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Minimizing chances of having a child with Autism

Last updated: 9th August 2007

For the mother to be - in the months prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

1. Avoid all seafood (fish & shellfish). Seafood carries a low level contamination with mercury, PCB’s and dioxins. While some fish (e.g. salmon) are safer than others, in this situation it is best to avoid all seafood.
2. Supplement distilled fish oil by Nordic Naturals (www.nordicnaturals.com/) to meet omega-3 fatty acid requirements.
3. Only drink water filtered by an effective means, ideally reverse osmosis.
4. Do not have any amalgam fillings removed or installed while pregnant or breastfeeding. Have your sliver amalgam (mercury containing) fillings removed at least 6 months prior to becoming pregnant. Consult a dentist experienced in this procedure and who uses safety procedures such as dental damns.
5. Avoid vaccinations containing thimerosal.
6. Consume an unrefined nutrient dense diet rich in dark colored vegetables and fruits, unrefined meats, legumes and whole grains.
7. Avoid 100% of alcohol and caffeine.
8. Follow other steps to reduce daily environmental exposure.

For the child:

1. As much as possible avoid oral antibiotic use in the first 24 months of life, especially during the newborn period. If antibiotics are required administer them intramuscularly or intravenously if possible. If oral antibiotics are given also give an antifungal (e.g. nystatin) and probiotics. Consult a health care professional who can advise about alternatives to antibiotics.
2. Avoid triple vaccinations (e.g. MMR, DTP). When giving vaccinations give them individually and spaced out by 8 weeks or more.
3. Avoid vaccinations containing thimerosal. This mercury containing preservative has been pulled off the market in paediatric vaccinations in countries such as Australia.
4. Avoid vaccinations within 4 weeks of taking antibiotics and during an acute infection (cold, flu, etc.).
5. Never give another course of a specific vaccination (e.g. measles) to which there was previously a negative reaction.
6. Breast-feed exclusively for the first 6 months and breast feed in total for at least 12 months. If difficulties with breastfeeding arise consult a lactation nurse and contact a local breast-feeding support group. There are many ways of overcoming breastfeeding difficulties.
6. Do not give your child any dairy products or foods containing dairy products in the first 12 months of life.
7. When adding solid foods to your childs diet add all new foods, especially gluten (a protein which is in wheat, barley, oats, rye and spelt) and casein (a protein in all dairy products), individually, observing any changes in your childs health around that time.
9. Do not feed your child any fish or seafood for the first 2.5 years of their life.
10. Avoid refined sugars (including soft drinks, fruit juices, cordial, honey, jam, lollies, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, brown sugar, etc.) & foods rich in refined sugars (many breakfast cereals, many muesli bars, ice cream, chocolate, biscuits, cakes, etc.).
11. If symptoms of autism do arise consult a DAN! Practitioner immediately.

Blake Graham, BSc (Honours), AACNEM
Clinical Nutritionist
Perth, Western Australia
Phone/Email: See Contact page
*Non-Perth residents may enquire about phone consultations.