Question

In Refernce to Autism Spectrum Disorder

• What is the epidemiological concern?
• What population is it affecting?
• What potential population may be affected if this concern is not addressed?
• What are the risk factors associated with the epidemiological concern?
• What public health recommendation can you make to alleviate your identified epidemiological concern?

Answer 1

Austism spectrum disorder:-Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have:

(a)Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people

(b)Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors

(c)Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

(1.) Epidemiology concern of austism spectrum disorder:-Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex, lifelong, neurodevelopmental conditions of largely unknown cause. They are much more common than previously believed, second in frequency only to mental retardation among the serious developmental disorders. Although a heritable component has been demonstrated in ASD etiology, putative risk genes have yet to be identified. Environmental risk factors may also play a role, perhaps via complex gene-environment interactions, but no specific exposures with significant population effects are known. A number of endogenous biomarkers associated with autism risk have been investigated, and these may help identify significant biologic pathways that, in turn, will aid in the discovery of specific genes and exposures. Future epidemiologic research should focus on expanding population-based descriptive data on ASDs, exploring candidate risk factors in large well-designed studies incorporating both genetic and environmental exposure data and addressing possible etiologic heterogeneity in studies that can stratify case groups and consider alternate endophenotypes.

(2.) Population affected by autism spectrum disorder:-

In 2018 the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

(i)1 in 37 boys

(ii)1 in 151 girls

(III)Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

(iv)Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2. 

(V)31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85).

(Vi)Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

(Vii)Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.

Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.

(3). Potential Population affected by Autism spectrum disorder:-About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 59 births. (CDC, 2018)

More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). (CDC, 2014) Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. (CDC, 2008)

Prevalence has increased by 6-15 percent each year from 2002 to 2010. (Based on biennial numbers from the CDC).

(4).Risk factors associated with the epidemiological concern:-

Causes and Risk Factors:-While scientists don’t know the exact causes of ASD, research suggests that genes can act together with influences from the environment to affect development in ways that lead to ASD. Although scientists are still trying to understand why some people develop ASD and others don’t, some risk factors include:

(1)Having a sibling with ASD

(2.)Having older parents

(3.)Having certain genetic conditions—people with conditions such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Rett syndrome are more likely than others to have ASD.

(4.)Very low birth weight.

Answer (5.) public health recommendation to alleviate epidemiological concern of Austism spectrum disorder:-Although there’s currently no cure, studies have found that certain actions can help pregnant women prevent autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disability that causes significant development delays, especially in social functioning. According to Autism Speaks, one in 45 children in the United States have been diagnosed with autism. New mothers should take preventative steps to increase their chances of delivering a healthy baby.

the following tips can help expectant mothers prevent autism in their growing fetus.

(a)Reducing Exposure to Toxins:-The scientific community has discovered evidence that environmental factors often play a role in developing autism.

Pregnant women can limit airborne toxins by wearing masks, filling their gas tank after dark, and staying indoors when air quality is low. It’s best to avoid areas with high traffic, especially when exercising. For the duration of pregnancy, women should eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Switching to green personal care products is wise to lessen exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Some doctors also suggest avoiding canned foods, plastic water bottles, and excessive cell phone use.

(b)Maintaining a Nutritious Diet:-Pregnant women can lower the risk for autism by eating a colorful, organic diet rich in green vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants. At least 80 grams of protein per day from lean sources like turkey, chicken, and nuts is recommended. Many health experts support reducing “white foods,” including bread and sugar.

(c)Staying in Good Health:-Regular check-ups with a family physician and obstetrician are important. Maternal health throughout pregnancy has a significant impact on unborn children. Mothers should be immunized against German measles (rubella) and get an influenza shot.

Autism is a complex disorder without a single known cause or “trigger.” Scientists agree that genetics is responsible for up to 90 percent of the autism risk. Whether a child develops ASD is usually out of the parents’ control.