There is a second widely-believed reason as to why autism seems to be on the rise.
There have been many campaigns talking about autism publicly, as well as increased screening for it at children’s centres.
Indeed, there are now clinics in Malaysia that can screen your child for developmental disorders and try to arrest them early on.
In the past, we did not have all these.
Autism was treated as a taboo subject and people did not talk about their children having these symptoms for fear of shame or ridicule.
Autism has long existed, even back when we were children, but autistic children were then often mislabelled and mistreated.
Teachers are now more equipped to recognise if a child acts out of the norm than before.
Doctors are also better equipped to diagnose autism than in the past.
According to the US CDC, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy did say last year that autism is getting significantly higher there.
Apparently, one in 31 children who were born in 2014 in the US had autism.
This is five times higher than when the US CDC surveyed children born in 1992.
Autism is particularly prevalent in the state of California.
It is also more rampant in Black, Hispanic and Asian children in the US, compared to white children.
Kennedy’s terming of this phenomena as an “epidemic” led to a worldwide discussion on whether or not it can actually be called an epidemic in the first place.
He had said to the media: “The autism epidemic has now reached a scale unprecedented in human history because it affects the young.
“The risks and costs of this crisis are a thousand times more threatening to our country than Covid-19.
“Autism is preventable and it is unforgivable that we have not yet identified the underlying causes.
“We should have had these answers 20 years ago.”
Many scientists from many other countries argue against this, however.
Autism cases may be gradually rising, they say, but this should not be called “an epidemic”.
Autism’s causes are not well understood.
There are some elements of a genetic component.
For example, if you have a sibling or twin with autism, you are more likely to have autism too.
Autism is also more common in children of older parents.
A woman who gets pregnant at an older age is more likely to have a child with autism than a woman who gets pregnant at a younger age.
Some genetic disorders like Fragile X disorder and Rett syndrome are also associated with autism.
There have been links in children of parents who have been exposed to environmental pollutants and some pesticides.
There is also a higher risk when the mother is obese or diabetic.
When the baby is born extremely premature or with very low birth weight, there is also a higher risk of autism.
In fact, anything that interferes with the birth leading to long periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain can lead to a higher risk of autism.
Likely, it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that can lead to a higher risk of autism.
There is no connection whatsoever between vaccines and autism.
Decades of scientific research have gone into this.
You need to ensure your child gets his or her vaccines.
They play a very important role in preventing a whole lot of diseases that can kill or maim your child for life.
No. It cannot be cured.
However, your child can be supported in learning, development and behaviour.
The earlier you take your child to a specialised paediatrician, the better it is.
Every autistic person may be different and may need different forms of treatment and support.
There generally are:
- Behaviour and communication therapies
As autistic persons may have social, language and behavioural issues, some programmes focus on reducing negative behaviours and coping mechanisms.
New skills are taught on how to act in social situations and communicate with other children or adults.
- Educational therapies
Children with autism respond well when they are enrolled in specialised educational programmes in specialised schools.
- Family therapies
Parents and other siblings/family members can learn how to interact with children with autism.
Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to control certain behaviours.
Nevertheless, it is possible to live lovingly and happily with an autistic child for life.
You just need to find the right adaptations.
Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
