Children in U.S.’s wettest climates stand more chances to suffer from autism, according to a study that appeared in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

After looking at data from Oregon, California and Washington state, researchers from Cornell University said that living in areas with higher precipitation levels seemed to lead to an increased number of autism cases than living drier areas.

Unsurprisingly, some are quite reserved as far as the findings concern. "It just does not seem plausible," stated Lee Grossman, president of the Autism Society of America (ASA). "It does not match up with any of the demographics that we follow."

Autism is a disorder that affects the development of the brain. How this occurs is not yet understood. The disease involves impaired social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before one’s third birthday. Starting the 1980s, the number of autism cases has increased significantly. As maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 150 children has autism or a related disorder.

Researchers claim that the rain itself, which may carry chemicals, or its possible outcomes, such as increased TV watching and playing video games, reduced vitamin D levels or higher exposure to household chemicals, might lead to higher autism rates.

Regarding the causes that trigger autism, most doctors agree there is a genetic link. Lack of vitamin D caused by insufficient time in the sun has been also associated with the disease. In addition, childhood vaccines and agents that cause birth defects have also been linked with autism. Still, there are many people supporting the idea that environmental factors have an impact on the disease.