Middle East may be key to pinpointing autism gene

Dubai: Countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, may figure prominently in a world-wide study to identify genes that cause autism, due to a common practice in the region of marrying relatives, US researchers said.

The cause of autism, a brain development disorder that affects a child's ability to socialise and communicate, has been a hotly-debated topic.

It is hereditary and has a genetic basis, although no genes have been identified. Others have argued it can also be caused by mercury-containing vaccines.

Dr Ramzi Nasser, developmental behavioural paediatrician at the Children's Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School, said the common practice of marrying relatives, or consanguinity, in the Middle East would help pinpoint the genes responsible.

"The hypothesis is that because of the high rate of consanguinity here, it is easier to find the genes causing autism," he said.

He added consanguinity might also mean the Middle East has a higher incidence of autism, although there was no data to support this. Autism affects one out of 100 to 150 children, according to studies.

The study being conducted by Nasser and others includes almost 100 subjects from the Middle East, as well as subjects from North and South America.

Jennifer Partlow, genetic counsellor at the Children's Hospital in Boston, said the research involved studying samples collected from families with a high incidence of autism.

"We have to identify families with incidents of autism ... to identify the genes that cause this," she said, describing the study as ongoing.

Both spoke to Gulf News on Saturday on the sidelines of the First Practitioner's Conference on Autism, organised by Dubai Autism Centre and Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms).

Speakers at the conference called for the early screening of children, saying early diagnosis means earlier intervention.

Prof Michael Reiff, Director of the autism programme at the University of Minnesota, said all children should be screened for autism. "I recommend every child gets screened for autism because there may be some subtle signs that only doctors would recognise," he said, adding screenings should take place at 18 months, 24 months and 30 months.

He said early intervention for autistic children would help them function better in society.

The UAE does not require mandatory screening of children for autism. Doctors instead have to track the child's growth.

Dr Fatima Al Oulama, head of the child and maternal health department at Dohms, said: "We keep track of the child to see if he is developing and growing normally, and if there are symptoms of autism, we refer him to a neurologist," she said.

Signs of autism include language and communication delays, social impairment and restrictive and repetitive behaviour.

Conference: Treat with patience

Realising their needs and not changing their lifestyle suddenly. These are important factors to bear in mind when treating autism, said Dr Yasser Bin Mahmoud Fahd, researcher in disorder autism, at the child autism conference held in Abu Dhabi under the auspices of the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minors' Affairs.

The three-day-long conference is held under the patronage of Shaikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, honorary president of the organisation.

Dr Fahd spoke about his personal experience with his autistic son for more than 18 years. He said: "Autistic children need to be treated calmly, with patience and intelligence. At the same time continuous training is important to help people adapt and accept things and not be compelled to change things. I reject methods whereby the behaviour of others should be changed."

Another expert on autism, Dr Hussam Badr, said the number of autistic patients has increased in recent years. "Out of 150 children 1 might have autism."

Dr Badr said there is no clear and precise reason for autism, it may be because of a genetic defect in the brain, or some studies point to the increasing numbers of vaccinations. Various other reasons are being held up, such as food shortage and lack of vitamins and minerals, lack of Omega 3 and essential fatty acids, high pollution levels, increased use of antibiotics, and the excessive exposure to mercury.

The number of children with autism is increasing in Abu Dhabi, said an official.

Aisha Al Mansouri, Director of Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, told Gulf News the total number of students in the centre now is 36 students and 20 are on the waiting list.

Rehabilitating children with autism requires special training programmes that remind the child what to do and how to act in his daily life.