Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is traditionally seen as a genetically-based, neurological and life-long condition, recent studies have put the incidence of ASD at an alarming rate of 1 in 150 births, and as a result there has been an increase in attention given to possible environmental factors as culprits for the symptoms known as ASD.

The increase in environmental health concerns stretches far beyond ASD. The effects of environmental factors and toxicity have been widely discussed and are well-established as causes for numerous disabling conditions. However, with ASD in particular, research has shown that the majority of sufferers have a reduced ability to rid their bodies of heavy metals and toxins, thus leading to even more aggravated symptoms.

Although the Autism Society’s Environmental Health Project is relatively young, having been founded in 2006, it nevertheless benefits a great deal from being part of the oldest grassroots autism organization in the country. In addition, ASA founder, Dr. Bernard Rimland, has been on the forefront of this area for decades and ASA’s numerous conventions, publications, and public policy initiatives have always pushed for further research in the matter. The Environmental Health Project has arrived in a timely manner; it’s arrival coincides with increasing global concerns about the effect of environmental toxins across the board.

Visit the ASA website for more in-depth information regarding the Environmental Health Project.