Is There A Connection Between Folic Acid And Autism?

                

 

The numbers of those who are diagnosed with autism is on the rise, and researchers are struggling to come up with the reasons why this is happening. To date, a cure for autism has not been found, and even more troubling is that fact that there seems to be no concrete reason why this happens to some children. There are many theories out there, including one that suggests there is a link between folic acid and autism.

The problem with this theory is that folic acid is something that most women are told they must take while they are pregnant. It is well known that a lack of this during pregnancy can cause a variety of birth defects including conditions like Spina Bifida. Women have been encouraged to get as much folic acid as they can to help prevent serious birth defects. The good news is that this seems to be working and birth defects have significantly decreased, but at the same time, can this excess be a possible cause of autism?

Many women get the extra folic acid they need from foods that have been fortified with it, or from taking supplements. Folic acid is found naturally in fruits and vegetables, however as there are a great number of people who don?t eat enough of these foods, items such as flour, cereals and grain products are fortified with folic acid by the manufacturers.

Though it is established that people don?t get enough, there is some thought that some are getting too much, and this might be the cause of autism in some children. It might not be a problem for everyone, but the theory is that too much folic acid can cause chromosomal changes within a growing baby.

Because of the warnings about what a lack of folic acid can do, some foods are now being supplemented with folic acid. A smart pregnant woman will take advantage of these if she thinks she is not getting enough. However, because so many foods are being supplemented, and some doctors recommend an extra helping of folic acid, there can be too much in the system.

Besides the theory that an overabundance of folic acid can cause a change in chromosomes, another theory states that it can also cause brain cells to grow too rapidly, enlarging the brain. This then cuts down on the room within the brain for proper connections between cells to grow.

More research is needed to establish whether there is a strong link between autism and folic acid, however, the possibility might scare some women into not getting enough folic acid. If they do this, they are putting their child in danger by way of increasing their chances for birth defects.

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If you are concerned about your intake of folic acid and autism talk to your doctor about your fears. They should be able to recommend what you should be eating and how much folic acid you need for a healthy pregnancy.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter about folic acid and autism and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.

Understanding The Autism And Diet Link

                

 

When the initial diagnosis of autism is made, parents often feel very scared, and incredibly lost. It is hard to know what to do next, and even where to begin. All parents want to help their children, but because there is no exact cause or cure known at the current time, finding and exploring options are often some of the first steps parents will take. One thing parents may come across in their research is the connection between autism and diet.

Though a change in eating habits and implementing a GFCF diet might not cure autism, there are many that believe this diet can help a child with this condition.

The initials GFCF stand for gluten free and casein free. Glutens are special proteins that are found in foods like grains or wheat, oats, and barley. Gluten can also be found in soy sauces, vinegar, some starches, and in many different types of food preservatives, artificial flavors and even dyes for colorings. Casein is also a protein, and is found in milk and almost every product made from milk. Think ice cream, cheese, and yogurts. Both of these proteins can be hidden in other types of food as well.

The link between the foods containing gluten and casein and autism is still being studied. It is believed that some autistic children struggle to digest these foods, and they are instead a toxin to the body.

This toxin then has an affect on personality and behaviors that are associated with autism. For someone with intolerance to foods containing gluten and casein, eating them could also create a huge disturbance in the digestive system causing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes vomiting.

Though many parents hope that this diet will help with all of autism symptoms, some rely on it mostly to help with the physical problems associated with ingesting these foods and proteins.

Any parent that thinks autism and diet are related should talk with their doctor before trying such a diet. Eliminating milk might be one of the first steps, but it also means eliminating a major source of calcium.

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When many of the foods are eliminated in order to try the GFCF diet, there can be deficiencies in some of the important vitamins and minerals a child needs. A doctor can help decide what to eliminate from the diet and what might be added to make up any nutritional shortfall. A doctor will also help monitor the over-all health of the child as the diet progresses, something that is essential for good health.

Results and conclusions about the effectiveness of avoiding GFCF foods on autistic behavior are still debated. Some parents have noticed significant changes, while other parents have found that is has had no real benefit for their child.

While enforcing a GFCF regime, some parents? report marked improvement with not only the physical problems, but with social and emotional difficulties facing their children too. The frustrating part is as all children are different it is impossible to know what will happen until you put the GFCF diet to the test.

If you chose to go down the autism and diet treatment route, as long as your child is under a doctor?s care, and the foods being avoided are replaced with nutritional equivalents, there should be no harm in trying it.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter about autism and diet and discover more on the signs and symptoms of autism.

Tips On Understanding And Living With A Child Who Has Autism

                

 

Growing up with a friend or a sibling who has autism can be frustrating if you don?t understand what having autism is all about for that friend or sibling.

Children with autism sometimes have a difficult time understanding what we say or what our facial and body expressions mean. You should not just stop trying to communicate with them because of this. Try showing them a picture or an object to help them understand things better. For example, if you are talking about the most recent basketball game at school, show them a basketball or a picture of the entire basketball team to help them understand what you are talking about.

To help you understand some of the behaviors common to kids with autism review the following list:

? Some kids with autism may have trouble talking and may make strange sounds, or they may not talk at all
? Some kids with autism may flap their hands, spin, or laugh a lot
? Some kids with autism will behave or play in unusual ways
? They may be very active or be very quiet and like to spend time alone
? They may have trouble looking directly at you
? Some kids with autism may say the same things over and over

Kids with autism, like all people, can get frustrated and angry. The difference is most often they cannot tell us why they are frustrated or angry. They may use actions instead of words to express their feelings.

A child with autism may make noises or spin around when he or she becomes upset, confused, or bored. When they are excited or happy they may flap their hands, jump up and down, or run in circles.

When surroundings or schedules change and/or things become different, many children with autism get upset. They may start to cry, hold their hands over their ears or run away. The reason children with autism react so differently to things that most of us do not even notice is because they have difficulty understanding or dealing with the world around them.

No one knows why some people have autism. There may be many different causes. Researchers continue to study and try to find out just what the causes of autism are and how best to help people with autism.

Kids with autism may be a member of your class or may be in a classroom that was set up especially for them. Some children with autism go to different schools; however, more and more children with autism today can go to regular schools and participate in after-school activities with classmates, friends and neighbors. This is so much better for the child with autism rather than continuing to separate them from the rest of the world.

Special arrangements may be used in classrooms to help a classmate with autism participate in the class. He or she may even have a special coach sit at their desk or table. He or she may use picture symbols to communicate with classmates and the teacher. There is special computer software that can ?talk? for a child with autism. The absolute best way for you to deal with a classmate, a friend or sibling with autism is to remain ?friendly.?

Autism is not a disease that is contagious. Others cannot catch autism from a classmate, friend or sibling.

Becoming a friend to a child with autism can be a rewarding and learning experience for everyone involved. Review the following ideas to help you be a friend to a child with autism:

? Accept the differences
? Protect your friend from things that bother him or her
? Talk to a child with autism in small sentences and use simple words with lots of gestures
? Use pictures or write down what you want to say to your friend who has autism to help him or her understand you better
? Join your friend who has autism in activities that interest him or her
? Be patient and understand that your friend does not mean to bother you or others
? Invite your friend who has autism to play with you and to join you in group activities
? Sit near your friend who has autism, and help him or her do things if they want you to
? Help other kids learn about autism by telling them about your friend

Source: Autism Society of America

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child?s condition.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.about-autism.info for more information about Autism Spectrum Disorder.