So what you are saying is, and I will let you answer this, too, Dr. Anastas, is that it is finding that there is a difference with the autoimmune systems.

That kind of large birth cohort study, like the National Children's Study, I think is going to be an essential part of understanding the risk factors for the development of autism and ASD.

I think concerted studies of specific populations will give you valuable answers that could lead to mitigation of autism.

Before we consider policy changes, we need to understand the latest science.

Yet there is still so little known about the disease, its causes, or treatments.

I get that.

As a mother of a 15-year-old daughter and as the Chair of this Subcommittee, protecting our children from exposure to harmful substances is an issue that is extremely important to me.

So what has been your own journey in trying to follow the research and figure out what is going on?

We know there is a lot more work to be done.

I talked with these families in the Somalian community, we have a very large Somalian community in Minnesota.

So if we could just write you a blank check right now, which sadly we can't, what would you most, if you could just conduct the research that you wanted to, in a big way, and I know there are limits on research, but if you could do that…

Thank you very much, and thank you for your kind words about my mom, who devoted herself to kids.

Sometimes when we are here in Washington, we don't realize that the abstract numbers... have very real implications in people's lives.

There is no cure for autism yet, so it is clear more research is needed.

I thought your comment at the end, Dr. Birnbaum, was something we all believe, that chemicals do affect children's development and their brain.

So there is $29 million for research for neurodevelopmental work, and about a third of that is specifically for autism?

I don't know if you have heard about it, but the diagnosis is 1 out of 28 of their children have autism.

I got an A in high school chemistry, but then I forgot everything the next week after the test.