A recent study shows that a mother's weight can be a cause for Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. in an unborn child. In this study, it was proven that an obese mother-to-be or a mother with diabetes or hypertension is 67% more likely to give birth to a child with autism. In addition, a mother that is obese is two times as likely to give birth to a child with other developmental disorders, such as poor communication skills or lack of attention. In a fetus, anything that happens in a mother's body will affect it. A mother with hypertension or diabetes exposes her unborn child to high glucose at an early age. This glucose level can alter the way an unborn child's brain develops. During the study, it was found that autistic children born diabetic mothers had poorer communication skills compared to autistic children born to healthy mothers. Furthermore, children without Autism born to diabetic mothers showed sign of socialization problems and poor communication skills whereas the non-autistic children of healthy mothers didn't.
In my opinion, this article shared very important information. To begin, it explained that there are several causes of Autism. I used to think that Autism was just some sort of genetic mutation. I now know that it is much more than that. It is disorder that alter the way a child thinks, communicates, and acts. Moreover, this study will encourage mothers, women, and even girl to be healthy from the start. In America, 60% of pregnant women are overweight, 34% are obese, 16% have metabolic syndrome, and 9% are diabetic. These are huge numbers. Next, this new information adds another piece to the "Autism puzzle." Scientists have struggled for years to find more information on Autism, and this study will trigger more answers to even more complex questions. Likewise, this study gives scientists more information on what causes Autism and how to treat it. Lastly, this tell women planning on getting pregnant to keep their glucose levels in control and to exercise and eat right. All in all, this article gives great insight on Autism and ways to reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with it.
Sources:
Article and Picture: http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/09/moms-weight-or-diabetic-condition-may-be-a-factor-in-autism/?hpt=he_c2
