The Autism Puzzle

With 1 in 88 American children now affected by autism, The Autism Puzzle is the first book to move beyond the distractions of the vaccine debate to address compelling new evidence that autism may be the result of the pairing of environmental exposures with genetic susceptibilities that together impact the brain development of children.

Journalist Brita Belli brings us into the lives of three families with autistic children, each with different ideas about autism, as she explores the possible causes. She interprets for readers compelling evidence that environmental toxins—including common exposures from chemicals mounting in our everyday lives—may be sparking this disorder in vulnerable children. Belli calls for an end to the use of hazardous materials—like toxic flame retardants used in electronics and furniture—insisting that we cannot afford to experiment with our children. The Autism Puzzle puts a human face on the families caught in between the debates and offers a refreshingly balanced perspective.