1. Heavy prenatal exposure to certain pesticides increases the risk of ASD. The study found that children of women living very close to fields sprayed with organochlorines had a much higher rate of autism. Those living closest had a six times higher rate than those farther away. Environmental Health Perspectives, July 30, 2007.

2. A study indicates that children exposed to high levels of testosterone in utero have more autistic traits in childhood. The traits most recognized were decreased facial gazing and smaller vocabularies. Nature, Sept. 11, 2007.

3. Study finds 11 genes linked to autism. New research out of UC Davis shows that eleven genes with links to natural-killer (NK) cells are expressed at higher levels in the blood of autistic children. Researchers detected overexpression of the eleven genes in all of the children with full-syndrome autism. If the NK cells are dysfunctional their body may not rid itself of infections, which are thought to contribute to autism. Genomics, Vol. 91, No. 1, January 2008.

4. Oxidative stress implicated in autism. One theory in autism is that heavy metal toxicity is a causative factor. One of the sides in this issue is the body’s inability to eliminate heavy metals from their system (detoxify) in autistic individuals. This inability can lead to increased oxidative damage throughout the body including the brain. A recent study showed that 3-NT (a marker for oxidative stress) levels, form the cerebellar tissue of 9 autistic individuals, were elevated 69.8% and the increase was statistically significant. The analysis also showed higher levels of mercury and lower levels of selenium. Oxidative stress can lead to increased cell death and in autistic individuals it is well known that Purkinje cells (specific cells in the cerebellum that play a role in neuronal communication) are typically decreased. American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2008.

The following are some ideas:

• Fruit kabobs. Buy some shish kabob skewers and create colorful strawberry, pineapple, grape, kiwi, and apple kabobs which kids can grab and go. Kids have fun making them, as well.
• Frozen grapes. They have the consistency of mini-popsicles, yet no added sugar and plenty of flavonoids.
• Ants on a log. Take celery sticks and smear them with cream cheese or nut butter (no sugar added varieties) and sprinkle with a line of raisins.
• Seasoned nuts. Nuts, especially walnuts, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Mix with 100% raw honey and cinnamon and bake at a medium-low setting for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Seeds. Seeds are a rich source of vitamin E and some, like pumpkin seeds, have omega-3 fatty acids. Roast seeds yourself for extra crunch and less refined salt.
• Veggies and dip. There is no excuse for not having fresh vegetables on hand. Buy prechopped, prewashed bagged veggies if necessary. Any trans-fat free dip is fine. Children need high quality fat for neurological development, and fat helps you absorb many nutrients in vegetables so don’t concern yourself over the dip. Carrots and hummus are a delicious combination. Hummus is available in most grocery stores and is rich in protein. Surprisingly, carrots are tasty dipped in nut butter as well.
• Dried fruit. No sugar added of course, and ideally sulfite free.
• Smoothies. Whey or rice protein, berries, plain whole milk yogurt, and water. Other options include: banana, green powder, peaches. Protein smoothies make an excellent breakfast.
• Rainbow melons. Slice honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon to make a candy-colored natural treat.
• Star fruit sandwiches. Place banana slices between sliced star fruit.
• Nut butter on pears or apples.
• Root fries. Slice yams, sweet potatoes, rutabagas, beets, parsnips into “fry” shape or dice them, place them in a glass baking dish, mix with extra virgin olive or a few dollops of coconut oil, spice with salt, pepper, rosemary, dill, etc. and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, until soft. Most children love yams.
• Berries. Mix a bowlful of berries in season, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Whip up some heavy whipping cream, add a splash of vanilla and 100% maple syrup. Serve a bowl of berries with a scoop of the homemade whip cream for a delightful treat.
• Trail mix. Mix dried fruit, seeds, and seeds.
• Roll ups. Layer thinly sliced turkey breast (ideally nitrate free), spinach leaves, mayonnaise (ideally soybean oil free) on a sprouted grain or whole grain tortilla. Roll up and slice into tasty disks. Roll ups also work with tuna salad, refried beans, and spreads such as hummus.
• Manna bread. Available in most health food stores.
• Ezekiel bread. Toast and spread with no-sugar-added nut butter.
• Fruit leathers. A much wiser choice than the exceedingly popular fruit snacks and fruit roll-ups without the added sugar. Available in bulk quantities at Costco. Beware the “fruit juice” sweetened fruit snacks, if you read the label you will see that there is still a lot of sugar in these—another misleading marketing tool.
• Leftovers

Any snacks containing refined sugar should be kept for special occasions rather than daily indulgences. Also, avoid juice because it is merely a concentrated form of natural sugar without the benefit of fiber; also many varieties contain sugar; if juice is given, dilute it 50% with water