Could healthy foods help people with autism cope?

CLEVELAND - New numbers out from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about autism estimates one in 88 children have autism. That breaks down to one in 54 boys and one in 252 girls. There are many ways to cope with autism, but could diet be a key? Some experts said yes, healthy foods can help.

Experts stress the importance to all parents to recognize the early signs of autism, because the sooner you get treatment for your child, the better chances they have of warding off extreme symptoms as they get older.

There are typical milestones a child reaches from the time they are born through adolescence. If something doesn't seem right about your child and their development, experts advise don't wait. There are screening tests than can be done to determine if your child is autistic. Some experts said the signs can be present as early as 1-year-old.

Dr. Max Wiznitzer from University Hospitals said there are a few symptoms that stand out that may help a parent recognize whether or not something could really be wrong. Dr. Wiznitzer said, "they don't like things to change around them or they can have certain behaviors or certain habits they follow through."

Experts believe anything you can do to involve your child in healthy activity, social activity and healthy eating, are all good things as they grow. In fact, research shows the more normal activity an autistic child has, the more it helps their IQ.

A local Raw Foods and fitness expert agrees. Marisa DiCenso-Pelser has been a raw food expert for years. She uses plant-based foods not only for a healthy diet to lose weight, but also to lead a much healthier, natural lifestyle in general. Raw Foods helps get rid of toxins in the body and can help an autistic child get rid of any toxins in their chemical make-up, DiCenso-Pelser explained.

DiCenso-Pelser also said, "for doctors who promote an allergy free diet for autistic children is if the child's body is not overloaded with processed foods and these allergen foods they can perform more optimally. The Raw Foods diet is naturally free of all those allergens."

So what is a Raw Food? Anything that is plant based. And according to DiCenso-Pelser "the recipes mimic your favorite dishes, but are just Raw, instead."

If you'd like more information from Marisa DiCenso-Pelser about the Raw Foods diet and how it works, you can follow this link .