WEAKER PASSAGE:

Damien Mills

Professor Kahlert

Writing 116—Section 8

24 October 2014

Autism, a glimpse of the future

Some days are lived without a single worry, and full with the beauty of spontaneity. Moreover, some days can be typical and range from grocery shopping to reading your child a bedtime story. However, there are some days in which goose bumps crawl up your spine and send terrible chills throughout your body—that was the story of Mrs. Oquendo, a woman who’s son went missing. A little over a year ago, on October 4th, fourteen-year-old Avonte Oquendo went missing. The whole community was shaken, and tried their best in order to find the boy; but their search came to an unfortunate end when a decomposed body was discovered in a river. After the tragic discovery, Mrs. Oquendo had to face that fact that her fourteen year old, autistic child was gone—and what lead to his death remains a mystery.

Unfortunately, Avonte’s story is one of many that the autistic community endures. His story might lead to the question of what is autism? This question is very interesting, since there are no two forms of autism. But, there’s a similarity in this syndrome that affects everybody—such as that it’s a complex disorder in the brain. Autistic disorders are characterized from impeded social skills, difficulty in verbal and nonverbal communication, and an often-repetitive behavior. People, who suffer from ASD, are known to excel in math and science.

This condition is diagnosed at about two to three years of age, and methods for earlier diagnoses are being tested. For instance, there are behavioral therapies that can decrease the chances of autism as early as in the womb.

Autism awareness is a key aspect in hindering this disorder, since knowledge is key.

ASD Symptoms include

· Apathy

· Lack of facial expressions, or sound by nine months

· No babbling, words, or imitating by the time the baby is a year old

Autism is becoming more prevalent with time. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies around 1 in every 68 children as autistic.

At a rate of 10-17% increase, there’s no explanation for this widespread. However, environmental and diagnostic influences are suspected to have caused this growth.

There are factors we need to take in consideration about ASD, such as that there isn’t a cure for it. But also, approximately sixty thousand is spend annually on every autistic child. In fact, this syndrome is becoming one of the quickest growing developmental disability in the U.S.

The National institute of Health spends fifty five percent of their money on autism research, which is about $169 million. Advances have been made in our effort to understand this condition. For instance, we know that mutation has been associated with this disorder.

The clearest evidence of getting autism is the risk factors before and during birth. These factors range from parental age, to illness, and a deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain; however, these factors are only risky when combined with genetic risk factors. For example, “Immune reactivity to dietary proteins may be associated with apparent dietary protein intolerance and gastrointestinal inflammation in autism spectrum disorder children that may be partly associated with aberrant innate immune response against endotoxin, a product of the gut bacteria” (Jyonouchi, Sun, Itokazu).

Prenatal vitamins, however, can reduce the risk of autism. These vitamins can be as effective as retroviral drugs, which prevents a baby from being infected from HIV. This treatment is also correlated with the role of the immune system, since it’s slowed down when a woman is pregnant. Awareness and investigation are being worked on by Autism Speaks, an organization who wants to emphasize and expand these topics—as well as use their research to improve life quality.

Being on the syndrome is more than what society sees. Each individual is unique, and approximately 40% are classified as intellectually gifted. Nevertheless, people feel pride in their abilities and “atypical ways” of life. We must not forget that this syndrome isn’t the same in everyone; so others will have to life their whole lives depending on people, some may never even speak. Changes in communication and physical health require developing more effective treatments. But, for others, it’ll simply require support.

References

1. H. Jyonouchi, S. Sun, N. Itokazu

Neuropsy. Bio. , 46(2) (2002), pp. 76-84

REVISION OF WEAKER PASSAGE:

Damien Mills

Professor Kahlert

Writing 116—Section 8

Cover Letter

24 October 2014

Autisms’ causes: Will we ever know?

