What Can Be Done To Prevent Autism Now?-Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine

There are many theories about why the autism rate has exploded. Some think it’s due to better diagnosis, rather than a real increase. Other people blame maternal age at the time of conception. Still others suggest that a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental factors (including a dramatic increase in the number of vaccines given before the age of 5) is a more likely cause. But while the experts debate these theories, more and more children are being negatively impacted by this condition. In the meantime, moms of affected children who want to have another child, and women who have never conceived, are asking what they can do to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. Instead of waiting for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the American Academy of Pediatrics to issue new guidelines or policy changes, savvy individuals are examining the published scientific research and listening to parents who have improved their children’s conditions. They’re coming up with new strategies for carrying, birthing, and raising healthier children.

Of course, there are no guarantees. However, countless parents, physicians and researchers are pooling their experience to learn what is contributing to autism, and those strategies are bringing about improvements in affected children. We now have a deep well of wisdom, science and common sense from which to draw the following safe, effective, and practical recommendations to preventing autism, right now.

Prior to Conception:

If you are considering becoming pregnant, one of the best things you can do is to spend six months to a year improving your diet and making better lifestyle choices. You should consume organically grown grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean sources of protein. Laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy by putting yourself in optimal shape prior to conceiving will do much to minimize the chance of miscarriage, or developing other complications of pregnancy and deliver.

Many intended mothers reduce or eliminate the “white foods” (sugar, white bread, pasta, pizza, and bagels), along with chemical preservatives and other processed food, before conceiving. Reducing sugar consumption, minimizing the use of antibiotics, taking probiotics and using specific diets and herbs for intestinal pathogens can all be helpful in optimizing your health. These steps increase the likelihood that your child won’t be prone to GI problems.

Reduce or eliminate your alcohol and caffeine intake, and eliminate tobacco.

Begin an exercise routine.

Prior to conceiving, switch to using green cleaning and personal care products (e.g. shampoo, toothpaste, body lotion, and facial cream). A 2006 report from the CDC found that Americans, on average, tested positively for 116 of 148 synthetic compounds, including dioxin, polycyclic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides. These same substances were also found in human milk, placental tissue, umbilical cord blood, and the blood and body fat of newborns.

If your toxic load has been high (for example, if you’ve taken many prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs), you might want to consider a detoxification or cleansing program, such as those found at BlessedHerbs.com.

If a detox program alone does not relieve fatigue, migraines or other symptoms associated with being toxic, you might want to consult a chiropractor or medical doctor familiar with nutritional and chelation protocols for a more advanced detoxification process.

If you have several mercury-based amalgam dental fillings, consider having them removed by a dentist familiar with a safe procedure for the removal of dental mercury.

Begin taking a comprehensive multivitamin mineral supplement. One of the most comprehensive and easily absorbed prenatal supplements is OptiNatal. Start by taking one, and work up to taking six per day.

Adding a source of animal-based omega-3s is also essential for optimal health. Krill oil is a popular option, as are mercury-free sources of fish oil.

Find a “green” dry cleaner. The chemical used in most dry cleaning facilities, perchlorethylene, is a known carcinogen.

Drink filtered water and use a stainless-steel water bottle. Whether they’re heated or not, soft plastic bottles will release phthalates.

Limit your mercury intake by minimizing the consumption of large fish. For mercury levels of fish, visit gotmercury.org.

To build beneficial microflora, consume more fermented foods and take high quality probiotics. In addition to improving levels of beneficial intestinal flora, these have been shown to decrease intestinal absorption of certain chemicals by facilitating their excretion.

Improve indoor air quality in your home or office by opening the windows and creating cross ventilation.

Test your vitamin D levels, and add additional vitamin D3 if necessary. Many studies support higher levels of vitamin D than what was previously recommended. This boosts your immune system, cardio and neurological function.

Eat a diet rich in colorful, organically grown vegetables. This will provide an adequate intake of antioxidants to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals. Juicing organic vegetables is a great alternative if you find it daunting to consume the daily recommended 4 1/2 cups of veggies and fruits.

If anticipating pregnancy, I would also suggest you avoid the flu shot or any other vaccine for a year prior to conception.

Minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Computers, TVs, and cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation, so do not sleep with these in your bedroom. Use cell phones only when necessary, and keep your phone in your pocketbook, rather than in your pocket.

Do what is reasonable to green your home and minimize exposure to EMFs and toxins in your food, water and cleaning products. If you’re planning to remodel your house, or are building a new home, try to select no-VOC paints and sustainable wood instead of composites or resin-based products.

Begin regular chiropractic care with a family wellness practitioner. The specific adjustments will begin optimizing your nerve and immune system function and balancing your pelvic muscles and ligaments.

During Pregnancy:

Continue a high-quality organic diet that eliminates, or greatly reduces, sugar and other processed foods.

Continue to take a comprehensive, natural and easily absorbed multivitamin with at least 1,800 milligrams of calcium and 800 mg of folic acid. You might want to consider adding 2,000 IU or more of vitamin D. Continue taking a mercury-free source of omega-3, fish oil, and probiotics.

If possible, avoid dental work while pregnant, especially the removal or insertion of amalgam fillings.

