Flu can increase risk of autism, say panel experts

The issue came up for a panel discussion here on the occasion of World Autism Day, which was organized by Dar Al-Hekma University in collaboration with the International Medical Center (IMC). According to research, autism starts with disrupted genes (and is) a failure of early formation, said Eric Courchesne of the University of California, San Diego's Autism Center of Excellence. It supports the idea that the changes that cause autism happen in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The study proves that genetics are a huge factor, so scientists are now looking at what exactly happens during pregnancy in order to figure out this new link. It has previously been reported that influenza (the flu) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism. Besides Eric Courchesne, the panelists included Dr. Amal Alyamani, clinical psychologist, Dr. Soher Balkhy, consultant in development, Dr. Hani Abualross, child consultant and adolescent physiatrist, Dr. Rayan Bajammal, pediatric consultant and pediatric neurology, Dr. Michelle Kelly, board certified behavior analyst, Mona Al-Haddad another board certified behavior analyst and a clinical supervisor, and Rola Ashour, youth and adult counselor and autism specialist, Kazinform has learnt from the Arab News. The panel discussed several issues including questions whether autism is caused by vaccination and whether there is a cure for autism. Projects by students were displayed on the occasion to produce a creative autism awareness approach. There were booths that presented projects developed by Dar Al-Hekma students majoring in Special Education. The students creatively shared with the audience recent information and statistics regarding autism. Moreover, Mommy Cares, an autism support group for autism, presented a booth that gave the audience a chance to experience the world through the sensations of a child with autism. Mommy Cares is a group of mothers of children with autism who get together to share their knowledge to educate the public about autism. Some believe that autism is caused by environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, certain household chemicals, flame retardants on furniture - the list goes on. Others believe it is directly linked to vaccinations. But no one has been able to say for sure what causes autism, which is now more commonly called autism spectrum disorders. The incidence of autism is gaining prevalence and the numbers are shocking. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that one in 68 US children aged 8 has an autism spectrum disorder.