Causes-Triggers

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"Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a group of childhood neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in verbal communication, impairment of social interaction, and restricted and repetitive patterns of interests and behaviour. To identify common genetic risk factors underlying ASDs, here we present the results of genome-wide association studies on a cohort of 780 families (3,101 subjects) with affected children, and a second cohort of 1,204 affected subjects and 6,491 control subjects, all of whom were of European ancestry.

Swedish children who live in homes with vinyl floors are more likely to have autism, according to a new study, but what's behind the link is unclear. ... Experts suspect that genetic and environmental factors combine to cause autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that has increased dramatically in children over the past 20 years. [reported in Scientific American, Mar 31st 2009].

Report and discussion about possible environmental causes for ASDs, particularly genetic susceptibility, environmental chemicals and exposures to microbes. [chemical & engineering news, Vol.85, No.20]

"ABSTRACT

Background Autism spectrum disorder is a heritable developmental disorder in which chromosomal abnormalities are thought to play a role.

Methods As a first component of a genomewide association study of families from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), we used two novel algorithms to search for recurrent copy-number variations in genotype data from 751 multiplex families with autism. Specific recurrent de novo events were further evaluated in clinical-testing data from Children's Hospital Boston and in a large population study in Iceland.

A Medical Hypothesis: "The recently disclosed data suggest a possible correlation between autism incidence and a previously unconsidered environmental toxin. It is generally accepted in the scientific community that radiofrequency radiation is a biologically active substance. It is also readily acknowledged that human exposures to radiofrequency radiation have become pervasive during the past twenty years, whereas such exposures were uncommon prior to that time.