Pregnancy and a Candid Look at Possible Causes of Autism

Welcome To AuSumness.

Last week we asked the question, if there were a cure for Autism, would you give it a try.  We were pretty surprised by the reactions we received and we shared them in last week's edition.  Today, I said I would start talking about the gluten and casein free diet, but I'm saving it for next week.  I thought I would mention a few findings I read about pregnancy and autism.

Depending on what you read, you may have found that autism is largely linked to genes.  There is a lot of research going on out there and not all of it is hooked on this idea and you shouldn't be either.  We all need to take a very open view on all topics across the spectrum.  We must never think that there is no cure or that we can't stop this.

Some of you might be asking yourself, "I don't know of anyone in the family with any kind of autism or other similar mental incapacities.  So, how are ALL of these cases genetic?!"  That's what we've been thinking in our family.  Going back on both sides, searching for something and coming up with nothing and no one.

According to a Lancet report I read and several others, they made the conclusion that only a small percentage of autistic children is actually gene related.  The Lancet, Dr. Mercola and many other professionals are attributing autism to toxins, gut flora, vitamin deficiencies, food, toxins, medicine, iron deficiency and other non gene factors.

The most important part here, is for pregnant ladies to understand how their diet and environment can have a serious effect on their baby's health.  Of course, a cleaner, less toxic environment will help greatly reduce the risk of Autism.  As will sufficient vitamin consumption, notably vitamin D as well as an understanding of their own gut flora and the means of knowing all of the aspects of having a healthy child.  We're specifically going with autism related health, but LEARN just what is toxic.  You may be surprised or perhaps not thought of it.  Check out this list for starters:
http://drbenkim.com/articles-household-toxins.htm

Gut flora are microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts.  It provides a barrier or block to pathogenic organisms.  Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can occur when gut flora is not at its best. (Wikipedia)  Gut flora can be improved through diet.  there is amazing connection between the gut and brain which is why it is so important to have healthy bowels.

Tests can be done to check the condition of your gut flora.  I did get a check for the condition and leakage of my digestive tracts and came out clean!  So this was not, more than likely, how my children acquired Autism either.

There is a connection with this and the next blog.  Diet as means of mending both gut flora and  minimising autistic symptoms.  We just thought the research was well worth knowing and something to consider for pregnant or those ladies wanting to become pregnant.

The other factor, which is a bit of a bomb and may cause some reactions and that is vaccinations.  Before you jump to any conclusion, make sure you do your research first.  Keep an open mind and read further and see if any of it makes sense and perhaps do some research on your own if you are not satisfied.  The two sides are driving me crazy!  I have no idea which one to believe.  As I mentioned, we saw a night and day difference after my youngest had the MMR vaccine.  So, I don't think it would be smart to rule this out yet and there is good credible research with valid explanations of how vaccines can have ill effects. You can find whatever opinion it is you are looking for and I supposed that largely depends on where you are coming from.  Read it ALL with an open, critical mind and do what you think is best for your family.

I wanted to leave links, but then you might be left as confused as myself!  I suppose, perhaps the largest factor to consider is, if vaccines WERE a cause of autism, what would be the consequence?  Think of the organisations behind it all and the ripple effects that would occur if the connection of autism to vaccines would be proven.  If you start a search of autism and vaccines, the majority of the information found would be pro vaccine.  I'll share a few varying links.  I apologise if I leave you in the confused situation we are in.  Hehehe...

Autism-Vaccine Link: Evidence Doesn't Dispel Doubts - WebMD

http://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?q=autism%20and%20vaccines

http://drhyman.com/?s=autism&submit=Search (I really found the first article here, interesting.)

If you'd like to discuss this or have important information to share,  join our group.

Thanks for stopping by AuSumness.

Is There A Cure For Autism?

Welcome to AuSumness.

We've found some pretty ausum information in regards to diet and autism and we'll be breaking it up, putting it in easy, fast summaries over a few months and sharing it with our readers.

If you have tips or excellent resources with helpful information about autism, feel free to share the links in the comments.  There is a lot of information out there.  Some misleading, a lot of confusing stuff and contractions that we can't even keep up with.

We are not doctors.  We are parents of two boys with autism that are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  We are just sharing what we've read and you can do what you want with this information.  Everyone is different and dieting affects folks in different ways.  What may work for one may not work for another.  We are willing to try it all out.  Especially, if it is a natural way.

I recently asked, in our group, if there were a cure for autism, would you give it to your loved ones.  I was a bit stunned by the responses.  Not in a negative way, but more of a, I never looked at it that way, kind of way.  Hehehe...

Here are some of their responses:

"I'm afraid of what trying to cure him would do to his personality. How much of it is due to his autism."


"For me no, better understanding of the spectrum is what is pray for."

"My friend says, she loves her children and each has their own quirkiness that makes them unique. She wouldn't stop loving them if they were cured, but doesn't want a cure."

"As far as cure, if it would let me know and reassure my worries that he would lead a "normal" life and not be dependent, then yes, definitely a cure and of course, it depended on what the cure is and what it all entailed. "

"Not if it were to change his attitude and his little quirks.I worry about his future a lot, and I worry about his ability to cope with things but I wouldn't change him... he has a beautiful loving soul and has touched many lives when they have stopped their assumptions about him."

"Autism is not a disease, therefore there can be no "cure". Why would anyone want to change the way their child is? That means changing WHO they are. I find that the parents who are seeking a "cure" are usually the parents who have difficulty really and truly accepting their children. It is as though they are in denial, and/or they are mourning the loss of the child that they wanted but never had (instead they got this "imperfect" child and they need to figure out a way to "repair" them)."

"In asking one of my sons if he wished he was like the other kids at school or like his sister... His response is this... 'I'm not like the other kids. I like me and I'm happy'. How could I want a cure?"

I am totally into curing my children of autism, if it is indeed possible.  I wouldn't think twice as long as they were not harmed in the process.  Does this mean I love my children less?  That I don't love them for who they are?  That is for each and every one of us to decide for ourselves.

I was totally put off by the overwhelming responses from loving parents who didn't want a cure for autism. At least for their children.  It certainly made me think twice, but my husband and I agreed, we want a cure if there is one.  We are very concerned about our children's future and we know, with their degree of autism, living independently isn't an option.  We watch our children suffer and struggle with everyday, little things, most people take for granted.  I'd love to see my boys live a less stressful life.  Minimising their chaotic way of thinking and living is necessary to be a happy, productive contributor to our community.  Understanding others feelings as we all as their own is hugely important in every day life.  If I can make life a bit easier for my family, I'm in.

According to a lot of research out there, some people can be cured through eating habits and those are what we will mostly be focusing on.  We'll look into marijuana as well as a possible injection.  I still need to get further info on that one.

I also found interesting statistics in regards to preventing autism if you are pregnant as well as vaccination and the condition of your children's health that might also interest you.  All to come!

If you would like to answer the cure question, join us in our group or leave a comment.  Just keep it friendly and do not push your judgment on others, please.

Next week, we'll be looking in to the gluten and casein free diet as a means of curing autism.