Autism is something that has existed all through the history of mankind. It is well defined as a developmental disorder which starts as early as at the age of three in children and remains for the rest of the life.
Autism, what is also known as ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder that is typically a complex neurological disorder and a number of other neuro developmental conditions? While a number of factors and conditions have been linked to it, the most commonly seen are impairment of social development and repetitive behavioral conditions. There have been developments of the symptoms of Autism in many right after birth, while many develop them as they grow.
In simple words, Autism is a neurological disorder that causes problems in the language and communication skills of the one affected. It also makes a person repetitive and rigid in his or her behaviour.
This article is authored by Dietitian Sheela Seharawat. She is a young successful entrepreneur and founder & chief mentor of Diet Clinic Health Care Pvt Ltd http://www.dietclinic.co.in .
The World Autism Awareness Day
The day is observed every year on the 2nd of April worldwide, to raise awareness on Autism. On this occasion a valiant effort is made worldwide to spread widespread awareness on autism to facilitate and help people suffering from it to break sociol, physiological and environmental barriers and come in front as one.
The UN has made efforts to bring all individually operating organizations on Autism to come on one platform and aid things like research, diagnosis, treatment and acceptance for those who have been affected by it.
What causes Autism and what are its symptoms?
Although the exact cause of Autism is yet under research, but medical scientists and experts believe that genetics is one of the major cause behind it. It is something that is inherited. Environmental factors has also been attributed for the same but has not yet been confirmed as of.
It has been found that when a pregnant mother is exposed certain chemicals in drugs, her child has more likely developed autism. Other risks factors that have been associated with this disorder is alcohol consumption, metabolic conditions of the mother like obesity and diabetes, and use of certain drugs during pregnancy contributes to the development of autism in her child.
Those with autism undergo changes in the key areas of their brain that deeply impacts their speech and behaviour. Children affected with autism have trouble in communication. They find trouble in understanding what others think and feel. This makes things worse as they themselves are not able to communicate in a proper manner either through gesture or via speech or touch.
They also may have repetitive behaviour and stereotype gestures and movements like flapping hands, or shrugging shoulders and alike. They even find to see and respond to objects around them, are aggressive in behaviour and even develop seizures.
Diet, Nutrition and Autism
Experts speculate that one of the cause for autism might be diet, digestive tract changes, mercury poisoning, the body’s inability to use vitamins correctly, and vaccine sensitivity. If we look at some foods that create other problems in the digestive tract we might be able to understand.
One food group that already creates problems in the digestive tract is breads and grains. Breads and grains, more commonly gluten, is difficult to digest for those with Celiac disease. Breads and grains are also very highly inflammatory causing joint pain throughout the body, but that inflammation starts in the digestive tract. That inflammation can also happen in the brain decreasing brain functioning.
Similarly another such food group is dairy. Lactose intolerance is what we call it. Those suffering from lactose intolerance don’t create an enzyme in the digestive tract that helps break down the sugar. Symptoms of this usually shows itself with abdominal cramps, gas, and bloating.
The case can still be made that there is a direct link between autism and diet. All of these diseases have ties to the abdominal tract and what flows through there.