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Autism and Genetics

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Autism and Genetics
Running head: Genetics and Autism

Abstract

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. This is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. The goal of this paper is to determine whether autism is genetic or not. According to the research you will see how genes and autism relate to how those with autism communicate, interact, and behave. Thus the end of this term paper you as the reader can have a better understanding of why genetics is an important role in autism. Statistics and research will show where the number of growth in autism is rank and why getting the right treatments can help control this disorder.
Genetics and Autism: What is Autism?

Autism is a spectrum disorder (ASD) range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. For example when Monika went over to her new friend Stacey’s house, she met Stacey’s 4-year-old brother, Shawn. "Hi," said Monica, smiling. Shawn glanced at her and said nothing. Then he turned back to a toy he was holding. Later, in Stacy’s room, Monika said, "I don 't think your brother likes me.” It’s not your fault," explained Stacey. "Shawn has autism." This is what is like to be autistic. ASD will last throughout a person’s life. It is sometimes called a “developmental disability” because it usually starts before age three, in the developmental period, and because it causes delays or problems in many different skills that arise from infancy to adulthood. (According to Autism Research at the NICHD. In autism and genes. Retrieved May 2005, from www.nichd.nih.gov.)

Although ASD varies radically in character, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Experts estimate that 200 children out of every 2,000 will have an ASD.



References: Campbell, Reece & Simon: (2010) Essential Biology with Physiology. Pearson/Benjamin Cummings 3rd edition. Steffenburg. (1989). Autism Research at the NICHD. In autism and genes. Retrieved May 2005, from www.nichd.nih.gov. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), 4th Edition, Washington, D.C., and American Psychiatric Association, 1994. Blakeslee Sandra, February 8, 2008 “Focus Narrows in Search for Autism’s Cause” The New York Times. .

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