Clusters of autism diagnoses linked to parents' education level
New research has uncovered clusters of children diagnosed with autism in areas where residents have higher levels of education. The study results will likely spark a handful of sensationalized headlines like “Higher Education Causes Autism,” but scientists call the connection a completely spurious correlation.
The study, out of the University of California Davis, did not find any environmental explanations, like pollution or chemical exposure, and concluded that the clusters are a result of more educated parents having the resources to seek out a diagnosis. Researchers hope the data will show how many children with autism fall through the cracks.
