BACKGROUND: According to the Autism Society of America, there is no known cause of autism. Numerous studies have been conducted linking autism to a vast array of potential causes, but no single factor or combination of factors has been clinically proven to cause autism.

THE GREAT DEBATE: Many researchers believe the cause of autism in is the brain. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism versus neuro-typical children. Many experts believe the symptoms of autism stem from limitations in verbal and social skills.

Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development, resulting in autism. Still, other experts are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.

Biomedical doctors argue that potentially harmful environmental chemicals like heavy metals found in vaccines and certain proteins found in food (gluten in wheat products and casein in dairy) trigger autism in children that have genetic susceptibilities to the disorder.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Lyme disease may play a role in causing autism according to the Lyme-Induced Autism Foundation. One recent study backs this belief with epidemiological findings, symptom similarities, case reports and laboratory test results. The foundation estimates that up to 90 percent of children with autism may also be infected with Lyme Disease/Borrelia. However, since testing is difficult, current research shows that only 20 to 30 percent of these children harbor this bacterium.

A paper recently published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine suggested that counties in the United States with more rainfall may have higher autism rates. Scientists speculate that the precipitation itself may carry pollutants or that its consequences like increased TV watching and exposure to more household chemicals may trigger autism in susceptible children.

For More Information, Contact:
Children's Mental Focus Foundation
Henderson, NV
http://www.childrensmentalfocusfoundation.org

Stillpoint Center for Integrative Medicine
Murrieta, CA
(951) 461-4800
info@mystillpoint.com
http://www.mystillpoint.com

Autism Action Plan
http://www.autismactionplan.org