Findings indicate that many children with autism or those who are at risk of developing autism have a metabolic impairment that reduces their ability to rid their bodies of heavy metals and other toxins. Build-up of these toxins in the body can lead to brain and nervous system damage and developmental delays. (see We’re Loaded with Toxins: Analyzing the Toxic Body Burden of Americans by Judy Chinitz Gorman)

Autoimmunity is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Several studies show that autoimmune activity can be associated with ASD in some cases, but it has not been determined if this activity contributes to the development of the disorder or if it is a consequence of the disease (see Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Immune System by Paula Goines, B.S., Paul Ashwood, Ph.D., and Judy Van de Water, Ph.D.).

Nordic Naturals' detoxification products contain Fucus and Laminaria algae which has alginate in its cell walls. Alginate is documented to molecularly bind to heavy metals. Therefore, it only binds to heavy metals by molecular weight. Alginate does not interfere with nutrient absorption because its binding is selective by molecular weight. It does not bind to minerals such as iron, calcium, etc.

Bodily toxins are substances that are detrimental to health. Pollutants, uric acid, excess vitamins and minerals, are among some of the common bodily toxins. Toxins come from a variety of sources. Among the most common are chemicals in the food we eat, the pollution in the air we breathe, the harmful substances from smoking and drinking, and as a by-product of the body’s metabolism.

The role of mercury as a risk factor for childhood autism is not fully understood; however, it has been shown that mercury can interfere with the signaling pathways in a child’s developing brain and the modulation of proteins that regulate the immune system (see Understanding Mercury, Understanding Autism by Ellen Silbergeld, Ph.D., and Jennifer Nyland, Ph.D.).

Some children who are genetically at risk for ASD may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Research shows that several genes associated with autism risk encode for proteins that regulate excitation/inhibition within the central nervous system. Several of these neurotransmitter systems are known to be targets of pesticides frequently found in children (see Can Exposure to Environmental Toxicants Influence Autism Susceptibility? by Isaac N. Pessah, Ph.D.).

There are reported cases that some children with autism have substantially or completely recovered. Commonweal, a non-profit health and environmental research institute, is conducting an autism recovery documentation project that will provide a detailed report of a number of verifiable recoveries from ASD (see Helping to Shift the Paradigm: Learning More About Recovery in Autism by Robert Sinaiko).

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There is not a full population count of all individuals with an ASD in the United States. However, using the prevalence data stated above, we can estimate that if 4 million children are born in the United States every year and assuming the prevalence rate has been constant over the past two decades, we can estimate that up to 560,000 individuals between the ages of 0 to 21 have an ASD. However, many of these individuals may not be classified as having an ASD until school-age or later.

The specific cause of ASD is not known however researchers around the world are exploring different theories and trying to identify the specific gene or genes that may cause autism. It is known that there are biological or neurological differences in the brains of people with autism. There are several outdated theories concerning the cause of ASD; it is not caused by bad parenting and it is not a mental illness.

In many families, there is a pattern of ASD or related disabilities, suggesting that there is a genetic basis to the disorder. There is some tendency for ASD to cluster in families with the incidence rate amongst siblings 50 times that of the general population.

Studies suggest the prevalence is somewhere between 1 in 200 - 500. In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of children diagnosed with ASD, particularly those in the high functioning category. This is probably due to a broadening of the criteria for diagnosis, and better diagnostics methods enabling detection at a very young age.

Autism is diagnosed by examining the child’s development and behaviours. Sometimes autism can be difficult to diagnose so it is important to have a comprehensive assessment to distinguish ASD from a range of other difficulties. assessment by a paediatrician is required prior to an assessment for ASD in order to rule out other factors including medical conditions that may be affecting the child’s development and behaviour. A hearing assessment may also be required.

PCBs, dioxins, phthalates, DDT, and furans are just some of the chemicals that are commonly found in human tissue and blood. A 2003 study by Mt.

Micro-toxins are microscopic pollutants that inhabit your mattress, pillow and bedding. Examples include dust mites, their feces, mold and other harmful allergens. Inhaling these can cause nighttime breathing problems for many people, and can trigger symptoms in allergy and asthma sufferers.

Marine toxins are naturally occurring chemicals that can contaminate certain seafood. The seafood contaminated with these chemicals frequently looks, smells, and tastes normal. When humans eat such seafood, disease can result.

Ignoring body toxins can cause poor health, illness and disease. Today's lifestyles do not support the body's ability to naturally remove toxins. The body's immune system has been compromised through the accumulation of toxins. It is important that toxins be removed regularly to insure and maintain good health.

The very high incidence of ALS/MND on the island of Guam, in Western New Guinea and on Kii peninsula of Japan may provide some clues about environmental influences. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are suspected causes, as is aluminum, which can poison the body and cause ALS/MND symptoms.

Executive Order 12898 (pdf 29k) requires federal agencies and its recipients to develop a strategy that prevents disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects, including social and economic effects on minority populations and low-income populations. This requirement is called environmental justice.

Some of these bacterially produced compounds (mentioned above), known as short-chain fatty acids, when injected in small amounts into the brains of experimental rodents, produce bouts of hyperactivity and repetitive behavior resembling those seen in ASDs. Research shows that repeated exposure to these compounds can exert permanent effects on brain and behavior (see Canadian Study: Is There a Digestive Link to Autism? by Kulani Mahikoa).

The core features of ASD are impairments in social skills, communication and obsessive behaviour. Not all children display all of the behaviours described here. However to be diagnosed with ASD the child must show all the essential core features of autism and meet certain diagnostic criteria.