California's sevenfold increase in autism cannot be explained by changes in doctors' diagnoses and most likely is due to environmental exposures, University of California scientists reported Thursday.

The scientists who authored the new study advocate a nationwide shift in autism research to focus on potential factors in the environment that babies and foetuses are exposed to, including pesticides, viruses and chemicals in household products.

(SciAm)

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Been saying this for years. It should come as no surprise to anybody that the rise in autism and other related syndromes is not only related to a rise in chemicals in all aspects of life, but may actually be caused by them. What is more surprising is that so little research has been done on this. Perhaps not so surprising given the nature of how medical research is funded.

Some time ago had a step-daughter with a rare syndrome related to autism - not much fun for either her or her mother. Finally someone who isn't in the pay of pharmaceutical and chemical companies has stood up and been reported.

I hope the research really gets done, for the sake of all future children.

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