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{{rewrite[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|it does not explain what autism is or what "causes" it; rather lurches from chatty provision thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of slang words (like "stimming") to medical jargon (like "spectrum disorder"); it employs outright speculation, implying that the problem has a neurological or a (physical) environmental cause such as vaccinations or pollution}}brain.]]'''Autism''' is the tendency to be self-absorbed and have difficulty relating to othersa type of pervasive developmental disorder.It is characterized by inability to interact sociallydifficulties with social interaction; linguistic disabilitydifficulties 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. These are called stims or stimming. They include walking on tiptoes, flapping of hands, staring at objects for a prolonged period of time, oral fixation, spinning in circles, and other repetitive activities. Other signs include lack of eye contact, playing alonedelayed or unusual play skills, lack of wordshypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, or in the case of [[Asperger's syndrome]] possessing a large vocabulary and intense knowledge of specialized areas but a lack of social skills or inappropriate behavioranxiety. <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 is said to exist on a "spectrum disorder which means ;" that is, there is a wide range in of how it this disorder affects different people. There is Other pervasive developmental disorders on the fragile x syndrome, "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger's syndrome]], pdd nosPervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), mild autismChildhood Disintegrative Disorder, moderate and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, severe all individuals diagnosed with autism, and some [[idiot savants]]. Autistic children will not all act like exhibit the character portrayed in the movie ''[[Rain Man]]''. Nor are all autistic children uncaring same characteristics, or unable exhibit them to show emotion, in fact many are very caringthe same degree.

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 90's 1990s, many psychotherapies were used to treat it or least hide its symptomsintervention 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 In 2013, the ''Washington Times'' said about the causes of autism develops: "The causes of autism are not understood, experts and recent studies have focused on physical causes such as environmental toxinsfound associations between childhood autism and multiple births, the vaccine preservative [[thimerosal]]preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and the diet having older parents."<ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/16/rate-of both the mother (pre-birth and during breastfeeding) and childautism-rises-in-us-hits-plateau-in-uk/?page=all Autism rates rise in U.Some experts have speculated about [[genetic predisposition]]S. , plateau in U.K.]</ref>

Although there have been no formal epidemiological studies, the evidence suggests that autism is rare in the economically developing continent of Africa and mainly exists within elite families.<ref name=== Physical Factors ==="Autism in Africa"/><ref>[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/out-of-africa-a.html Out of Africa and Into 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 [[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://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html 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.

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.=== Low rate of autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagenameamong the Amish ===about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of The American Amish have a low autismrate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, just as they increase the risk of cancertheir genetic makeup or both. [<ref>*[New Jersey]] has https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the highest rate Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014*"[http://www.internalmedicine.osu.edu/genetics/article.cfm?id=5307 Amish Have Lower Rates of cancer 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 the nationHERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646*Jackman, presumably due 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 a heavy concentration their high levels of environmental toxinsphysical activity, and it also has the highest rate Amish have low rates of obesity.<ref>*[[autism]]https://www. Autistic patients are observed foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to have higher levels of metals and other toxins-steal-from-amish. html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014</ref>

A toxic [[mercury]] preservative used in [[vaccines]]David N. Brown indicated: "In March 2006, thimerosalDrs. Kevin Strauss, is a suspected cause Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children, which could raise the autism rate of injury in many recipientsthe Lancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5, including 000 which is still a cause fraction of increase in autism ratesthe US average of 1/68."<ref>[http://209Puffenberger, 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).85.141"A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder".104/search?q=cacheHuman Mutation 33 (12):952MmAWeCOsJ:www.jpands.org1639–1646</vol8no1/geierref><ref>Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009).pdf+jpands&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a Thimerosal in Childhood Vaccines"Gene associated with seizures,Neurodevelopment Disordersautism, and Heart Disease hepatomegaly in the United States]an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.</ref> Thimerosal is a inorganic form of mercury that was widely used as a preservative<ref>Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S. Only after intense public pressure did the FDA and CDC act; Stone, in 1999 and 2000Jennifer L.; Duvall, to reduce thimerosal usage in vaccinesJacqueline A. But thimerosal continues to be used far more than realized; Perederiy, as in the annual flu vaccine and stockpiles of vaccines left over from years agoJulia V. U; Bomar, Jamee M.S; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L. rates of autism have increased rather than declined; Ledbetter, David H.<ref>http://www; Nelson, Stanley F.nationalautismassociation; Cantor, Rita M.org/autismincreases; Geschwind, Daniel H.php(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>

The is enormous pressure to deny that vaccinations are causing autism, as such a revelation would result in political, legal, and financial consequences for those who have been supporting increases in vaccination. As researchers denied smoking caused lung cancer for decades, researchers now claim that vaccination is not causing autism.<ref>http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13703.html,</ref><ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B75KN-4DJ97VJ-8&_user=10&_rdocMaternal obesity =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 first-hand the changes in their children immediately shortly after vaccination see a clear cause-and-effect, and some are opting out of vaccination.<ref>http://www.acsh.org/publications/pubID.425/pub_detail.asp</ref>

Thimerosal is not Case Adams, N.D. declared:{{cquote|Recent research from the only ingredient University of vaccines that may California at Davis has found autism to be causing linked with the increase in autismaccumulation of toxins within fat cells. By assaulting the immune system at a very young age, multiple vaccinations may be doing other harm that is not yet fully understood. Autism is a neurological conditionThis finding corresponds with previous research linking autism to immunosuppression, toxin antibodies and side effects of vaccination are known environmental exposures for the mother, which links to cause other neurological problemstoxicity and immunosuppression.

"Rigorous scientific studies have not identified links between autism and either thimerosal-containing vaccine or the measlesThe new research, mumpsled by Paula Krakowiak, PhD candidate, analyzed 1,000 children and rubella vaccine" found that autism was 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.<ref>[http://www.ncbirealnatural.nlm.nih.govorg/pubmedmoms-obesity-autism-linked-to-toxins/19614825?ordinalposAutism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy]</ref>}} =1&itool=EntrezSystem2= Other physical Factors: Additional information === The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.PEntrez" [http://www.Pubmedautism-society.Pubmed_ResultsPanelorg/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses] There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer.Pubmed_SingleItemSupl [[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. 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.{{fact}} <ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>https://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 and could be ; 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>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) notes the strong evidence says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''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. ==Signs and Symptoms==[[File:Simon Baron-Cohen.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|The [[autism-spectrum quotient]] is a questionnaire published by [[Simon Baron-Cohen]] and his coworkers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. The questionnaire consists of fifty questions and aims to determine whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.<ref>Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S (2005). "[http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/papers/2005_Woodbury-Smith_etal_ScreeningAdultsForAS.pdf Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice]" (PDF). J Autism Dev Disord 35 (3): 331–5.</ref>]]According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following: 1. A significant impairment is social interactions.:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity 2. Impaired communication.:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play. 3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements. 4. Bedwetting is particularly prevalent in children who have autism spectrum.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10882-012-9308-y 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> ==Interventions and Treatments== *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.  *Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable. ==Homeschooling== As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to flourish.  http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia. ==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 also==

==External LinksReferences==#http://www.autismspeaks.org<references/ > ==External links==

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