What Causes Autism? A Controversial New Theory
Author: Katerina Mitrou

Autism is a baffling disease that affects 500,000 children in
the United States alone. Strangely enough, the incidence of
autism has skyrocketed since the 1980s when only 1 in 10,000
children were diagnosed with the disorder, compared to 1 in 175
today. Scientists have yet to discover for certain what causes
the disease, although there are several theories being
discussed. The most controversial theory contends that mercury
present in childhood vaccines may be one of the leading factors
contributing to the development of the condition.

It is known that people exposed to methyl mercury, which is
found in thermometers and polluted environments, have incurred
damage due to contact. A mercury spill in Japan, for example,
tainted fish in the area and caused those who ate the poisoned
fish to develop Minimata disease. Another clue pointing to the
dangerous effects of mercury exposure comes from an incident
that occurred 100 years ago in the United States. Pink Disease
(Acrodynia) was a mysterious illness that seemed to appear out
of nowhere. The symptoms included social withdrawal and a
deficiency of language skills. At the time, a particular type
of teething powder that contained mercury was on the market –
once it was taken off the market, this strange disease suddenly
disappeared.

Those who believe in a link between mercury and autism cite the
above as a few cases that may lend credence to the theory. Those
studying the connection say that a combination of genetic
susceptibility and exposure to mercury are most likely the two
main factors that result in a child developing autistic
disorder. For instance, it is not mercury exposure alone that
causes problems, but rather, a minimum amount of exposure
coupled with the child's decreased ability to excrete mercury
properly.

Of course, this theory is a contentious one because childhood
vaccines are being targeted as the main source of mercury
exposure. A few years ago, most infant vaccines contained a
preservative called thimerasol, which included ethyl mercury,
although it is now being phased out of use. Although ethyl
mercury is different than methyl mercury, in large amounts it
can damage the nervous system. The hypothesis is, as children
began receiving more and more vaccines over the years, they
also received more mercury.

As with every controversial idea, not everyone agrees with this
conjecture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
created two reports on the issue, both of which dismissed
thimerasol as one of the causes of autism. And of course, many
scientists and pediatricians are concerned fear will cause
parents to avoid vaccinating their children.

In the end, no one really understands the root causes of
autism, leaving many parents frustrated and without a valid
explanation for the behavioral problems their autistic children
experience every day. Hopefully, as more research is conducted,
scientists will come closer to solving one of the world's most
puzzling medical mysteries.


About The Author: By Katerina Mitrou sponsored by
http://www.bright-start.com/ . Bright Start Therapeutics
provides equipment such as strollers, toys, clothing, learning
tools and other adaptive special needs equipment
http://www.bright-start.com/ . Please link to this site when
using this article.