Somali Autism Rates in Minneapolis

Posted by Melissa Hincha-Ownby Jul 28, 2008

The debate as to whether autism is a genetic condition, a result of an environmental trigger (like vaccinations) or a combination of both is being waged among autism professionals. No single study has concretely proven, or disproven, any one theory. Researchers are now turning towards Minneapolis, Minnesota for possible answers.

Statistics from the Minnesota Health Department show that approximately one percent of children in Minnesota have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. According to a report published on the MinnPost website, “The Minnesota Department of Education said that in the Minneapolis' early childhood and kindergarten programs, more than 12 percent of the students with autism reported speaking Somali at home.” The report then goes on to say that “more than 17 percent of the children in the district's early childhood special education autism program are Somali speaking.”

This is alarming, to say the least. However the increased incidence of autism among Somali immigrants is also being noted in Sweden. Some Swedish researchers are linking this to a possible vitamin D deficiency that is seen by those with darker skin and the lack of abundant sunshine in the Swedish winter.

Although nothing definitive can be surmised from these two situations, one thing is certain – no one knows exactly what causes autism. It will be interesting to see the research that comes out of the studies of Somali immigrants in Sweden, the United States and other countries. It would also be interesting to see the incidence of autism among Somalis in their native country.