Autism and the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for Research

@article{Altevogt2008AutismAT,
  title={Autism and the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for Research},
  author={Bruce Altevogt and Sarah L. Hanson and Alan Leshner},
  journal={Pediatrics},
  year={2008},
  volume={121},
  pages={1225 - 1229}
}
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder that dramatically affects the lives of patients and their families and the broader community. The causes of autism are unknown; however, evidence increasingly suggests that a complex interplay among environmental stressors, genetic mutations, and other biological factors likely plays a significant role in the development and/or progression of autism spectrum disorder. On April 18 and 19, 2007, the Institute of Medicine's Forum on… 
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The scientific, ethical, policy and communication aspects of translating the new discoveries into clinical and diagnostic tools for promoting the well-being of individuals and families with ASDs are discussed.
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  • Biology, Medicine
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Prevalence, genetic, exposure, and pathophysiological evidence all suggest a role for environmental factors in the inception and lifelong modulation of ASD, which supports the need for seeking targets for early and ongoing medical prevention and treatment of ASD.
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The discussion from a workshop that was co-sponsored by CDC and Autism Speaks as a forum for sharing knowledge and opinions of a diverse range of stakeholders about changes in ASD prevalence added to the knowledge base about ASD prevalence.
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