As a cell phone safety activist, it is alarming to see the rising rates of autism among children in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016, as reported in a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics. The study, conducted by a team from Rutgers University, analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates of the number of children who have been identified as having autism spectrum disorder by age 8.
While there is no medical test for autism, the CDC has established a network of 17 sites across the country that estimate autism rates based on a combination of formal medical diagnoses and records from schools and health care providers. The study found that in New York and New Jersey, the share of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism who don’t have intellectual disabilities rose more sharply than the share of those who do.
The Rutgers researchers attributed the increase in autism rates to advances in diagnostic capabilities and greater understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. However, they acknowledged that there may be other factors at play, such as genetic and environmental factors.
One of the environmental factors that may be contributing to the rising rates of autism is exposure to wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMF). Dozens of peer-reviewed research studies have indicated that wireless and electromagnetic fields alter brain function and affect the nervous system. Research links these exposures to altered sleep, damaged mitochondria, increased oxidative stress, cellular damage, genotoxicity, and blood brain barrier permeability.
Dr. Martha Herbert, a neuro scientist at Harvard University and a leading expert on autism, has spoken out about the potential link between wireless radiation and autism. She argues that the evidence is strong enough to support the idea that EMF/RFRs are “important contributors to degrading the optimal chemical-electrical function of our bodies – thereby detuning our brains and nervous systems.”
The Baby Safe Project, a major initiative led by obstetricians, medical doctors, and public health educators, has also recognized the potential dangers of wireless radiation to the developing brain, and recommends pregnant women reduce their wireless exposures to protect their unborn children.
A Yale study published in the journal Scientific Reports in 2018 found that prenatal exposure to cellphone radiation caused mice to display symptoms akin to ADHD, including hyperactivity and poor memory.
In light of these findings, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps to reduce our children’s exposure to wireless radiation and EMF as much as possible. This could include limiting the use of wireless devices around children, opting for wired internet connections, and using radiation-blocking products like EMF shields and cases.
At the same time, we must continue to research the potential link between wireless radiation and autism, and other neurological disorders, in order to better understand the underlying causes and develop effective strategies to prevent and treat these conditions.
In conclusion, while the rising rates of autism may be attributed to advances in diagnostic capabilities and greater understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder, there may be other factors at play such as environmental factors, specifically exposure to wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields. It is important to consider and research this potential link in order to better understand and address the rising rates of autism.
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Neuroscientist and pediatrician at Harvard Medical School has spoken extensively about the potential link between EMF exposure and autism. She has argued that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wireless radiation as their brains are still developing. In an interview with the Environmental Health Trust, Dr. Herbert stated that “Children’s brains are still developing, and they are more vulnerable to environmental toxins, including EMF. The blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from toxins, is not fully developed in children, making them more susceptible to the effects of EMF.”
Dr. Herbert and other experts have called for more research to be conducted on the potential link between EMF exposure and autism. While there is currently no definitive evidence linking the two, the increasing rates of autism and the growing body of research on the effects of EMF exposure on brain function and the nervous system make it important to continue investigating this potential connection.
In the meantime, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with EMF exposure, and to take steps to reduce their children’s exposure, such as limiting screen time, using wired internet connections instead of wireless, and avoiding having mobile phones and other wireless devices close to children while they sleep.
New Study Reveals Startling Increase in Autism Rates in New York and New Jersey
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, interact and form relationships with others. It is a condition that has been on the rise in recent years, with a new study from Rutgers University showing that autism rates have tripled among children in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016. This is in line with the national trend, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that one in 54 children had been diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2016, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000.
The Rutgers study found that in New York and New Jersey, the share of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism who don’t have intellectual disabilities rose more sharply than the share of those who do – a fivefold increase from 2000 to 2016, compared to a twofold increase. This is most likely due to doctors becoming better at identifying cases of autism without intellectual disability, which may be less obvious to parents, teachers or doctors than cases among children with intellectual disabilities.
The study also found that although racial disparities in autism diagnoses have narrowed, they still persist. Historically, Black and Hispanic children have been diagnosed with autism at lower rates than white children. The new analysis showed that among children without intellectual disabilities, Black children were 30% less likely than white children to be diagnosed with autism. However, the gap has narrowed among children with intellectual disabilities.
The increase in autism rates is likely due to a combination of factors, including advances in diagnostic capabilities and greater understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. However, genetic factors and environmental factors may also be contributing to the trend. It is important to note that autism has nothing to do with vaccines.
The study’s authors, Shenouda and her team, recommend that all toddlers be screened for autism during routine checkups at their pediatricians, echoing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Shenouda estimates that half of kids in the U.S. are being screened for autism, but highlights that more kids getting screened and broader criteria for diagnosing autism also create more opportunities for misdiagnoses.
Girirajan, an associate professor at Pennsylvania State University, who studies the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders, adds that much of the risk of developing autism comes from inherited genetic factors. He estimates that 2,000 to 3,000 genes contribute to autism, although just 100 are consistently associated with the disorder. A child can inherit risk factors from one or both parents, and older parents carry higher risks of having children with autism.
While environmental factors like exposure to air pollution, viral infections in childhood, vitamin D deficiencies, gut inflammation, exposure to toxic chemicals and cell phone radiation have been suggested as potential risk factors, there is not enough solid evidence to support their link to autism. However, one environmental factor that has been suggested as a potential contributor to rising autism rates is exposure to wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMF). While there is an ongoing debate and conflicting evidence surrounding the potential effects of EMF on human health, some studies have suggested that exposure to EMF may affect brain function and the nervous system and potentially contribute to autism.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the causes of autism and the potential role of environmental factors such as EMF exposure. However, the increasing rates of autism among children are a cause for concern and warrant further investigation.
“Breaking: New study reveals a shocking increase in autism rates in NY and NJ. Experts are searching for environmental factors behind the trend #autism #NYNJ #environment”
“Autism on the rise in NY and NJ: New study finds a tripling of rates from 2000 to 2016 #autismawareness #NYNJ”
“Rutgers study shines a light on racial disparities in autism diagnoses, with Black children still 30% less likely to be diagnosed than white children #autism #racialdisparities”
“New York and New Jersey see a five-fold increase in autism rates among children without intellectual disabilities, highlighting the need for better early detection #autismawareness #earlydetection”