Title : Autism risk factors - A look at the research
Abstract:
When practitioners are faced with treating an autistic child, recognising the causative factors in each individual so they can develop a treatment plan, can be challenging. Far from being mystified about the causes of autism, researchers understand well the biological and metabolic factors found in the human body that lead to the symptoms of autism. This understanding has led to the production of significant amounts of research papers on the many and varied risk factors for autism that have been recognised over at least the past 20 years. They have identified so many factors that it is confounding their ability to identify ‘the cause of autism’ and make specific treatment recommendations for newly diagnosed autistic children. In this paper, I will present research that clearly identifies the multiple risk factors for autism from areas such as toxicities, environmental exposures, nutritional deficiencies and side effects of common medications. The emphasis from the research I will present is to make real the possibility of reducing the incidence of autism through health professionals identifying common risk factors in their patients prior to conception and for the pre to post natal period. Utilising this knowledge stemming from the research, can enable practitioners to recognise which exposures may be making their patients more vulnerable and to inform their patients accordingly. Study types presented are Longitudinal on large populations, Epidemiological, Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses, leaving no doubt on the amount and quality of research on this little recognised topic. The material offers clarity on autism risk factors leading to the ability for practitioners to offer their patients clear directives on how they can reduce their autism risk - especially where autism has already occurred in families. Specific studies and key factors will be emphasised, along with innovative techniques of analysing nutritional status to recognise autism vulnerability pre and post conception.
