What’s behind the astronomical rise in autism diagnoses?

For most of my life, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seemed uncommon.

When I was a child, I didn’t know anyone on the spectrum. But that changed when I went into private practice…

At first, ASD cases trickled in slowly. But before long, diagnoses seemed to explode.

This has always made me wonder: What could possibly be causing this astronomical rise in cases? Is it something we’re eating? Being exposed to? Living with?

Let’s take a look…

A silent threat to neurological development

Research published in the journal Nature Communications is revealing a link between prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and ASD, particularly among males.

In short, it seems BPA can disrupt a key enzyme in the developing brain called aromatase.

(Aromatase plays an important role in hormonal health. It helps convert the male hormone androgen into estrogens—a vital process for regulating many physiological and behavioral processes.)

For the study, researchers examined data from the Barwon Infant Study in Australia. And they concluded that boys with low aromatase activity—yet high prenatal BPA exposure—were more likely to develop ASD.

In fact, by age two, these males were 3.5 times more likely to have autism symptoms. And by age nine? The odds of a diagnosis jumped six times higher.

Moreover, mouse studies reveal a similar trend.

For one analysis, when male mice were exposed to BPA at mid-gestation, they developed social behavior deficits—as well as structural and functional brain changes. (By comparison, female mice did not experience this.)

The lead researcher explained: “We found that BPA suppresses the aromatase enzyme and is associated with anatomical, neurological, and behavioral changes in the male mice that may be consistent with autism spectrum disorder.”

Further: “This is the first time a biological pathway has been identified that might help explain the connection between autism and BPA.”

Be aware—at any age

BPA is a potent endocrine disruptor that I often warn you about.  And sadly, multiple generations have been exposed to it.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun banning its use in certain products. Particularly, baby items. But you and I both know that’s not enough.

BPA is dangerous—no matter your age.

Not to mention, BPA and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals are nearly impossible for us to avoid. We ingest them through plastic food and drink packaging, home renovation fumes, even cosmetics!

And its link to ASD is just one more reason why I will continuously explain how chemicals negatively impact our health.

Please, pay attention—and do what you can to limit your exposure to BPA, especially.

To help get you started:

  • Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic
  • Avoid canned and fast food like the plague
  • Don’t touch cash register receipts

There’s also an app for hunting out BPA and other hazardous hidden chemicals called Healthy Living from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It can help you navigate the grocery store—and find safer cosmetics, cleaning products, and personal care items.

And please—share these important findings with your family and friends.

Source:

“New Biological Pathway May Explain BPA Exposure, Autism Link.” MDedge, 08/13/2024. (mdedge.com/pediatrics/article/270375/mental-health/new-biological-pathway-may-explain-bpa-exposure-autism-link)


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