Living with Autism

April is Autism Awareness Month, so we thought it would be a logical idea to give everyone a better general understanding as to what this spectrum disease is all about.  Recent statistics show that 1 in 150 children are affected by this disorder, which has no determined cause or cure!  Being a spectrum disease means that every child with autism is different, with a wide range of skill levels and normal functioning capabilities.  Common signs that your child may have a spectrum of autism can be anything from having acute senses (i.e. a particular sound may completely relax them or it may trigger an outburst) to lack of social skills to repetitive actions/movements.  Autistic children often lack social skills and tend to cling to a certain object rather than a human being.  On the higher functioning spectrum of autism is a syndrome called Asperger's, in which a child is exceptionally talented in a particular area (i.e. math, science, fine arts) but can come across as being unempathetic or socially awkward.  The other important characteristic of autistic children is their reaction to food.  Going back to the part about acute senses, children with this disease tend to be very picky eaters because they will not consume food that has a certain smell, texture, or taste.  Here is where nutritional health becomes a big concern to many parents because their child may not be getting the vitamins and nutrients they need naturally through different types of food.  Be sure to talk to your doctor and see if a supplemental diet might help!

With a bit more background on this mystery disease, check out the article below to see if you can find a treatment that can help both you and your child live happier, more functioning lives.  If you know a family with an autistic child, let them know that you will be there for support when they need it!

Sincerely,

The Team at Covenant Health Products