Hmmm.....I wish I could remember where I read that autism 'developed' shortly after deadly dosages, and increasing, of mercury were/are injected to living beings. It isn't that long ago either: the 1930's. Most likely read it in Kevin Trudeu's book: Natural Cures 'They Don't Want you to Know About.' I would love to give a page and paragraph.....I apologize to Kevin for not narrowing it down, yet I recommend you read it.