What you think you know about autism might be a lie

Metro.US ^ | April 17, 2017 | Sheila Dougherty

[azkathy]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of every 68 children born in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups are affected by ASD, myths and misunderstandings still persist in media, schools and workplaces — that childhood vaccines are a cause has been disproved, yet the rumor refuses to die. April is World Autism Awareness month, so we spoke with Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, a molecular geneticist and neurobiologist who directs the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai Health System, to separate fact from fiction.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder affecting brain development. ASD is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors, including sensory symptoms.

The severity and presentation of symptoms vary across individuals. ASD is about four times more common among boys than girls. Due to increased public awareness, improved diagnostic tools and research in this area, more cases are identified and at younger ages. Early diagnosis is important because it can lead to earlier treatment, which research has linked to more positive outcomes.

What causes autism spectrum disorder? Vaccines are definitely not linked to it, correct?

There is strong data indicating that genetics are a predominant cause of autism. There are numerous, very compelling epidemiological studies that have clearly disproven any connection between autism and vaccines. One of the primary missions of the Seaver Autism Center is to investigate causes of autism. We take a genetics-first approach to this investigation. We expect there to be about 1,000 genes in the human genome for autism.

[azkathy]

I think the genetics theory is, just that a theory. I agree with your position, where are all the 50+ year old men with severe autism and no speech? If it was genetic there would be a lot more of them.

When the “experts” try to proclaim the science is settled while refusing to do the appropriate tests or even look for answers for SIDS, you know the “experts” can’t be trusted.