This article was written by Davi Jacobs of Richard Montgomery High School
Every year, April brings awareness to autism, a cognitive disorder that affects 1 in 54 American children.
You may have heard about autism through cinematic portrayals of autistic main characters, for instance in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape starring Leonardo Decaprio, or through famous figures such as Temple Grandin recounting their lives with autism. Or even as a result of the very controversial movie Music produced by the singer Sia that spotlights a myriad of stereotypes regarding this disorder. But, what exactly is autism?
According to Mayo Clinic, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that impacts a person’s perception and socialization, causing problems in interpersonal communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. No two individuals diagnosed with autism experience the same range of symptoms and implications. Signs are often visible by the age of 2 years and may include developing specific routines and a lack of facial expressions.
The exact cause of ASD has not been pinpointed due its complexity. However, studies have found that genetics and the environment influence a person’s chance of being diagnosed with ASD. Mutations in genes like HOXA1 (involved in brain structures and nerves) can make a child more susceptible to autism. These genetic mutations may be inherited, while others occur spontaneously. A number of environmental factors have been linked to autism, from viral infections to exposure to chemicals such as mercury, but researchers are still exploring this area.
Additionally, scientists also have discovered irregularities in the brain structures themselves, for instance in the amygdala (which affects emotion and social behavior) and cerebellum (which is involved with motor activity, balance, and coordination).
Although ASD has no cure, there are treatment options. Behavioral therapy is the most common treatment. Teachers, parents and counselors work together to help the child improve his or her physical and social skills. Medications like antidepressants and stimulants are used sparingly to keep emotions under control.
Individuals with ASD have specific challenges with reading. In spite of them being able to learn the letters and the sounds/symbols of the English language individually, the process of blending letters and their sounds is a daunting task for some.
Contrary to popular belief, people with ASD are not slow or mentally inhibited. Autistic children also are not badly behaved—their temper tantrums and other unusual behaviors stem from their frustration in being unable to effectively communicate and interact socially.
Interestingly, actor and screenwriter Dan Aykroyd credits his Asperger’s syndrome (one of five Major Autism Spectrum Disorder Forms) with being responsible for his huge hit Ghostbusters.
“One of my symptoms included my obsession with ghosts and law enforcement,” Aykroyd said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “I became obsessed with Hans Holzer, the greatest ghost hunter ever. That’s when the idea of my film Ghostbusters was born.”
ASD is not a disease and does not need to be feared. It is instead a difference in mental processing.
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