My goals for this essay are to raise awareness on autism. Although ASD is a prevalent disorder, perhaps one of the most common illnesses, not many are aware of what it means to have this incurable syndrome. Thus, risk factors suspected to cause autism are ignored. Considering that autism is a broad subject, I chose breast milk as the main—not mere—subject. By the end of this paper, my objective is for its audience to understand what ASD is—as well as its possible causes, associations, and sources that hinder the possibility of developing it. My use of pathos is demonstrated in the story of fourteen-year-old Avonte Oquendo. Additionally, ethos is used in citations/quotes. Considering my sources come from reliable sources, all from cites recommended by you, its credibility is indisputable.

Damien Mills

Professor Kahlert

Writing 116—Section 8

24 October 2014

Autisms’ causes: Will we ever know?

As an experienced nurse, and mother, Vanessa Fontaine knew there was something different in her son. Despite her doctor telling her not to worry, she couldn’t help but overthink her son’s future. After all, Avonte Oquendo was severely autistic. Years passed in which her family lived peacefully, causing Fontaine’s worries to subside. But, as usual, a mother’s intuition is always right.

October 4th 2013 started as a normal day for the Oquendo family—children were dressed, at school, and Avonte’s teacher had an IEP in which it was stated how much he loved to run. Thus, Fontaine was calm and living through a seemingly typical day. Unfortunately, a phone called changed her mood—and life—completely. Avonte went missing, and a video— in which he was seen darting out a side entrance—was the last time anyone saw him alive.

Months later, a severely dismembered body was found in a river—and after collecting about 90% of it, it was confirmed to be Avonte Oquendo; and Mrs. Fontaine will most likely never know what lead to her son’s death.

Avonte’s story may lead to many questions such as what is autism? A very interesting question that has the potential of sparkling debates, since there’s no single form of autism.

Autism is a complex disorder of the brain, and it’s symptoms range from repetitive behavior to difficulty in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Usually, people with ASD are known to excel in math and science.

This condition is diagnosed at approximately three years old, and methods for earlier diagnosis are currently being tested. For instance, behavioral therapies are thought to decrease the chances of autism when the fetus is still in the womb.

One of the most interesting causes, currently undergoing investigation, is the correlation between breast milk and autism. Newborns may have an inadequate amount of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and ASD bearers lack somatomedin C. So, breastfeeding a baby can have more benefits than combatting childhood obesity.

Furthermore, prenatal vitamins have been suspected to reduce the risks of this ailment. Moreover, these vitamins can be as effective as retroviral drugs—a medication that prevents a mother from transmitting the virus to her unborn baby. Likewise, prenatal vitamins are correlated with the immune system—since a woman’s body defense is slowed down during pregnancy.

The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine has thought of testing umbilical cord blood for levels of IGF, and use it to predict an infant’s proneness to developing autism. First, the growth factor’s neonatal levels need to be measured and matched to maturing children believed to be susceptible to ASD. Second, the children who match their hypothesis will be encouraged to be supplemented with natural level of protein.

By having their required protein, a baby will develop into a toddler with more effective brain functioning. Thus, breastfeeding is highly encouraged—if it’s not possible, then additional protein is available in order to substitute this necessity.

Even if a newborn is given sufficient growth factors, there may still be a chance of him/her developing autism. ASD is a syndrome in which its causes are unknown. However, it’s believed that no single root causes this condition—and the true culprit is a mixture of different sources.

Autism has been becoming more prevalent with time. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 68 children is autistic. The increasing rate of people with this condition is unknown.

At a rate of 10-17% increase, there’s no explanation for this widespread. However, environmental and diagnostic influences are suspected to have caused this growth. Additionally, this syndrome is becoming one of the quickest growing developmental disabilities in the U.S.—its reasons are unknown.

As a consequence of its growing number of ASD carriers, the National Institute of Health spends approximately $169 million (~55% of their funding) on research.

Advances have been made in our effort to understand this condition. For instance, we know that mutation has been associated with this disorder.

Hindering the plausible risk factors, before and during birth, is the best possibility of preventing this condition. These factors range from parental age, illness, and deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, etc. However, these factors are only risky once combined with genetic risk factors—since, once again, ASD is caused by a variety or sources.

