Scientists May Have Discovered the Cause of Autism

Scientists may have uncovered a link between the risk of autism in children and fatty acids in umbilical cord blood, but one Yale professor told Newsweek more work needs to be done in the area.

To shed light on the possible causes of autism, researchers from the University of Fukui investigated the link between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in umbilical cord blood samples and autism scores in 200 children.

They believe that this newfound knowledge could be “crucial” for understanding, diagnosing, and even preventing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The study identified one particular compound in the umbilical cord blood acid, called diHETrE, that may have “strong implications” for ASD severity.

“The levels of diHETrE, an arachidonic acid-derived diol, in cord blood at birth significantly impacted subsequent ASD symptoms in children and were also associated with impaired adaptive functioning,” Hideo Matsuzaki, study author and child mental development professor at the University of Fukui, said in a statement.

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