Autism epidemic challenged by UK research - sponges

[Guest guest]

The epidemiological and political benefits of diluting the definition of

autism.

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" Autism epidemic " challenged by UK research

By Frederik ving

NEW YORK | Mon May 2, 2011 4:17pm EDT

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/02/us-autism-idUSTRE7416XC20110502

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A national UK survey out Monday found no

traces of an " autism epidemic, " despite earlier reports that the

developmental disorder has been rising quickly in recent decades.

Researchers found nearly one percent of Britons older than 16 years have

autism, a rate that is similar to that seen in children. Younger people

were no more likely to be affected than older ones, however, which would

have been expected if the condition were truly on the increase.....

" None of them had been diagnosed (previously) with autism, " he said. " I

think for me the issue is that people have been ignoring autism in

adulthood and only focusing on children. "

SOURCE:

Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults in the Community in

England

Abstract <http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/68/5/459>

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see also:

*/Human sponges soaking up dangerous chemicals/*

By Hanley, Special to The StarPheonix May 3, 2011 6:03 AM

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/technology/Human%20sponges%20soaking%20dangerous%2\

0chemicals/4715986/story.html

A bout 100,000 manufactured chemicals are in use around the world,

according to the UN Environment Program, and every year as many as 2,000

new ones are introduced. Between 1930 and today annual global production

of manmade chemicals increased from one million tonnes to over 500

million tonnes now worth $3.7 trillion.

People are a little like sponges and most of us have traces of about 400

of these chemicals in our bodies, says local physician and medical

educator ph Schnurr. While we are not always sure what these trace

chemicals are doing to us, it is becoming increasingly clear it is not

always good.

Schnurr, who has practised medicine in Saskatoon since 1987, reports he

has personally seen a gradual increase in patients who are chronically

fatigued, show hormonal imbalances and have liver problems. When he

could see no obvious explanation for their health issues he was prompted

to study the possibility of a connection to chemical overload....

The huge chemical industry clearly influences government decisions. And,

by the way, the same companies that make the chemicals also produce

drugs used to treat the illness they likely cause. Draw whatever

conclusions from that you may.