What Is Autism? What You Should Know
Medical studies have found links to the start of autism in pregnancy. What can you do to minimise the risk?
World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April
There are a number of different subtypes of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions that may lead to challenges with speech, nonverbal communication, social skills, differences in sensory perception and repetitive behaviours.
Autism South Africa defines ASD as ‘a developmental disability and people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people’.
People with autism have different strengths and challenges. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely impaired. Some people may need less support and interventions, while others may need high support and intensive intervention. Some people are able to live independently.
Autism Links To Pregnancy
Studies have found that autism may start in pregnancy. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that differences in brain development could begin in the second trimester and are likely a result of a combination of factors, which includes genes and environmental exposures.
Can autism be prevented? There is no known single cause for autism or a cure but researchers have established that genetics is responsible to about 90%. While it may be out of parents’ control, there are some things an expectant mom can do to minimise the risk for autism in her unborn baby.
Reduce Your Exposure To Toxins
A study at the University of Harvard found that mothers who were exposed to high pollutant levels in pregnancy had twice the risk of having a child with ASD than those who breathed clean air.
Pregnant moms are advised to:
- Avoid exercising in areas of high traffic
- Quit smoking (ideally before conception)
- Eliminate alcohol and caffeine
- Use eco-friendly beauty products
Eat A Healthy, Nutritious Diet
- Choose organic vegetables where possible
- Eat a range of colourful fruit and vegetables
- Choose green vegetables and fruit that contain antioxidants
- Have some lean protein daily (about 80g) – good sources are turkey, chicken and nuts. Choose protein snacks between meals to keep your blood sugar steady
- Keep your digestive system moving and avoid constipation – eat bran, wholegrains and nuts and use exercise to stimulate bowel movements
- Avoid fish with a high level of mercury. Swordfish tops the South African list, followed by bluenose and kob (kabeljou)
- Reduce your consumption of products made from white flower, processed foods and sugar
- Take folic acid as advised by your doctor
- Talk to your doctor about an antenatal supplement and take it daily
- Drink at least eight glasses of filtered water every day
Maintain Your Health
- Antenatal care is important for your health and your baby’s – don’t miss appointments with your obstetrician or GP
- Try to prevent illness, for example, get the flu shot and wash your hands regularly. If you are sick, get rest so your body can recover
- Don’t take medication unless your doctor tells you it is safe
- Avoid gestational diabetes
- Attend childbirth education classes so you know what to expect during the birth
Resources:
Information: www.aut2know.co.za; www.autsimspeaks.org; www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com; www.autism.com
Image: Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash