Autism spectrum disorder is a controversial topic in many different facets of society. It’s cause and pathology are greatly debated and unexplained in scientific circles. Socially it is depicted in popular media but not inclusively. Amongst teachers and para professionals the role of Autistic students in the classroom is constantly questioned. As we continue to see more cases arise in the United States and the world we are forced to take a look inward and explore the possible cause of this surge and how we are to deal with it.
It is best to start by explaining a little of the science. There is an emerging theory involving a certain signaling pathway in the brain and it’s involvement in the disorder. The PI3K/AKT pathways is fundamental in cell growth and survival. It is activated by growth factors in the brain and controlled through a couple mechanisms.
One key upstream down regulator is a gene named PTEN. A mutation in PTEN would result in an overactive PI3K pathway. This leads to an uncontrolled growth of cells. Until recently this dysfunction had only been examined in cancer cases. However, in autism cases we are beginning to see a common trend. Most autism patients show rapid growth during development of certain areas of the brain. White matter begins to form which is a result of these rapidly growing brains not receiving appropriate signaling and nutrition to survive. This explains the decrease in brain size as patients age into adulthood. Mutations in PTEN and other genes/Mechanisms that may lead to this gene don’t have a specific origin. It can be inherited or developed. There are many examples of the disorder being inherited and developed.
The pathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a hot topic but there are plenty others more passionate. Patients with the disorder can be high or low functioning, with differing degrees of many symptoms. The most common of these being social awkwardness, repetitiveness, seizures, and slow learning. This brings a debate to the classroom, should they learn separately from the rest of the students depending on the severity of symptoms? Is social interaction more important than an opportune learning environment? Also how are autistic patients portrayed in movies? Why does it seem to only portray the high functioning very intelligent individuals and neglect all the others?
It is an observable fact that Autism cases are on the rise and have been for the past decade. There are many possible explanations for this sudden increase and instead of one correct explanation it seems to be a case of death by a thousand cuts. As awareness and knowledge of the disorder increases there is a more likely diagnosis, both accurate and over-diagnosis. There are also links to increased screen time in developing stages of children and an increased likelihood of developing ASD. Humans also have more exposure to factors that cause genetic mutations. All of these and many more may explain the rise in cases.
In summary, Autism is a complex disorder which has no defined origin. How people with the disorder are treated and displayed in society is very controversial. However, we all share the common goal of finding a solution and helping those who have ASD live the best life possible.
