Environmental Health Initiative

Research indicates that other factors besides the genetic component are contributing to the rise in increasing occurrences of ASD, such as environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals such as mercury), which are more prevalent in our current environment than in the past. 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.

The Autism Society’s Environmental Health Project, established in 2006, aims to further our understanding of possible environmental contributors to autism and other health issues, and to continue to build a grassroots community to continue research into and awareness of the effect of environmental influences on autism.

 ** Autism and the Environment Webinar Recordings Available Now  **

Eager to learn more about the biomedical aspects of autism and environmental influences on autism spectrum disorders? The Autism Society recently hosted two webinars: Autism and the Environment I: What do we Know? and Autism and the Environment II: What We Know for the Clinic and Home. Visit our webinar recordings page to learn more from the experts!

** Environmental Influences on Neurodevelopment: Translating the Emerging Science into Public Health Policy **

A Workshop at the Neurotoxicology Conference
Wednesday, November 2, 2011


Join the Neurotoxicology Conference sessions in the morning for state of the science on environmentally triggered developmental disorders with a focus on endocrine disruption and sex differences in autism, ADHD and schizophrenia. Click here for more information.

** Children’s Health: Environmental Contributors to Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities **

Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Austin, Texas

In this half-day workshop, national experts from diverse sectors will highlight the latest research on associations between environmental exposures and early neurodevelopment as well as the implications for prevention-based public health policy. This meeting is intended to catalyze cross-discipline discussions among leaders in environmental, experimental and epidemiologic fields as well as those involved in public policy and environmental health advocacy. Click here for more information.

Next Outreach Meetings:

January 12, 2011
Los Angeles, California
You can learn more about what we know about autism, brain development and environment by listening to recent teleconferences and webinars on environmental health and brain development.
Click here for an event flier
AAIDD teleconference site: http://aaidd.org/ehi
Recorded and upcoming teleconferences