Is there a relationship or correlation between vitamin D deficiency and autism?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Is there a relationship or correlation between vitamin D deficiency and autism?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): no
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Males and Females Children 18 months to 16 years
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Improving vitamin D status in children and whether or not rates of autism would be affected.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Low income groups
Minority groups
Women
Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Describe why this topic is important.: Autism has become such a media heavy and concerning diagnosis for children and parents. Perhaps finding a correlation would allow for possible preventive measures.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student and thought it was an interesting topic.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): no
If yes, please explain:

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: It will allow for preventive measures to take place for children as well as allow parents the opportunity to help prevent autism if there is a correlation.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): It will allow for preventive measures to take place for children as well as allow parents the opportunity to help prevent autism if there is a correlation.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program: Through an epidemiology course at the University of Colorado Denver.

Effective Health Care Program