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Preventing autism and catching it early
, 10 16th, 2008
Science has yet to find a way to effectively prevent autism, but there are many preventative steps that can be taken both during and after pregnancy, based on the results of past studies. It has also been shown that treating and diagnosing an autistic child as early as possible may better help the child socialize and learn communication skills. So while the causes of autism are still relatively unknown, here are some rules of thumb to follow:
• Insist on early autism screening if any behavioral problems (such as not using language as a form of expression) are noted before two years old. Typically-developing children should be babbling and using hand gestures by 12 months, using single words by 16 months, and beginning to string words together by the second birthday.
• Ask for genetic testing if the child has a lack of social or verbal development before age two.
• Schedule metabolic testing to prevent the onset of autism; heavy metal poisoning has been linked to autism, so a child’s bloodstream should be checked for metal toxicity.
• Look into the possibility of vaccinations containing trace amounts of mercury causing autism; but remember that the evidence for these claims is inconclusive. Consider these studies with caution.
• Avoid eating foods that may have an unsafe level of mercury, such as seafood, when pregnant.
3 Responses to “Preventing autism and catching it early”
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November 3rd, 2008 at 2:17 am
Preventing autism and catching it early | Help With Autism…
I am positive that this site will be able to help a great deal of other parents who are, just like me, also having a hard time dealing with our children’s autism. Your comprehensive information on autism care and treatment is quite helpful for me….
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:18 am
Preventing autism and catching it early | Help With Autism…
I am positive that this site will be able to help a great deal of other parents who are, just like me, also having a hard time dealing with our children’s autism. Your comprehensive information on autism care and treatment is quite helpful for me….
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:32 am
Preventing autism and catching it early | Help With Autism…
I am positive that this site will be able to help a great deal of other parents who are, just like me, also having a hard time dealing with our children’s autism. Your comprehensive information on autism care and treatment is quite helpful for me….