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A Link Between Autism and Obesity During Pregnancy? Maybe-Maybe Not
Posted on April 10, 2012 by Hippo Hug in Autism, Blog.In the news today lots of people are talking about the Case-Control study of 1004 mothers that may point to obesity being a cause of autism. If you read the statistics and numbers it seems frightening and very conclusive but you must remember that these numbers have been pulled out of the study and used by journalists to make headlines. I would be interested to know if they study looked at all factors that can make a group similar aside from metabolic conditions.What about diet, hair color, socioeconomic region, prenatal care etc.
I don’t think if you read the study further that it really says obesity in a mother is a cause of autism it simply says there seems to be a connection that we ought to look at further. But really I think our efforts and money would be better spent on treating Autism because when it comes down to it once you have that diagnosis you can’t turn back time and change your weight or whatever while you were pregnant. Just love your child and yourself and give your family the best life you can.
For some further reading check out these articles:
Saying obesity in a mother causes autism is careless
Mother’s obesity and links to autism
Obese moms more likely to have autistic child
Possible link between maternal obesity and autism highlights importance of healthy lifestyle
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I agree with you – I think the focus should be more on the diagnosis – there has to be more than 1 factor to having a child with autism – I am quite sure that not all mothers of autistic children were obese while pregnant?
We need to focus on the support programs and what not for children and families that are living with the autism spectrum
Yes you are right not all mothers who have an autistic child are obese, just like not all obese mothers have a child who is autistic. The stats are interesting to say the least but I don’t think heaping the blame or shame onto obesity is helping anyone get healthy.
I agree with the article that says it careless to report these so called causes.
the connection is probably worth mentioning to pregnant mothers but yes, the focus might be better spent in other areas.
Yes definitely worth a mention once there is more than one study supporting it.
We must be very careful with the media and “study results” I think. I’m not sure if they will ever find the true “cause” of autism, there are so many different theories out there. Crossing fingers that they one day will!
I agree the media should be more responsible with the faith it puts in study results. Finding a true cause for autism, cancer etc etc would be great but only if it also comes with an applicable prevention. Otherwise focus and money should still be spent on treatment, support and acceptance.