Autism Spectrum Disorder isn’t just a result of various factors, but also causes problems in its carriers. For example, “Immune reactivity to dietary proteins may be associated with apparent dietary protein intolerance and gastrointestinal inflammation in autism spectrum disorder children that may be partly associated with aberrant innate immune response against endotoxin, a product of the gut bacteria” (Jyonouchi, Sun, Itokazu). In other words, autism is accompanied by atypical inborn immune responses—and that makes them sensible to common dietary proteins.

If studies reveal that IGF is indeed an efficient way to combat autism, breastfeeding would be a must instead of an option. By hindering this condition, the ratio of children affected per births would decrease. Thus, a child who was exposed to this syndrome may have a chance to live an independent life in which she/he can defend him/herself against troubles such as those that Avonte—and many others—were exposed to.

All in all, having ASD is more than what society perceives. Each individual is unique, and not everyone requires care and diligent eyes. In fact, approximately 40% of children are classified as intellectually gifted. However, autism doesn’t affect everyone in a similar manner. So, while some ASD Bearers are living an independent life others are living a life in which they’ll always de dependent and incapable of providing for themselves. Breast milk may, or may not be, the solution. However, considering that IGF is provided in breastfeeding –we’ll probably have a better chance at proving this theory right than any other existing hypothesis.

References

H. Jyonouchi, S. Sun, N. Itokazu, Neuropsy. Bio. , Volume 46 (2), 2002, pp. 76-84

"Breastfeeding Possible Deterrent to Autism." Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine. ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 November 2013. .

STRONGER REVISION:

Damien Mills

Professor Kahlert

Writing 116—Section 8

Cover Letter

24 October 2014

Autisms’ causes: Will we ever know?

My goals for this essay are to raise awareness on autism. Although ASD is a prevalent disorder, perhaps one of the most common illnesses, not many are aware of what it means to have this incurable syndrome. Thus, risk factors suspected to cause autism go unnoticed. Considering that autism is a broad subject, I chose breast milk as the main—not mere—subject. By the end of this paper, my objective is for its audience to understand what ASD is—as well as its possible causes, associations, and sources that hinder the possibility of developing it. My use of pathos' demonstrated in the story of fourteen-year-old Avonte Oquendo. Additionally, ethos is used in citations/quotes. Considering my sources come from reliable sources, all from sites recommended by you, its credibility is indisputable.

Damien Mills

Professor Kahlert

Writing 116—Section 8

24 October 2014

Autisms’ causes: Will we ever know?

As an experienced nurse and mother, Vanessa Fontaine knew there was something different in her son. Despite her doctor telling her not to worry, she couldn’t help but over think her son’s future. After all, Avonte Oquendo was severely autistic. Years passed in which her family lived peacefully, causing Fontaine’s worries to subside. But, as usual, a mother’s intuition is always right.

October 4th, 2013 started as a normal day for the Oquendo family—children were dressed, at school, and Avonte’s teacher had an IEP in which she stated how much he loved to run. Thus, Fontaine was calm and lived through a seemingly typical day. Unfortunately, a phone called changed her mood—and life—completely. Avonte went missing, and a video— in which he was seen darting out a side entrance—was the last time anyone saw him alive.

Months later, a severely dismembered body was found in the river. Approximately 90% of the corpse was utilized to identify the body as 14- year-old Avonte Oquendo. What caused the boy's death will always be a mystery to Mrs.Fontaine.

Avonte’s story may lead to many questions such as what is autism? A very interesting question that has the potential of sparkling debates, since there’s no single form of autism.

Autism is a complex disorder of the brain, and it’s symptoms range from repetitive behavior to difficulty in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Usually, people with ASD are known to excel in math and science.

This condition's apparent at approximately three years old, and methods for earlier diagnosis are currently being tested. For instance, behavioral therapies are thought to decrease the chances of autism when the fetus is still in the womb.

One of the most interesting causes, currently undergoing investigation, is the correlation between breast milk and autism. Newborns may have an inadequate amount of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and ASD bearers lack somatomedin C. So, breastfeeding a baby can have more benefits than combatting childhood obesity.

