Education Commons^™

Autism And Environmental Influences, Jodi Ford

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism is a neurobiological spectrum disorder manifesting with challenges in socialization, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The Center of Disease Control estimates that 1:54 children have autism. Autism includes extremely gifted individuals and those who are severely challenged. Males are diagnosed four times the rate of girls. It is generally agreed that no one factor causes autism, there is a genetic component, and that autistic brains differ from neurotypical brains as determined by imaging studies. This literature review investigated research behind environmental factors that may contribute to autism such as exposure to chemicals, pesticides, pollution, and toxins found in products. Autism …