Early signs and causes of autism

According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. David Childers with the UF College of Medicine's Autism joins us in studio to discuss the early signs and causes of autism amongst children.

[sarahmayarenas]

I have an autistic son, this road is heartbreaking

[Tootle]

What is causing it ???? Scientists need to figure it out now, , , , there’s way to many now than when I was a kid

[shakiraharris]

My son got diagnosed at 3 years old but I knew something was different with my son when he got older it’s a lil rough sometimes because he have a lot of tantrums and break downs

[mamabee]

I disagree with the theory that Autism is higher now as we are more aware of it. Years ago we were very aware if a child showed signs of behaviour we knew was not the usual or normal behaviour of a child. We didn't have as many children with learning and speech difficulties or with social isolation issues as the children today. I believe it's a combination of things that's causing the increase of autism today. First in the womb the fetus is not receiving the same healthy nutrients of years past when our diet was more organic and high in iron. Women are too worried about putting on weight in pregnancy these days depriving the unborn child of essential nutrients, fatty acids and protein. Second people today smoke drugs in pregnancy than previously damaging the brain of the unborn child. Environment is more polluted and too much electric devices being used by pregnant women today. Children are not getting the same level of love attention and interaction as previously as working mothers have no choice but leave their babies with strangers in nursery. Autism could also be caused by combining the vaccines instead of giving them separately as before. I am worried about the future of our world when we have a world full of vulnerable autistic people who needs care. Who do we rely on to manage world affairs. It's very sad.

[EarlyBirdCraft]

My 4 year old son just got diagnosed with autism. He has a strong eye contact however he doesn’t talk at all. 😢

[GlcYoungvibez]

Being a sensitive subject, we do not talk about it, but we need to face reality. This is not the evolution of the human race

[tyesunn]

Did the usual writers take the day off?

I didn’t hear them say that “Black” people are more likely to be autistic😂😂😂

I guess bigotry does take a day off at News4Jax. Who knew?

[ooSleepyCuilan]

Way he talks about people is a "problem."