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Meghan Clemm Malcolm Campbell English 1103H September 12, 2013 Topic Proposal: Causes of Autism Introduction/Overview My topic deals with the causes of the developmental disorder, Autism. Each year, the amount of Autistic children increases, making it the fastest-growing developmental disability with a 1,148% growth rate. In fact, in 2011 the CDC recorded that 1.5 million Americans are living with Autism. This only includes those diagnosed, not all the family members, friends, and teachers that are affected by the disorder as well. Since such a large percent of the population lives with Autism, it is seen as common and well known in society. Fifteen years ago Autism was unheard of. What has happened in the last decade to increase the number of Autism diagnoses so drastically? Research conducted by the CDC states that there is no one proven cause, but several causation theories. These include mutated genes, making some more susceptible to the disorder. These genes can be inherited or can be acquired spontaneously. Scientists suggest environmental causes, like viral infections, air pollutants and complication during pregnancy as possible causes. Another cause that is the source of major controversy is the use of vaccines. Many have questioned the use of formaldehyde and mercury in many vaccines, especially in the measles vaccine. For preliminary research Ive used the library databases to read both scholarly and academic journals on several aspects of Autism that have been studied. Most specifically, Ive read many articles and statistics from the CDC journals. These journals show the sides of scientists and doctors who dispute theories brought up by therapists,

! ! parents, and other members of the community who live with Autism. There is tension and debate between the two groups. Educational hierarchy and societal hierarchy are

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often put into play in these debates. I have also used the corporation websites of Autism Speaks and of the National Autism Association as sources. From there, I chose the most controversial and fact-based facet of Autism, the causes. In one off my previous classes, a librarian showed us how to use the databases at the library here. I discussed this topic with my mom, who is extremely knowledgeable about this topic due to her work in the field and her experience raising and treating an Autistic son. She has written a book about my brother and she has spoken at several Autism conferences about her knowledge and my brothers treatment process. My brother is one of the only cases of severe Autism to ever be fully recovered. I am also neighbors and close family friends with the head of the corporation, Autism Speaks, who I plan to use as a source as well. This process helped me find a topic that will be supported with facts while also showing several sides that cause debate and controversy. Originally, I had written my topic proposal about the psychological effects of adoption. This topic did not have many sides to debate; it was purely factual. I also have no background or true interest in that topic. This process helped me change my topic into something with more debate and something that I am more passionate about due to my family history. Initial Inquiry Questions Why is Autism the fastest growing developmental disorder in the US? Is it the same in other countries?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"#$%%!!!!(! Are vaccines such a controversial cause of Autism because the government is scared of losing money if proven legitimate? What other politics are involved in the disorder? My Interest in This Topic I am interested in this topic because of my family history. My younger brother was diagnosed with Autism when he was 18 months old. I was only 4 at the time. My family travelled around the country doing treatments and therapies. We did experimental therapies and severe food diets that had been suggested to help development for him. I was always included in my brothers home therapy sessions because the therapists and my parents saw an improvement in his participation and development when I was there. I have a basic knowledge of the disorder and a passion to learn more, for I was very young when my brother was diagnosed. My brother has always been one of my best friends and I am so grateful for him; he is a miracle. I hope that this disorder can one day be cured and I am eager to learn more about it. 1. What do you already know? I know the symptoms of Autism and a few treatment methods. I know the basic theories of the causes but not in depth, factual evidence that makes these theories prevalent. 2. What do you hope to learn? I hope to learn more about the facts and process behind theories for the cause. It is frustrating for me to hear doctors and scientists spew out theories and accusations without backing them up with evidence. For example, a few years ago doctors concluded that the sole cause of

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)! Autism was abusive mothers. This accusation was not backed up with facts and was later proven false. Some of these theories I question and would like to know the evidence behind them. Next Steps I plan to use the library databases even more. They are reliable sources and have an overwhelming amount of case studies and articles on the topic. I also plan to read some of the books that my family has used and to use my moms book as a source to back up certain environmental factors that cause debate in society, but that I find valid due to my brothers diagnosis. That book suggests many causes and backs these ideas up with actual life events and experiences. It also shows some of the resistance doctors and the government has given to families with Autistic children.