Autism can be prevented with lifestyle changes: Neurologist
Autism can be prevented with lifestyle changes: Neurologist
A world-leading neurologist has found autism can be prevented if parents make a series of lifestyle changes.
Paediatric neurologist and Harvard University assistant professor Dr Martha Herbert has been studying the disorder for 16 years.
She believes it all starts with the mother’s health before pregnancy.
“There are genetic contributors, but it looks like environment is playing a big role,” she told 7News.
“Watch out for household products with toxins… you’re just going to circulate toxic chemicals into your body and the baby will get it too.”
She said plenty of sleep and healthy choices like unprocessed foods, vegetables and fresh fruit could also help.
“We came across the idea of additive and preservative free diet… go what we call ‘grandma style’,” she said.
About 1 in 100 Australian children are diagnosed with autism, but Dr Herbert said these lifestyle changes can prevent, reduce the severity and possibly even cure the disorder.
Axel Vassos was diagnosed with autism when he was two, and his mum Noni said after therapy and diet changes, Axel is no longer considered autistic.
“I don’t think there is an overall cure for autism because it affects everyone so differently, but there are small steps we can take every day,” she said.
