Causes of Autism

Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder seems to be on the increase. There is some controversy as to whether this is due to better diagnosis or a real increase.

There have been many studies that point to ASD being a combined genetic and environmental disorder that shows its sign even before a baby is born. Now people are looking at exposures to see what could be leading to the disease.

Researchers studied 970 children (aged 2 to 5 years) in California with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, or typical development. Data on the use of commercial pesticides (in places such as farms, golf courses, parks) were linked to the mothers' addresses during pregnancy.

Compared to controls, children with autism were 60% more likely to have been exposed to organophosphate insecticides. Furthermore, children with developmental delay were almost 150% more likely to have had carbamate pesticides (most industrial but some, like Sevin, available to homeowners) applied near their homes.

 Looking at stored samples of amniotic fluid of autistic children Danish researchers found significantly higher levels of several hormones. Possible reasons for this include exposure to environmental endocrine disrupters, which are highly prevalent in food, cosmetics, and other materials. For example, phthalates, known endocrine disrupters, are associated with ASD, and are found in hundreds of plastic products (http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=24). Also see http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/.