Scientists study environment's role in the rise in autism cases
How to explain the sharp rise in autism cases in industrialised countries in recent years? The neurodevelopmental disorder is partly hereditary, but the finger is also increasingly being pointed at pollution. Scientists in southern France are currently investigating the role of environmental factors in autism by following 1,700 families over 10 years. To mark World Autism Awareness Day, FRANCE 24’s Emerald Maxwell tells us more.