Autism Increases Linked to Environmental Factors
Mysteriously, autism rates in California have gone up 700% in the past 15 years. Theories abound. Some claim the explosion in cases is because doctors are more aware and are therefore diagnosing more children; but that doesn’t account for such a huge spike. Others insist it’s vaccines containing thimerosal that are to blame; but thimerosal (a mercury compound used as a preservative) was phased out in 1999 and autism continues to skyrocket. Environmentalists have long argued that it must be due to environmental factors.
A new study confirms this.
Flame retardants, mercury, pesticides, phthalates, flea shampoos, even chemicals in antibacterial soaps have been linked to autism if the mother had significant exposure to any of these during her pregnancy. Any and all of these substances can disrupt neurological development in fetuses and infants. What’s disturbing is how common most of these chemicals are – and when one’s environment includes more than one, as is the case for most of us, imagine the consequences.
Further studies are needed, but if you still haven’t greened your cosmetics, cleaning supplies and other household goods, now is the time to do so. No harm can come from switching to more natural products, but plenty of harm may come if collectively we don’t.
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8 Comments
January 13th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I often wonder about the increase in allergies with children to peanuts and milk as well as the increase in asthma.
At my children’s school, they have separate peanut free tables where these kids have to be isolated from others enjoying a PB&J.
It could be pesticides, it could be many things…has to be something, and it’s happening everywhere not just California.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride, who is out of the UK, has written extensively on what she calls “Gut and Psychology Syndrome”. Her stance is that all mental illness, from bipolar d/o to psychosis to Asperger’s, can be traced to leaky gut syndrome. She has successfully treated many cases of childhood autism using her GAPS diet which essentially prohibits dairy and grain.
bodaweightloss
January 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Your last line nails it.
With anything we put on our skin – which drinks up whatever it comes into contact with – we just *have* to play it safe wherever we can. The mere potential of consequences like this is horrific.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I am parent of two kids with Asperger’s (mild autism), ages 16 and 21. I have watched this epidemic unfold, from the time my daughter was diagnosed in about 1997, when no one at her school had ever heard the term Asperger’s, to now, when the word is commonplace.
I too think toxins in our environment are a big problem. I have ditched the plastic cups in my house and the plastic utensils for use with teflon. I have gotten environmentally friendly cleaners and dishwasher detergent from Shaklee.
I also have done some mercury detox on myself and my kids. I was amazed to discover that I must have had quite a mercury problem, because the detox made me feel ill–not the kids. I had had mercury fillings for years (got them taken out before the detox). I had broken a few mercury thermometers when the kids were little. And so on.
But I do think there is some good evidence now that the measles virus in the MMR vaccine may be a factor for many kids. I’ve been reading Dr. Bryan Jepson’s book, Changing the Course of Autism, and reporting on it on my blog, Curing Autism Blog, at http://www.phylliswheeler.com/CuringAutismBlog/
Take a look if you have a chance!
Phyllis Wheeler’s last blog post..The Pro-Vaccine Side Writes a Book
January 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Thanks Phyllis, I will look at your blog.
And as for the connection between vaccines and autism — no one can say for sure, but I personally believe there is enough evidence to be *very* cautious. I plan to selectively vaccinate my child, but not when they are only a few months old, and certainly not more than one vaccine at a time. It’s just too much of a risk (be it a risk of autism or simply immune overload) to cram all those vaccines into such tiny bodies all at once.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Regarding allergies, look into peanut-based adjuvants in vaccines. Sadly the CDC’s response to vaccine safety concerns has been “the benefits outweigh the risks.” So how many is TOO many?
Phyllis, thanks for recommending Dr. Bryan Jepson’s book. Groups like Generation Rescue, TACA, Safeminds and the Age of Autism blog can provide more information on vaccine-induced autism, allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders like leaky gut, and (unfortunately) many more ailments our children are increasingly suffering.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
“benefits outweigh the risks” is an unfortunate – and one could argue, necessary – aspect of modern medicine. It’s known as the number needed to treat, or NNT. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.....d_to_treat
For example, statins have a very high NNT, but because they can prevent death, it is justified. (It’s worth noting that many people can effectively lower their cholesterol by avoiding sugar, refined grains, trans fats, getting cardiovascular exercise, and so on. An egg doesn’t give you high cholesterol – a range of factors, including hormonal imbalances resulting from stress, and high blood sugar levels – does. Cholesterol is like a scab on a wound – the wound being chronic inflammation. Statins “peel” the scab. A better solution is preventing the inflammation. Avoidance of processed foods, and plenty of exercise and rest, will accomplish this effectively.)
Edit: hereditary high cholesterol will not always respond to lifestyle interventions, of course…I’m no doctor so take my comment with a grain of reduced-sodium salt!
January 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am
There is NO evidence that vaccines cause autism. Every scientific study done to date, including some very large ones, has proven otherwise.
Not vaccinating your child is much more risky, both for your kids and the others around them. Children can die from measles, diptheria and whooping cough – these are not minor childhood illnesses. There’s a reason these vaccines have been developed.
Check out this article on the New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01.....auti.html.
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