In 2007, the United Nations adopted April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in an effort to shine light on this growing international health crisis. WAAD is a world-wide event intended to increase knowledge/awareness, advocate for early diagnosis/intervention and most important to celebrate the unique attributes of persons with Autism.
Today, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continue to rise at an alarming rate, affecting tens of millions worldwide. According to the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 88 children are on the autism spectrum, with boys being diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 54, a rate four to five times higher than for girls.
In 2010, Autism Speaks launched a global initiative called Light It Up Blue in support of World Autism Awareness Day. The Light It Up Blue campaign is designed to promote global awareness of Autism. Iconic landmarks around the world are illuminated in a bright hue of blue, thus shining a bright light on Autism and indicating worldwide support.
A timely study was released last week by the Harvard School of Public Health(HSPH) and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which examined the effects of neurotoxin exposure on the developing brain. The study identified six new chemicals with the potential to disrupt typical neurological development in children leading to brain disorders such as autism, dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“The greatest concern is the large numbers of children who are affected by toxic damage to brain development in the absence of a formal diagnosis. They suffer reduced attention span, delayed development and poor school performance. Industrial chemicals are now emerging as likely causes,” said Philippe Grandjean of HSPH in Boston.
Dr. Philippe Grandjean and Philip J. Landrigan of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, revealed that the number of recognized chemical causes of neurodevelopmental disorders has doubled from six to twelve in the past seven years.
The chemicals that have been added to the list of identified developmental “neurotoxicants” include chlorpyrifos and DDT (pesticides), tetrachloroethene(a solvent), methylmercury (found in some fish and shell fish), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants added to furniture, plastics and wiring), high doses of manganese (a mined element sometimes found in drinking water), and high doses of fluoride (mineral found in water, plants and toothpaste). Pesticides were the largest group identified in the study; however, the majority of pesticides in the U.S. have never been tested for toxic effects on the developing fetus or child.
“The only way to reduce toxic contamination is to ensure mandatory developmental neurotoxicity testing of existing and new chemicals before they come into the marketplace,” Dr Landrigan.
The lead experts emphasized an urgency to create an international prevention strategy to control the use and regulation of these harmful substances. Current regulations are inadequate and fail to protect children from exposure to neurodevelopmental toxins. They also stressed the need for additional research on the plethora of industrial chemicals that are currently polluting the environment.
Autism Speaks is funding an autism research tool called the Early Life Exposure Assessment Tool (ELEAT) which will enable the compilation of multiple studies examining the toxic effects of early environmental exposure. This will provide large enough study sample sizes to appropriately identify environmental risk factors and fast-track research programs.
The Autism Speaks website is a comprehensive resource for individuals, families and health care professionals. It provides up to date information on Autism, current research, events, tool kits and promotes advocacy.
Individuals with Autism and their families have a great opportunity to play an integral role in furthering ASD research. There are numerous opportunities to participate in research studies, IAN Research is currently offering an opportunity through a secure online program. The intent is to gain a better understanding of ASD, to make new discoveries and to empower individuals and their advocates.
So remember on April 2, 2014 to Light It Up Blue!
Presidential Proclamation– World Autism Awareness Day, 2013
House of Commons, World Autism Awareness Day bill S-206 was officially passed
Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity- Phillipse Grandjean, Philip J. Landrigan, Lancet Neurology, online February 2014
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