Autism and Alcohol? Not Very Likely

Any potential cause of autism should be examined. One recent report suggests that alcohol consumption by expectant mothers is, or may be, a factor. I find this suggestion as highly unlikely as the Television causes autism speculation but if credible evidence is found then lets see it. For now color me unconvinced, totally unconvinced. Obviously alcohol consumption by expectant mothers is unwise for a number of other serious health reasons including and especially Fetal Alcohol Syndrome but autism?

For the record I would like to offer the following information. I have two sons one 13 and one 11 1/2, the younger of whom is profoundly autistic by pediatrican diagnoses and psychologist assessment. Their mother, who is an extremely rare consumer of alcohol to begin with, consumed no alchohol during either pregnancy or during the period immediately prior to either pregnancy. In both cases we were consciously seeking to have children and my wife was extremely cautious about what substances she consumed. In fact, she consumed no alcohol at all, nor even caffeine (though she likes Diet Coke). In fact Conor's mom took no pain killers of any kind even Aspirin, Anacin etc. during the two pregnancies or the periods preceding them.

Alcohol causes autism? Wellllllll ..... may....be , who knows, but not in the case of Conor Doherty