The Wet Weather Blues

Children who are genetically vulnerable to autism and spend their early years in areas with the most precipitation may be more likely to develop autism. Cornell University scientist found that 30 percent or more of the autism diagnoses in their sample of California, Oregon and Washington counties may be associated with precipitation. Possible reasons: Children in rainy areas spend more time indoors, where, in addition to watching a lot of television, they may be exposed to more household chemicals in less than Vitamin D-producing sunlight. Or the precipitation itself may transport hazardous chemicals to the earth's surface. The researchers caution, however, that there is no direct evidence that anything in the environment triggers autism.