Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that afflict about one out of every 250 children. Other members of this group include Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia. Numerous theories have been proposed over the years to explain the cause of Autism. Some have cast light upon certain aspects of the problem, but none have found a causal relationship that satisfactorily explains the majority of data.

     This site was established to publicize a novel theory about the cause of autism proposed by Dr. Anthony R. Torres. During his career, Dr. Torres has held research positions at the National Cancer Institute (NIH), Yale University, and several biotech com-panies. He is currently the Director of the BioMedical Laboratory at Utah State's Center for Persons with Disabilities. He is also well-published in leading scientific journals on a diversity of subjects including: protein chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and lately autism. In addition, he has received several patents, one of which he co-invented with Walt Runkis, the CEO of RollingDigital. Mr. Runkis is publicizing Dr. Torres' new theory out of friendship and respect (see Opinions).

     Dr. David C. Ward, a Professor of Genetics at Yale University, has joined Dr. Torres to test the theory. One test will compare the levels of certain blood factors commonly found in children with autism. Another will stimulate children's blood cells to detect ab-normalities in the target blood factors. By reviewing the medical histories of children and comparing the test results of autistic subjects with healthy children, Torres and Ward should be able to determine if there is a linkage between autism, fever and the use of antipyretics by pregnant mothers and small children.

     There has been considerable debate about vaccines causing autism. Parents commonly note that their child became autistic after receiving a vaccine. However, epidemiologists have not shown a connection between autism and vaccines. That is why the practice of suppressing fever with antipyretics should be examined to determine if there is a connection between the suppression of fever and autism or antipyretics and autism. If Dr. Torres' theory proves true, thousands of healthy children could be saved from becoming autistic.

— Synopsis —

Is fever suppression involved in the etiology of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders?

Background
     There appears to be a significant increase in the prevalence rate of autism. Reasons for the increase are unknown, however, there is a substantial body of evidence that suggests the etiology involves infections of the pregnant mother or of a young child. Most infections result in fever that is routinely controlled with antipyretics such as acetaminophen. The blocking of fever inhibits processes that evolved over millions of years to protect against microbial attack. Immune mechanisms in the central nervous system are part of this protective process.

Hypothesis
     The blockage of fever with antipyretics interferes with normal immunological development in the brain leading to neurodevelop-mental disorders such as autism in certain genetically and immunologically disposed individuals...   Read the theory

Anthony R Torres, M.D.

David C Ward, Ph.D.