Research Shows Autism Risk Raised When Drinking Water Contains Lithium

While scientists know that autism spectrum disorder is caused by changes in the brain, there's still a lot we don't know about the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are multiple genetic, biological, and environmental risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop autism, such as experiencing complications when you're born or having a sibling with the same disorder. But a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that lithium in drinking water could also be an environmental risk factor for the disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that's often apparent by the time a child is one year old, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). While the amount it can impact an individual's functioning varies from person to person, ASD typically causes challenges with restricted interests, social communication, and repetitive behavior. Early signs can include having trouble coping with changes to routine, stilted speech, difficulty making friends, sensory hypersensitivity, and arranging toys in a particular way. ASD is diagnosed through an extensive evaluation through your pediatrician or local school. While ASD is a lifelong condition, those with autism and their families can learn adaptive skills through occupational therapy, parent management training, and speech therapy.