Valproate raises risk of autism spectrum disorder

New research points to an increased autism risk from an anti-epileptic drug (not vaccines): in-utero exposure to valproate triples the risk of autism spectrum disorder.

Although autism is not a disorder which I treat with acupuncture, as a health-care professional, I am alarmed by the growing number of epidemic diseases such as whooping cough which are making a come-back because of declining rates of childhood immunizations, due in part to fears of autism which have not been proved by un-biased science. I believe it is important to focus caution where it is justified by evidence–here, valproate–rather than where it isn’t (vaccines).

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http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=659499