Autistic regression and exposure to industrial chemicals: Preliminary observations

Exposure to industrial pollutants is a potential risk factor not fully explored in ASD with regression (ASDR). We studied geographical collocation patterns of industrial air chemical emissions and the location of homes of children with ASDR at different exposure times, compared with ASD cases without regression (ASD?R). Fifteen of 111 emitted chemicals collocated with ASDR, and 65 with ASD?R. ASDR collocated more strongly with different neurotoxicants/immunotoxicants a year before diagnosis, whereas ASD?R were moderately collocated with chemicals across all exposure periods. This preliminary exploratory analysis of differences in exposure patterns raises a question regarding potential pathophysiological differences between the conditions.