The “Environment” for Autism Research: Signs of Improvement?
2008
The Environment for Autism Research: Signs of Improvement?
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Cindy P. Lawler
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
How do environmental factors contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?
Conclusion
The environment's role in autism research has improved, with increased funding and new studies addressing environmental risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased funding for ASD research has led to visible progress in many areas.
- A U.S. surveillance network established by the CDC aids in detecting future trends.
- The CHARGE study is the first large scale population-based case–control study of environmental and genetic risk factors for autism.
- New studies are being initiated to explore the relationship between ASD and environmental factors.
Takeaway
Scientists are learning more about how things in our environment might affect autism, and they are starting to pay more attention to this important area.
Limitations
The editorial notes a slow growth in scientific interest in environmental factors related to autism despite increased funding and research.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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