Link Between Autism and Pollution Established

Autism used to be rare, but now it is becoming more common in the United States. Autism is a neurological development disease that usually begins in young children before the age of three. The child may lack social skills, be unable to communicate, and engage in repetitive behavior such as hair pulling and face slapping.

Although therapy can increase some of their cognitive skills, most of the victims of Autism will be unable to live alone when they grow into adulthood. They will have to be cared for the rest of their lives. Sometimes the repetitive behavior can become dangerous. That's why some Autistic children have to wear helmets so they don't harm themselves.

Like Down's Syndrome, some children with Autism have a very mild case and can grow up to be fairly normal adults. The causes of Autism in children remain unknown, but there seems to be a strong genetic link.

Some have suggested an environment link as well. Heavy metals, certain drugs taken during the pregnancy, and pollution has been blamed for the increase in Autism over the past few years.. It does run in families. Working with Autistic children can be challenging. The increase in Autism cases may be due in part to better diagnosis of the disease.

According to Medical News Today:

"A child who lives near a freeway has double the risk of autism compared to other kids, researchers from California revealed in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. "

This may also go a long way to explain why the sudden increase in Autism cases in the past few years. The cases of Autism rose 57% between 2002 and 2006. The authors of the study believe that genetics as well as environmental factors are the cause of the disease.

The study found that children who lived within 309 meters of a major freeway were twice as likely to come down with the illness. Interestingly enough, those children who lived near major roads had no increase in the rate of the disease.

The researchers predict that many other environmental causes for Autism will be discovered over the next few years. The study brings up the fact that environmental pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Once again it seems that inflammation plays a role in a lot more disease than we previously thought.

If you notice that your child is not speaking or gesturing by the time he is supposed to, get them to the doctor right away. If the child is diagnosed with Autism, the best treatment is to reduce family stress and enroll them in a special education program. The earlier you start intervention, the better. Don't let them be alone in their own little world.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/211959.php