As groups like Autism Speaks push for more research funding, new types of research start to pop up. Autism research has led to theories about autism as a result of genetics, autism as a result of parental behavior, and now some scientists, including Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, believe that autism may be linked to environmental causes such as toxins, or differences in the early pregnancy environment.
In a recent NYtimes.com Op-Ed featured on the Autism Speaks website, columnist Nicholas D. Kristof explores the idea that the early environment might be the culprit for causing autism.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/opinion/25kristof.html?em
The research behind these prenatal toxins is much too broad to be effective. Scientists say the problem could be anything from sedatives given during pregnancy to certain perfumes. However, Autism Speaks as a social change organization is really running with this topic. They mention current research with animals that exhibit autistic symptoms, where they examine both the genetic implications of the animals' autism and their early prenatal environment.
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so what do you think of this move?
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