Why Autism Prevention?
In 1970, autism affected one in every 10,000 children. Today, one in every 50 children is diagnosed. That’s a staggering 10,000 percent increase in a generation and a half.
These statistics can be especially frightening if you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy. As parents of autistic children know too well, treatment can be a long, expensive, and heartbreaking road. While symptoms may improve—for instance, a child develops language—it’s very unusual to come off the spectrum completely.
The good news is that, with an early start, prevention of autism is possible.
At the EverGreen Center, we’ve worked with autistic children and their families for more than four decades. We’ve seen autism prevention work in the majority of pregnancies, even in high-risk mothers who’ve previously given birth to a child who developed autism.
While we don’t know the cause for the epidemic, we do know enough about risk factors in today’s world that contribute to autism. With easily implemented lifestyle changes before and during pregnancy, parents-to-be can limit baby’s exposure to environmental toxins, unsafe vaccines, prenatal supplements with synthetic folates, and more.
I’m Dr. John Green, founder of the EverGreen Center and creator of the Prevention Project, where we believe prevention is the best way to turn the tide of autism. Our goal is to educate and support you through a safe, happy, and healthy pregnancy that protects your child’s well-being and precious future.