1. What is the cause of autism? Sarah Marckstadt

2. Autism  What is autism?  The history of autism.  Statistics  Biological concepts  Frontier issues  What is autism?  The history of autism.  Statistics  Biological concepts  Frontier issues

3. What is autism? Autism is a mental disorder characterized by  Abnormal behavior such as withdrawal  Development problems socially, emotionally, linguistically  Appear lost in fantasy  Very unresponsive to physical and verbal communication

4. The History  In 1943 Dr. Leo Kanner first describes autism as a distinct condition.  In 1977 Sir Michael Rutter and Dr. Susan Folstein publish the first autism twin study, revealing evidence for a genetic basis for autism.  1977-1978 Drs. Rutter and Schopler further their studies in defining signs and symptoms of autism.

5. The History  1988-1991 Many studies related to Autism and genetic connection.  1992 The American Psychiatric Association refines the diagnostic criteria for Autism.  1997 The first report with evidence linking chromosome 15q for Autistic disorder.  1998 Genetic linkage from chromosome 7q to Autistic disorder and the first genomic screen -- IMGSAC.  1999-2001 During this time evidence was found in genomic regions that have possible genes that are associated with autism.  1988-1991 Many studies related to Autism and genetic connection.  1992 The American Psychiatric Association refines the diagnostic criteria for Autism.  1997 The first report with evidence linking chromosome 15q for Autistic disorder.  1998 Genetic linkage from chromosome 7q to Autistic disorder and the first genomic screen -- IMGSAC.  1999-2001 During this time evidence was found in genomic regions that have possible genes that are associated with autism.

6. Statistics U.S. number of school cases 1992-2003

7. Autism in the US  Autism is rising rapidly in the U.S.  It cost the economy roughly $30,000- $65,000 each year for every autistic child.  Second most common developmental disability in kids.

8. Autism in California  According to the state of Ca this is the fastest growing developmental disability group.  1998-2002 there was a 96.69% increase in reported cases.

9. Sex Linked?  Autism is three to four time more prevalent in males than females.  Girls who have autism usually have greater cognitive impairment as well as more sever symptoms.  Autism is three to four time more prevalent in males than females.  Girls who have autism usually have greater cognitive impairment as well as more sever symptoms.

10. Biological Concepts  Expert say that at least two genes and up to fifteen genes are involved with autism development.  Autism genes maybe located on the second, third, seventh, fifteenth and”x” chromosome.  Unsure if act independently or with each other  In 2003 Duke University found a link from GARB# gene to autism.

11. Biological Concepts  Chromosome 2 maybe linked to delayed speech.  Chromosome 3 possesses a gene that produces a protein that interacts with GABA. If the GABA is not functioning properly it may cause autistic behaviors.  Chromosome 7 is associated with many functions speech, language, cell fate, nervous system in fetus and adults, and development of the brain.  Chromosome 15 has three GABA receptor genes.  Chromosome X may be involved with social interaction.  Chromosome 2 maybe linked to delayed speech.  Chromosome 3 possesses a gene that produces a protein that interacts with GABA. If the GABA is not functioning properly it may cause autistic behaviors.  Chromosome 7 is associated with many functions speech, language, cell fate, nervous system in fetus and adults, and development of the brain.  Chromosome 15 has three GABA receptor genes.  Chromosome X may be involved with social interaction.

12. Biological Concepts Vaccines  Many believe that the MMR vaccine which contains mercury and Thimerosal-Containing vaccines may be linked to autism.  Vaccine for Measles mumps and rubella.  IOM claims that the vaccines are not associated with Autism.  Many believe that the MMR vaccine which contains mercury and Thimerosal-Containing vaccines may be linked to autism.  Vaccine for Measles mumps and rubella.  IOM claims that the vaccines are not associated with Autism.

13. Biological Concepts Vaccines  One hypothesis is that MMR may lodge in the intestine to cause a over release of toxins connected to autism.  Thimersoal may cause autism with “folate- dependant methylation by methionine synthases”  This happens when the synthesis of active vitamin B12 is blocked.  In recent years the amount of mercury and thimersoal in vaccines have been greatly reduced.  One hypothesis is that MMR may lodge in the intestine to cause a over release of toxins connected to autism.  Thimersoal may cause autism with “folate- dependant methylation by methionine synthases”  This happens when the synthesis of active vitamin B12 is blocked.  In recent years the amount of mercury and thimersoal in vaccines have been greatly reduced.

14. Biological Concepts  More studies by the CDC were started and should be released in 2006.  Currently there is no evidence that MMR or any other type of vaccine causes Autism, or development of autism..  The studies done have all been concluded as theoretical.  More studies by the CDC were started and should be released in 2006.  Currently there is no evidence that MMR or any other type of vaccine causes Autism, or development of autism..  The studies done have all been concluded as theoretical.

15. Treatment  There are many different approaches to treat autism.  Psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.  Psychosocial treatments can be very intense with behavior and speech therapy.  ABA-Applied Behavior Analysis, a system which is based on rewards as positive reinforcement.

16. Treatment  Floortime treatment is less intense, children and teacher play on the floor while learning language.  Detoxification or chelation therapy is used to rid a child’s body of metals such as mercury that are used in vaccines  Other parents chose to use diet or vitamin therapy, music and vision therapy, as well as yoga and horseback riding to improve motor skills.  Floortime treatment is less intense, children and teacher play on the floor while learning language.  Detoxification or chelation therapy is used to rid a child’s body of metals such as mercury that are used in vaccines  Other parents chose to use diet or vitamin therapy, music and vision therapy, as well as yoga and horseback riding to improve motor skills.

