April 2 is National Autism Day. So in honor of that, I want to include a few items of interest this month for those who desire to learn more about this invasive and rapid growing disorder among our children.
There is an ongoing search as to the cause of autism. And no wonder, considering the increase in numbers since back in the 60s-70s. At that time there was an estimated 1 to 4.5 people in 10,000 known to have autism. Of course, that stat was based on what was reported and what was understood about autism at that time.
However, "Victor Lotter, the psychologist whose path-breaking research in the 1960s established the prevalence of classic autism at 4.5 children in every 10,000 in the population, was always a wise mentor." http://www.uoguelph.ca/oaar/WCC-OSAC.html
Compare that to now in the 21st century; some stats show as many as 1 in 122. However, that does include the various "kinds" of autism. According to the Center of Disease Control Prevention (1997), 1 in 150 births are affected by autism.
Too, we know that boys take the lead in being invaded by autism. According to the U.S. Dept of Ed., autism is growing at the rate of 10-17 percent per year.
Many considerations have been pondered in the scientific world as well as the grass roots. Perhaps you've heard them all. Everything from the mercury in vaccines, to certain food groups, television, cell phones, toxins in rain, prenatal depression on the part of moms, the age of the father, pesticides, contrails, ultrasounds, and certain dyes? The mystery rages on. Unfortunately.
And just recently, vinyl floors have come under scrutiny for being a factor in causing autism.
According to an article in Environmental Health News, entitled Scientists Find 'Baffling' Link between Autism and Vinyl Flooring:
Children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit chemicals called phthalates, are more likely to have autism, according to research by Swedish and U.S. scientists published Monday.
This is a small study and cannot be used as a conclusive link to autism.
So where do we go with all this? We press on searching, leaving no stone unturned. And just maybe we will unlock the darkness this challenge has on our precious children.
Resources: About.com , Med TV, Autism Society of America
REVISED: 3/2/09
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