Cases of autism have risen exponentially in recent years, and researchers are scrambling to find better ways of dealing with the disorder. There has been a 30% increase just within the past two years, [1] suggesting that there are modern risk factors possibly contributing to the developmental disorder. Despite advances in technology and medicine, autism has no cure, partly because there is no known cause.3 Contributors to Autism
Autism is a complicated disorder that contains a host of contributing factors. There doesn’t seem to be one precise cause to the disorder, but some of the biggest risk factors include genetics, toxins, and birthing techniques. Here are three of the top contributors to autism:
1. Genetics
When it comes to any disease state, genetics are often the culprits behind development. Genetics are just one of the contributors to autism, and it’s a strong one. A recent study has found over 100 mutated genes may be implicated in autism development, and at least 30% of autism cases are likely caused by these genetic mutations. [2] While researchers aren’t sure as to how this identification can help treat current autistic patients or prevent new cases, there are some clues. Antioxidants may protect against DNA mutations, according to some research, which may help protect future offspring. [3]
2. Pollution
3. C-Sections?
A Caesarean birth, or C-section, is often performed for medical reasons or upon request, and 1 out of 3 children the United States are delivered using this method. Unfortunately, a C-section also increases autism risk, at least that’s what some researchers believe. [6] Still, there is plenty of research to be examined in the case of C-sections and autism risk. Natural births may be more helpful for delivering a healthy baby and keeping the mother free from toxic anesthesia.
One Final Thought
Pregnant women should be highly aware of their environment at all times, making sure they are eliminating toxins from their environment and their food. Men may also need to keep their health in check as to protect sperm; however, there is no proof that this can help reduce incidence of children born with autism. Keeping infants away from high levels of pollution and chemicals is also key for protecting their developing brain. In addition, it may be best for expecting mothers to seek out natural birthing methods.
What are your thoughts about autism? What do you think about these contributors? Please let your thoughts known in the comments!
References (6)
- Miriam Falco. Autism rates now 1 in 68 U.S. children: CDC. CNN.
- Ivan Iossifov, Brian J. O’Roak, Stephan J. Sanders, et al. The contribution of de novo coding mutations to autism spectrum disorder. Nature 515, 216-221. 13 November 2014. doi: 10.1038/nature13908.
- Wei YH, Lee HC. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA mutation, and impairment of antioxidant enzymes in aging. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2002 Oct; 227 (9): 671-82.
- Volk HE, Lurmann F, Penfold B, Hertz-Picciotto I, McConnell R. Traffic-related air pollution, particulate matter, and autism. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 Jan;70(1):71-7. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.266
- Messer A. Mini-review: polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants as potential autism risk factors. Physiol Behav. 2010 Jun 1;100(3): 245-9. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.01.011.
- Hannah Gardener, ScD, Donna Spiegelman, ScD, and Stephen L. Buka, ScD. Perinatal and Neonatal Risk Factors for Autism: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis. Pediatrics. Aug 2011; 128(2): 344-355.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 
People hate hate hate to consider the possible role of certain vaccines in triggering the development of autism. And many feel justified by 2004-ish CDC epidemiological studies, one one vaccine ingredient, thimerosal, and one vaccine, the MMR, and a 2011 study by Mitkus on aluminum that was incredibly limited. But recent bench science on the aluminum neurotoxicity forces us to consider that possibility as so many vaccines contain amounts of aluminum, that injected, have been show to persist in the brain and act as a neurotoxin. It is becoming increasingly indefensible to continue using aluminum adjuvants in vaccines, and scientists have said as much. See these two very recent studies: “Morris G, Puri BK, Frye RE. The putative role of environmental aluminium in the development of chronic neuropathology in adults and children. How strong is the evidence and what could be the mechanisms involved? Metab Brain Dis. United States; 2017 Oct;32(5):1335–55.” and Biopersistence and Brain Translocation of Aluminum Adjuvants of Vaccines https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318414/
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