Autism ADHD Toxicity Risk Higher

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Autism, ADHD, and Toxicity: A Higher Risk? My Personal Journey and What I Learned

Hey everyone, so I wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind – the potential link between autism, ADHD, and exposure to environmental toxins. It's a complex issue, and honestly, I'm still learning, but I figured sharing my own experiences and research might help others. This isn't medical advice, obviously, just my two cents.

My Son's Diagnosis and My Growing Concerns

My son, Alex, was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD a few years ago. It was a tough time, you know? Lots of emotions, a rollercoaster of information from doctors and therapists. But amidst the chaos, something started gnawing at me. We'd always been pretty careful about what he ate, and we tried to keep our home relatively clean, but…was there more?

See, Alex's symptoms, especially his sensory sensitivities and hyperactivity, seemed intense. I started researching – way too much, maybe – and stumbled upon studies linking certain environmental toxins to neurodevelopmental disorders. Things like heavy metals (mercury, lead), pesticides, and certain plastics. This stuff freaked me out. I'm a worrier, I'll admit it.

The Heavy Metal Scare and What I Did

One study I read mentioned the potential role of heavy metals, particularly mercury, in autism. Cue panic. I immediately started thinking about his old fillings. (I know, right? Super-mom moment). We contacted his dentist, and while he reassured us the amalgam fillings were low-mercury varieties, I still felt uneasy.

I researched chelation therapy – a treatment aimed at removing heavy metals from the body. I read countless articles, many conflicting. I talked to other parents. Some swore it was a miracle cure, others said it was a waste of money and potentially harmful. Ugh, the stress.

In the end, we decided against chelation therapy. It's not a standard treatment for autism or ADHD, and honestly, the potential risks seemed too high. But the experience made me hyper-aware of environmental toxins.

What We Changed

After that scare, we really focused on minimizing his exposure to toxins. Here's what we did:

• Switched to organic food: As much as possible, we bought organic produce and meat to reduce pesticide exposure. This one was tough on the wallet, but I prioritized his health.
• Filtered water: We installed a high-quality water filter to remove potential contaminants.
• Limited plastic use: We swapped out plastic food containers and water bottles for glass and stainless steel ones.
• Improved air quality: We invested in an air purifier to remove dust, mold spores, and other airborne particles.

It wasn’t cheap or easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed and even a bit guilty, wondering if I'd done enough, too little, or if any of this would even make a difference.

The Takeaway: Awareness and Action

I don't have all the answers. The science on environmental toxins and autism/ADHD is still evolving. But what is clear is that minimizing exposure to potential toxins is a sensible precaution. I'm not saying that environmental toxins cause autism or ADHD – it's way more complicated than that, involving genetics and other factors. But there's a correlation and reducing toxic load is a preventative health measure that could potentially improve their lives.

It's not about living in a bubble, but making informed choices – like buying organic when you can, filtering your water, and being mindful of the things you bring into your home. It's about advocating for research and pushing for better regulations. This journey has been eye-opening and, sometimes, exhausting. But my son's health is my priority and making small changes has made a difference. I hope sharing my journey can help other parents facing similar situations.