When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, he made a pledge to thoroughly research autism, its causes, and potential treatment options. The ambitious director even made the claim that he’d work diligently to uncover the cause of autism by September of 2025.
While research is still ongoing, it’s unlikely that RFK Jr. will be able to answer such a complex medical question within such a short time frame. Researchers have been working to identify the causes of autism for decades.
Autism was first identified as a unique and distinct condition in 1943. Initially, the developmental disorder was primarily marked by social isolation and withdrawal, difficulties with social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. By 1994, the condition was broadened to include a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. The disorder is now considered to be a spectrum, with autistic individuals being diagnosed on a scale that highlights how much the disorder impacts the individual’s overall ability to function.
One factor that researchers believe strongly contributes to an autism diagnosis is specific genetic mutations. Lukasz Sznajder, a molecular geneticist, has made a groundbreaking discovery after around four years of research on a similar disorder, myotonic dystrophy type 1. This type of condition impacts the musculoskeletal system. The genetic mutation that causes this condition also disrupts the expression of other genes that Sznajder believes are related to autism.
While the brain is developing, disruptions in the expression of these genes highly contribute to the likelihood of developing autism according to the researcher. This finding is significant. Sznajder claims that at minimum 30% of children with myotonic dystrophy type 1 can also be diagnosed with autism.
Seeking Additional Autism Support for Your Loved One
While researchers continue to focus on the cause of autism spectrum disorder, you and your family are likely focused on helping your child survive and thrive through life in spite of their limitations. Seeking autism support early is often a huge advantage for children, since this additional support can help them develop positive coping methods and prosocial skills.
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our team is dedicated to empowering bright futures by providing ABA therapy for autistic youth. We’ll help your youngster identify skill deficits and then develop appropriate skill acquisition programs to help your child become as independent and autonomous as possible.
Our team also offers significant family guidance and social support. If you opt to utilize our in-clinic therapy options, then your child will also have the opportunity to meet and befriend like-minded individuals in a structured and safe environment. We can also help your child become more comfortable in school settings by providing model classrooms and summer camps designed to focus on school readiness.
Are you interested in learning more about our facility or our programs?
Get started on our enrollment process by filling out our online form now, or call us at (702) 660-2005 to have your questions answered by one of our team members.
