title: Environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous developmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive/stereotyped patterns of behavior and repetitive movements. Social interaction impairments are the most characteristic deficits in ASD. There is also evidence of impoverished language and empathy, a profound inability to use standard nonverbal behaviors (eye contact, affective expression) to regulate social interactions with others, difficulties in showing empathy, failure to share enjoyment, interests and achievements with others, and a lack of social and emotional reciprocity. In developed countries, it is now reported that 1%-1.5% of children have ASD, and in the US 2015 CDC reports that approximately one in 45 children suffer from ASD. Despite the intense research focus on ASD in the last decade, the underlying etiology remains unknown. Genetic research involving twins and family studies strongly supports a significant contribution of environmental factors in addition to genetic factors in ASD etiology. A comprehensive literature search has implicated several environmental factors associated with the development of ASD. These include pesticides, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, solvents, air pollutants, fragrances, glyphosate and heavy metals, especially aluminum used in vaccines as adjuvant. Importantly, the majority of these toxicants are some of the most common ingredients in cosmetics and herbicides to which almost all of us are regularly exposed to in the form of fragrances, face makeup, cologne, air fresheners, food flavors, detergents, insecticides and herbicides. In this review we describe various scientific data to show the role of environmental factors in ASD.
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Sealey
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Sriskanda
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Guest
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Johnson-Williams
authors.affiliation: School of Humanities and Social Science, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.affiliation: South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States. Electronic address: obagasra@claflin.edu.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bagasra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D015386:Hazardous Substances
keywords: Aluminum; Autistic disorder/pathology; Fragrances; Glyphosate; Hormone disturbing chemicals; Humans; Immunotoxicity; Infant; Maternal antibodies; Monozygotic twins; Neuroimmunotoxicity; Neurotoxins; Postnatal; Prenatal; Thimerosal; United States; Vaccines