IT seems to me that anyone can get research money to try and prove damn near anything causes autism.

The latest piece of rubbish study I have seen to date tries linking increases rain fall ( aka the gobal warming ) with the rise in numbers of autistic
children.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7703072.stm

The US study found autism rates were higher among children whose states experienced higher rainfall in their first three years.

The work appears in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

I have seen some rubbish published on autism over the last two years but this takes the biscuit. Thankfully for balance the bbc got a quotes from those who seems to know their arse from their elbow.

Mark Lever, chief executive of The National Autistic Society said the latest theory would join a succession of others advanced about the condition and its origins.

He said: “In recent years autism has been linked to factors as varied as older aged fathers, early television viewing, vaccines, food allergies, heavy metal poisoning, and wireless technology, to name just a few.

“Some of these theories are little more than conjecture or have been discredited, others seem more promising and are in need of further study. As yet, however, very few have been substantiated by scientific research.”

He said: “We don’t yet understand what causes autism, although scientists do believe that genetic factors might play a part.

“People with autism and their families are naturally concerned to get the right information and there is a lot of confusion and concern over the conflicting theories put forward.”

Dr Michael Fitzpatrick is a GP in London and author of the book ‘Defeating Autism: A Damaging Delusion’.

He said: “The notion that autism is caused by higher rainfall is manifestly absurd.

“It is about time we recognised that autism has largely genetic causes and devoted our energies to providing the best possible education and care services for people with autism and their families.”