More Evidence of Increase in Profound Autism

I am Jack's username writes "The New York times has an article (no registration required) about an increase in profound autism in California of 273% between 1987 and 1998. Between 1999 and 2001 more than 6 500 cases were reported, similar to the number reported between 1970 to 1995. The increase cannot be accounted for by misdiagnosis, increased awareness, childhood immunizations, emigration, birth injuries, and genetics. Some autism experts think the actual cases to be dramatically more than reported in the UC study. See also previous discussions about high-function geek rich areas like silicon valley."

Comments

Re:Sickle-Cell Comparison

[ucblockhead]

That's utter crap. Point me to a study that shows anything like that. There is, as yet, no concrete evidence that autism is genetic, much less a recessive trait.

Don't forget the other possibility

[GMontag]

There are other possibilities too. The US Environmental Assessment Center web page lists many dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. Maybe this is a new one?

Some industry zealots say it is all just FUD, but I am not so sure. They seem to be members of a violent political party too.