• Listen to this segment

A new study investigating the environmental links to autism in California, found areas with double the average rates of the disease. The areas were surprisingly in highly educated, mostly white neighborhoods, causing many scientists to think about expanding their avenues of research. Nationally, autism diagnoses among American children are on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every hundred kids has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, an increase from 1 in every hundred-and-fifty in 2007. A wide range of behaviors fall within the parameters of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Causes and treatments have largely remained a mystery, causing polarizing speculation to further confuse parents and the institutions responsible for providing care. Parents, schools, and health officials vehemently disagree about vaccinations. Doctors prescribe very different treatments. However some medical professionals have found strong links between environmental toxins and genetics. Additionally, alternatives to medications for kids with Autism, such as changes in diet, have been successful in improving mental functioning. Brita Belli is the author of The Search for Autism’s Missing Piece in the January/February issue of E! Magazine. The Missing Piece Belli refers to is the dearth of research into the link between environmental factors and Autism. Belli’s article is a comprehensive look at the medical research and opinions on this link.

GUEST: Brita Belli, editor of E!, author of The Search for Autism’s Missing Piece

Read Belli’s article here: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4984