Autism research has come a long way, but not all of the research seems to be widely known. I recently read this great article on Immune Disorders and Autism. It states these little known facts that research has found:
- Autism can be linked to pregnancy
- In 1/3 of cases, it is linked to Immune Dysregulation
- If a mother in the first trimester gets hospitalized for a viral infection, it can triple the odds
- If a mother gets a bacterial infection in the second trimester, it can increase the odds by 40%
- Inflammatory diseases in general have increased significantly in the past 60 years- As a group, they include asthma, now estimated to affect 1 in 10 children (at least double the prevalence of 1980) and autoimmune disorders, which afflict 1 in 20
- A mother’s rheumatoid arthritis can elevate a child’s risk of autism by 80 percent
- A mother’s Celiac disease increased the odds of autism 350 percent
- Mothers of autistic children often have unique antibodies that bind to fetal brain proteins
- A mother’s diagnosis of asthma or allergies during the second trimester of pregnancy increases her child’s risk of autism. So does metabolic syndrome, a disorder associated with insulin resistance, obesity and, crucially,low-grade inflammation. The theme here is maternal immune dysregulation
- In population rife with parasites and acute infections, autism can be nearly nonexistent. Explaining why it seems to be growing in our civilized society
- Asthma and Autism are more common in urban areas than rural; firstborns seem to be at greater risk; they disproportionately afflict young boys
- Probiotics might help
- More Research needs to be done
- Please read the full article for more information
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Autism and Obesity: the Links in Pregnancy
I just want to say, I absolutely LOVE reaidng all of your entries.This is my answer:Autism, to me, is a part of who my child is… for better or worse, beautiful or ugly. Yes it causes extreme temper tantrums, misunderstandings, dietary issues and more… but it also shows me a side of life that I would have never seen before otherwise. A whole new profound way of looking at the world.Autism makes it very hard for my child to know what other people may be thinking… a look on their face and body language aren’t enough. Autism also makes it very hard for my child to understand the concept of time. To tell me about a year ago, he refers to it as “a lot yesterday”.It’s because of Autism that my son will kick and throw things as he enters a rage filled meltdown that is completely beyond his control.Probably what hurts most, however, is the looks and comments and judgments that others make while we’re in public. Whether it be a meltdown at a grocery store or even a physical activity where my son clearly isn’t as “in control” as the other children. Being different, to most people, is a negative thing.It’s for this reason, that Autism to me, has become my purpose. Actually, my son (both of my boys to be honest) are more important than Autism itself, but they’ve given me my purpose in life… to not just raise awareness of Autism but to try to help others to understand it better and to accept those that have it.Perhaps if I can reach enough people, those looks and comments and judgments will begin to go away. If I can reach people in my own community, I can help people accept my child.. if I can reach people around the world.. I can help many children.And not just children… but teenagers in high school that are being bullied or even beaten… and adults too that may still be living with their parents or at the very least, struggling at keeping jobs and a social life.Since my son has been born, and more so, since we’ve received his diagnosis, I’ve learned so very much about Autism and yet I still have far far more to learn.And this is my meaning in life… this is my purpose.Not to change my child because my child is wonderful, amazing and every bit as deserving of a everything that you and I have as we are.My purpose is to change the world around him… by talking to anyone that will listen. By giving them just a little bit more understanding… and hopefully, helping them to accept my son and everyone else with Autism.That’s what Autism is to me.