Parents of children on the autism spectrum often notice the condition slowly over time, as a child’s development unfolds and seems unusual. But a new study suggests that the path toward autism is set before a child is even born. Although the study was small, it helps to undermine arguments that autism is a product of parenting choices.
The Study
Researchers examined postmortem brains of children ranging from 2 to 15 years old.
During pregnancy, the brain builds six cortical layers. But the researchers found that 10 of 11 children with autism—and one of 11 children without—showed disruptions in the development of these cortical layers, suggesting that autism is the result of changes during pregnancy. The most pronounced brain disruptions in children with autism were in areas that affect language and social skills.
The researchers emphasized that children with autism showed abnormal brain development no matter how their symptoms manifested. They argue that this serves as evidence that children’s brains can adapt to abnormal development if they receive early intervention and treatment.
The study is one of the first to indicate a potential physical cause of autism. However, because the study was so small and looked at the brains only of children who had died, the results are preliminary and not conclusive.
Early Detection
The autism rate is now at an astonishing one in 68 children. April is Autism Awareness Month, and autism advocates across the country spend this month pushing for early detection and appropriate interventions. The latest study demonstrates that these efforts are valuable, since children with the same brain abnormalities can show significant variety in social and language skills. Sarah Swenson, a Seattle-based therapist and GoodTherapy.org Topic Expert, explains, “One of the most important results of early diagnosis is that parents can learn skills to become effective parents to their child, facilitating the child’s growth and development, and avoiding the stress of expectations that are not appropriate.”
Parents should know the early warning signs of autism. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, consult your pediatrician or a therapist who specializes in the issue.
Some warning signs of autism include:
- Not making eye contact
- Not babbling back and forth or sharing of facial expressions by nine months
- Not babbling by 12 months
- Not speaking any words by 16 months
- A sudden drop-off in verbal or social skills
- Not using gestures or pointing to share objects or get attention
- Pronounced sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, or certain textures
- Unable to understand or follow directions by two years
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida therapist Janeen Herskovitz, also a GoodTherapy.org Topic Expert, emphasizes that parents may need help not just for their children, but also for themselves.
“If you do get a diagnosis, or feel you are headed in that direction, get counseling for yourself and your family,” Herskovitz said. “While there is so much hope for progress and even recovery, autism is [an issue] that will profoundly change your family’s life and your marriage. Counseling, especially with someone who really understands the [condition], can make the journey easier. Second, find a physician who understands that autism has autoimmune foundations that can be, and need to be, treated in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.”
References:
- Disorganized cortical patches suggest prenatal origin of autism. (2014, March 26). Retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/niom-dcp032514.php
- Early signs of autism spectrum disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_early_signs.html/context/917
- Stoner, R., Chow, M. L., Boyle, M. P., Sunkin, S. M., Mouton, P. R., Roy, S., … Courchesne, E. (2014). Patches of disorganization in the neocortex of children with autism. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(13), 1209-1219. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1307491
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