Healthy Child’s Experts & Autism

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Expert Opinion

Monday, June 13, 2011

by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Executive Director/CEO, Healthy Child Healthy World

Last week, I had the privilege of sitting in on a conference call featuring some of the leaders in autism research and care. The call was part of a series focusing on the effects of chemicals in commerce, hosted by Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, of which Healthy Child Healthy World is a coalition member.

As I listened to the introduction by Safer Chemicals’ National Campaign Director, Andy Ingrejas, I was struck by how little has changed since I first became involved with Healthy Child more than five years ago—and since the organization began, in 1992. Despite all our efforts to raise awareness among parents, industry hasn’t budged: There are still 84,000 chemicals used in commerce, which are supposed to be regulated by the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TSCA).

Guess how many chemicals have been restricted since TSCA was passed in 1976? Five. Yes, you read that right. Five.

What I learned on the call supported the research of Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Phil Landrigan and Dr. Bob Sears, who contributed to our newest Healthy Child Healthy World Perspective on Autism, one in a series of articles featuring contributions from members of Healthy Child Healthy World’s Science and Health Advisory Board, Honorary Board and Board of Directors, as well as prominent organizations and members of the scientific community, which you can download here.

In a nutshell: Autism is America’s fastest growing developmental disability. An estimated 1.5 million children are currently affected by autism spectrum disorder in the United States. Autism rates have risen nearly 400% in 20 years, to the point that now one out of every 100 children—or one out of every 70 boys—is statistically destined for diagnosis.

The Safer Chemicals panel discussed factors such as scientists’ and doctors’ increased capacity to identify the condition, which comes into play when looking at such a spike in the data. But four hundred percent? There’s clearly something more at work here.

That key, the panel concluded, are the unregulated chemicals that infuse our children’s lives to the point that today babies are born pre-polluted with more than 200 chemicals in their blood, just from pre-natal exposure.

“We live, breathe and start our families in the presence of toxic chemical mixtures and constant low-level toxic exposures, in stark contrast to the way chemicals are tested for safety,” said Donna Ferullo, Director of Program Research at The Autism Society. “Lead, mercury, and other neurotoxic chemicals have a profound effect on the developing brain at levels that were once thought to be safe.”

Just to be clear: There is no clear data on why autism occurs. Most scientists agree that there are many factors—from genetic to environmental—which may increase risk for ASD. Hundreds of genes have been associated with autism, some of which are inherited and some of which are found in people with autism but not in their parents. Large numbers of environmental factors are being looked at as well. These include chemicals, infectious agents, and various health problems in the parents. Autism may result from a combination of risk factors.

Please download the article for more information on risk factors and research, and continue to support Healthy Child Healthy World and the Safer Chemicals Healthy Families coalition in our fight to create a healthier world for our children.

Posted by Joseph Karanja on 06/30/2011 at 12:48 PM

There has been a lot said and researched about autism, but interestingly there is no much advance or progress in coming up with a quire. I have several people i know that have kids with autism and they love those children unconditionally. I have a lot of respect of the parents of these children because it is a lot of work and requires a lot of patience to take care of these children.
I would love some days to hear that there is a cure for autism and/or the main cause of the decease since at the moment some people just speculate the cause.

mustudent

Posted by Lyelle Palmer, Ph.D. on 06/24/2011 at 06:26 AM

A grandson who is now finishing first grade a year behind at age 8, was a bright and verbally active 2-year-old experiencing the typical acquisition of language at an impressive rate. My daughter took him to his pediatrician for his shots and he came back a totally different kid. Speech stopped abruptly and we wondered if he would ever talk again. Over a year later I put him on a horse-riding toy outside a store near Lost Lake Lodge north of Brainerd. He would point and make some noises and after a few rides a sibling came up and asked, “Where does the money go?” He answered softly, “In the hole.” We commented a great deal because these were the first words he had spoken in a long while. He clammed up again but language began to flow eventually.
Behaviorally, he loved a physical struggle with his mother when being put to bed or being directed. Eventually I held him to completion during an anger episode and he regained his ability trust homeostasis was re-established after flushing his ANS sympathetic adrenals. He is now a sweet kid although a slow reader. (He is on the front cover of the eye dominance book, “Sighting for Success” published last year).

So, having seen the price paid by this vulnerable little boy, I advise all parents of toddlers to spread out the shots over several sessions as was done with 3-yr-old Joe, Jack’s little brother. Joe is an energetic and bright little guy, up for anything that anyone suggests—very trusting, and his language ability is progressing impressively. He is such a contrast to Jack’s long journey of recovery from a bad day of vaccinations. I am puzzled that the AAP has not adopted a position on offering parents the option of spreading out the vaccinations. Perhaps avoiding any hint that something can go wrong with commercial drugs is more important (or am I being cynical?).

I wonder about the policy on vaccinations in Korea.

Lyelle Palmer, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Special Education
Winona State University, MN

Posted by Raising Your Child on 06/19/2011 at 11:17 PM

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Very informative.

Posted by Oxana Luna on 06/18/2011 at 07:14 AM

My son was diagnosed with mild autism at 20 months. the doctor suggested an Early Intervention Program but didn’t mention anything about toxins or diet. I did a lot of research and stumbled upon a book “Gut and Psychology Syndrome” by Dr.Natasha Campbell-McBride. She doesn’t recommend chelation for autistic kids but rather juicing to detoxify their little bodies. Freshly pressed juice every morning. High fat, low carb organic produce diet. Did wonders for my kid. His condition “was resolved” after 3 months of speech therapy and new diet. Dr. Natasha cured her severly autistic child with this diet. Parents of autistic children, please look into the diet!!!

Posted by Luciana Costa on 06/15/2011 at 02:26 PM

My kids were diagnosed and after a round of chelation his selenium level was through the roof.

Posted by Sally on 06/15/2011 at 02:26 PM

As well as environmental chemicals, food in relation to autism tends to be highly underrated. Just type in ‘autism + gluten’ or ‘autism + dairy’ into google - there are 5,080,000 results. The power of the foods we put into our bodies should never be underestimated.

Posted by Aj on 06/15/2011 at 01:49 PM

The part about autism rates rising 400% in 20 years may not be correct. Recent pilot studies on the epidemiology of autism in England suggest that there has been no actual rise in the prevalence autism- since the number of adults (some who when previously undiagnosed) with autism today is roughly the same as the number of children. This suggests that it is merely our diagnosis of autism that is getting better and that we are hyperaware of autism today.

Clearly this doesn’t mean that toxins in our environment aren’t a problem, or are not partially to blame for autism. But this is overly simplistic and doesn’t actually take into account the most recent epidemiological research.

(source: archives of general psychiatry, May 2011)

Posted by Jacque Pilkington on 06/15/2011 at 08:31 AM

The company I represent as an International Wellness Consultant, Nikken, has partnered with Healthy Child Health World to promote home environments. Our mission to make Every Home a Wellness Home is an ongoing project to bring a Garden of Eden environment inside for families across the globe. Small changes towards a healthier living environment is in line with this valuable information resource group. We are proud to be part of this movement to provide education, solutions and opportunity in converting ordinary toxic homes into Wellness Homes Worldwide.

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