Abnormal Psychology Disorder: Autism, Research Paper Example

According to this article that was published in the New York times, the writer gives his opinions concerning the unusual advances that have been made by scientist in trying t gain a clear insight of autism. According to the article, available statistics indicate that, out of every 88 children, one of them suffers from this condition. However, majority of the people have little knowledge on autism.

A study was conducted by Eleanor Davis indicates that a substantial segment of autism victims, which is estimated at 1/3 are linked to inflammatory diseases, beginning at the womb. According to scientists, the starting point of this condition is immune dysregulation. The immune system of autistic individual is devoid of a balancing act of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals.

Victims of autism usually experience developmental disorder which is consequential to impaired thinking, impaired social functioning as well as feelings. The condition is also marked by verbal problems, repetitive behaviors and problems associated with social interactions and the condition may affect the victim up to old age (Velasquez-Manoff, 2005).

A study was conducted by a Duke University tutor, William Parker indicates that the immune system that is commonly regarded as normal is to a much degree an evolutionary abnormality. William Parker is a specialist in immune system and the role that the immune system plays in diseases and also in biology.

The information provided in this article points that there is need for more research in this field. Since there are some indications that the condition is linked to inflammatory diseases and it has its beginning at the womb, it is therefore imperative that researchers dig deeper into the conditions at the womb. An important lead to this effect has been given by a research that was conducted in Denmark which revealed that possible infections at the time of pregnancy is associated with significantly high levels of risk of contracting autism for the child. The research also indicates that, in case the infant was affected by viral infection at the time of hospitalization in the course of his or her first trimester in pregnancy, the possibility of getting autism was tripled. Additionally, it was indicated that, the risk of getting autism is increased by 40 % if the fetus is affected by a bacterial infection and other urinary tract disorders at 2^nd trimester (Velasquez-Manoff, 2005).

The importance of this further research is based on giving additional evidence of an ongoing biological process that is abnormal tat leads to the disorder’s therapeutical target which is marked by behavioral criterion associated with social impairment, repetitive behavior as well as problems in communication. There is also a need to shed light on the likely cause of the high levels of inflammatory disorders that are closely associated with high risks of autism. The contemporary immune system is also seen to contribute significantly in increasing the risks associated with autism and consequently, more research is needed in this filed.

It is important to have a clear insight of the relationship between the infections by the bacteria and the virus at the womb and the damage that is caused to the fetus. The research is also important in explaining the attempts made by the mother in repelling the invaders through faulty inflammatory responses of the mother. It is important to appreciate the findings that autism arises as a result of collateral damage. The condition is a consequence that is unintended due to the self defense at the time of pregnancy (Velasquez-Manoff, 2005).

It is however important to note that, this article provides essential information in this field and consequently, it contributes enormously to the addition of knowledge with respect to this abnormal psychology disorder. The article gives some positive inkling of the possible causes of this phenomenon of autism based on parallel epidemics. The author notes that, the occurrence of inflammatory diseases has significantly escalated over the last six decades. According to available statistics, asthma is one condition that has been linked with autism which affects every 1 child out of 10. Auto-immune disorders are also considered significant in this respect, with a prevalence of 1 child in every 20.

These two conditions have a close link to autism. In addition, the rheumatoid arthritis of the mother, which is a degenerative disease condition that affects the joints, is responsible for 80% increase in the risk of autism for the child. Additionally, the celiac disease of the mother, which is another inflammatory disease that is advanced by the prevalence of proteins in grains such as wheat, is responsible for 350 % increase in the risk of autism to the child.

Further statistics indicate that, gene variants which are closely linked to autoimmune diseases have a potential impact in the increase to the risk of getting autism, especially if the condition is inherent in the mother. Some findings from researchers indicate misguided responses of the immune system in action. Autistic children’s maternal parents sometimes bear unique antibodies which in some cases bind to the brain proteins of the fetus.

Metabolic syndrome also plays a pivotal role in magnifying the risk of autism in children. The root cause of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation as well as obesity all having a common them of immune dysregulation of the mother.

Due to the fact that this condition starts in the womb, it is a developmental disability that is considered to be complex. The condition is usually manifested in the victim life during the first 3 years. It arises from neurological disorder which specifically affects the normal functioning of the brain which consequently affects the potential development of communication skills as well as the social interaction skills of the victim. Victims of this condition have non-verbal communication issues, social interaction as well as other activities of banter and play.

This developmental disability can be stopped through adoption of some suitable measures. The first step in fighting autism involves identifying a solution to maternal dysregulation as was indicated by the findings from an experiment involving rodents. An inflamed pregnant was seen to bear fine babies without any behavioral problems. Consequently, if inflammation is controlled at the time of pregnancy, the development of the fetal brain is left intact and this would greatly minimize any possibility of autism in the new born. Another possible approach of eradicating autism involves the use of safe drugs during pregnancy. Probiotic is also a possible intervention due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, concerted efforts should be made to prevent lung diseases among pregnant women as a potential way of eradicating autism.

Works cited

Velasquez-Manoff,  Moises “An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism” New York Times August 25, 2012  >http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/opinion/sunday/immune-disorders-and-autism.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0<