Genetic or environment?

[JackJacksmummy]

After a discussion with my nan, who is doesn't accept that my DS is ?asd even after reading reports and that because my cousin is severe autistic DS can't possibly be because they are not the same (she's seen him three times since Xmas because they live quite a way)

Anyway, she asked how they "get it" whether it's genetic or due to something that's happened, I.e mmr. She says this because my cousin was talking proper words and then regressed so SHE thinks mmr (he's 22 now so around about the time of the report that has since been discredited)however my auntie doesn't think it was down to that and was showing some signs beforehand.

I said that I read it was more likely to be genetic, and if it's in the family then you are more likely to have some predisposition to it.

Just wondering what the general consensus is? Not trying to be controversial btw, just curious. My son had his mmr and did his brother and sister and I would recommend all vaccines especially after seeing a family friends boy go through a really nasty case of measles a few months ago. I would never think to blame my sons mmr on his Possible ASD.

There seems to be no one thing identified that is common to all cases of ASD. Dd1 has ASD and in her case it is due to one of the few known chromosomal abnormalities linked to ASD. It does seem that many cases have family members somewhere on the spectrum, and so there is a strong feeling that genetics play a big role. Re MMR there are people who still believe it could be responsible for some cases, and others who do not. Much of the work has been discredited but there are many posters here who believe their child's ASD is linked to the MMR. With regard to your nan, it sounds like she truly doesn't understand the fact that ASD is a spectrum disorder and very few individuals are going to be exactly the same in their particular difficulties. Even within the identified genetic issue dd1 has there can be a range of how this is expressed from severe autism to occasional autistic traits only.

That's interesting beautifulgirls. It's something me and my sister have been talking about today. My dd 13 was diagnosed with ASD in Feb, my son is awaiting assessment, my nieces is under assessment, one of my sisters has been diagnosed at the age of 36 with ODD and autistic traits but don't dx adults here and other family members who have very strong ASD traits and could very well be on the spectrum (13 year old male cousin clapping and squealing in delight when he gets a question right on catchphrase, for example). Also a family history of hypermobility. We were discussing about wether we should had genetic testing, mainly for our children's benefit.

Autism isn't one thing.

In multiplex autism (more than one sibling affected) the traits seem to run in families, in simplex (only one sibling affected with NT brothers) the traits do not. It is thought the underlying genetics of these different types is different.

Genes and environments interact. It is known now that the immune system seems to be involved in some way in many cases of autism. I'm fairly certain it has been involved in ds1's case. We have no autism in the family, but a lot of immune disorders and ds1 regressed after a viral infection. Presumably he had a genetic predisposition and an environmental factor as well.

Also there are more reasons than just genetics why many members of the same family get the same condition.

For example the GAPS diet believes you get ASD because of bad gut bacteria - which all siblings could have. This explanation I think fits why my 3 all have SEN. They all got bad gut bacteria from me.

So it's nothing to do with genetics or DNA, but is still something they all got from me.

Not saying all ASD is due to bad gut bacteria. I have no idea. But its the most likely explanation for my 3s problems (ASD, dyspraxia and dyslexia).

I think what's now known as a spectrum disorder will in 20-50 years time be known as 20-50 seperate disorders, all with their own seperate causal factors from genetics to multiple environmental factors. People forget that neuroscience is an area where we still don't even know how much we don't know iykwim. We are still at the "flat earth" stage of discovery, despite the arrogance of some sections of the professional and scientific communities.

I agree with bochead. I accept ds's diagnosis of ASD but it isn't a comfy fit. He obviously has a developmental issue and for now ASD is the best fit. I doubt even in his lifetime science will even scratch the service of how and why.

I believe it's a genetic predisposition. My db has it and I suspect my dad has aspergers. Interestingly (or not!) my db has an aspergers diagnosis but I actually think he leans more towards autism albeit high functioning. I do believe the educational environment he was in throughout childhood impacted his outcome massively and a different setting may have been much better for him.

Yes I agree with bochead.

I'm reading an interesting book at the moment - infectious behavior - brain immune connections in autism schizophrenia and depression. By Paul Patterson

indigo - we had the whole dodgy gut bacteria thing as well I think .

There's been some recent work looking at gut- immune- brain connections. Paul Whiteley's blog is worth following if you're interested in this area.

I think I probably want to marry saintly and have her live in my house every day! Possibly Boch too for that matter (and bring your book collections)!

Perhaps you could put together a post grad diploma!?

Oh, and absolutely bring your children......

Imogen - ds1 regressed after herpes infection (he had eczema herpeticum - so was covered over his entire body - except feet and it was aggressively treated). Consultants have said in his case it's likely to have played a part in his regression.

Starlight

This is certainly an interesting topic. DD has no dx yet but general opinion seems to point to autism. DH goes through phases where he worries it was the mmr. I don't really agree. However I digress.
A few years ago I had encephalitis, approx 10 years before i got pregnant. Recently it has been identified as NMDA receptor encephalitis and there is a theory that some antibodies of this strain may transfer to the foetus which may cause autism. I now also have MS so in my opinion there is definitely something to the immunity argument.

There is still a lot of research to be done (the person im aware of needs funding), but as bochead said there is still so much to be found out.

There is a specific autism/herpes treatment called NIDS. I wasn't totally convinced by it so haven't followed it but you might want to google.