Annotated Bibliography Example on Autism

Lyons-Weiler, J. (2016). The environmental and genetic causes of autism.

Many researchers keep on reiterating that there is no simple explanation to cause of autism. However, based on scientific perspective, many causes have been postulated and documented so far. In this article, The environmental and genetic cause of autism Lyons- Weiler provides crucial information that relates autism and environment. She, however, asserts that defining the actual environment can be a tricky term because what is looked goes beyond the influence of inherited genes other than the expected environment in which there is exposure to pollutants or toxic chemicals. In this article, Lyon-Weiler defines autism as developmental disability characterized by impairments in social interactions ranging from speech abnormalities to various abnormal pattern behaviors. In her assertions, Lyon-Weiler noted that none of the environmental factors presents threshold sufficient to yield autism, but cites a collection of them, which is involved in the incidences of autism. Mother and child exposure to these risk factors that are environmental is believed to be the cause, and they are divided into prenatal and postnatal factors. This is summed up in what is referred to as parental risk factors, which include 1.) Parental age- advancement in the maternal age especially the paternal age, have been identified as the most significant risk factor for autism. In this incidence, both mother and father age that equals or exceeds 34 years have been identified to associate with increased risk of autism. In one of the recent studies, the article indicates that the study focused on the relationship existing between high risk of autism and elevation in paternal age has been approved to be true. 2.) Maternal physical health- mother infection during pregnancy and bleeding presents mothers physical conditions that are highly related to childhood autism. Additionally, a metabolic syndrome which includes diabetes, obesity and hypertension gives a leeway to hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) resulting in the deficient development of the brain especially the hippocampal neurons which is an area involved in autism.

Lathe, R. (2006). Autism, brain, and environment. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Lathe, 2006 presents his work on autism by providing an evidence-based review on the current knowledge concerning the environmental impacts to childhood autism. The study presented areas of concern that influence an occurrence of the condition. These are 1.) Nutritional factors- numerous studies have established a close association between dietary elements, which include folic acid, and the risk of autism. Foliate deficiency and occurrence of autism are co-linked since it interacts with polymorphism of phosphorylation of methylene tetrahydrofolate a protein involved in the reduction of genes that increase the risk of autism. A meta-analysis by Lathe revealed that significantly lower calcium and protein intake in children with autism worsen the situation. Some of the apparent pieces of evidence of autisms genetic roots surfaced in the wake when about 1977 study revealed that even identical twins sharing similar genome were likely to share an autism diagnosis that the fraternal twins. One of the greatest ways in which environmental factors impacts on autism is by altering some of the genetic factors including molecules and proteins that influence the way in which genes are expressed without changing the DNA sequence. These factors are crucial for normal brain development. One of the recommendations made by Lathe is a proper intake of folic acid supplements.

References

Lathe, R. (2006). Autism, brain, and environment. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Lyons-Weiler, J. (2016). The environmental and genetic causes of autism.