The true scale of childhood autism in Britain is far higher than previously thought, researchers have found.
A new study shows a record rate of autism disorders, which now affect more than one in 100 children.
But the figures could be the tip of the iceberg because they do not include a rising number of hyperactivity and behavioural problems such as ADHD.
Special report: Living with autism
Researchers at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals, London, believe some of the increase is due to better awareness of autism disorders and improved diagnosis.
However, other experts claim the rise is linked with environmental factors ranging from vaccines - including the controversial MMR jab - to pesticides, which affect children with a genetic predisposition to autism.
A possible link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, autism and bowel disorders - which deterred many parents from getting their children immunised - has been consistently challenged by later research findings and the Department of Health.
D Paul Shattock, co-founder of the Autism Research Unit at Sunderland University, said he had a list of a dozen possibilities driving the increase.
He said 'These include increasing use of pesticides, antibiotics, vaccines and diet. Jamie Oliver succeeded in drawing attention to children's diets and we need to look at what pregnant women are eating."
Source
A new study shows a record rate of autism disorders, which now affect more than one in 100 children.
But the figures could be the tip of the iceberg because they do not include a rising number of hyperactivity and behavioural problems such as ADHD.
Special report: Living with autism
Researchers at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals, London, believe some of the increase is due to better awareness of autism disorders and improved diagnosis.
However, other experts claim the rise is linked with environmental factors ranging from vaccines - including the controversial MMR jab - to pesticides, which affect children with a genetic predisposition to autism.
A possible link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, autism and bowel disorders - which deterred many parents from getting their children immunised - has been consistently challenged by later research findings and the Department of Health.
D Paul Shattock, co-founder of the Autism Research Unit at Sunderland University, said he had a list of a dozen possibilities driving the increase.
He said 'These include increasing use of pesticides, antibiotics, vaccines and diet. Jamie Oliver succeeded in drawing attention to children's diets and we need to look at what pregnant women are eating."
Source