When Dr. Cindy Schneider finished her medical residency in 1990, she planned a career in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). After having three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum; Dr. Schneider’s career changed forever.
Not long after her children were diagnosed with autism, Dr. Schneider attended her first DAN! Think Tank. The year was 1996.
“I missed attending the first Dan Think Tank by just one year,” Dr. Schneider laughed, realizing how long she has been researching autism. She continued, “In those days, Dr. Rimland, the other scientists, and I thought autism was an ‘orphan disease’, that is a disease that is incredibly rare. When we witnessed the increase in prevalence rates, it was mind numbing.”
In 1998, Dr. Schneider gave up her OB/GYN practice to focus on treating children with autism. “Lots of people can deliver babies, but not many can treat our kids,” said Dr. Schneider. She is currently the medical director of The Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE) in Phoenix, Arizona. CARE treats more than autism. The center also specializes in Tourette’s, dyslexia, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and nutritional deficiencies.
Prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorders is one topic that is very dear to Dr. Schneider’s heart. She believes there are many steps women can take to cut the risk of having a child on the spectrum. As Dr. Schneider says, “Genes are the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger.“ She feels passionately about reducing the toxins in the environment so the trigger is never pulled.
The following is a list of precautions Dr. Schneider feels that women should take before, during and after pregnancy to optimize their child’s neurological development:
- Avoid mercury—this means fish, silver dental fillings and vaccines containing thimerosal
- Schedule a visit with your OB/GYN prior to conception to discuss any precautions or testing you should consider
- Get nutritional testing before pregnancy—measure vitamin D, B-12, folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 essential fatty acid levels. Vegetarians and women with gastrointestinal diseases may require more comprehensive testing.
- Use supplements to address any nutritional deficiencies
- Have a dental examination and cleaning prior to conception
- Consider using methyl folate instead of folic acid and take at least 1000 mcg daily, starting at least 3 months prior to conception
- Take omega-3 essential fatty acid supplements
- Make sure any medications you are taking are safe in pregnancy or try to find safer alternatives
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- If there are allergies in the family, consider a gluten, casein, and soy free diet and take a high quality probiotic
- Go organic to limit exposure to pesticides
- Drink filtered water
- Avoid soda, caffeine, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and fluoride
- Don’t use pesticides in your home or yard
- Don’t dye your hair and avoid nail salons
- Use green cosmetic products (shampoos, deodorants, nail polishes, etc…)
- If you are painting the nursery, use zero VOC paints
- Rule out any occupational exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, or other hazards
- Only get medically necessary ultrasounds—no one truly knows how safe ultrasound technology is
- In most cases, breastfeeding is the ideal choice. Women with a high total body burden of toxins or those that require medication may, however, be wise to provide a hypoallergenic, non-dairy formula instead.
- Maintain a healthy nutritional intake
- Get 8 hours of sleep nightly
- Avoid stress when possible
- Become educated about vaccines prior to delivery. Consider the risk versus benefit of each vaccine as it relates to your baby’s individual circumstances and health.
- Keep your home as toxin free as possible
Dr. Cindy Schneider is an asset to our community. Her recommendations are full of common sense and very valuable to mothers who may already have a child on the spectrum, or related to a child with autism, or concerned about exposure to toxins.
Dr. Schneider hopes to write a book on optimizing pregnancy outcomes and early childhood development. Who better to write about this topic than an OB/GYN, DAN! doctor and mother to two children with autism.
