Children of the Stars
Artist: y
Artwork Description:
The artwork portrays a vivid inner world born from neural miswiring — a solar system of private miracles. The composition celebrates those who create order and beauty within their perceived chaos, affirming individuality beyond societal norms.


Disease Introduction:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Type: Neurodevelopmental disorder
Affected Systems: Brain circuits governing social communication, sensory integration, and behavior
Symptoms:
Autism presents across a spectrum from mild social difficulties to profound impairment. Core deficits include limited eye contact, lack of social reciprocity, delayed or absent speech, and restricted interests. Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking, or lining up objects are common. Sensory abnormalities are frequent — hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures, or diminished response to pain and temperature. Comorbidities may include intellectual disability, epilepsy, sleep disorders, anxiety, attention deficits, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some individuals possess exceptional abilities in memory, music, or pattern recognition, known as savant skills.

Cause / Risk Factors:
Autism arises from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental influences. Over 100 genes have been implicated, affecting synaptic proteins, transcription factors, and neural connectivity pathways such as SHANK3, CHD8, and NRXN1. Environmental contributors include prenatal infections, exposure to valproic acid, maternal metabolic disorders, and advanced parental age. Alterations in brain structure and connectivity, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes, are consistently observed.

Treatments:
No cure exists, but early intensive interventions dramatically improve outcomes.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) remains a cornerstone for reducing maladaptive behaviors and developing social communication.
Speech and language therapy promotes verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Occupational therapy addresses sensory processing and daily living abilities.
Social skills training and cognitive-behavioral therapy help manage anxiety and emotional regulation.
Pharmacologic management may target specific symptoms — stimulants for hyperactivity, SSRIs for repetitive behaviors, or atypical antipsychotics for aggression.
Family education and structured learning environments are critical to long-term success.