Environmental aspects of

Autism

Alisa Patel University California, Irvine

What is Autism?

Spectrum Disorder

History

• Introduced first in 1911 by Eugen Bleuler• Term used to describe person’s exclusion of the outside

world and withdrawal from social life • 50’s &60’s thought it was caused by detached uncaring

mothers• In 1977, Dr. Susan Folstein and Dr. Michael Rutter

published the first autism twin study, which revealed evidence of a genetic basis for autism.

• Over the next ten years, researchers conducted additional studies that further yielded evidence of a genetic component to autism as well as refined the symptoms of autism.

Prevalence

Why the Increase?

• Changing definitions &diagnostic criteria

• Other factors: methods for case finding, availability of services, focus on early intervention for preschoolers

• Possible environmental exposures: mercury, viruses, autoimmune disorders, even childhood vaccinations?

Glutathione

• Glutathione most important tool for detoxifying and excreting metals

• Imbalance in the ratio of active to inactive glutothione

• Autistic children showed a significant impairment to maintain a healthy gluthathione

Mercury

• Toxicity to the developing brain and nervous system

• 1/6 pregnancies exposed to methyl mercury above EPA recommended level

• Exposed from seafood consumption • HepB vaccinations carry thimerosal (1988-

2002)• Preservative in vaccines• Removed from shelves

• Environmental triggers are a neglected component of autism research

• Environmental chemicals that provoke oxidative stress could contribute to autism or other health problems

• Impaired antioxidant production provides a common rationale for many disparate features of autistic disorders

• Autism rates higher, Glutathione levels lower in males

Treatments

• Developmental approach – Consistency– Structure– Stimulation

Behavior approach

-Rewards

Life Style changes

-diet

Further Reading

• http://www.supreme.state.az.us/CASA/training/Autism/Auttreat.htm

• http://www.naar.org/aboutaut/whatis_hist.htm

• http://www.naar.org/aboutaut/whatis_hist.htm

• http://eee.uci.edu/05f/50830/%216-HOFIAUTISMFall2005.pdf