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New research led by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) suggests that autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be preventable if parents avoid toxic exposures and adopt specific interventions, such as environmental house calls.
The study, published in the Journal of Xenobiotics, builds upon previous research linking chemical intolerance in parents to the risk of their children developing autism and ADHD. Utilizing the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI©), researchers found that parents with chemical intolerance scores in the top tenth percentile were significantly more likely to report a child with autism or ADHD compared to those in the bottom tenth percentile.
Dr. Claudia S. Miller, professor emeritus at UT Health San Antonio and senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of identifying and avoiding chemical exposures in the home environment. “This is the first-ever article in the medical literature showing that chemical intolerance in parents can predict the risk of autism and ADHD in their children, and suggests that reducing exposures prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention,” she stated.
The study, which surveyed nearly 8,000 U.S. adults, highlights the potential of environmental interventions in mitigating the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Parents and practitioners can use tools like the QEESI to assess the risk for each family and learn which exposures to avoid in their homes.
Key findings from the study suggest that optimal control of modifiable risk factors, particularly early and intensive control of long-term blood sugar, may reduce the risk of several peripheral arterial complications in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides have been associated with reduced risks of certain complications in type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Miller’s proposed mechanism of Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) suggests that exposure to xenobiotics, foreign substances like chemicals and viruses, can sensitize mast cells, triggering inflammatory responses that may contribute to the development of autism and ADHD. The researchers recommend environmental counseling and personalized interventions to reduce personal exposures to potential triggers, particularly during pregnancy and childhood.
The study’s authors acknowledge that further research is needed to confirm causality and explore the proposed mechanisms behind chemical intolerance. However, they believe that their findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential role of environmental factors in the global rise of autism and ADHD.
Tools and resources created by the authors, including the “TILT Tutorial on Chemical Intolerance, Autism, and ADHD,” are available for patients, practitioners, and researchers interested in learning more about environmental interventions and their impact on neurodevelopmental disorders.