Furthermore, prenatal vitamins have been suspected to reduce the risks of this ailment. Moreover, these vitamins can be as effective as retroviral drugs—a medication that prevents a mother from transmitting the virus to her unborn baby. Likewise, prenatal vitamins are correlated with the immune system—since a woman’s body defense is slowed down during pregnancy.

The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine has thought of testing umbilical cord blood for levels of IGF, and use it to predict the infant’s proneness to developing autism. First, the growth factor’s neonatal levels need to be measured and matched to maturing children believed to be susceptible to ASD. Second, the children who match their hypothesis will be encouraged to take natural levels of protein.

A baby will develop into a toddler with more effective brain functioning if she/he has their required protein. Thus, breastfeeding is highly encouraged—if it’s not possible, then additional protein is available in order to substitute this necessity.

Even if a newborn has sufficient growth factors, there may still be a chance of him/her developing autism. ASD is a syndrome in which its causes are unknown. However, it’s believed that no single root causes this condition—and the true culprit is a mixture of different sources.

Autism has been becoming more prevalent with time. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 68 children is autistic. The increasing rate of people with this condition is unknown.

At a rate of 10-17% increase, there’s no explanation for this widespread. However, environmental and diagnostic influences are suspected to have caused this growth. Additionally, this syndrome is becoming one of the quickest growing developmental disabilities in the U.S.—its reasons are unknown.

As a consequence of its growing number of ASD carriers, the National Institute of Health spends approximately $169 million (~55% of their funding) on research.

Advances have aided our effort in understanding this condition. For instance, we know that a mutation may link with this disorder.

Hindering the plausible risk factors, before and during birth, is the best possibility of preventing this condition. These factors range from parental age, illness, and deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, etc. However, these factors are only risky once combined with genetic risk factors—since, once again, ASD is caused by a variety or sources.

Autism Spectrum Disorder isn’t just a result of various factors but also causes problems in its carriers. For example, “Immune reactivity to dietary proteins may be associated with apparent dietary protein intolerance and gastrointestinal inflammation " (Jyonouchi, Sun, Itokazu). In other words, autism is accompanied by atypical inborn immune responses—and that makes them sensible to common dietary proteins.

If studies reveal that IGF is indeed an efficient way to combat autism, breastfeeding will be a must instead of an option. By hindering this condition, the ratio of children affected per births would decrease. Thus, an exposed child may live an independent life and defend him/herself of problems like Avonte might have been exposed to.

All in all, having ASD is more than what society perceives. Each is unique, and not everyone requires care and diligent eyes. In fact, approximately 40% of children are classified as intellectually gifted. However, autism doesn’t affect everyone in a similar manner. So, while some ASD Bearers are living independent life others are living a life in which they’ll always de dependent and incapable of providing for themselves. Breast milk may or may not be, the solution. However, considering that IGF is provided in breastfeeding –we’ll probably have a better chance at proving this theory right than any other existing hypothesis.

References

H. Jyonouchi, S. Sun, N. Itokazu, Neuropsy. Bio. , Volume 46 (2), 2002, pp. 76-84

"Breastfeeding Possible Deterrent to Autism." Touro College Of Osteopathic Medicine. ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 November 2013. .

CHANGES IN TERM OF CRAFT:

From my first to the final draft, a few changes have been made. For starters, a cover letter was added to my essay--in which I relied on for the rest of my assignment. Additionally, the hook was rewritten in order to attract the reader's attention. My decision was to open with a classic, useful, anecdote. Being a fanatic of the news, I knew I wanted to write about 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo. My story was shortened in order for it to be concise. Afterwards, peers (from this class, and other classes) corrected my paper. My topic is autism and IGF (an insulin growth factor necessary for the brain to develop). Originally, I had chosen to write on breast milk and its causes. However, breast milk isn't an assured cause of this condition. By amending errors, ethos, pathos, and logos appeared more clearly in my essay. Emotion surrounded Avonte's story, credibility through my articles, and logic in its clear/nonpassive explanations.