Historic study will examine the social and environmental effects of autism

By Staff Writer

Researchers in Chicago are in the early stages of the most detailed children's health study in U.S. history.

The Chicago Tribune reports that officials are currently searching for pregnant women to participate in the study, which will examine how social and physical environments interact with genetics and cause disorders such as autism. Other health concerns that researchers want to address are asthma and obesity.

The news provider reports that the study will follow more than 100,000 children from before birth until age 21. Several colleges and universities are involved in the recruitment process.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, researchers at the University of California-San Francisco recently kicked off a clinical trial to test whether autistic children can benefit from regular doses of an enzyme. Officials are hoping that the enzyme will help autistic kids digest proteins, which in turn may improve their brain function.

The Centers for Disease Control report that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.