It is common for families touched by neurodiversity to have many questions about what it means to have a loved one diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These families frequently ask the question: Is there a cure for autism?
We at ABA Centers of Washington emphasize that autism is not classified as a disease when answering this question. The cure for autism is nothing more than a myth. On the contrary, ASD is a developmental disorder in which atypical neural connections occur, affecting a person’s communication and social skills, as well as their behavior and ability to interact with their environment.
Each neurodiverse individual presents unique symptoms, and no two people on the spectrum are alike. While individuals with ASD may face challenges at different moments in their daily lives, fortunately, there are options to help them develop the necessary skills to succeed in life, reduce challenging behaviors, and acquire strategies to cope with the issues that may affect their full development. According to Autism Speaks and the American Psychological Association, autism therapy, more commonly known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, is an approach that has been studied for over four decades and is considered the best treatment for autism.
We believe that care, compassion, and teamwork, combined with ABA therapies, are essential to achieving true success: the happiness of neurodiverse individuals and their families. In this article, we will outline the three reasons to debunk the misconception about the cure for autism and how ABA therapy can help manage its behavior markers.
- Variability of Causes: One of the central mysteries surrounding autism is its cause. Formulating a comprehensive theory about the cause of autism is exceptionally challenging because the range of behaviors within the scope is vast and unique to each individual. While medical providers have not determined a singular answer for the cause of autism, there are some hypotheses regarding circumstances that may lead to this disorder in children and newborns:
- Genetic Inheritance: A study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that genetics plays a significant role in autism, with heritability estimated between 60-90%, a critical factor in diagnosing it. Yet, it’s important to note that autism can appear in families without a history of the disorder. Some researchers propose that in cases lacking a family history of ASD, gene mutations in the father’s sperm or mother’s eggs may be a contributing factor. Additionally, the likelihood of having a child on the autism spectrum appears to rise with the father’s increasing age, indicating potential sperm mutations over time.
- Environmental Factors: Numerous sources have investigated the causes of autism and have concluded that environmental factors can also elevate the risk of being born with ASD. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to pesticides, plastics, and metals like mercury and lead can result in infant developmental brain disorders.
- Prenatal Factors: Research shared by Cambridge University has indicated that prenatal factors such as diabetes, the use of psychiatric medications, and hypoxia (lack of oxygen while sleeping) during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of autism in newborns.
- Postnatal Factors: Finally, many have attempted to link vaccines, gastrointestinal issues, and autoimmune disorders as potential causes of autism in childhood.
The evidence for these theories is highly subjective, and science has not verified them yet, so there is still no clarity supporting the cause of autism.
Autism is a Disorder, Not a Disease
While we have already mentioned that autism is not a disease but rather a condition that affects specific areas of the brain, leading to atypical development of neural connections, it’s essential to emphasize that there is no cure for autism. Many individuals within the autism community find it offensive, as pursuing a remedy implies that something needs to be ‘fixed.’ On the contrary, autism has the potential to manage its symptoms through therapy, commitment, and appropriate support.
Autism is not classified as a disease because it originates from atypical brain development. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience has identified over a thousand genes that interact in various ways with autism, and their mutations increase the risk of experiencing it. Some of these genes include:
- SHANK3: This gene is located on chromosome 22 and is closely associated with autism. It encodes a protein that plays a fundamental role in forming and maintaining neuronal connections in the brain.
- NRXN1: This gene also encodes a protein involved in neural connections in the brain.
- CHD8: This gene plays a role in regulating gene expression and is essential in brain development.
- TSC1 and TSC2: These genes regulate the growth and division of cells. When these genes undergo mutations, it can result in tuberous sclerosis, a medical condition that increases the likelihood of developing autism.
- CNTNAP2: Contributes to the formation of neural connections and is related to language development and communication. Geneticists have linked this gene to both autism risk and language disorders.
While experts acknowledge the existing correlation between these genes and autism, genetic research requires further investigation. The precise connection between these genes and autism, their specific manifestations, and the impact of modifying one gene over another on development remain undisclosed. Additionally, the complexity of factoring in environmental influences that can alter gene expression adds to the challenge. There is no cure for autism, and research primarily focuses on unraveling the fundamental causes of the condition.
A Functional Life is Most Essential
There are cases where an individual may not satisfy the diagnostic criteria for autism anymore, but this does not mean that the condition ceases to be a part of their life. ABA therapies represent a valuable tool to achieve a functional and independent life, providing the necessary mechanisms for individuals diagnosed with ASD to engage in society successfully.
ABA Treatment for Autism Symptoms
There are many bogus “medicines” or treatments that make false promises. Ensuring that scientific evidence supports the therapy you choose to assist your loved one is critical. At ABA Centers of Washington, we help individuals touched by neurodiversity through our ABA therapies. This process aims to foster autonomy for people on the spectrum using teaching methods such as positive reinforcement. Our goal is to build confidence in individuals with autism by nurturing their talents and preferences, enhancing their social and communication skills, and equipping them with tools to address challenging behaviors without altering their essence.
We realize there is no cure for autism, and setting realistic goals is the most effective way to observe progress. Our ABA therapies are planned and executed by professionals in behavior analysis, including certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Autism therapists individually design each ABA therapy plan to address and meet clients’ and their families’ specific needs.
ABA therapy is the only method supported by science and extensive research, with over 40 years of proven effectiveness. Scientific studies have demonstrated that ABA therapy can enhance the communication, social, and behavioral skills of individuals with autism by minimizing challenging behaviors that could impede their capacity to build significant connections and advance in their studies and professions.
ABA Therapy and ABA Centers of Washington
When considering treatment to help a loved one diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, consider the needs, preferences, strengths, and areas that need support. Not all kinds of therapies are adequate for every individual with autism.
At ABA Centers of Washington, we invest the time to understand and identify our client’s unique needs, ensuring that our sessions succeed and lead to meaningful progress. In addition, our team of professionals equips parents and caregivers with valuable tools and teaching techniques, enabling them to support their loved one’s ongoing learning and make daily adjustments as needed. Our primary focus is to achieve sustainable results over time, working towards a more inclusive future for the autism community.
If you are interested in ABA therapies at ABA Centers of Washington, please call us for a free consultation at (877) 771-5725 or complete the online questionnaire for a prompt response to your questions.
