Children with autism are very much like the canaries that miners have taken down into the mines. These vulnerable children become ill first from environmental pollution, but soon, others who are not as vulnerable also start becoming ill. According to the latest CDC report, 1 out of every 50 school-age children now has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is mounting evidence that environmental influences are playing a role in the increasing rates of ASD. The combination of genetic vulnerabilities along with environmental toxins may result in disturbances or imbalances in the immune, gastrointestinal, mitochondrial, hormonal, and/or neurologic systems in some children.
In this talk, we will begin with a brief overview of the scientific literature of the effects of various toxins on health, including BPA, pthalates, flame retardants and toxins in our food supply. Then, tools and strategies will be presented to help you reduce your family’s exposure to environmental toxins and create a ‘healthy home.’ So this presentation will be useful to everyone who has chronic illness (not just children with autism) as well as those who are interested in taking preventative measures in order to remain well.