Current Research at ISERP
The Social Determinants of Autism
by Peter Bearman (Sociology)
Autism is a developmental disorder that profoundly limits the ability of those with the disease to communicate, to form and maintain social relations, and to respond to environmental stimuli. The etiology of the disease is largely unknown, though there is likely a genetic predisposition. The incidence of autism in the United States (and elsewhere) has increased rapidly over the past two to three decades.
Given the large body of research investigating autism, the absence of consensus with respect to potential causes for increased prevalence is striking. And more striking is the absence of deeply integrative research strategies designed to systematically unpack the epidemic. Bearman's research aims to provide new insights into the incidence and increased prevalence of autism by examining the major factors potentially driving this epidemic.
See Also
- Project on the Social Determinants of Autism
- Press release: Peter Bearman Receives NIH Director's Pioneer Award to Study Autism Epidemic
- Press release: NIH Director Invests in Innovation, New Investigators
- Columbia News: Peter Bearman: Determining the Causes of the Rising Number of Autism Cases
Funded by National Institutes of Health »
