CDC/ATSDR Involvement in the Brick Township Autism
Investigation
In late 1997, a citizen’s group
in Brick Township, New Jersey (NJ), provided results of a survey to the
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services that suggested that
the number of Brick Township children with autism could be potentially
several times higher than expected based on available prevalence rates for
the disorder.
In early 1998, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry (ATSDR) were contacted by the N.J. Department of
Health and Senior Services, U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli, and U.S.
Representative Christopher Smith requesting the possibility of federal
assistance in addressing the concerns of the citizens of Brick Township.
CDC assistance was requested
because of the complexity of investigating a behavioral disorder such as
autism and the fact that CDC was developing epidemiological methods that
address the unique challenges of autism. ATSDR’s expertise was requested
because community members felt environmental factors might be involved.
ATSDR conducted a scientific
literature review to determine what is known about associations between
chemical contaminants and autism. ATSDR investigators also assessed
whether any environmental pathways for human exposure exist in Brick
Township. ATSDR also developed a plan for community involvement and health
education activities.
CDC investigators with expertise
in population-based studies of autism conducted the prevalence
investigation. Their report was provided to the parents of the children
who participated in the study in Brick Township and the general public
through the CDC’s web site at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd.
National Center for
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC
