Autism

Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder – constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

Autism is characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.

The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others require life-long care and support. Inclusion in education and meaningful employment are fundamental rights for all individuals, including those with autism. Societal attitudes and the level of support and services provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism.

Reviews estimate that 1 person in 127 is autistic. This estimate represents an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. 

The level of intellectual functioning is extremely variable among autistic people and can range from profound impairment to high-functioning. It is estimated that around 50% of autistic people have an intellectual disability. 

Identifying autism is difficult before the age of about 12 months but diagnosis is generally possible by the age of 2 years. Characteristic features of onset include delay in the development of, or regression in, language and social skills and repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Parents and other caregivers have an essential role in promoting the development and well-being of their autistic child by offering nurturing and stimulating environments at home and opportunities for participation in family and day-to-day activities. They can help to ensure access to health, education and other services and opportunities available to all children in their communities. 

It is important that health-care workers are provided with training on autism and person- and family-centred care so that they are able to recognize and value neurodiversity and support people with autism and their caregivers in the most appropriate and responsive way. Recognizing the preferences and needs of individuals is important, as is promoting informed decision-making and autonomy. Collaboration between the health sector and other sectors, particularly education, employment and social care, is equally important.

Scientific evidence suggests that various factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the onset of autism by influencing early brain development.

Studies show an increased likelihood of autism for families with an autistic member and particularly for identical twins. 

Scientific studies show that exposure to certain environmental factors appear to occur more frequently in children with autism, or their parents. These include advanced parental age, maternal diabetes during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to air pollutants or certain heavy metals, prematurity, severe birth complications and low birth weight.

In addition, research studies have looked into a possible association between use of various medicines during pregnancy and increased risk for autism. For example, prenatal exposure to valproate and carbamazepine, which are used for seizures, appear to occur more frequently in children with autism.

More research is needed to better understand the role of each of the factors that appear to be associated with a higher risk for autism, and how they interact with genetic variations. Autism is not caused by bad parenting or vaccines and vaccine ingredients, and is not linked to diet. It is also not an infection and cannot be spread to other people. 

No. Extensive research has shown that vaccines do not cause autism. Many large, high-quality studies conducted in different countries and involving large populations have all reached the same conclusion. 

Research using a variety of different methods and conducted over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism. The study that was interpreted as indicating any such link was later proven to be wrong and fraudulent. The journal that published it withdrew the study, and the doctor who authored it lost his medical license.

Evidence also shows that other childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism. Extensive research into the preservative thiomersal and the additive aluminium that are contained in some vaccines strongly concluded that these constituents in childhood vaccines do not increase the risk of autism.