Environmental factors and limbic vulnerability in childhood autism

Richard Lathe*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The rise in prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is suggestive of a new etiology. Diagnostic substitution alone is unlikely to account for the increase, while genetic association with detoxification gene alleles points to an environmental contribution. Subtle structural anomalies in the ASD brain are widespread but limbic damage seems important for the development of behaviors diagnostic of ASD. The limbic brain is especially susceptible to environmental challenge: internal sensing, physiological feedback and neuroinflammatory processes may underlie this sensitivity to insult. Primary damage leading to ASD in later life is likely to take place in utero and/or in the immediate postnatal period. Despite evidence of heavy metal involvement, a causal connection may not yet be concluded because subjects exposed to metals tend to be exposed to other environmental agents. Because maternal minerals and lipids are supplied to the unborn child, historic toxic exposure of the mother may be pivotal. A two-hit combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental challenge is argued to underlie the rise in ASD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-197
Number of pages15
JournalAmerican Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Volume4
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Autism
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Environment
  • Heavy metals
  • Hippocampus
  • Limbic system

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