Several studies reported metal disturbances in autistic patients, maybe due to metallothioneins unbalance or dysfunction.
The unbalance in metal levels were observed in blood, hair, nails of autistic patients. Chelation treatment has also been suggested to eliminate specific metals from the body, such as mercury.
But is the severity of autism related to metals body burden?A re there evidence of this?
Your idea is a good one. I dount any 'one gene' (or even group of genes) will be found to be responsible for Autism, it is so heterogenous in phenotype. However looking at a model of genetic vulerability with toxic and environmental contributions sounds enticing.
Chelation treatment isnt effective, and can be dangerous.
Here are a few references you might find helpful
Article Environmental toxicants and autism spectrum disorders: A sys...
Article Prenatal and neonatal peripheral blood mercury levels and au...
Article A meta-analysis of the evidence on the impact of prenatal an...
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