Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are the result of an interruption — during embryonic, fetal or postnatal development — of the electrical activity patterns within the nervous system that prohibit proper brain development, along with abnormalities in the immune system. Though specific causes of ASD are not known, it is widely held that there may be a combination of genetics and environmental factors than can increase one's risk. In other words, there are environmental factors that may trigger the disease in genetically susceptible people.

Environmental Toxins

Since the industrialization of our society, many have examined the link between autism and the prevalence of chemicals in our food, water and atmosphere. Formaldehyde, arsenic, copper, sulfur, insecticides, pesticides, electromagnetic waves and mercury-based antifungicides have all been raised as possible neurotoxins and causes of the imbalances that lead to autism. Though there has been evidence of birth defects or other disabilities linked to these toxins, no research has concluded a direct link between exposure to toxins and autism.

Research has, on the other hand, recently revealed that certain maternal antibodies (specifically, autoantibodies that mistake ones own cells as intruders) can be transferred to the fetus from the mother through the placenta, damaging brain tissue and impairing brain development. The mother's immune system, therefore, should be protected from environmental toxins, as it may play a more important role in the risk of autism than previously suspected.

The Question of Vaccines

Though questions continue to be raised regarding a possible link between childhood vaccines and autism, it is important to note that to date, there has been no research-based evidence that such a link exists. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control released the following statement on this topic:

"The joint immunization recommendations of CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians do recognize there are instances when a child should not receive a recommended vaccine or when a recommended vaccination should be delayed. Those decisions, however, are best made in consultation with the child's doctor."

Mitochondrial disorders, which occur very rarely in children, are believed to be genetic. Children born with these disorders often appear normal through the first years of life. When placed under severe stress from such things as infections, fever, dehydration, malnutrition or lack of sleep, children with these disorders often experience loss of some brain and nervous system functions.

At present, we do not know definitively if vaccines can trigger neurological or developmental declines among children with mitochondrial disorders. We do know, however, that infections can cause neurological and developmental declines among these children — and we also know that childhood vaccinations protect children against some of the same infections known to cause developmental decline among children with mitochondrial disorders. These include vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, chickenpox and influenza."

CDC is currently conducting the largest study to date designed to identify potential autism causes and risk factors.

Allergy Induced Autism (AIA)

In the same way that maternal autoantibodies transfer to and target fetal brain tissue in response to a perceived invasion of the mother's immune system, many raise the possibility that the same reaction in an individual vulnerable to autism may trigger its onset. Allergy induced autism (AIA) is not a medical diagnosis — indeed, few can agree on its definition — but it is taking hold as a reason for many to free their diets (and that of their children) of

• Gluten (a large water-insoluble protein, present in grass-related grains such as wheat, barley and rye),
• Casein (a milk protein),
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG, a food additive), and
• Aspartame (a synthetic sugar substitute).

Caution should be taken, of course, to ensure that mineral and vitamin levels are maintained.

Any dietary intervention should always be carried out in conjunction with a qualified medical practitioner.