I believe that the single largest contributor to autism is an undetected brain imbalance in one or both parents in which the right brain is too deficient and/or the left brain is too strong. So, if you have an imbalance, your child is likely to have one as well. If both parents have a brain imbalance, the likelihood that your child will have a brain imbalance gets even higher.
Detecting a Brain Imbalance
The more you lean toward the extreme end of left-brain dominance, the more likely it is that you have some autistic traits. They may be too subtle for anyone, including yourself, to notice unless you are looking for them. In addition, the brain tends to get more unbalanced as we age and, for the most part, it tends to get more dominant on the left side. The Melillo Cognitive Style Assessment on page 132 of my book “Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders — and What Parents Can Do Now” is a great place to start. It is not a diagnostic tool but rather a resource to provide you insight into whether you may have strong left brain tendencies and thus an autistic phenotype.
Biological Implications
A brain imbalance has far-reaching biological implications with links to autism. For example it is common for people with a right-brain deficit to have:
- A heightened stress response and associated high cortisol levels which studies have found are common in children with autism.
- Chronic inflammation and some of the health problems associated with it, such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- A compromised immune system, which includes a greater susceptibility toward infections, allergies, and autoimmune disease.
- Food sensitivities and digestive complaints related to leaky gut syndrome, which are common in children with autism.
- A tendency toward depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Socialization is a key deficit that defines autism.
Reducing Your Risk Factors
The body plays a a role in brain function, so focusing on the brain alone when the problem is the brain is not the solution either. We need to measure and address all functions to be in optimal health and have the greatest opportunity to help lower the risk of autism. There is only one way to know your true state of health, and that is to measure it. Chapter ten of my book “Autism” offers ten major measurable facets of health that are relevant in your risk of having a child with autism. You can also see a quick overview of each in my article “Ten Point Plan for Optimal Preconception Health.”
Addressing a Brain Imbalance
“Disconnected Kids” offers a complete and extensive program for balancing the brain in children using sensory motor exercises. They can work just as effectively in adults. A functional neurologist can also design a program to fit your individual needs. For the best results, seek professional guidance from a functional neurologist.
