April is Autism Awareness Month, and organizations around the world will continue to spotlight awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout the month.
ASD is a set of complex, brain-based disorders that affect a person’s behavior as well as social and communication skills. According to Autism Speaks, “ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.” Autism is found more often in boys than girls, and affects all racial, ethnic, and social groups.
Clinical trials are currently underway for the use of umbilical cord stem cells to treat Autism. While there is no definitive list of what factors do or do not cause autism, many studies have been done to decipher specific genetic or environmental factors. Regardless of those findings, it is worth considering a few changes that may result in better health for both mom and baby. Read More »April is Autism Awareness Month: Healthy Practices During Pregnancy