Studies show that genetics isn't the only factor that effects a persons chance of having autism. Researchers say the enviornment also has an important impact on the risks. The gene MET is associated with autism and predicts altered brain structure and function . It controls the MET protein in the brain and the immune system. In the experiment 408 kids between the ages of 2 and 5 were examined. The kids were from the Childhood Autism Risks for Genetics and the Environmental study. Out of those 408 kids, 252 had the standards to have autism spectrum disorder. Many of those children lived in unfavorable conditions that researchers say may have increased the risk of these children to have autism. Researchers found that the air pollution exposure, traffic- related sources and air quality measures could have in fact increased the risk of the disease. The case is still under further study.http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/11304/20131202/air-pollution-genetics-increase-autism-risk.htm
I'm curious if the link can be made to air pollution. In my mind, it is more likely that those in polluted environments are poorer, and that maybe some other condition of being poor could be causing the increased instances of autism. Maybe malnourishment in the mother/child?
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