Causes and Treatments for Various Phenotypes Among Autistic Individuals
Project by Polygence alum Abdullah
Project's result
My research paper is showcased on Polygence RARS. In addition, I have submitted to the JRHS journal. I have also submitted an Asynchronous Conference Talk for the Polygence Symposium of Rising Scholars.
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Summary
This paper surveys genetic and non-genetic causes and emerging treatments for individuals with autism with challenges including stress, social, functional, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Genetic treatments consist of methods to replace and edit DNA, along with reducing translation of mRNA that may have mutations, which would encode defective proteins. A key challenge with genetic treatments is finding a dosage amount that is not toxic to patients. Non-genetic treatments consist mainly of behavioral therapies and medications. Although these treatments can help to improve communication and decrease stress for some individuals, the medications may have some side effects, and improved behavior from behavioral therapies is not guaranteed, which would not always make these treatments excellent options. This paper also includes concerns about treatments including treatment delivery, ethical concerns about a certain behavioral therapy, treatment progressions in the long-term, treatments for coexisting conditions, and access and affordability of treatments. This paper concludes with an ethical discussion about genetic treatments using an Islamic framework.
Keywords: Autism, Genetic, Non-Genetic, Causes, Treatments, Challenges, Phenotypes
Carin
Polygence mentor
MD/PhD Doctor of Medicine and of Philosophy candidate
Subjects
Medicine, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology
Expertise
Neuroscience, genetics, neurodevelopmental disorders, medicine, rare diseases
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Abdullah
Student
Hello! My name is Abdullah Ali. I am a senior at Skyline High School, dual enrolled at Bellevue College. Being autistic myself, I have a keen interest in causes, treatments, and ethical considerations related to autism and similar disorders. In college, I plan to pursue a Biology major and Religion minor.
Graduation Year
2025
Project review
“++ Skills: It was very interesting to learn how to effectively read and benefit from research papers. ++ Learning: I loved deepening my knowledge about my subject matter. I got to explore a vast amount of content early on. ++ Clarity: I found the process of researching broadly, then clarifying the scope and specifying topics, to be very helpful, as we did in the first 2-3 months.”
About my mentor
“Ms. Carin is deeply knowledgeable about biology, genetics, and the brain. She helped me maintain a broad context as well as refine the scope of my project. Her expert input on scientific concepts and facts was highly valuable.”
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