Essay on Atypical Childhood Social Behavior and Phthalates, BPA

Several environmental factors have also been suspected of attributing to the cause of autism such as: exposure to infectious disease, heavy metals, phthalates and phenols, pesticides, alcohol, illicit drugs, advanced maternal age, maternal bleeding during pregnancy, maternal medications used during pregnancy and maternal stress (Glasson et al., 2004). The research conducted by Glasson et al., (2004) shows that individuals who were later diagnosed with autism were more likely to have experienced obstetric difficulties during pregnancy, labor, delivery and neonatal period. Advanced maternal age was the strongest finding in that study.

·  Based on your review of the statistics in the study, do you agree with the study’s conclusions? Why or why not?

While these studies provide positive results the draw back to them are that the sample groups for each were considerably small which means that there is insufficient evidence to support

Morris, J., & Song, L. (2013, September 16). Study Delivers Good News, Bad News on

There are some limitations to this literature review. One limitation is some of these studies may be outdated being that they are from the 1990s (i.e: Dulit et. al, 1990; Miller et. al, 1993; and Dougherty et. al, 1999). Another limitation is some of the studies were not randomized samples (i.e: Miller et. al, 1993 and Tragesser et. al, 2013). If samples are not random this could mean the results are bias.

According to Scahill and Bearss (2009) the increase has a threefold explanation. First, in 1994, the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition broadened the diagnostic criteria for autism. Second, the manual added criterion for Asperger’s Syndrome and clarified the criteria for PDD-NOS. Finally, better assessment methods provided clarification across the PDD diagnoses and improved the demarcation between PDD and non-PDD cases. In 2004, the Department of Health and American Academy of Pediatrics issued an A.L.A.R.M. stating 1 out of 6 children is diagnosed with a developmental disorder and/or behavioral problem and one in 60 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism, once a rare disorder is more prevalent than childhood cancer, diabetes and Down syndrome. This prompted psychiatrists and pediatricians to conduct research to find out if exposure to ethylmercury early in childhood could lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Another thing that seems somewhat questionable about this article is the sources that the authors tend to use to back up their claims. The main arguments that could be made is whether or not

Focusing on the role of environmental factors in the development of autism after birth is a popular study amongst the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community. It is known that genetics strongly influence the risk for developing ASD, but genetics are not responsible alone. The increasing cases of autism have generated great interest in the potential involvement of toxins in our environment and how that impacts children prone to autism spectrum disorder. For example, exposure to the chemicals thalidomide and valproic acid prior to birth has been linked to increased risk of autism.

The authors relied heavily on two studies to create their argument. The first study mentioned was the Pinto et al article. In this study, "Pinto and colleagues (5) assessed the

The study was strong in that, they used a twin study controlling the gene factor and properly studies the environment. They had a sample size of 8716 twins which a quite large sample size, representing the general public. They were also able to study children of multiple ages which shows that the effects are constant regardless of age.

In July 2015, Carina Storrs of CNN reported on a research study that suggested that children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might not just have social and mental deficiencies, but they may also have olfactory deficiencies as well. The experiment was performed at the Weizmann institute of Science in Israel, and involved observing how long a child took to smell an object. For pleasant-smelling objects, such as flowers or shampoo, normal children took a longer smell, while unsavory smelling objects, such as rotten food, took shorter smells. However ASD children showed no variation in breathing in different aromas, indicating that they could not noticeably distinguish between the different smells. The article quoted Liron Rozenkrantz, a doctoral student at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the lead author of the research study. Rozenkrantz makes the claim that, as an olfactory test is nonverbal, it could be useful in early diagnosis of ASD in newborns (Storrs 2015). Paul Wang, the senior vice president and head of medical research for the ASD advocacy organization Autism Speaks was also quoted, and expressed an interest in further research before pushing for olfactory symptoms as part of the diagnosis of ASD (Storrs 2015).

This study was limited due to the small sample size. Although the conclusions are valid, more research with a

One the biggest psychological disorders in our society is childhood autism. Childhood autism is defined as “A pervasive developmental disorder defined by the presence of abnormal and/or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years, and by the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all three areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour.” (MHresource.org). Furthermore, boys are three to four more times likely to develop childhood autism than girls (MHresources.org). Statistics also show that the prevalence of childhood autism in births is one in fifty-nine and has grown 119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010 (CDC). Now, researchers are looking into what causes childhood autism. They are

However, is it fairly reliable since it is peer reviewed and the information Is backed up by other cited trustworthy sited sources.

The results from this study only reflect a very small number of the population, so it is difficult for this experiment to show any significant results. It would have reflected better on the results if the sample size had been meet, however it was not possible due to lack of time and number of eligible volunteers.