Children, Autism, and Environmental Toxins/Part 2

As noted in Children, Autism, and Environmental Toxins Part 1, multiple studies are now reporting that exposure to environmental toxins is contributing to the causation and exacerbation of multiple devastating disorders in our children including Autism, Aspergers, PDD, ADD/ADHD, epilepsy, Tourettes syndrome, asthma, cancer, and birth defects.  

Researchers estimate that now 1 in 91 children are being diagnosed as having a disorder somewhere on the Autism Spectrum.  These numbers are getting worse each year.  Something has got to change!  When my son was diagnosed 15 years ago there was no such thing as the Autism Spectrum!!!  It is now our goal (my son's and mine) to educate and communicate through the Internet, in an effort to to turn these numbers around.

The protection of our children against environmental toxins is a major challenge to modern society.  Avoidance of multiple substances has to start now.  These environmental toxins include heavy metals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), Pesticides, Molds and fungus, Chloroform, Phthalates, and Chlorine. 

As a Chiropractor who treated many children on the Autism Spectrum as well as being a mom of a child who lived through this turmoil,  I have experienced what an environmental toxin can do to these kids.  Jump start your child's recovery by eliminating these environmental toxins from their environment.

Start by taking little steps.  Do not bring your child into a laundry mat, dry cleaning store, salon, new carpet store, or bus terminal.  Some autistic children will have melt downs in large stores such as Target, Walmart, K-Mart and even grocery stores.  It may be the environmental toxins in the air and/or the child is simply being over stimulated. 

Make sure there is proper ventilation when house cleaning.  Many companies now make citrus based products that work just as good.  Some moms swear by the use of vinegar and water.

Use glass container to store and microwave food in.  Avoid plastic wrap and aluminum foil.  Plastics and aluminum foil contain artificial chemicals and metals that can slowly leach into foods. 

Invest in a good water filtration system or buy a high quality bottled water.

If possible eat organic foods and hormone free meats.  Wash produce carefully to eliminate the dirt, wax, and pesticides.

Avoid using air fresheners, hair sprays, and other aerosols, use pumps as an alternative.  Open the windows as often as possible and let the fresh air in.

Ask your dentist not to use amalgam for fillings.  Although there are differing opinions on this - why take the chance.

Wash all new clothes and remember to remove the tags on the insides of the clothes.  As many moms know unfortunately some children on the Autism Spectrum are very irritated by these tags.  It is a sensory issue some children have and this will be covered in another blog.

These simple steps can lead to a healthier child and a healthier child is a happier child!

  Please comment on this blog as well as let us know what else you would like to know about the Autism Spectrum.