It was only in 1940 s that the medical community came to know autism. In that early period, strangely, the medical professionals unfortunately threw much of the onus on parents of autistic children. It was thought that the cold behavior of parents was responsible for the withdrawal of children.
It was really devastating for the parents to bear the additional guilt along with the heart breaking illness of the child. Slowly and surely this stigma over the parents died away. Research continued and it was only in 1990 s that the factors for autism became more defined. In spite of constant research much about this complex disorder remains a mystery and an enigma for researchers, doctors and scientists.
This is because autism encompasses a wide range of developmental disabilities. Zeroing on in ? ? some specific cause or sequence of events as the cause of autism is impossible and difficult. As autism affects kids under the age of three it is called a developmental disorder. It inhibits the progress of the basic skills that the child should develop, throughout its life.
A research group on National Institute of Health, in 1995, concluded that genetic susceptibility has a role in autism along with several genes. At present, they consider as many as ten genes on different degrees. Thus there is a wide range of possibilities linked to each individual case.
Autism is confirmed before its birth. If the expectant mother is infected with rubella virus early in pregnancy, certain birth defects will ensure and cause autism. Of late there is a debate regarding the link between autism and vaccine given to children. This has become a strong emotional issue on both sides. Continuing research is sure to settle the problem definitely. Concerned parents should examine all data and come to a decision.
While at one hand a number of unanswered questions persist, innumerable parents have the challenging task of rearing autistic children. It is fortunate that there are many federal agencies, organizations and support groups that are doing excellent and exemplary work to understand autism and help the autistic child to achieve its best capacity in leading a wholesome and productive life.