Advisory Committee Chair
Jeffery Wickliffe
Advisory Committee Members
Arti Shankar
Cassandra Newsom
Kristina Zierold
Ruzmyn Vilcassim
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1-1-2025
Degree Name by School
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) School of Public Health
Abstract
ABSTRACT As scientific understanding of environmental determinants of health advances, growing attention has turned to the role of toxic metal exposures in exacerbating neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This dissertation investigates the intersection of environmental metal exposure, biomonitoring innovation, and social factors shaping ASD severity in Alabama. Using a multidisciplinary framework, four interrelated studies explore biological, environmental, and participatory dimensions of ASD research and public health. The first study evaluates the utility of Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) for measuring exposure to cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg) in children diagnosed with ASD. VAMS offers a minimally invasive and accessible alternative to venous blood collection, especially beneficial for pediatric populations. However, technical challenges such as contamination and limited sample volume highlight the need for refinement before widespread adoption in environmental epidemiology. The second study investigates the correlation between census-tract-level airborne metal concentrations estimated via environmental screening tools and ASD severity across Alabama. Findings reveal that children residing in areas with elevated airborne metal pollution, particularly in industrialized zones, tend to exhibit more severe ASD symptoms, underscoring the spatial inequalities in exposure risk. The third study analyzes the association between blood metal concentrations and ASD severity, identifying significant positive correlations between cadmium and lead and increased symptom severity. These findings reinforce concerns about the neurotoxic potential of environmental metals and their disproportionate burden on children with developmental vulnerabilities. The fourth study assesses parental awareness and participation in environmental ASD research. It reveals notable gaps in environmental health literacy and highlights how previous research engagement influences communication preferences and study participation. Barriers such as mistrust, time constraints, and perceived lack of benefit reduce participation among caregivers, particularly in underserved communities. Together, these studies provide a comprehensive understanding of how environmental exposures, spatial disparities, and community engagement intersect to influence ASD outcomes in Alabama. They collectively underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, refined exposure assessment techniques, and inclusive research practices.
Recommended Citation
Ogunesan, Oludesola, "Environmental Exposure To Metals In Children And Their Effects On Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 6879.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/6879
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