The prevalence of Autism worldwide seems to be on the rise. In 2018, The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, funded by CDC, estimated that about 1 in every 44 8-year-old children have ASD.
Recently, researchers have traced this neurological issue back to heavy metals. Exposure to heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead causes developmental toxicity, especially in infancy periods. Unfortunately, high levels of these heavy metals are present in baby foods.
Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are now filing lawsuits against companies that use these heavy metals in their baby food production.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological disability. People with ASD often have difficulties in social interactions, behaviors, and interests. Although symptoms may vary depending on the person, people with ASD share a common trait of perceiving the world differently from others. The symptoms of Autism are wide, hence, the name Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Symptoms of ASD
Behavioral symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder appear as early as childhood. Symptoms may appear around 12-18 months or earlier. Many parents do not notice them until the child is three years of age.
Early signs of ASD are;
Problems with eye contact
Delayed cognitive skills
Does not share other's interests
Obsessive interests
Poor skills in pretend play and imitation
Poor communication skills.
Children may not have all or any behaviors listed here. It is a wide spectrum of symptoms.
How does Baby Food Cause Autism?
High exposure to toxic heavy metals can cause permanent decreases in IQ, decreased economic productivity, and increased risk of future criminal and antisocial behavior in children.
Allegations against certain baby food companies revealed that high levels of Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, and arsenic are added as additives and nutrients into baby foods.
There is a maximum level of metals the U.S Food & Drug Administration allows. According to reports, some baby foods contain up to 91 times the arsenic level, up to 177 times the lead level, up to 69 times the cadmium level, and five times the mercury level.
With such high levels exceeding the allowable levels in bottled water by FDA, babies are most likely to come down with Autism through baby foods.
What Can Parents Do About Baby Food Causing Autism?
The news of baby food causing Autism can leave any parent confused about what to do. Here are a few tips on reducing your child's exposure to heavy metals that can lead to Autism proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Babies should have a variety of foods: Always give your child a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.
Diversify your grains: Grains are good and rich in nutrients a child needs, but they are not the only cereal needed for growth and development. Rice absorbs more arsenic from the soil than any other crop. Try out other cereals like oatmeal, barley, and multigrain cereals.
Check your water: Lead pipes have always been a source of lead toxicity. Avoid water from lead or older pipes. Also, avoid well water, as the soil can contaminate it with arsenic.
Avoid fruit juice: They contain heavy metals and high levels of sugar. Prefer giving milk or plain water to your child.
Practice exclusive breastfeeding: The American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends breastfeeding over formula feeding. Breastfeeding should be exclusive for at least the first six months of a child’s life. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of getting heavy metals.
Make homemade baby food for your child: Preparing your baby food at home is cost-effective and less likely to have metallic contaminants. Serve the baby what the family eats but in a way that is easily digestible to them.
Conclusion
Do you have a child you fed any autism-causing baby food and is now diagnosed with Autism, Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder, or any mental disability? You can file a lawsuit against these food companies. Visit DolmanLaw.com today for a free, no-obligation consultation. They will review your case and represent your interests to ensure you and your child get the compensation you deserve.
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