[bt_bb_section layout=”wide” lazy_load=”yes” show_boxed_content=”no” allow_content_outside=”no” bb_version=”5.2.8″ top_spacing=”,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” bottom_spacing=”,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” full_screen=”” vertical_align=”top” color_scheme=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_overlay=”” background_position=”” background_size=”” top_section_coverage_image=”” bottom_section_coverage_image=”” parallax=”” parallax_offset=”” background_video_yt=”” yt_video_settings=”” background_video_mp4=”” background_video_ogg=”” background_video_webm=”” responsive=”” publish_datetime=”” expiry_datetime=”” animation=”no_animation,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” el_id=”” el_class=”” el_style=””][bt_bb_row][bt_bb_column order=”0″ lazy_load=”yes” highlight=”no” align_to_edge_column=”no” bb_version=”5.2.8″ width=”1/1″ width_xl=”1/1″ width_lg=”1/1″ width_md=”1/1″ width_sm=”1/1″ width_xs=”1/1″][bt_bb_text bb_version=”5.2.8″ ai_prompt_helper=”eyJrZXl3b3JkcyI6IiIsInRvbmUiOiIiLCJtb2RlIjoiZ2VuZXJhdGUiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6IiIsImxlbmd0aCI6IiJ9″]
Theme: Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is called a “spectrum” because the symptoms and their severity vary widely among individuals.
Common characteristics of Autism
- Challenges in social interaction
- Repetitive behaviors
- Sensory sensitivities
- Delayed speech
Global Burden of Autism:
About 61.8 million people are autistic. WHO estimates that about 1 in 100 children has autism. ASD ranks among the top 10 causes of non-fatal health burden for children and adolescents.
Autism in Africa:
Limited research and healthcare resources in Africa make early detection and intervention difficult. Many children remain undiagnosed or receive late diagnoses, affecting their development and quality of life.
Causes
Genetic Factors: Research suggests that genetic mutations and inherited traits can contribute to the development of ASD.
Environmental factors: Factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins, maternal infections during pregnancy, and complications at birth may increase the risk of autism.
Neurodevelopmental conditions: Autism is linked to differences in brain structure and function, affecting communication, social behavior, and sensory processing.
The role of social and community support in supporting Autistic individuals
Family Support: Providing emotional care and advocacy for their needs.
Schools and Education: Offering inclusive learning, special education programs, and awareness among teachers and students.
Healthcare and Therapy: Access to early diagnosis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions.
Community Awareness and Advocacy: Spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting policies for inclusion.
Employment and Workplace Inclusion: Encouraging autism-friendly workplaces and offering structured job roles with necessary accommodations.
Social and Recreational Activities: Providing sensory-friendly environments, group activities, and skill-building opportunities.
The role of Genetics in the Diagnosis of Autism
Genetic Mutations and Variants: Specific genetic mutations, such as changes in the SHANK3, MECP2, and FMR1 genes, have been associated with autism.
Heritability – Twin studies suggest that autism is highly heritable, with identical twins having a 60-90% chance of both being diagnosed if one is affected.
Genetic testing in diagnosis: Advances in genetic screening, such as whole-genome sequencing and chromosomal microarray analysis, help detect mutations linked to autism
Polygenic Nature: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genetic variants associated with ASD risk.
Conclusions
ASD is not just a childhood condition but a lifelong challenge requiring continuous support. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers must collaborate to ensure that autistic individuals receive the care and resources they need, from early childhood to adulthood.
References
https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
Al-Sarraj Y, Al-Dous E, Taha RZ, Ahram D, Alshaban F, Tolfat M, El-Shanti H, Albagha OME. Family-Based Genome-Wide Association Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Middle Eastern Families. Genes (Basel). 2021 May 18;12(5):761. doi: 10.3390/genes12050761. PMID: 34069769; PMCID: PMC8157263.
The global epidemiology and health burden of the autism spectrum: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Santomauro, Damian F et al.
Frazier, T.W., Thompson, L., Youngstrom, E.A. et al. A Twin Study of Heritable and Shared Environmental Contributions to Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 2013–2025 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2081-2
Geschwind, D. H., & State, M. W. (2015). “Gene hunting in autism spectrum disorder: On the path to precision medicine.” The Lancet Neurology, 14(11), 1109-1120.
[/bt_bb_text][bt_bb_separator bb_version=”5.2.8″ top_spacing=”normal,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” bottom_spacing=”none,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” border_style=”solid” border_width=”5″ responsive=”” publish_datetime=”” expiry_datetime=”” animation=”no_animation,;,,;,,;,,;,,;,” el_id=”” el_class=”” el_style=””][/bt_bb_separator][bt_bb_text bb_version=”5.2.8″ ai_prompt_helper=”eyJrZXl3b3JkcyI6IiIsInRvbmUiOiIiLCJtb2RlIjoiZ2VuZXJhdGUiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6IiIsImxlbmd0aCI6IiJ9″]
Contents & Artwork by Furahini Mbise
[/bt_bb_text][/bt_bb_column][/bt_bb_row][/bt_bb_section]
Leave a Reply