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[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link httphttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>httphttps://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref> Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger , in collusion with the [[Nazi Party]], also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990's1990s, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms. Autism (especially high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome) rights are promoted by the [[neurodiversity]] movement. The autism rights movement, also known as the autistic acceptance movement, is a social movement within the context of disability rights that emphasizes a neurodiversity paradigm, viewing the autism spectrum as a result of natural variations in the human brain rather than as a disease to be cured.

Although no one knows how autism develops, experts have focused on physical causes such as environmental toxinsIn 2013, the vaccine preservative [[thimerosal]], and ''Washington Times'' said about the diet causes of both the mother (pre-birth and during breastfeeding) and child. Recent scientific studies indicate that thimerosal in vaccines does not cause autism.<ref>[http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/4/656.full C. S. Price et al."The causes of autism are not understood, "Prenatal and Infant Exposure to Thimerosal From Vaccines recent studies have found associations between childhood autism and Immunoglobulins multiple births, preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and Risk of Autismhaving older parents.". ''Pediatrics'' '''126'''(4):656-64 (2010)]</ref><ref>[httphttps://www.pediatricsdigestwashingtontimes.mobicom/contentnews/131/1/149.full W. A. Orenstein et al., "Global Vaccination Recommendations and Thimerosal". ''Pediatrics'' '''131'''(1):149-51 (2013)]</ref><ref>[http:oct/16/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govrate-of-autism-rises-in-us-hits-plateau-in-uk/pmc/articles/PMC3257990/ G?page=all Autism rates rise in U. AS. Poland, "MMR Vaccine and Autism: Vaccine Nihilism and Postmodern Science"plateau in U. ''Mayo Clin ProcK.'' '''86'''(9):869-71 (2011)]: "No credible scientific evidence, however, supports the claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism, and indeed, national medical authorities and scientific professional societies have unanimously denounced that claim"</ref>Some experts have speculated about [[genetic predisposition]].

Lisa Jo RudyAlthough there have been no formal epidemiological studies, mother of an autistic boy, wrote::Today, it is generally agreed the evidence suggests that autism is caused by a combination rare in the economically developing continent of genetic Africa and environmental factors mainly exists within elite families.<ref name="Autism in Africa"/><ref>[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/out-of- africa-a.html Out of Africa and unrelated to "cold motheringInto Autism: More Evidence Illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota], By Mark F." Blaxill, AgeofAutism.com website (I don't agree with the anti-vaccine portion of the article)</ref> In addition, the traditional [http[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>*[https://autismwww.aboutforbes.com/od2007/causesofautism02/p07/refrigeratorworlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.htmhtml World's fattest countries]*[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> Furthermore, Africa is a religious continent with high birth rates.

=== Physical Factors Low rate of autism among the Amish ===

The Autism Society saysAmerican Amish have a low autism rate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy their genetic makeup or delivery as well as environmental factorsboth.<ref>*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], such as viral infectionsFox News Health, metabolic imbalancesDecember 04, and exposure to environmental chemicals.2014*" [http://www.autism-societyinternalmedicine.osu.orgedu/sitegenetics/PageServerarticle.cfm?pagenameid=about_whatcauses5307 Amish Have Lower Rates of Cancer, Ohio State Study Shows]". Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Medical Center. January 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.*Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646*Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.*Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref> Due to their high levels of physical activity, the Amish have low rates of obesity.<ref>*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014</ref>

* There are two popular theories linking autism and vaccinesDavid N. One theory suggests the MMR (Mumps-Measles-Rubella) vaccine causes intestinal problems which lead to the development of autismBrown indicated: "In March 2006, Drs. This theory was based on the research of Dr. Andrew WakefieldKevin Strauss, who conducted a study using 12 Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children to make , which could raise the connection between autism and rate of the MMR vaccine. HoweverLancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5, 000 which is still a recent investigation fraction of this study has concluded that Dr. Wakefield manipulated patient data to support his conclusion, and used questionable research practices when obtaining blood samples from the children in the studyUS average of 1/68. "<ref>http://wwwPuffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012).timesonline"A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder".co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5683671.eceHuman Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646</ref> The second theory suggests that thimerosal<ref>Jackman, a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccinesC; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, could be a contributor of the development of autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". [httpPediatric Neurology 40 (4):310–313.<//wwwref><ref>Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.autism-causes; Stone, Jennifer L.com/autism; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-causesExpression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene".html]American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref>

A toxic [[mercury]] preservative used in [[vaccines]]Case Adams, thimerosal, is a suspected cause of injury in many recipients, including a cause of increase in autism rates.<ref>[http://209.85N.141D.104/search?q=cachedeclared:952MmAWeCOsJ:www.jpands.org/vol8no1/geier.pdf+jpands&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a Thimerosal in Childhood Vaccines,Neurodevelopment Disorders, and Heart Disease in {{cquote|Recent research from the United States]</ref> Thimerosal is an organic form University of mercury that was widely used as a preservative. Only after intense public pressure did the FDA and CDC act, in 1999 and 2000, to reduce thimerosal usage in vaccines. But thimerosal continues California at Davis has found autism to be used far more than realized, as in linked with the annual flu vaccine and stockpiles accumulation of vaccines left over from years agotoxins within fat cells. Since thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001, U.S. rates of This finding corresponds with previous research linking autism have increased rather than declinedto immunosuppression, suggesting that thimerosal was not a contributor toxin antibodies and environmental exposures for the mother, which links to autism.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/thimerosal_faqs.html#6</ref><ref>http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/autismincreasestoxicity and immunosuppression.php</ref>

