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Research into the causative factors of autism has been steady for the past decades, and among the probable factors include genetics and environmental influences. Speaking of ecological factors, in particular, there’s one compelling study pointing toward plastic chemicals as a notorious contributor to the prevalence of autism.

Bisphenol A (BPA) Autism

It’s worth noting that the plastic here refers to Bisphenol A (BPA), found in the wombs of developing boys. The study reports that the boys who were exposed to even minute traces of BPA during their prenatal development were six times more prone to a diagnosis of autism by the age of 11. These boys showed early signs of autistic symptoms as young as two years old. The research took place at The Florey, located in Melbourne, Australia, a renowned center for brain development research.

The team of experts observed seventy pairs of new mothers over a decade to determine the effects of plastic chemicals on their babies’ neurological development. In a statement, lead researcher and professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby asserted that prior studies have already linked prenatal exposure to these chemicals with an increased risk of autism in offspring.

She believes this latest study will contribute significantly to unraveling the “autism puzzle” and improving our understanding of its complexities.

As Ponsoby explains it more technically, “the obvious presence of plastic products makes avoiding BPA a nearly insurmountable challenge.”

Plastic chemical’s relation to Autism

This is because plastic chemicals can be ingested in various ways, such as through food and drink packaging, exposure to remodeling materials, and even absorption through the skin via cosmetics. With such a multitude of entry points, it is no wonder that BPA was found in a large number of urine samples taken among maternal test subjects.

The question is, what mechanism does BPA use to affect fetal development in the womb negatively? It turns out that BPA works by suppressing the activity of a crucial enzyme called aromatase, which is especially important for the proper growth and development of male fetuses.

Autism aromatase inhibitors

This restriction of maternal aromatase inhibitors has been shown to significantly affect the overall health and well-being of developing babies. It’s a major concern for public health authorities as it pertains to the potential exposure of harmful chemicals, particularly those found in plastics, during gestation and early life.

However, the scientific community is not unanimous on the findings. This study aligns with the researcher’s previous work, but others contend that further investigations need to be conducted on a larger scale and multiple times before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

As more research is being conducted on the potential link between plastic exposure during pregnancy and autism, it also raises important questions about how to help children who are already diagnosed with autism.

Early Intervention in Chicago

Early intervention has proven crucial in improving outcomes for children on the autism spectrum, and this includes providing specialized therapy and support services as soon as possible.

For support regarding Autism, parents look no further than Illinois Autism Center, where we offer guidance and resources to assist families and individuals with autism.