April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and supporting families affected by it. With growing condition of autism across the globe, it’s essential to shed light on the ways to reduce the risk during pregnancy and early childhood.
Autism is a complex condition that affects a child’s ability to communicate and be socially engaging. It varies widely from person to person, with some individuals excelling in fields like music or mathematics, while others may need lifelong support. The numbers of children diagnosed with Autism are steadily increasing and unfortunately, many cases remain unrecognized, particularly in rural India where healthcare access is limited.
If you’re expecting or planning to have children, there are several key things you can do during pregnancy and early childhood to reduce the risk of autism. Although there is no fool-proof way to prevent autism, following the guidelines or tips may help lower the risk.
Understanding Autism and Its Causes
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects around 1 in 68 children in India. The causes of autism remain uncertain, experts believe this to be a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Autism can show a range of symptoms, from severe developmental challenges to extraordinary abilities in certain areas.
Autism manifests differently in each individual and while some children may need help in daily life, others can live relatively independent lives. Some may even develop incredible skills in areas like art, music or mathematics.
Common Risk Factors for Autism
Although the exact causes of autism remain unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These include genetic, environmental and prenatal influences. Some of the most notable risk factors for autism include:
- A family history of autism (especially having a sibling with ASD)
- Genetic disorders like intellectual disabilities or epilepsy
- Advanced parental age, particularly for fathers over 40
- Maternal infections during pregnancy (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus)
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency in the mother
- Exposure to toxins such as BPA (found in plastics), pesticides, and heavy metals like mercury and lead
- Medications like certain antidepressants and antiepileptics
Interestingly, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, although the reasons behind this discrepancy are still being researched. The risk also increases for children born prematurely or with low birth weight or those whose mothers experience high levels of stress or anxiety during pregnancy.
Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Autism can be identified as early as 6-12 months, but most children are diagnosed around the age of 3. Early detection is crucial because it allows for interventions that can greatly improve the quality of life for children with autism.
While there are no medical tests for autism, diagnosis is typically made by observing a child’s behavioural and developmental milestones. Some early signs include a lack of eye contact, limited social interactions and repetitive behaviours. If you suspect your child may be showing signs of autism, it’s important to seek guidance from the health expert.
Tips to Lower the Risk of Autism During Pregnancy
Although we can’t eliminate the risk of autism, there are several steps that expecting parents can take to lower the chances of having a child with Autism. Here are some effective tips to follow:
- Aim for a Healthy Age for Pregnancy
- The best age for pregnancy is typically between 21 to 35 years. Pregnancy at a later age, particularly after 35, increases the risk of complications and developmental issues, including autism.
- Prioritize Your Health and Wellness
- Manage your stress: High levels of stress during pregnancy have been linked to a higher risk of autism. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
- Exercise regularly: Keeping your body active during pregnancy helps control your weight and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, which has been linked to autism.
- Proper nutrition: Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in Folate, Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and Calcium. Consider taking prenatal supplements recommended by your doctor to ensure you’re getting the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
- Avoid Harmful Substances
- Say no to smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking during pregnancy can severely impact your baby’s development, increasing the likelihood of autism and other neurological conditions.
- Limit exposure to toxins: Be mindful of your environment—avoid harmful chemicals found in plastics (like BPA), new carpets, paints and air pollution from traffic fumes.
- Careful Medication Use
- If you’re taking medications for anxiety, stress or epilepsy, consult your doctor to ensure that they’re safe during pregnancy. Some medications, such as antidepressants (SSRIs) or antiepileptic drugs (Valproate), have been associated with an increased risk of autism.
- Regular Medical Check-ups
- Attend regular antenatal check-ups to ensure your blood sugar levels, weight gain and other health parameters are well managed.
- Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Care
- Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, as studies show that breastfeeding can support cognitive development and reduce the likelihood of developmental disorders.
- Early childhood is critical and creating a nurturing, stimulating environment for your child can make a huge difference. Consider engaging in brain-boosting activities, such as reading, singing and playing together.
- Alternative Therapies
- In some traditional practices, therapies like Yoga, Meditation, and Garbh Sanskar (a holistic approach to pregnancy in ancient Indian traditions) are believed to support a healthier pregnancy and reduce the likelihood of birth defects, including autism.
Conclusion
While we may not have the power to prevent all cases of autism, with the above tips and help of experts, we can create a safe environment for our children’s wellbeing and development. By taking these proactive steps during pregnancy and early childhood, we not only reduce the risk of autism but also give every child the best chance to thrive.
At Healing Pharma, a human-centric pharmaceutical brand committed to improving lives, we aim to raise awareness about autism through such educational content. Together, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of autism and ensuring a brighter future for every child.
