Sevenfold Increase in Autism Rates

A recent study in California has shown a sevenfold increase in the incidence of autism in this state and researchers suggest that it is related to environmental factors.  According to the lead scientists, the dramatic and shocking increase in the rates of autism cannot solely be accounted for by reference to doctors’ increased diagnosis of the disease.

The University of California study found that there must be something that fetuses and children are exposed to at an early age that triggers the onset of autism.  Potential environmental causes include pesticides, viruses, and chemical and household cleaners.

Autistic children have difficulties communicating and socializing like other children.  Yet, the cause of this neurological disease has long escaped scientists.  This new study therefore comes as an important look into the disease and potentially its prevention.

Over the past fifteen years rates of autism have skyrocketed.  In 1990 for instance, 6.2 out of every ten thousand children in California were diagnosed as autistic, yet by 2001, this number had jumped to 42.5.  Since then the numbers are continuing to rise steadily.

Pinpointing what exactly might be causing this disease still baffles scientists.  For years, officials have suspected that it might be an artificial rise, due to the increasing diagnosis of the disorder rather than a real increase in its manifestation.  However, this new study has ruled against this as a primary factor.

While some parents of autistic children have long suspected that vaccines are the primary cause of Autism, due to the mercury compound used called thimerosal, this component has been largely removed from vaccines yet the incidence continues to increase. 

Scientists agree that genetics certainly play a role, however genetics do not change quickly enough to account for the dramatic increases being seen.  According to scientists therefore, there is as of yet an unknown environmental cause.  Some suspect that this cause involves pregnant women’s exposure to chemical pollutants, including pesticides and metals.  These factors may results in alterations to the structures of the fetus’s brain while in utero.

Although no findings have yet made the link between a specific chemical and autism, the study has shed important light on the link between our environment and our health.  While expectant moms may already be feeling overwhelmed with the endless do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, there is hope that it won’t be long before scientists can give parents a better answer to this important question.