2023-04-24 08:30:00
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are caused by neurodevelopmental abnormalities. ASDs are characterized by alterations in social interactions, behavioral problems, unusual sensory reactions and communication problems, which occur from early childhood. According to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), nearly 700,000 people are affected by an autism spectrum disorder in France, of which 100,000 are under 20 years old.
Autism spectrum disorders: might pollution be a risk factor?
For several years, an increase in the births of autistic children has been observed by the various health authorities. This increase in prevalence may be due to the improvement and evolution of diagnostic criteria, but for Dr. Amaria Baghdadli, psychiatrist, the environment, in particular pollution, might also have a role to play. “The increase in cases of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders is certainly partly linked to improved diagnosis, but ‘partly’ only”noted the head of the University Department of Child Psychiatry and the Autism Resource Center at Montpellier University Hospital, during an interview. at France 24.
A follow-up of 1,700 pregnant women for 10 years.
Despite various studies that point to a parallel between pollution and autism, “the causal link from the neurological point of view” has not yet been established, said Dr Amaria Baghdadli. In collaboration with researchers from INSERM, CNRS and several universities, the psychiatrist will therefore soon begin the MARIANNE cohort, which aims to understand the early biological and environmental determinants of autism and other neurological disorders. development.
Carried out in France, this study will medically follow 1,700 pregnant women and their families for ten years. This scientific research program is funded by the National Research Agency, and has been led by Dr. Amaria Baghdadli since 2014. “We come from so far”, she confided to our colleagues, adding that when she was in medical school, her generation “did not even consider studying the link between health and the environment.”
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