Biological/Ecological Approach
The Biological approach of medical anthropology studies human growth, evolution and adaptation of the body in relation to the environment and how the body adapts to certain environmental stresses (Lecture 1.2). Using the biological approach can be very useful in understanding the causes of autism. Autism is a developmental disorder and when looked at from a biological point of view, you can infer that there is a genetic mutation involved. These genetic defects can cause a disruption in normal brain development in the early stages of fetal development. Aside from the genetic causes, the biological approach can also view the environmental stresses that can lead to autism. For example, conception at an old age of both parents and illnesses during pregnancy or difficulties during birth can also lead to autism. The pie chart illustrates the highest ranked causes of autism based on genetic and environmental factors. Using the biological approach to understand these factors can be useful in understanding the main causes through biomedicine of this disease.
The Ecological approach of medical anthropology studies the relationship between organisms and their environments in order to understand how a disease develops and spread through a population. The ecological approach also takes into consideration the culture, politics and physical features of the environment, allowing anthropologists to determine the factors related to different illnesses. In relation to autism, this approach can help understand the cultural factors that lead to the cause of this disease. What cultural aspects in the population caused for the development of autism? For instance, in the U.S it is required for children to be vaccinated, and some research has shown a relationship between immunization and on the onset of autism. However, there is no evidence to prove this.
This video explains the different causes of autism and gives a better understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the cause of autism.
The article, Sense of the Senses: Anthropology and the Study of Autism by Olga Solomon, explains the three ways anthropology contributes to the study of autism. First is the anthropological conceptualization of intersubjectivity and empathy. This explains how things are perceived and represented to people, including words, images and behaviors (Solomon 2010). Second is the ethnomethodological approach, which interprets the understanding of the lived experiences of people with autism (Solomon 2010). This approach allows you to live the life of an autistic person and study the reason behind certain responses. Lastly, the use of ethnographic methodology in anthropology explains the everyday practices of people with autism and making awareness and educating about autism in family, community and institutional settings (Solomon 2010).
Citations:
"Learning About Autism." National Human Genome Research Institute. October 22, 2012. Accessed August 10, 2014. http://www.genome.gov/25522099
Solomon , Olga . "Sense and the Senses: Anthropology and the Study of Autism." Annu. Rev. Anthropol 39: 241-259.
"Parent Autism Survey Results Causes of Autism and More." Autism Coach Product Catalog and Information Website. 2009. http://www.autismcoach.com/Articles.asp?ID=337.
William Walsh. 2013. "What Really Causes Autism." iHealthTube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxwW57_dEUI
Citations:
"Learning About Autism." National Human Genome Research Institute. October 22, 2012. Accessed August 10, 2014. http://www.genome.gov/25522099
Solomon , Olga . "Sense and the Senses: Anthropology and the Study of Autism." Annu. Rev. Anthropol 39: 241-259.
"Parent Autism Survey Results Causes of Autism and More." Autism Coach Product Catalog and Information Website. 2009. http://www.autismcoach.com/Articles.asp?ID=337.
William Walsh. 2013. "What Really Causes Autism." iHealthTube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxwW57_dEUI