Waldman didn't stop there. He continued researching and, and using his skills as an economist, found a statistical connection between "the dramatic increase in autism diagnosis rate ... and the simultaneous dramatic increase in early childhood viewing."
Further, he found a statistical connection between high autism rates and areas of the country that experienced bad weather -- areas where kids were more likely to be indoors, watching TV.
Waldman's findings have been less than popular with parents. His son's own psychologist was unmoved by his theory. Members of the medical community have criticized Waldman's study because he's an economist, not a doctor. They also argue that just because two variables are related does not mean someone can claim that one causes the other.
But Waldman maintains he's not trying to pin autism on any one source, or make the claim that watching TV at a young age causes the disorder. He believes scientists should look into every possible cause for autism.
"I'm not trying to blame anybody, but one in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism, and I think we should look under ever single, plausible stone," he said. "I don't want to make anyone feel bad, including my wife. But I've found some intriguing evidence, and two development pediatricians are seeing the same thing. I don't think you can turn away from it."
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