Causal Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Causal Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental disability that makes its patients perceive reality differently. Patients with this disorder have differences in the brain and genetic condition. The causes of this disorder are still unknown to scientists, and deep research is still being carried out. Researchers, however, have developed some hypotheses that might explain the causes of this condition.

One of the theories that show the possible cause of ASD is the extreme male brain theory, proposed by Dan McManis. This theory posits that males are at a higher risk of having autism because they have androgen hormones (Baron-Cohen, 2021). McManis’ theory posits that ASD results from a difference between boys and girls in how they think and process information. He says this difference manifests in the brain’s ability to interpret emotional stimuli, resulting in gender-specific behavior. Several studies support this theory, showing differences between boys and girls regarding how they interpret and respond to emotional stimuli (Baron-Cohen, 2021). This theory proposes that ASD is caused by an extreme male brain, which causes various symptoms, including difficulty with social skills, difficulty communicating, and reduced empathy.

Another theory is the diametric mind theory, proposed by Leo Kanner. It suggests that there are two different minds: one typically developing and one autistic (Psychology Today Staff, 2022). Kanner proposed that children with ASD have two minds: an autistic mind and a typically developing mind. His observation that children with ASD exhibited symptoms of both hyperactivity and hypoactivity led him to develop this theory about the two minds. Kanner proposed that a spectrum exists between hypomentalism, manifested as autism, and hypermentalism, manifested as psychosis (Psychology Today Staff, 2022). This theory is rooted in gene expression, with autism having more paternal gene expression, whereas psychosis is linked with more maternal gene expression.

Although there is still no known cause of ASD, scientists should continue their research to determine the cause of this disorder. Though they may not have a firm grasp on this yet, they are still making progress and could be an asset to the community in determining what causes ASD. This is even more important today because Chiarotti and Venerosi’s (2018) research shows that more children are diagnosed with ASD.

References

Baron-Cohen, S. (2021). Cognitive theories explaining ASD. Cognitive Theories Explaining ASD | Interactive Autism Network. (2021). Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://iancommunity.org/cs/understanding_research/cognitive_theories_explaining_asds

Chiarotti, F., & Venerosi, A. (2020). Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: a review of worldwide prevalence estimates since 2014. Brain sciences, 10(5), 274-295.

Psychology Today Staff. (2022). Theories of Autism. Psychology Today. Retrieved November 9, 2022 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/autism/theories-autism

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The readings in this unit have provided you with an understanding of the history and causal theories of ASD, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to read each article before completing the discussion.

Causal Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Please respond to the following:

Explain and discuss at least one theory on the possible etiology (cause) of ASD.
Given that there is still no known cause of autism spectrum disorder, do you think research needs to continue to determine the etiology of this disorder? Why or why not?