Reducing the risk of autism or its severity
Our infant has been treated as if he has autism since birth (see list in figure 1). This included extensive eye contact, back and forth communication and play (ESDM1, ESDM2). Importantly, he has also had < 2 minutes of screen time per day and no background TV.
​
Currently, there is no research showing that autism can be prevented, but there are a number of risk factors that have been identified. Some of these can be corrected, while others cannot.
We identified and did our best to correct the risk factors we could (Figure 1). We also implemented autism early intervention at birth. While not yet sufficiently studied, early intervention in infants certainly should reduce the symptoms of autism of if it is present (Dawson 2008, Bradshaw 2015, Green 2015, Gialloreti 2019). The approach we used has huge potential benefit and no known risks.
​
Screen time and air pollution are two examples of correctable risk factors. A growing body of evidence links excessive screen time to symptoms of autism (Hefler 2020) and reversal of symptoms when it is stopped (Harle 2019, Sadeghi, 2019). Air pollution has been reported as a risk factor in several studies ((references)). It can readily corrected by filtering air and using face masks. There are several other factors associated with autism (e.g. Gialloreti 2019). We are taking action with each possible risk we can correct in our son’s in environment (Figure 1).
​
Critics will say there is no research proving correcting potential risk factors prevents autism I will ask them to show the research that show our simple and safe interventions have been sufficiently studied and therefore should not be implemented by others. In fact, if they are wrong, should they be held accountable? Also of note, I have no conflicts of interest to declare.
​
I believe all children at high risk, and ideally all children, deserve the same as what we have done for Jacob (Figure 1). This also includes close developmental monitoring, teaching of skills and a plan to “Act Early” if needed.
​
1. Extensive eye contact, communication and play
2. No screen time, background TV, etc.
3. Perinatal vitamins, iron, omega 3/6
4. No potential toxins during pregnancy (e.g. drugs)
5. Vaccines up-to-date, maternal influenza vaccine
6. Breast feeding
7. Filtered air for pollution reduction
8. Closely tracking development
9. Teaching skills at the right time
10. Prepared to "Act Early"
​
Screen Time LImits
We believe all children must have screen time limits to give them their “best shot” at life. Screen time is associated with many adverse effects, including developmental delay, behavioral problems, other symptoms of autism, obesity and more (AAP, Heffler 2019). Leading authorities recommend limits (AAP, WHO):
​
-
< 18 months, NO screen time (includes no background TV or similar exposures)
-
2-5 years, < 1 hour/day of parent supervised high quality programming
-
·>5 years, consistent limits
Our 14 month-old has 2 minutes/day (to communicate with grandparents). Our 4 year-old has about 20 minutes per day (talking with grandparents and learning from family pictures/videos).
Development Monitoring and Support
We believe all children deserve to have their developmental milestones tracked starting at birth. We have been using, and really like, the US CDC milestone tracker (Act Early). Had we understood and used this for our son with autism, we would have intervened much earlier. We are using other tools such as MCHAT-R/ASQ3 (available at A365.vn) and the Early Start Denver Model check list in combination. Based on when our son should be reaching a milestone, we teach it if it is not already present. Example early milestones include pointing, responding to name, playing peek-a-boo, and identifying body parts.
​
​
​
​
Act Early - Early Intervention
When a child misses milestones or has unusual behaviors, it is time for immediate action. Rapid action leads to better outcomes!! Click here to see what we did for our son and learn more.