WEDNESDAY DEC 19, 2007 (Foodconsumer.org) -- Doctors do not know what causes autism, but researchers published a new study in this week's issue of the journal Neuron saying that about 5% of the disorder known as Fragile X syndrome may be caused by a flaw in the X chromosome.

Autism, a disorder that was rare a few decades ago, is found in one out of 140 children.   Consumer advocates claimed that vaccination is at least one of the causes for this disabling disorder.   But the medical industry and the government have disputed that claim.

There is no cure for autism.   Therapies are only intended to improve the life of those who suffer the condition.

Although Dr. Randi Hagerman at the University of California, Davis and a team at Rush University in Chicago discovered production of certain proteins is abnormal in the case of Fragile X and drug may be designed to adjust the production of the proteins that affect the condition, they did not reveal the cause for the genetic defects.

A variety of environmental factors including heavy metals, chemical pollutants, radiations and certain viruses, may alter the genetics, causing mutations that may lead to a whole spectrum of disorders including autism.

Instead of waiting for a cure for autism, people need to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the odds of causing the disorder in their children. Many toxic substances may influence the genetic stability leading to many chronic diseases.

For more information on autism, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/overview.htm