If possible, avoid antibiotics and other over-the-counter and prescription medication. There is no pharmaceutical drug on the market that has been proven safe for pregnancy.

Continue an exercise program to improve circulation and stimulate peristalsis. Intestinal mobility slows as a result of pregnancy hormones, so, in order to continue having good bowel movements, daily exercise is essential. In addition, take good sources of fiber, such as ground flaxseed, psyllium husks, bran, nuts, whole grains, and seeds.

Eat a diet that contains at least 80 grams of protein per day. High-quality, organic, lean sources of protein include turkey, chicken, meat, eggs, nuts, and whey protein powder for smoothies. Divide them up into five 2-ounce servings.

Always have a protein-rich snack on hand for any dips in blood sugar.

Avoid the flu vaccine or any other immunizations. If you’re RH negative and require Rhogam, ask to see the package insert to make sure there is no thimerosal in the vaccine.

If you get sick, rest. Drink lots of hot water with lemon; take extra vitamin C, and possibly use Echinacea drops. (Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy).

Interview midwives and or obstetricians until you find one who can make you feel comfortable and empowered.

Avoid unnecessary ultrasounds-which may include all ultrasounds. There are no conclusive studies showing that ultrasounds are safe in pregnancy. Of greater concern are the studies showing how prenatal ultrasound affects brain development. Even standard, routine ultrasounds are not medically necessary and have not been shown to improve birth outcomes.

Minimize intrusive produces during labor (such as induction with Pitocin, pain meds, epidurals, forceps, C-sections and early cord clamping) by research them and discussing with your midwife or doctor which procedures you wish to avoid, if possible, and which ones you wish to have be part of labor and birth experience.

Choose your birth care providers wisely. Rather than selecting a provider or place of birth because of insurance coverage, select providers who will support your philosophical core beliefs about birth.

There is a higher risk of autism in cesarean-delivered babies. So, although it’s tempting to think of skipping labor, labor is actually Mother Nature’s way of preparing the child for life outside the womb. The baby’s neurological function is enhanced by naturally passing through the birth canal and through cranial molding.

Walk during labor, and stay in an upright position or on all fours for pushing and delivery. This will greatly maximize your pelvis’ ability to easily open and birth, minimizing the need for doctor assistant pulling, the forceful use of forceps, and vacuum extraction. Any form of pulling and rotation to the baby’s delicate spine in labor may have a lasting effect on her future nervous system function.

Interview several pediatricians during your pregnancy to find one who accepts your views on health and is open to discussing and giving careful consideration to invasive care with drugs and vaccines. Today, many parents are seeking providers outside of the typical allopathic model, choosing instead holistic practices that offer safer, more natural options to achieve health and well-being.

Continue regular chiropractic care on a weekly basis with a doctor who caters to pregnant women. This will optimize both your nervous system function and your pelvic biomechanics in preparation for an easier, safer birth.

During the newborn and infant stages:

Bond with your baby as much as possible. You will need your sleep, so rest when you can. But be sure to hold and talk to your infant as much as possible. Co-sleeping is an option many parents are adopting to ensure continued contact with their babies.

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to not only provide optimal nutrition, but to ensure there is a good amount of bonding time between mother and child. While breastfeeding, keep up your excellent dietary habits of 6 to 9 servings of colorful, antioxidant-rich veggies and fruit, 80 to 100 grams of high-quality protein sources and plenty of filter water.

Wear your baby as often as possible, utilizing various baby carriers. Having your baby held close allows them comfort, emotional ease and, very importantly, constant motion. These factors all strengthen and enhance neurological development in your baby.

Because birth is strenuous on both the mother and the baby, you should both be check by a qualified chiropractor shortly after birth. Spinal alignment is essential for your healthy recovery and continued stamina. Your baby’s cranial and spinal development will affect her nervous system function for the rest of her life. Early care supports strong nerve and immune system function.

Consume extra fiber to ensure a good bowel movement each day.

Purchase an organic crib and or bed mattress. Be aware of bedding and clothing treated with flame retardants, as they contain high levels of antimony and other toxic substances.

Continue taking multivitamin and fish-oil supplements with extra vitamin D if your blood work shows a deficiency.

Unless you are positive for hepatitis B, there is no need for your newborn to receive the hep B vaccine in the nursery or within the first few months of life.

I would suggest you avoid all vaccines until the child is older and then make an informed decision about each one based on its potential affects to your child’s immune, digestive and neurological systems.

To minimize the possibility that your child will develop food allergies, postpone the introduction of solids until at least 6 months. When it is time to introduce solids, only use organic vegetables. Steam them and puree them in a blender. You can make batches and freeze them in ice cube trays. Introduce each new food no sooner than 4 days apart to make sure there is no reaction. After a few weeks, you can begin introducing fruits. Grains should not be introduced until the baby has teeth. Before teeth appear, babies do not have the digestive enzyme to assimilate grains. If you have a history of eczema, food allergies, celiac or autism, avoid dairy, soy and gluten grains.

Continue breastfeeding for at least one year (preferably two). A child’s own immune system does not kick in until they are about 18 months of age, and your breast milk offers the best immune system support available.