November 3, 2008

experts comment on research into rainfall and autism, as published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

The research suggests a link between rainfall and autism, according to a study of children in the wettest parts of the US north-west, where there is a higher incidence of autism. However, the causes of such a link are unclear.

Dr Michael Fitzpatrick, a GP in London and author of a book on autism, said:

“The notion that autism is caused by higher rainfall is manifestly absurd. Epidemiological studies confirm a similar prevalence of autism in countries with the most diverse climates.

“In recent years autism has been blamed on everything from discarded iPod batteries to mercury from Chinese power stations, from antenatal ultrasound scans to post-natal cord clamping, from diet to vaccines. The common features of these theories are their speculative character, the dogmatic outlook of those promoting them – and the anxiety and distress they cause for parents of children with autism.

“The quest for environmental causes of autism has led to an increasing diversion of scarce research funding (in inverse proportion to its results). It is about time we recognised that autism has largely genetic causes and devoted our energies to providing the best possible education and care services for people with autism and their families.”

Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, said:

“This study shows the danger of simply collecting prevalence data without a specific hypothesis. Sadly, the correlations found cannot be interpreted. It is likely that this result will vanish just like correlations found previously with season of birth, position in sibling order, parental age and vaccines.”