Autism rise not due to environmental toxin
13 May 2011
The rise in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is not linked to a "new environmental toxin", a UK-based study involving more than 7400 adults has concluded (Archives of General Psychiatry 2011; 68: 459-65).
The proportion of adults with ASD was 9.8 per 1000, but was much higher in men at 18.2 per 1000 compared with 2 per 1000 in women.
"Prevalence was greatest in men, in those living in social housing and in those with the lowest educational qualifications," the study found.
"Our data suggests that the causes of autism appear to be constant [over time] and that recent apparent rises in rates of diagnosis must therefore reflect better survey case finding rather than some new environmental toxin."
The prevalence of ASD has risen dramatically from the 1990s when it was 12.7 per 10,000.
Last Reviewed: 13 May 2011
- 1. Brugha TS, McManus S, Bankart J, et al. Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders in adults in the community in England. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2011; 68: 459-65. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.38. http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/5/459 (accessed May 2011).
