would be best to avoid taking medications that could predispose your unborn child to autism.
You may also consider taking prenatal vitamins rich in folic acid before conception and through the pregnancy, as they have been seen to decrease the chances of the unborn child developing autism. Lastly, ensure that you get a flu shot before conception.
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