GLG News Analyses of the following article:

Autism linked with rainfall in study

view article

Published at: www.boston.com

Autism, the universal disorder

November 11, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

As is stated in this article, autism has been linked, to some degree or another, to just about anything that a pregnant woman comes in contact with.  This combined with the potential exposure of the newborn to foreign substances makes for a circus environment for the search for the true cause of this disorder.  The fact that autism is undergoing a redefining itself, makes it even more difficult.  It is time to start serious, scientific debunking of all these "theories" and focus on the problem which is growing and needs attention before it reaches epidemic proportions, if it has not already. 

Grasping at straws for the causes of autism

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

A recent article links autism to climate, specifically correlating diagnosis to rainfall. 

Autism linked to rainfall? Doubtful

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

The cause of autism continues to elude researchers worlwide.In the search for that cause,the disorder has been linked to everything from food toxins to dental fillings and now climate conditions.This study looks at only two variables (diagnosis and rainfall) yet excludes critical demographic and diagnostic trends, both nationally and specific to that area, that are more likely contributors to the rate of diagnosis, but not the cause.First to consider,during the period of the study,the diagnosis rate of autism increased dramatically,nationwide.Today the odds are 1 child in 150.Greater understanding of the signs and symptoms have made early diagnosis and intervention more possible.Secondly,autism is diagnosed more frequently in upper middle class families and among parents with advanced education, employed in highly technical fields,indicating that genetics may be a better causal indicator.The demographics in the area studied include the world's largest software and aircraft companies.

Another Alleged Association

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

While any association is possible, this looks like so many others--a coexistence, with no demonstrable suggestion of cause-and-effect.

Wild speculation

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

I do not believe that any conclusions can be drawn from these data unless they can be confirmed by a larger, more wide ranging population sampling.

Autism and Rainfall, Milk and Cancer: Correlation Is Not Causation !

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

The incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now reported at 1 of out every 150 births in N. America. Some 30 years ago the statistic for ASD was 1 in 10,000 births. There are a number of developments in the last 30 years that clearly represent more potential significance in understanding the causes of ASD than geographic variations in rainfall.  During this 30 year period the following has occurred:   * The average age at which parents experience the birth of their first child has risen from age 21 to 27+. This number is even higher for  highly educated and career focused individuals. In the history of man, this is an unprecedented finding and is correlated with a number of neuro-developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders-including ASD;  * The use of hormones, antibiotics and additives in foods have dramatically increased and their potential role as neurotoxins has not been fully articulated.  Stewarding of precious ASD research and treatment resources is needed.

Rainfall unlikely to be direct culprit to the Autism Pandemic

November 10, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

A recent study infers taht periods of increased rainfall could be linked to increase in number of children dioagnosed with autism. The causla l;ink of rainfall is unlikely, but most probably reflects other factors like children staying more indoors and thus watch more TV, get less sun exposure and less VIT D production, and more exposure to cleaning products. New study will help to further confuse the picture about autism and adds fuel to the controversy without offering any practical solutions