17. Bibliography  "A Look At the Genetics of Autism." Exploring Autism. 2002. National Alliance of Autism Research. 05 Mar. 2006.  "Autism." Duke Center for Human Genetics. 2005. Duke university medical center. 06 Mar. 2006.  California. California health and human services agency. department of developmental services. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Apr. 2003. 02 Mar. 2006.  "FAQ About MMR Vaccines and Autism." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 07 Sept. 2005. Department of health and human services. 05 Mar. 2006.  "Fighting Autism, Research, Education, Treatment." Fighting Autism. 04 Mar. 2006.  Masland, Molly. "Autism the Hidden Epidemic?" MSN. 23 Feb. 2005. 02 Apr. 2006.  "A Look At the Genetics of Autism." Exploring Autism. 2002. National Alliance of Autism Research. 05 Mar. 2006.  "Autism." Duke Center for Human Genetics. 2005. Duke university medical center. 06 Mar. 2006.  California. California health and human services agency. department of developmental services. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Apr. 2003. 02 Mar. 2006.  "FAQ About MMR Vaccines and Autism." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 07 Sept. 2005. Department of health and human services. 05 Mar. 2006.  "Fighting Autism, Research, Education, Treatment." Fighting Autism. 04 Mar. 2006.  Masland, Molly. "Autism the Hidden Epidemic?" MSN. 23 Feb. 2005. 02 Apr. 2006.

18. Bibliography  "MMR Vaccine and Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines are Not Associated with Autism, IOM Report Says." The National Academies. 18 May 2004. 05 Mar. 2006.  Mosby’s Medical Dictionary. St. Louis: Mosby, 7th ed., c2006.  Professional Guide To Diseases. Pennsylvania: Springhouse, 7th edition, 2001.  "Rep. Burton Holds Hearing on Mercury and Autism." Autism Society of America. 14 Sept. 2004. 06 Mar. 2006.  "Unraveling Autism." National Institute of Mental Health. 17 Feb. 2006. national institutes o0f health. 04 Mar. 2006.  "MMR Vaccine and Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines are Not Associated with Autism, IOM Report Says." The National Academies. 18 May 2004. 05 Mar. 2006.  Mosby’s Medical Dictionary. St. Louis: Mosby, 7th ed., c2006.  Professional Guide To Diseases. Pennsylvania: Springhouse, 7th edition, 2001.  "Rep. Burton Holds Hearing on Mercury and Autism." Autism Society of America. 14 Sept. 2004. 06 Mar. 2006.  "Unraveling Autism." National Institute of Mental Health. 17 Feb. 2006. national institutes o0f health. 04 Mar. 2006.

19. Bibliography-Photo  Autistic Society of America. “Awearness Ribbon” Illustration. Run for Autism. Joe Zwiller. 15 Mar 2006..  Brilliant Content. “Child, DNA.” illustration. 2002.Genetic Overview. National Alliance for Autism Research. 04 Mar 2006.  California Health and Human Services Agency. “Rate Increase of Autism Ca.” graph. April 2003. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. California Health and Human Services Agency. 02 Mar 2006..  Center for Disease and Control. “ Increase in Autism. ” graph. Fighting Autism. 04 Mar. 2006.  Google Labs. “Brain.” illustration. Dec 2004. Cognitive and Learning Impairments. Natacha Poggio. March 6 2006..  Autistic Society of America. “Awearness Ribbon” Illustration. Run for Autism. Joe Zwiller. 15 Mar 2006..  Brilliant Content. “Child, DNA.” illustration. 2002.Genetic Overview. National Alliance for Autism Research. 04 Mar 2006.  California Health and Human Services Agency. “Rate Increase of Autism Ca.” graph. April 2003. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. California Health and Human Services Agency. 02 Mar 2006..  Center for Disease and Control. “ Increase in Autism. ” graph. Fighting Autism. 04 Mar. 2006.  Google Labs. “Brain.” illustration. Dec 2004. Cognitive and Learning Impairments. Natacha Poggio. March 6 2006..

20. Bibliography-Photo  Interior Health. “Child Receiving Vaccine.” Photo. 25 Jan 2006. Protect those you love with a timely ounce of prevention. Interior Health Authority. 05 Mar. 2006..  John Hopkins Public Health. “Leo Kanner.” Photo. Brain Storm. John Hopkins Public Health. March 12 2006..  MedGadget Internet Journal. “XY chromosome.” photo. 12 Sep 2005. Y May Not Die. Medgadget. 06 Mar 2006..  Paul Thiessen. “ Gem-DNA. ” Illustration. 1/6/2004. DNA Graphics Created with PovChem. Paul Thiessen 4/10/2006..  The Epoch Times. “ Horse Therapy. ” photo. 2005. The Epoch Times International 09 Apr. 2006.  Tony Fiorini. “ Autistic. ” photo. Tony Fiorini photo journalist. Tony Fiorini. April 12 2006..  Interior Health. “Child Receiving Vaccine.” Photo. 25 Jan 2006. Protect those you love with a timely ounce of prevention. Interior Health Authority. 05 Mar. 2006..  John Hopkins Public Health. “Leo Kanner.” Photo. Brain Storm. John Hopkins Public Health. March 12 2006..  MedGadget Internet Journal. “XY chromosome.” photo. 12 Sep 2005. Y May Not Die. Medgadget. 06 Mar 2006..  Paul Thiessen. “ Gem-DNA. ” Illustration. 1/6/2004. DNA Graphics Created with PovChem. Paul Thiessen 4/10/2006..  The Epoch Times. “ Horse Therapy. ” photo. 2005. The Epoch Times International 09 Apr. 2006.  Tony Fiorini. “ Autistic. ” photo. Tony Fiorini photo journalist. Tony Fiorini. April 12 2006..