Archive for January, 2009

Dangers of Vaccinations

Author: mom_to_one, 01 30th, 2009
dANGER-vaccinations

Parents like to think of the childhood vaccinations their children receive as protection from future damage.  Childhood vaccinations no doubt provide benefits, as they protect from harmful diseases and illnesses.  But some vaccinations can also contain a dangerous preservative known as thimerosal.  This preservative was invented in the 1920s, and while it does keep vaccinations fresh and free from bacteria, it also contains small amounts of mercury.  Heavy metals like mercury can cause serious damage to the brain, circulatory system, and organ functions.  In addition, mercury and thimerosal have been linked as a potential cause of autism. 

It’s important to double check that your child’s vaccinations don’t contain thimerosal.  The U.S. government mandated that childhood vaccinations containing thimerosal must be phased out, but they’re still in existence in other countries and in certain vaccinations. 

Scientists Search for Accurate Autism Diagnosis

Author: mom_to_one, 01 28th, 2009
Scientists Search for Accurate Autism Diagnosis

There’s no scientific method to diagnose autism except through monitoring its symptoms such as social withdrawal, impaired emotional response, and lack of communication skills.  There’s no laboratory test available to diagnose autism, thus scientists have been searching for biomarkers that would allow them to diagnose autism more easily.  In the Autism news of late, scientists have been looking for abnormal proteins or fluids in the body, including monitoring the saliva of autistic patients.  One protein, called phosphorylation, has been identified as having a much lower presence in autistic children versus healthy children. 

If Scientists could develop a test for autism, they could identify autistic children or children at risk for autism at birth, rather than waiting until the age of 2 or 3 to identify the symptoms of autism.  There is no cure for autism, but treatment is available, and the earlier autism is identified, the easier it is to begin the process of treatment.

Physical Contact with Mercury

Author: mom_to_one, 01 23rd, 2009
Physical Contact with Mercury

Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man, and coming into physical contact with mercury, whether from a thermometer, foreign cosmetics, or a fluorescent bulb, is quite dangerous.  Symptoms from mercury poisoning do not often manifest immediately when coming in contact with the substance.  Symptoms include swelling, burning or itching pain at the are of contact, skin discoloration, weight loss, loss of hair, teeth, and nails, rashes, insomnia, kidney problems, and memory impairment.  Most mercury poisoning occurs over time from ingestion of fish, plants, and livestock.  Mercury is also present in certain preservatives, like thiomersal, which is used in childhood vaccinations and has been linked as a potential cause of Autism. 

If you suspect you’ve come into contact with mercury, consult a doctor immediately, as mercury can be treated.  When treating the gradual build-up of mercury in the body, it’s near impossible to identify symptoms over time, thus regular check-ups at the doctor are important to monitor mercury poisoning and other potentially serious condition

The Candida Yeast

Author: mom_to_one, 01 21st, 2009
The Candida Yeast

Candida is a potentially harmful fungus that can manifest inside the human body.  Some Candida species can be responsible for disease, though infections caused by Candida can often be treated with antifungal medications.  But for patients with AIDS or other immune deficiency conditions can be vulnerable to Candida infections; it can even be fatal.  The body can also become vulnerable to Candida infections after a heavy detoxification due to treatment of other diseases.  In these circumstances, a Candida cleanse might be necessary; essentially the same antifungal medicine used to treat infections of Candida. 

It’s important to be aware of potential issues due to the Candida yeast, but in general, the body will keep Candida in check without external assistance. 

Children Born with Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 01 16th, 2009
Children Born with Autism

Though there is no single known cause for Autism, studies have shown that the two largest factors are genetic and environmental.  It has been illustrated that autism tends to occur more often than expected amongst individuals with specific medical conditions, thus, some of the danger of a child being born with autism is genetic, and unavoidable.  Research has also shown that causes of autism can be linked to environmental factors.  Heavy metal toxins (like mercury) are much more common in our environment than they were in the past.  Traces of mercury in childhood vaccinations have also been linked to autism.

It’s important for all new parents to be aware of the symptoms and causes of autism because if recognized early, autism is treatable, if not curable. 

Identifying Less Severe Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 01 14th, 2009
Identifying Less Severe Autism

While it’s easier to identify severe cases of autism, especially once a child starts to grow, it can be difficult to identify less severe autism cases.  Autism can manifest as simple odd mannerisms, such as awkward hand motions, or slurred speech.  While children with mild autism can be educated to become functional and normal adults, it’s still important to recognize and work to treat their autism at an early age.  Luckily, mild cases of autism can have little to no effect on a child’s education; some subjects might even come to them more easily, such as math. 

All parents should be aware of the signs of autism, and those parents who do have children with mild autism should be well versed in autism education.  A few simple changes and tweaks to a standard education will allow an autistic child to learn more thoroughly and develop as a normal child.  Because children with mild autism often have fully functional brain activity, it’s also important to allow them to take part in their educational development; ensure their learning is enjoyable as much as possible. 

Finding Information on Autism

Author: mom_to_one, 01 09th, 2009
Finding Information on Autism

It’s estimated that the prevalence of Autism is about 6 in 1,000 people, and relative to other diseases and illnesses, this is a significant portion of the population.  There is a high demand for Autism information amongst the public, but it’s not always easy to know the most reliable places to find it.  There are a couple of reliable sources to find information about Autism, the first being the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.  This is a government website that provides accurate information about autism symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and frequently asked questions.  There is also the National Autism Association website that is a bit more personable than the government website, providing a network of parents and experts. 

Make sure to double check sources about Autism information, and ultimately consult a physician if you believe your child has Autism or is showing the symptoms.  The earlier treatment begins the more successful it will be in the long run. 

Emphasizing Patience for Parents of Autistic Children

Author: mom_to_one, 01 08th, 2009
Emphasizing Patience for Parents of Autistic Children

When parenting an autistic child, the key to fostering their development is having patience and keeping your cool. Autistic children suffer from underdeveloped social and communication skills, and sometimes learning a simple practice or process can take a lot more effort. If parents practice patience with their children, they’re more liable to teach them over time.

When parenting a child with autism, it’s also important to avoid lingering on one particular subject for an extended amount of time. If an autistic child can’t learn something, or doesn’t want to learn something, often no amount of effort on the part of the parent will help them to learn it faster. It’s wise to take all learning step by step, and ensure that difficult subjects are learned over time rather than making an attempt to cram it all in at once. With patience, understanding, and a cool head, you can help your autistic child develop into a more functional adult; just remember that it’s not going to be easy, but the results are spectacular!

Successful Autism Treatments

Author: mom_to_one, 01 05th, 2009
Successful Autism Treatments

Autism is a brain development disorder which causes the impaired social interaction and communication. Thus, the most important autism treatments involve the autistic person overcoming social challenges, including fostering meaningful relationships, securing employment, and maintaining determination. It’s important for autistic children to develop relationships outside of their immediate family; this will help them to understand the importance of social interaction in exterior environments. It’s also important for autistic people to be employed, or engaged in some activity that involves having responsibilities; when people are depended upon they begin to understand their own importance in the world.

In all tasks and challenges an autistic person faces, it’s also important for them to have drive and determination. With all people, there must be some force that propels them forward, whether it’s self determination or just a simple goal. If an autistic person overcomes these challenges, their chances of becoming independent are much improved.