Reducing the Risk of Autism

I have an amazing Dr. for Tate who speaks around the nation on autism and how to cure the disease. She is passionate because she has two children on the spectrum. She has a lecture on how to reduce the risk of autism in the unborn child and I thought I would share her list with you.... just in case you are cooking up a cute little bun in the oven or are entertaining the thought.

The following is a list of precautions Dr. Schneider feels that women should take before, during and after pregnancy to optimize their child’s neurological development:

Avoid mercury—this means fish, silver dental fillings and vaccines containing thimerosal
Schedule a visit with your OB/GYN prior to conception to discuss any precautions or testing you should consider
Get nutritional testing before pregnancy—measure vitamin D, B-12, folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 essential fatty acid levels. Vegetarians and women with gastrointestinal diseases may require more comprehensive testing.
Use supplements to address any nutritional deficiencies
Have a dental examination and cleaning prior to conception
Consider using methyl folate instead of folic acid and take at least 1000 mcg daily, starting at least 3 months prior to conception
Take omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements
Make sure any medications you are taking are safe in pregnancy or try to find safer alternatives
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
If there are allergies in the family, consider a gluten, casein, and soy free diet and take a high quality probiotic
Go organic to limit exposure to pesticides
Drink filtered water
Avoid soda, caffeine, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and fluoride
Don’t use pesticides in your home or yard
Don’t dye your hair and avoid nail salons
Use green cosmetic products (shampoos, deodorants, nail polishes, etc…)
If you are painting the nursery, use zero VOC paints
Rule out any occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, or other hazards
Only get medically necessary ultrasounds—no one truly knows how safe ultrasound technology is
In most cases, breastfeeding is the ideal choice. Women with a high total body burden of toxins or those that require medication may, however, be wise to provide a hypoallergenic, non-dairy formula instead.
Maintain a healthy nutritional intake
Get 8 hours of sleep nightly
Avoid stress when possible
Become educated about vaccines prior to delivery. Consider the risk versus benefit of each vaccine as it relates to your baby’s individual circumstances and health.
Keep your home as toxin free as possible


** If you are in need of any methyl folate, I now carry that product which I highly recommend over folinic acid. Folate is so crucial in the early development of the fetus. That is probably the most important thing I have learned in the development of these little souls. We simply don't get enough in our diet today. It is cheap and worth every penny.