Posted by Scott Smith on Jan.14, 2009

WebMD recently reported that children living in areas with high precipitation may be more likely to have autism spectrum disorders. In a study published in the November 2008 issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Cornell University researchers found that rates of autism increased as amounts of precipitation increased.

“If there were no rain, the autism rate would be a third lower according to our analysis,” said co-author of the study Sean Nicholson, Ph.D.

Does this mean that rain could be a cause of autism? No, not quite - but the study certainly suggests that a child’s environment plays a role in the development of autism. Children who live in rainy areas spend more time indoors, where they’re exposed to less sunlight, more chemicals, and other potential environmental triggers.

“Our results suggest there is an environmental trigger associated with precipitation,” said Michael Waldman, Ph.D., the study’s lead author. “I strongly believe it’s not the precipitation itself. My sense is, if truly there is an environmental trigger, my guess is it is one of the factors related to indoor activity.”

Environmental triggers may include exposure to household chemicals, watching too much television, and vitamin D deficiency from a lack of sunlight; of course, a combination of environmental factors is the most likely culprit.

So, if you want to help your children avoid autism, you don’t necessarily need to move to a drier climate, but you should pay attention to all aspects of your indoor environment. For example, you can replace toxic cleaners with natural alternatives; encourage your child to play outdoors more often; limit TV viewing; and choose natural foods over processed foods.

To learn more, see Healing Autism Naturally.

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Posted under Autism, Home Environment, News & Politics.