The question, "Are you born with autism?" is hard to answer. Autism is a complicated issue and doesn't have one answer or solution. Autism isn't a disease, it can't be cured by treatments or medicine. However, it is a developmental disorder that can be managed with therapy and careful attention.

A groundbreaking development in autism therapy has been Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). ABA therapy focuses on improving behaviors like hygiene, social skills, and learning skills to help people with autism live fuller lives. If you or a loved one could benefit from ABA therapy or other types of autism therapy, check out ACES. Our staff is committed to providing excellent therapy to children with developmental issues so they can see significant improvements in happiness and health. To learn more about autism, keep reading or contact us today to discuss therapy options.

Autism Can Be Caused By Genetics

Research suggests that one possible cause of autism is genetics. A person can be born with autism through genes passed down by their parents. Additionally, changes in certain genes can promote the development of autism. If a parent carries these gene changes, it may be likelier that the child is born autistic.

Autism Can Be Caused By Outside Factors

Some people are genetically predisposed to autism, but certain outside factors involving the parents of the child also may have a significant impact on autism development. Things like the parents' age, birth complications, and pregnancies less than a year apart have been known to contribute to autism progressing in a child.

Autism Presents Itself Later

Most parents don't notice that their child has autism until after birth. Autism usually starts to present itself in the early stages of development, usually by age two. Parents may find that their children are acting abnormally or not speaking very much so they get them evaluated for autism.

Large Head Size Can Be An Indicator

Another key indicator that researchers and doctors have found is increased head size. Children who are later diagnosed with autism sometimes have larger heads than most children their age. By six to 14 months doctors may be able to tell that something is wrong by evaluating head size.

Autism is caused by a variety of factors, both environmental and genetic, so it is hard to answer if someone is born with autism or if it develops later on. We doe know is that autism is a disorder that impacts people and their families in a significant way. If you or a loved one has been affected by autism or other developmental disorder, trust the therapists at ACES to help you find a therapeutic solution. Find an ACES location near you!