The is enormous pressure to deny that vaccinations are causing autismnew research, as such a revelation would result in politicalled by Paula Krakowiak, legalPhD candidate, and financial consequences for those who have been supporting increases in vaccination. As researchers denied smoking caused lung cancer for decadesanalyzed 1, researchers now claim 000 children and found that vaccination is not causing autismwas 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.<ref>[http://www.ama-assnrealnatural.org/ama/pub/category/13703.html,</ref><ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B75KNmoms-4DJ97VJobesity-8&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=c555dd340aa6cb7c3a18806ba0fd162a</ref><ref>http://www.iom.edu/?id=27771</ref> Many parents who see firstautism-hand the changes in their children immediately shortly after vaccination see a clear causelinked-andto-effect, and some are opting out of vaccination.<ref>http:toxins//www.acsh.org/publications/pubID.425/pub_detail.aspAutism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy]</ref>}}

The Autism Society says, "Rigorous scientific studies have not identified links between autism and either thimerosal-containing vaccine Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or the measlesdelivery as well as environmental factors, mumpssuch as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and rubella vaccineexposure to environmental chemicals." <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nihautism-society.govorg/pubmedsite/19614825PageServer?ordinalpospagename=1&itool=EntrezSystem2about_whatcauses] There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer.PEntrez [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of autism.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_SingleItemSupl Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log$=relatedreviews&logdbfrom=pubmed</ref>

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>httphttps://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>httphttps://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref> http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>httphttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>httphttps://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref>. Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals , and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

===Autism and Atheism=== Autistic people lack the ability to relate to others and are unable to mentalize - they can not understand the mental state of others4. This means they are unlikely to have a relationship with [[God]] on a personal level and often tend to be atheists, although some do end up being religious. Being unable mentalize also means lacking the ability to think teleologically (to be able to see a purpose in things), so when autistic people do speak of God it Bedwetting is usually particularly prevalent in terms of a set of rules rather than anything personifiedchildren who have autism spectrum.<ref>http[https://wwwlink.psychologytodayspringer.com/blogarticle/psyched/201205/does-autism-lead-atheism</ref><ref>http://www10.dailymail.co.uk1007/sciencetech/articles10882-2039690/Atheism012-autism9308-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.htmly Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism], Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, June 2013, Volume 25, Issue 3, pp 313–323</ref>

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism. <ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary. However Some Critics have said it can be harmful.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment. <ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to florishflourish.

==Autism and atheism== ''See also:'' [[Atheism and autism]] In 2011, the University of Boston published a study on the correlation between [[atheism]] and high-functioning/mild autism.<ref>[http://csjarchive.cogsci.rpi.edu/proceedings/2011/papers/0782/paper0782.pdf Religious Belief Systems of Persons with High Functioning Autism], Catherine Caldwell-Harris, Caitlin Fox Murphy and Tessa Velazquez at the Department of Psychology - Boston University); Patrick McNamara (Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine)</ref><ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html Is atheism linked to autism? Controversial study points to relationship between the two], ''Daily Mail'', 20 September 2011</ref>  On September 19, 2011, the ''Discover Magazine'' website had an article indicating that there were empirical results showing a positive correlation between atheism and high functioning autism and the article declared:{{cquote|This is why the empirical results on the [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/atheism-as-mental-deviance/ correlation between atheism and high functioning autism] are important... ...some people were angry that I seemed to suggest that atheists were antisocial weirdos. Well, [http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2007/08/religiosity-and-personality-how-are.php there is some data to back that up].<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/what-atheism-and-autism-may-have-in-common/ What atheism and autism may have in common] By Razib Khan, September 19, 2011</ref>}} ==Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?==On April 29, 2019, in a speech on the floor of the [[Louisiana]] State Senate, [[John Milkovich]], a strongly pro-life [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] from [[Shreveport]], flatly declared that [[vaccination]]s are linked to autism. In his remarks, Milkovich recalled that “autism did not exist” when he was growing up in [[Montana]]: "Did you know tissue from aborted babies is now used in vaccines. Did you know that vaccines use [[aluminum]], which is shown to be a neurotoxin? Did you know vaccines in America [are] preserved often with [[mercury]], which is beyond neurotoxic?”<ref name=autism>{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_0c13f5ea-6ad7-11e9-876a-b3|title=Louisiana senator links vaccines, autism on Senate floor; officials say 'myth' causes measles resurgence|author=Sam Karlin|date=April 29, 2019|publisher=''The Baton Rouge Advocate''|accessdate=April 30, 2019}}</ref> Dr. Joe Kanter, the assistant state health officer, disputed Milkovich's claim as "a myth." Kanter said that the issue of autism and vaccination has been “incredibly well studied”, and no correlation has been found.<ref name=autism/> ==See Alsoalso== 

==External Linkslinks==#http://www.autismspeaks.org/

==References==<references/> [[categoryCategory:psychologyPsychology]][[categoryCategory: medicineMedicine]][[categoryCategory:autismAutism]]