Experts say a sharp rise in autism rates in the U.S. may be due, in part, to exposure to toxic chemicals. Now they're calling for greater scrutiny of those chemicals that could potentially lead to the disorder.
Autism and environmental experts say lead, mercury and other neuro-toxic chemicals have "a profound impact on the developing brain." Autism is a neural developmental disorder that leads to impairments in behavior and communication.
About 1 in 110 children in the United States has it. The disorder affects boys more than girls.