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ASD causes - pollution?

NAS74299

Hello,

I am a father of a nonverbal 5 year old who has learning difficulties including ASD, and very likely ADHD. I've begin trying to understand potential causes of ASD, especially the more severe form where a child cannot speak, has no eye contact, no awareness of danger, no interest in other people, repetitive play, zero attention span, no real understanding of school, needs basically 24 hour care etc.

I live on a busy main road and have done since before my son was born. I know nobody knows the true causes of autism but environmental factors are a possibility, and it has me wondering whether the exhaust fumes from vehicles could have affected our pregnancy. Our bedroom also faced the outside so we have a constant stream of traffic outside our bedroom day and night.

I read an article (link below) that there is potentially a link between autism and pollution and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? I am looking for an air quality tester to come and check my house to examine the air quality level. I would also be interested in knowing whom to approach about doing a study of this in the UK? Any ideas?

Thank you.

www.sciencedaily.com/.../181105105414.htm

Parents

  • Hello. Autism is a genetic condition and therefore people have a genetic predisposition to developing it. So, while it may be true that certain environmental influences may further increase – or reduce – the instances of autism, it's important to remember that this only applies to people who are genetically predisposed to it in the first instance. Importantly, the increase or decrease in risk appears to be relatively small for any one of these risk factors on its own. 

Reply

  • Hello. Autism is a genetic condition and therefore people have a genetic predisposition to developing it. So, while it may be true that certain environmental influences may further increase – or reduce – the instances of autism, it's important to remember that this only applies to people who are genetically predisposed to it in the first instance. Importantly, the increase or decrease in risk appears to be relatively small for any one of these risk factors on its own. 

Children
  • in reply to ☕Tassimo ☕

    Hi thanks for your reply. I totally agree. Environmental factors will almost certainly affect those genetically predisposed to the condition in the first place, rather than be a cause in itself. I want to highlight the importance of good air quality in general for pregnant women, and the problems in maintaining clean air when living next to constant traffic.