Prevention of Autism

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Those who have children on the autism spectrum often want to have more children. Rates of a second or third child having autism after one child is diagnosed is in between 7-18%. All children are precious but many children on the autism spectrum experience pain, isolation and frustration as they interact with the world. The goal is to prevent these children from having pain and allow them to reach their maximum potential.  In the last 10 years, parents who have followed our prevention program have had healthy children without developmental delay.

The prevention plan includes genetic screening, blood testing, full review of system and tracking of progress and outcome measure to be sure that physiology and biochemical processes are in optimal ranges. Data that is important to track includes endocrine disorders, neurotransmitter imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and genetic predisposition for altered efficacy.

Systems to optimize:

  • Gene SNPs for methylation pathway function. Risk genes include PEMT, MTHFR, COMT, COMT, SLC 19A1, RFC-1, and GRIK1. SNPs or misspelling the genetic code for certain substances. When those work arounds or key substances are provided, the action of the body is supported without risk to genetic instability.
  • Mitochondrial function can be supported and repaired.
  • Nutrient deficiencies are known causes for autism into prenatal plan. Known nutrients deficiencies linked to autism include zinc, carnitine, folate, phosphatidylcholine, vitamin D.
  • Assess and support the methylation markers in blood and urine testing.
  • Assess endocrine system including thyroid function as thyroid dysfunction has been linked to autism.
  • Mood and neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) balance. Parents with a medical history of mental health concerns are more likely to have a child on the autism spectrum.
  • Human genome project teaches that key microorganisms when added to the digestive system can change health outcomes.
  • Toxicity exposure can be transferred into a newborn. Support the liver and other detoxification systems and allow proper detoxification systems to function before birth of child.
  • Gut Brain axis is a mainstay in controlling the creation of neurotransmitters, absorption of nutrients and immune system regulation.
  • Assess and treat chronic infection. These infections may include: lyme, viruses, clostridia, strep and yeast.
  • Assessment and treatment for autoimmunity especially thyroid.

Prenatal Care

  • Inform parents about safety concerns about acetaminophen before and during pregnancy.
  • Advice parents to decrease actions that expose them to toxicants pre and during pregnancy.
  • Before pregnancy for 3-6 months advice parents to optimize diet though grain free, dairy free, and no processed food. Make sure the diet includes vegetable intake to 3-9 a day and add some raw vegetables as they are needed for bioperin.
  • Teach parents about minimizing medical intervention at labour and birth.

 

References:

  1. C. C.Gesi. The presence of a subthreshold autism spectrum is associated with greater prevalence of mental disorders in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. European Psychiatry. Volume 41, Supplement 71-72 April 2017 , Page S355

CE Boeke. Choline intake during pregnancy and child cognition at age 7 years. Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Jun 15;177(12):1338-47. doi: 10.1093/aje/kws395. Epub 2013 Feb 20.

Fischer M Leslie. Choline intake and genetic polymorphisms influence choline metabolite concentrations in human breast milk and plasma1,2,3. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Aug; 92(2): 336–346. Published online 2010 Jun 9. doi:  10.3945/ajcn.2010.29459 PMCID: PMC2904035

M Ayub. Interplay between maternal Slc6a4 mutation and prenatal stress: a possible mechanism for autistic behavior development. Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 18;7(1):8735. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07405-3.

Ozonoff, Sally. Recurrence Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Baby Siblings Research Consortium Study. Pediatrics. September 2011, VOLUME 128 / ISSUE 3

SH, Zeisel. Nutrition in pregnancy: the argument for including a source of choline. Int J Womens Health. 2013 Apr 22;5:193-9. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S36610. Print 2013.

TK, Grønborg. Recurrence of autism spectrum disorders in full- and half-siblings and trends over time: a population-based cohort study. JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Oct;167(10):947-53. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.2259.

Zeisel, Steven H. Nutrition in pregnancy: the argument for including a source of choline. Int J Womens Health. 2013; 5: 193–199. Published online 2013 Apr 22. doi:  10.2147/IJWH.S36610

PMCID: PMC3639110