| ecent study in California has shown a sevenfold | | | | Since then the numbers are continuing to rise steadily. |
| increase in the incidence of autism in this state and | | | | Pinpointing what exactly might be causing this disease |
| researchers suggest that it is related to | | | | still baffles scientists. For years, officials have |
| environmental factors. According to the lead | | | | suspected that it might be an artificial rise, due to the |
| scientists, the dramatic and shocking increase in the | | | | increasing diagnosis of the disorder rather than a real |
| rates of autism cannot solely be accounted for by | | | | increase in its manifestation. However, this new study |
| reference to doctors' increased diagnosis of the | | | | has ruled against this as a primary factor. |
| disease. | | | | While some parents of autistic children have long |
| The University of California study found that there | | | | suspected that vaccines are the primary cause of |
| must be something that fetuses and children are | | | | Autism, due to the mercury compound used called |
| exposed to at an early age that triggers the onset | | | | thimerosal, this component has been largely removed |
| of autism. Potential environmental causes include | | | | from vaccines yet the incidence continues to |
| pesticides, viruses, and chemical and household | | | | increase. |
| cleaners. | | | | Scientists agree that genetics certainly play a role, |
| Autistic children have difficulties communicating and | | | | however genetics do not change quickly enough to |
| socializing like other children. Yet, the cause of this | | | | account for the dramatic increases being seen. |
| neurological disease has long escaped scientists. This | | | | According to scientists therefore, there is as of yet |
| new study therefore comes as an important look | | | | an unknown environmental cause. Some suspect that |
| into the disease and potentially its prevention. | | | | this cause involves pregnant women's exposure to |
| Over the past fifteen years rates of autism have | | | | chemical pollutants, including pesticides and metals. |
| skyrocketed. In 1990 for instance, 6.2 out of every | | | | These factors may results in alterations to the |
| ten thousand children in California were diagnosed as | | | | structures of the fetus's brain while in utero. |
| autistic, yet by 2001, this number had jumped to 42.5. | | | | |