Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a biologically based neuro-developmental disorder that has two characteristic traits: 1.) deficits in social communication and interaction 2.) restrictive repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. ASD includes autism and Aspergers disorder.[1] ASD is four times more likely to occur in males compared to females. In the last decade rates of ASD have significantly increased. The Centers of Disease Control (CDC), reports that in the year 2000, the prevalence of 8 year olds diagnosed with ASD was 1:150 children. In 2008, the prevalence was 1:88 children and in 2010, 1:68 children[2]. Prior to 1990 the prevalence of ASD was 1:2000.[3] It is clear that rates of ASD is on the rise in the United States, but it is unclear why.
The cause of ASD development is poorly understood, but there is increasing evidence that autism is genetic. What factors suggest genetic predisposition?
- unequal sex distribution- males are at higher risk than females
- concordance in monozygotic (identical) twins
- increased prevalence among siblings compared to general population
- increased prevalence in relatedness (increased rates among genetically related family members)
Abnormal genes are turned on and affect other genes that affect brain and nervous system development. While autism may be genetic, environmental triggers can contribute to gene expression resulting in ASD. While it has been suggested that immunizations and thimerosol, a mercury containing compound, are the cause of ASD, the majority of evidence does not support this. However, it is recognized that environmental factors may constitute a “second hit” which triggers existing genetic factors that predispose an individual to ASD. No single and specific environmental factor has been identified to date, but immunizations may constitute just one of the multi-factorial environmental influences. To learn more about how immunizations can influence your child’s health and how they may play a role in chronic disease such as autism consider joining Mountain Sage Medicine’s workshop on childhood immunizations. This is an excellent class to understand basic child development, immunizations, diseases the immunizations aim to prevent, side effects of immunizations and most importantly how to support your child’s health.
We can’t change the genes we are born with but we can be mindful of what we expose our genes to. The effects of environmental exposures depend on timing and duration of exposure, concentration of toxin, mechanism of action of the toxin and ability of the toxin to distribute into central nervous system. Environmental exposures can consist of known chemical toxins, but it can also be exposure to bacteria, viruses and the toxins they produce. Keep in mind that environmental exposure for a developing fetus precedes conception. Health of mother and father directly influences the baby’s genetic makeup. The concept of epigenetics focuses on how our genes are influenced by the environment (chemical, stress, dietary, bacteria, viruses etc). It all comes down to cellular communication, body burden, developmental stages of life and the genes we were born with. Anything and everything we are exposed to influences our genes both day to day and cumulatively. Autism and ASD are conditions which strongly exemplify the influence of epigenetics. Naturopathic medicine can help reduce overall body burden that can exacerbate diseases of the nervous system including autism.
6 Things You Can Do Today to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Exposure:
1.) Remove your shoes in the house
2.) Eat organic
3.) Avoid foods with artificial preservatives and additives
4.) Avoid chemical household cleaners
5.) Avoid eating and drinking from plastic containers.
6.) Be healthy parents, making healthy choices daily.
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References
[1] (Uptodate) American Psychiatric Association. Autism spectrum disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA 2013. p.50.
[2] Center of Disease control and prevention. Autism Spectrum Disorder Data and Statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
[3] (Uptodate) Williams JG, Higgins JP, Brayne CE .Systematic review of prevalence studies of autism spectrum disorders. Arch Dis Child. 2006;91(1):8.