Research focused primarily on genetic factors for autism until the past couple of decades when the role of the environment and the immune system garnered increased attention. With the major increases in the incidence of autism, considered epidemic by many, it was clear that the environment, from prebirth through the early years, played a significant role.
Some children with autism appear different from birth, yet about half of children with autism develop the symptoms while a toddler, usually between 1.5 to 3 years of age. Attention has been focused on possible environmental reasons for what is called a “regression” in communication skills, social skills, and cognition (mental functioning).
Environmental factors include issues such as exposure to a virus, seizures, vaccines, and candida or yeast overgrowth as well a number of prenatal factors.
See our article on Recent Research on Dietary Factors in Autism for a selection of recent studies focused on diet as related to symptoms of autism.
Related articles are shown below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can search using the box at the upper right of the page or browse our forums.
Good news! The award-winning Autism Research Review quarterly newsletter, primarily a printed publication, is now available online for free. Our organization has supported their efforts for many years and welcomes this change, which allows broad […]
More than thirty years ago, pioneering practitioners like Drs. Sidney Baker, William Crook, William Shaw, Doris Rapp, William Philpott, and Bernard Rimland proposed that a leaky gut or intestinal imbalances could cause brain inflammation resulting […]
The Autism Research Institute features free educational webinars. webinars. The first one in 2024 is featured here: Sensory considerations for social communications Available live 1 p.m. Eastern time (US), Wednesday January 17, 2024. (See below […]
Press release from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Adapted for space. See full report here. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4 percent of 8-year-old boys and […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback on efforts that can positively impact our quest for health. The topics we cover in this issue are listed […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback on efforts that can positively impact our quest for health. Topics we cover in this issue are listed below. […]
Environmental and Nutritional Tips to Improve Your Family’s Health This feature highlights reports, studies, and feedback on efforts that can make a positive impact in our quest for health. Topics we cover in this issue are included […]
A class of fire-retardant chemicals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, are ubiquitous–meaning they are everywhere! They are found on upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics, and even infant products. Flame retardants migrate out of products into dust […]