Autism PREVENTION Part 2: Mitochondrial Toxin Exposure

Many, many studies have been published recently suggesting that Autism is not just influenced by GENETICS, but that ENVIRONMENT has a lot to do with this disorder also. For a while now, I have intuitively known that, as we have navigated the road of mitochondrial diagnosis for our daughter. We have explored many of the toxins that our bodies are exposed to that may have a contributing factor in Autism and particularly mitochondrial damage and dysfunction that can cause autistic like behaviors, due to the very real, very medical underlying conditions that ensue after the mitochondrial damage is done.

A study just published earlier this year, looked at mother (and father’s ) exposures to toxins through their occupation and the outcome of children born with autism using birth certificate data. The study found :

Our results indicate that mothers of autistic children were twice as likely as those of population controls to have a usual occupation reported at delivery that likely involved chemical exposure, particularly to disinfectants or to exhaust/combustion products. In contrast, paternal occupational exposure was not significantly associated. This may be consistent with direct effects on the mother or susceptible fetus in-utero vs. a more indirect mechanism for paternal exposure.

Some of the occupations and associated toxins that were looked at included:

Exhaust or Combustion Products
Driver (bus, truck, limo, etc.)
Gardening, landscaping
Airline flight attendant, pilot
Fire-fighters
Mechanic (airline or automotive)
Solvents
Electronics assembler, technician, etc.
Janitor, custodian, housekeeper
Laboratory work—chemist, lab scientist, tech, bio-medical, etc
Dry-cleaning
Cosmetology
Painter
Construction, roofing, plumbing, welding, etc.
Mechanic
Pesticides
Gardening, landscaping
Veterinary technician
Metals
Dentistry
Metallurgist
Pipe-fitter, iron-worker, welder
Disinfectants
Nurse, Med tech—at hospital
Vet., surgical or dental tech/assistant
Janitor, housekeeping—in hospital only
Paramedic, EMT
Surgeon—dental, ophthalmologic
Auto Paint
Auto bodywork, detailer, painter
Cooling Fluids
Machinists

So do ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS have an effect on the growing number of children diagnosed with Autism…. we think there is a clear correlation that must be researched further!

Here are just a few of the toxins, specifically those that impact the mitochondria (MITOXINS) that we have explored at Babyfoodsteps. I am hypothesizing, that by avoiding some of these toxins that are found to harm our mitochondria, it may be possible to limit or prevent damage to the mitochondria that may result in Autism, thus lowering the prevalence of it. Also for those who may already be born with some mitochondrial challenges, avoiding an excess or onslaught of any of these mitochondrial toxins, may be the difference between health and disease for a person whose mitochondria are already burdened.

Mitochondria, the Canary in the Coal Mine

Dry Cleaning Chemicals

Pesticides/Herbacides

What other TOXINS are you and your family sensitive to? If you avoid them do you notice a change in BEHAVIOR in yourself or your children… is autism really a behavioral disorder… or is it the body’s way of avoiding toxins and expressing the pain (headaches, stomach aches, nausea, dizziness, etc.) from the damage they cause?

For an ever growing list of MITOCHONDRIAL TOXINS- check HERE often!