So bizarre: UC Davis researchers have found 10 clusters of autism cases in California – including three clusters, where autism rates are almost double the norm, in the Bay Area – and they’re predominantly in areas where parents are white, well-educated and a little older. The three Bay Area clusters are in Redwood City, San Carlos and Belmont; areas of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara; and Western San Francisco.

Why? It’s not because of toxic waste or pollutant issues, the Davis team said, but it may be linked to household products or lifestyle factors associated with more educated families. (Um, like, parents with graduate degrees use more air freshener?) Or, the research team director said, these families may be more likely to have their children diagnosed.

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