Definition of Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological developmental disorder in a long life of social interaction, communication, behavior and emotional disturbances and sensory and motor perception.

Autistic symptoms appear before the age of 3 years.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Indonesia is known as autism spectrum disorder, which is estimated globally at 7.6 per 1000 people with a prevalence of men 4 times higher than women.

Etiology

Previously, the exact cause of autism was not known. However, several studies that have been conducted on ASD patients have found a relationship between genetic and neurobiological factors in the form of 15 genes associated with ASD.

Several factors cause ASD, including:

Neurobiological factors
Neurobiological disorders in the central nervous system, this disorder often occurs in 3 (three) months of pregnancy, when the growth of brain cells in several places is not perfect as it should be.


Genetic factors
The role of genetic factors as a cause of ASD is supported by the evidence that ASD is hereditary in 80% of cases

the existence of mutations of genes, due to various kinds of stimuli such as: chemicals, air pollution, etc.


Heavy metal poisoning
Often occurs during pregnancy, such as caused by: lead, mercury, lead etc. Which can affect the life of the fetus.



Problems during pregnancy and birth
There are problems in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, such as: the presence of rubella virus infection, drinking alcohol, chronic infections etc., resulting in a difficult delivery process so that babies are deprived of oxygen, including babies born prematurely.

Prognosis

ASD sufferers can cause complications such as behavioral and mental disorders, intellectual limitations and various other neurological and medical disorders.

Author : Prof. Dr.dr. Ellyza Nasrul, Sp.PK (K) (Doctor in Charge of PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Branch Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 39 Padang)