The neurodevelopmental disorder of autism has been recognized for centuries and was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in his 1943 paper “Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact.” This marked a significant milestone in understanding and diagnosing the condition. In recent years, the name Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been introduced to encompass a broader range of symptoms and presentations within the autism spectrum. This change aims to better represent the diversity of individuals who may be impacted by autism.
One such individual is renowned actor Anthony Hopkins, known for his role in “Silence of the Lambs,” who has been diagnosed with ASD, specifically Asperger’s. His disclosure shed light on the diversity of individuals who may be impacted by autism. While the exact genetic causes of ASD are still not completely understood, scientific research has shown strong genetic links to the condition. An ongoing study aims to further unravel the genetic components that contribute to autism.
Boys are almost five times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to girls. Scientists believe that this gender difference may be due to variations in how symptoms present in boys and girls, with girls often exhibiting symptoms differently and therefore being less likely to receive a diagnosis.
