Autism is a very common condition. This disorder is characterized by abnormal social behavior and communication. Autism is often caused by genetic factors, however, environmental factors also play a significant role. There are a large number of risk factors that increase the chances of a child developing autism. Some of these include:
- Viral infections during pregnancy
- Heavy metals
- Zinc deficiency
- Problems with melatonin synthesis
- Stress (before or after birth)
- Maternal diabetes
- Gastrointestinal irregularities
- Older parents
- Psychiatric drugs
It should be noted that vaccines are not on this list. Vaccinations do not increase the chances of a child developing autism.
Anyway, the risk factors listed above correlate with higher levels of autism. Genetics also play a role, but these factors somehow cause autism by altering brain development before or after birth.
So how does all this cause autism? Well it has to do with zinc and the immune system. Low zinc levels in the brain are correlated with autism (and might be a cause). Autism may also start with abnormalities in the immune system. There is not one cause of autism. Genes and the environment both play a role in this complicated disease.
Where do these abnormalities with the immune system and zinc levels come from, and what do they do?
Low zinc levels can be caused by a variety of factors. First there is genetics, deletions or mutations in certain genes can cause very low levels of zinc in the body. Gastrointestinal problems can also cause very little zinc to be absorbed into the body. There is also malnutrition (of either the mother or the baby). Heavy metals, especially copper, can also interfere with zinc adsorption in the body.
Immune system deficiencies also have a variety of causes. First of all, zinc deficiency can cause the immune system to not develop properly. Also, genetics can cause abnormalities in the immune system. These abnormalities can also be caused by many of the risk factors listed above such as toxins, stress, psychiatric drugs (taken by the mother), parental age (both parents), and melatonin deficiency.
Melatonin deficiency can be caused by low levels of Zinc. This causes the disturbed sleep patterns seen in autistic children and as stated above has negative effects on the immune system.
Autistic people also have some differences in how synapse are formed. For example some synapses have scaffolding proteins called Neurexin and Neurolinin. These proteins hold the two ends of the synapse together so signaling can occur. If these scaffolding proteins do not work right the signaling molecules may have a hard time getting to their receptors. Some people with autism have mutations to the genes that code for these proteins rendering them nonfunctional. Low zinc levels can also cause these structural irregularities. These structural irregularities can lead to improper signaling, which leads to the symptoms of Autism.
Overall, autism in an incredibly complicated disease. It is widespread and still not fully understood. Still there is progress being made. Understanding what is happening the brain will help medical professionals make better treatments that can improve the lives of autistic people.
