Help With Autism

While the cause and cure for autism are unknown, it is possible to treat the symptoms of autism and reduce their effect on the body and mind.  Autism often first manifests when children are toddlers.  Diagnosis before toddlerhood is difficult because children tend to show the first signs of autism when first introduced to communication and social interaction and after their brains have developed.  Treatment for autism involves developing the brain to think in different manners, and also to work around those barriers to social interaction and communication.  There are also some treatments that involve prescription and over the counter drugs used to cleanse or mitigate toxins from the autistic child’s system. 

Children that have autistic siblings are much more likely to develop autism than those who have no history of autism in their family.  If you believe your child is showing symptoms of autism, be sure to consult a doctor.  The earlier autism is identified the earlier treatment can begin. 

Autism is quite a complex disorder with several contributing factors, and there are many theories as to how it is caused.  Autism is genetic, with evidence indicating that children who have autistic siblings are at much greater risk for autism than those who have no history of autism in their family.  In addition, environmental factors such as exposure to toxic substances and over-vaccination of infants have been linked as a potential cause.  Autism is a biological brain disorder, and it’s likely that multiple factors contribute to the likeliness of a child having autism.  While the exact cause has yet to be determined, the risks of autism are clear.  Parents would be advised to monitor their children’s exposure to toxins, and also avoid unnecessary vaccinations. 

It’s not possible to eliminate all risk for autism, but addressing those known concerns like environmental factors can help to ensure the safety of young children.  It’s also a good idea for all parents to check out autism research online before having a child.  This will help parents prepare and address risks, should any exist. 

Since the 1970s, Americans have been celebrating National Autism Awareness month in April.  While April 2nd is considered to be World Autism Day, the entire month is an excellent time for parents, teachers, and all adults to familiarize themselves with autism.  Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 150 children.  With that figure in mind, every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a disorder in the autism spectrum.  Autism is more common that juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer, and AIDS combined.  It’s important to emphasize autism awareness during the month of April because so many children who are affected with autism might not be diagnosed right away. 

Recognizing the symptoms of autism in the early years of a child’s life will allow them to start receiving the needed treatment.  Children who are diagnosed early have a much better chance of being molded into functional adults.  The brain develops more in the early stages of life, and children who receive treatment can develop their brain despite an autism affliction and move forward with their disability.

President Obama made a lot of promises during his campaign, and one that affects all autistic children and parents of autistic children was his pledge to appoint a Federal ASD Coordinator.  Obama agreed to appoint this official to oversee and coordinate a nationwide effort to deal with ASD.  But as the government is attempting to implement so many changes right now, including stabilizing the economy and reforming the health care, it’s likely the Federal ASD Coordinator will be put on hold.  But for those most affected by autism, any autism news from the White House is good news. 

In addition, the new stem cell research program funding which has been approved by the Obama Administration could bring good news to millions affected by autism.  Better treatments for autism do exist.  

Vaccines all have the potential to cause side effects, but when these side effects can be life-altering, it’s best to know all the facts before immunization.  Most documented cases of vaccine damage are most often caused by preservatives contained in routine childhood vaccinations.  The United States government instituted a program in 1988 that would cover individuals and families injured by childhood vaccines, and since then the program has paid out more than $903 million dollars.  It’s important to be aware of the preservatives contained in vaccinations to avoid vaccine damage.

While a child might be immune to measles, mumps, and rubella, they might become a victim of a more serious condition like autism if the proper precautions are not taken during vaccination.  No doubt vaccines are necessary to prevent a lot of terrible diseases and illness, but being aware of the potential side effects is always a good idea. 

Mercury is a natural substance that occurs in the environment.  Mercury is released into the atmosphere from the earth’s crust and oceans, and by human activities such as burning coal.  Fish often contain the largest amounts of mercury because fish absorb mercury in the water through their gills, and then predatory fish that eat other fish are exposed to higher levels of mercury.  Most if not all fish contain trace amounts of mercury, and the FDA regulates the acceptable levels of mercury in commercial fish.  The effects of mercury poisoning from prolonged ingestion of fish are mostly neurological; victims of mercury poisoning can die or become severely ill.

In general, it’s okay to eat commercial fish, but it’s important to know where the fish came from as well.  Mercury poisoning is linked to a host of serious conditions that involve the nervous system, including autism. 

Chelation is a process through which metallic catalysts are removed from the bloodstream.  Chelation therapy is most often used to treat atherosclerosis and certain other degenerative diseases which affect the circulatory system.  In addition, chelation therapy has also been used to treat autism through removing dangerous metallic toxins, like mercury, from the body.  Chelation also provides several more simple benefits, including removing plaque from the artery walls, smoothening artery walls, and initiating the body’s natural healing processes. 

Patients of chelation therapy have not been able to walk prior to the therapy due to muscle pain, and then can walk following treatment.  This is because chelation improves blood flow to the artery muscles, and allows people to perform everyday activities that would have otherwise been difficult.