1 In 45 US Children Ages 3 - 17 Have Autism

According to new statistics released by the 2014 National Health Interview Survey, 2.24% of U.S. children (1 in 45) ages 3 to 17 years have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These new figures are up from 1.25% reported from 2011 to 2013.

This is how much the rate of autism has increased during the past three decades:

• 1980’s: Two studies (1987 & 1989) found 1 in 2500-3000 U.S. children had autism.
• 2000: American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society estimate 1 in 500 US children had autism.
• 2003-2004: Study (2006) revealed 1 in 188 U.S. children had autism.
• 2007: CDC states 1 in 150 U.S. children had autism.
• 2009: CDC states 1 in 110 U.S. children had autism.
• 2012: CDC states 1 in 88 U.S. children had autism.
• 2014: CDC states 1 in 68 U.S. children aged eight had autism.

In 2014, the CDC “officially” admitted that 1 in 68 US children eight years old were found to have autism, in 2013 a CDC national health survey found that 1 in 50 children between the ages of 6 and 17 were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2011-2012.

Why Is Autism So Prevalent Today?

The human genetic makeup hasn’t changed radically over the past 3 decades, but our environment has.

The chemicals that children are exposed to have radically increased over the past 3 decades. The vast majority of those chemicals are not adequately tested for safety.

GMOs have come into existence over the past 3 decades. Eating genetically modified crops can have a significant negative health impact on humans. Corn, canola, soy and cottonseed are the 4 largest GMO crops. Sugar beets and alfalfa are also significant GMO crops. GMO foods disrupt the gut bacteria and the lining of the small intestine.

Glyphosate A.K.A Roundup has been named a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization and in 2007 it was declared the most used herbicide in the US. Glyphosate has been linked to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome has been linked to autism.

Antibiotics have been extensively used to raise livestock over the past 3 decades and have also been used much more on humans. Antibiotic raised meats, when consumed by people, disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria. A round of antibiotics can change the gut bacteria for up to a year. Gut bacteria has a lot to do with human behavior, mood and learning.

With all of these disruptions to gut health, gluten can also cause more gut damage. Wheat fields are often treated with Roudup to dry out the wheat before harvest. The Roudup makes the gluten even more damaging.
This is why 3 decades ago, you never heard of gluten sensitivity or gluten free foods.

In general, children eat way too much processed foods and way too much sugar, which alters their gut bacteria and their behavior. A low sugar and low carb whole food, which avoids grains and is high in greens, vegetables, nuts and some fruits, is preferable for all children, especially those with developmental or acquired challenges.

Another consideration is to look at all of the chemical food dyes in children’s foods. These dyes can significantly impact any child’s behavior, especially a child who is on the autism spectrum or has ADD or ADHD. Dr. Doris Rapp is a pioneer in this field.

Heavy metal toxicity and/or mineral and trace mineral deficiencies can also play a key role in treating autistic children. I believe the most cost effective and accurate way to do this is through hair analysis, which I do in my practice. I use Doctor’s Data, which I think is the best lab in the country for hair analysis. This is a sample report

I use hair analysis along with blood and urine analysis in my Clinical Nutrition practice. The system that I use is called Science Based Nutrition.

For more information on this

If you have a child with autism or have a friend or family member with a child with autism, there may be a lot that can be done that you or they are not aware of. Healing the gut is a huge step in the right direction, but as you can see, there is much more to it than that.

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