Increase in Autism Seen in California

New data, released today, indicates that there has been a twelvefold increase in autism in the state of California, surpassing levels of cerebral palsy, according the the San Jose Mercury News.

While the cause is still unknown, many experts believe that the most likely suspect is environmental triggers on genetically susceptible individuals.  This is why this site has always stressed the need to get back to basics when it comes to food and food containers, cleaning products, and lifestyle choices, such as turning off the television.

In a related article, Discovery investigates why the autism/vaccine controvery continues, despite, their belief, that it shouldn’t.

by Jack Golde

u.s. launches study, too

 

Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York is launching the largest study in children’s health ever in the United States, according to the Wichita Eagle.

The National Children’s Study will track up to 100,000 children’s exposure to environmental factors from their first trimester before birth until they’re at least 21, in an effort to learn more about the effects of pollution on American children.

The study will be funded by the National Institute of Health, with support from the CDC and EPA.  An additional intent is that they will gather enough information to advance the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases like asthma and autism, and other illnesses that environment is a strong factor.

Initially, the study will begin with a selected group of pregnant women from the Queens, NY and Duplin County, N.C. areas.  After 18 months, it will be expanded to include 100,000 children from 105 differing locations.

This study comes on the heels of an announcement of a $6-million study in Canada of environmental risks while in utero.  In either case, we should start seeing valuable data, soon, on how our living conditions are affecting our youth.