AUTISM

June 18, 2019

Autistic Pride Day is being observed on June 18, 2019 to recognises the importance of pride for autistics. It was initiated by Aspies For Freedom, a group that raises public awareness about autism rights.

About:

Conditions covered: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex brain development disorders. This umbrella term covers conditions such as autism and Asperger syndrome.
Characteristics:
- These disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication and a restricted and repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. Around 50% of persons with ASD also suffer from an intellectual disability.
- It is a lifelong condition which usually occurs in the first three years of life.
Cause:
- Various factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the onset of autism spectrum disorders by influencing early brain development.
- According to WHO, there is no evidence of a link between measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism spectrum disorders. Previous studies suggesting a causal link were found to be seriously flawed.
Prevalence: According to WHO estimates, 1 child in 160 has an autism spectrum disorder. This is an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies.