Is Autism common to children nowadays?
Understanding Autism: A Growing Concern
Several years ago, my best friend shared that his son had been diagnosed with a mild form of autism. This was the first time I considered autism as a prevalent issue, rather than just something depicted in movies. In Malaysia, cases of autism are on the rise, prompting me to investigate the reasons behind this trend.
This article aims to share the information I've gathered in hopes of aiding anyone who may be affected by this condition.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication (both verbal and non-verbal), and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Signs of autism often become noticeable in a child's first two years of life, typically before the age of three. While autism is highly heritable, researchers suggest that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its onset.
Certain environmental exposures during pregnancy, such as air pollution, fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, and particulate matter, have been associated with an increased risk of autism. For this reason, some maternity toothpaste products are now available without these harmful ingredients.
Additionally, factors that may contribute to or worsen autism include:
Specific food sensitivities
Infectious diseases
Chemical solvents
Diesel exhaust
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Phthalates and phenols in plastics
Pesticides
Brominated flame retardants
Alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs
Prenatal stress
Vaccines
Autism affects how the brain processes information by altering the connections and organization of nerve cells and synapses. The main types of autism include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger syndrome (which does not involve cognitive or language delays), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which is a diagnosis used when the full criteria for other types of autism are not met.
Early Intervention
Early speech or behavioral interventions can significantly assist children with autism in developing self-care, social, and communication skills. While there is no known cure, there have been reported cases of children who have shown significant improvement.
Though many individuals with autism may struggle to live independently as adults, some can lead successful lives. An autistic culture has emerged, with a segment of the community advocating for acceptance of autism as a difference rather than a disorder.
In 2013, I met Dr. Chan, an autism specialist in Kuala Lumpur, who shared valuable insights about the causes of autism and successful intervention strategies. His information aligns closely with my own research, and I encourage anyone interested to visit his website for more details: Natural Health.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and assist those in need and is not intended to promote any products or services from Dr. Chan or his clinic.
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