The CDC (Center of Disease Control) has released a new report that shows a 78% increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) since 2002. However, the exact reason for this increase is unclear to the them. In fact they don't have a clue. They think part of it has to do with increased identification of autistic children being reported. However, they can't account for that being the only reason and they have no idea what else might be causing the increase in autism. Apparently, they don't pay attention to the reports of side effects from immunizations or concerns about heavy metals in general.
Overall, the report's data, derived from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) surveillance network, show that in 2008, 1 in 88 children aged 8 years — 1 in 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls — had an ASD diagnosis by age 8.
This marks an estimated 23% increase since the last report in 2009 and a 78% increase since 2002.
Further, there was wide variation in prevalence estimates by sex and race and ethnic group. Boys were 5 times more likely than girls to have an ASD diagnosis. The largest increases were among Hispanic and black children.
Many alternative practitioners believe the pathways of detoxification have become overwhelmed by toxins in autistic children.
It is believed that mercury and aluminum as well as other heavy metals may be a part of the problem. The main exposure of mercury and aluminum is from vaccines as well as contaminated seafood.
Electromagnetic Fields(EMF) are another possibility. These are from cell phones, cordless phones, and other wireless equipment such as WI-FI as well as electrical outlets. See this past blog on cell phones and children.
Viruses, bacteria and mold has also been implicated. Even viruses such as herpes simplex can be problematic. People who live in moldy houses need to rethink their living situation or clean up the house.
There is a link between vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and the increase in autism. The vitamin D receptor appears in a wide variety of brain tissue early in the fetal development, and activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in your brain.
I think all pregnant women should have their vitamin D levels normalized to 50-60 ng/ml.
Anything that can add to the strain of an already overwhelmed detoxification process will be an additional factor in causing autism.
If you want to see some more details of things that can lead to autism, click here.
Pregnant women need to make sure they stay away from anything that may harm their fetus and children should be kept away from environmental toxins as much as possible.
I suggest you read the following by Dr. Amy Yasko who specializes in treating Autism. 1) Autism: Pathways to Recovery. 2)Foundational Protocol for Autistic Spectrum Disorders. 3) Detecting Neuro-provoking Foods I downloaded both lengthy papers (books) off her website although it was hard to find them when I did it about 6 months ago. They are very well written and helpful to parents/practitioners working with autistic kids. If you are a parent and don't know where to begin after reading them, find a physician who will read it and help you. I think you will find you can understand a lot of it. Here is Amy Yasko's website. Click Here.
You will be really glad you went to her website if you have a kid with Autism. Most Naturopaths can be helpful in treating Autistic kids. Find a qualified, licensed Naturopath in your community. They are trained to support normal detoxification pathways. Their background is 4 years pre-med followed by 4 years of medical school that emphasizes supporting the bodies natural healing processes. They are your ticket to a healthier life for you and your children.
