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By Dr. Abeer Al Shemmari, Research Fellow, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a wide spectrum developmental disorder characterized by restricted, repetitive behaviors and challenges in social and communication skills. The condition is often associated with other medical problems such as digestive disorders, anxiety and epilepsy. Each individual with autism will have unique challenges and strengths, ranging from intellectual challenges, poor communication skills to exceptional ability in mathematics and the arts, as well as manual dexterity, strong memory, accuracy and attention to detail.
Although ASD is a lifelong condition, autism symptoms may lessen in adulthood if individuals receive appropriate support and intervention at a young age. This helps people with ASD to live independently and feel better integrated within the community. Increased awareness of the condition also unlocks the hidden potential of people with autism and opens up new employment opportunities.
While public awareness of ASD has improved in recent years, the condition remains widely misunderstood. This sometimes leads to instances of harmful stereotyping that hurts individuals as well as their families and friends. Conversely, a better understanding of ASD not only puts an end to these misconceptions but also helps affected individuals gain access to the right support from the wider community.
Some of the most common myths regarding ASD include: Individuals with autism lack emotions. This is entirely incorrect. If anything, people with autism often feel emotions more intensely than others. However, the way they respond and express their emotions may appear different from most other people. Another misconception is that people with autism are anti-social, when in reality they are often keen to form relationships. What they struggle with are social skills and ‘typical’ forms of interaction.
ASD is caused by vaccines. There is no scientific evidence to support a link between childhood vaccinations and ASD. A study published in 1998 that claimed a link between vaccines and ASD was retracted, and subsequent studies have also shown that no such link exists.
ASD is the result of poor parenting. Parenting style has nothing to do with the development of autism. An old theory called “refrigerator mother” assumed that autism is caused by a lack of emotional warmth by mothers. However, this has proven to be entirely false.
The prevalence of ASD has increased in recent years. This is unlikely. Increases in numbers might be due to better awareness and improved diagnostic criteria.
A common question people ask is what exactly causes autism. The short answer is, no one knows the exact cause. Research suggests that ASD is likely due to various risk factors that interfere with the normal development of the brain, including genetic, environmental and the immune factors. However, while previous studies point to immune abnormality in autism it nevertheless remains unclear what leads to immune dysfunction in the first place. What is more certain is that identifying the root cause is important for finding an effective treatment.
At Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), different groups under the neurological disorders research center study ASD in collaboration with national and international research institutes. The teams conduct research that focus on ASD prevalence, diagnosis, biomarkers discovery and genetics. Part of the research conducted by my lab involves collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Together, we investigate the potential causes and underlying mechanisms for immune abnormality in autism. The ultimate aim of this research is to identify specific immune factors in blood that are functionally relevant to the disorder. We eventually hope to target these immune factors as a novel therapeutic approach for autism.
As part of its outreach activities, QBRI regularly holds public awareness campaigns to increase knowledge and understanding of ASD and highlight QBRI research activities. These include educational and recreational activities in places like the Qatar National Library as well as shopping malls, schools and other public places.
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