Causes of Autism: A Complete Review
We frequently read theories on the causes of autism, but they often have a single focus such as genetics, or vaccines, or the age of the father. Now, scientist Helen Ratajczak, PhD, has completed a […]
Autism: Research and Resources
Latest Research
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.
Resources for Integrative Approaches
- National Autism Association
- Autism Network for Dietary Intervention
- SafeMinds
- Autism Research Institute
- Free webcasts and audios from Autism Research Institute Conferences
- ACN Latitudes Forums: Autism
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Causes of autism can occur before, during, and after birth
Getting confused about what might cause autism? Small wonder. Research suggests risk factors play a role before conception, during fetal development, and after birth. After decades of emphasis on autism being a hereditary condition, interest […]
Where Should You Start When you Learn your Child has Autism?
You’ve been concerned by your child’s behavior and now have a diagnosis of autism (or an autism spectrum disorder). You need to know what to do next, where to start. Dr. Stephen Edelson, director of […]
Free Autism Journal
You can sign up for the journal Molecular Autism free of charge. It includes studies into genetics, neuropathology, neuroimaging, biomarkers, and molecular neurobiology. The focus is on conditions in the autism spectrum (including Asperger syndrome), but the […]
Altered Expression of Genes in Autism
Study finds that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have altered expression of genes involved in digestion. These changes may also affect the mix of bacteria present in the digestive tract Researchers at the Center for […]
Ambient Lenses for Autism and Other Types of PDD
A study supports the use of ambient lenses to improve posture, head-tilt, and coordination is autistic youngsters. The lenses have also been reported beneficial for children with other types of Pervasive Development Disorders (PPD). Therit […]
Autism Advice for Parents: Getting Started
Dr. Stephen Edelson, director of the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California, wrote an excellent article: “What I Would Do If I Were a Parent of An Autistic Child: Recommendations Based on 25 Years […]
Lyme Disease in Tourette’s and Autism
At times, patients have gone to physicians with symptoms similar to Tourette syndrome, when the underlying cause of the symptoms was Lyme disease. Lyme has also been linked to some cases of autism (see below). […]