Final answer:
Autism was historically misattributed to cold parenting, known as the 'refrigerator mother' theory, but it is now recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic influences and unique brain development features. Misconceptions, such as a vaccination link, have been scientifically debunked.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autism was once believed to be acquired through interactions with hostile withdrawn parents. This outdated view was part of the 'refrigerator mother' theory, which has since been debunked. Today, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are understood to be complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Evidence suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of ASD, although the exact causes are still largely unknown.
Beyond genetics, the brain of an individual with ASD may demonstrate differences in synaptic pruning compared to non-affected individuals, suggesting a developmental divergence in neural connectivity. Additionally, there has been a discredited theory linking autism to vaccines, which gained attention in the 1990s when a fraudulent research paper was published. This claim has been thoroughly refuted by extensive research demonstrating no connection between vaccines and autism.
Understanding and awareness of autism have improved significantly, but there is still much to learn about the intricacies of this condition. ASD is four times more prevalent in males than females, and current estimates suggest that one in 88 children will develop the disorder, which manifests as deficits in social interaction, communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors or interests.