Discuss the roles of genetics and environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What will be an ideal response?
Autism is described as a spectrum because the severity of the observed deficits and the course of the disorder vary widely from individual to individual. The causes of ASD remain unknown. Evidence from family and twin studies indicates that ASD is influenced by genetics. The concordance rate in identical twins is 76-88 percent. Relatives of people with ASD have elevated levels of autistic traits compared to people with no relatives with ASD. Genetic predispositions for ASD likely interact with multiple environmental factors. One environmental risk factor for ASD is perinatal complications or complications surrounding the birth of the individual. Advanced paternal age at conception (mid-30s or more) is correlated with increased risk of producing a child with autism. Exposure to infection, pesticides, and nutritional factors has also been implicated as possible risks for ASD. Maternal use of antidepressants, SSRIs in particular, during or prior to pregnancy increases the likelihood of giving birth to a child with ASD.
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Air pollution
a. is a main cause of death in developing countries. b. kills more children annually than diarrhea. c. contributes to respiratory infections, which are responsible for childhood deaths. d. more strongly affects young girls than young boys.
Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of development, according to the theory of Jean Piaget?
a. sensorimotor b. diffused operational thought c. formal operational thought d. concrete operational thought
Katie is upset with her friend Leslie. In order to "get even" with her, she tries to make Leslie's other friends mad at Leslie by making up stories about her. What is this sort of behavior called?
a. Physical aggression b. Gender labeling c. Relational aggression d. Verbal aggression
At 3 weeks of gestation, the developing human organism is called the _____; it is called the _____ at 31 weeks
Fill in the blank with correct word