A new research study indicates that women who are obese may have a higher risk of having a baby with autism.  Researchers found that women who were obese during their pregnancies risk of having children with autism increased by almost 70 percent and the risk of having a baby with other neurodevelopmental disorder doubled.

During the study, researchers looked closely at the impact of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy.  They compared medical history of 315 typically developing children to those of 517 children with autism and 172 children with developmental disorders.

Moms with diabetes were slightly more likely to have a baby with autism but the numbers weren’t large enough to definitively rule that the numbers weren’t just by coincidence.  Researchers did determine that a mom’s diabetes and other neurodevelopmental disorder were stronger and in fact the moms were more likely to have a child diagnosed with this disorder later in life.

Dr. Daniel Coury, Chief of Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH said “The results raise quite a concern.  Autism rates have increased along with obesity rates and the research suggests that this may be the coincidence.”

Of course more research needs to be done to prove that obesity is a major cause of autism but we now know that inflammatory proteins produced by the cells of an obese mom affect how the brain develops.  The study’s lead researcher Paila Krakowiak, a PH. D. candidate at the University of California, Davis has said, “These same proteins are involved in the normal development of the brain,” Krakowiak said. “When the level of those immunological markers is higher or lower than the normal range it might affect how the brain develops in an adverse way. And at least one type has been shown to be able to cross over the placenta to the fetus.” 

Research is still being conducted to determine whether obesity is a sure affect of autism but with the minor findings, I think it’s enough for an obese woman wanting to have a family to lose weight.  Why put yourself or your fetus in danger. 

We will report any new findings as they come in.

Autism Speaks’ multi-year Ad Council public service advertising campaign stresses the importance of recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking early intervention services.

Research now suggests that children as young as 1 year old can show signs of autism. The most important thing you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching at different ages. Please look over the following list. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait. Speak to your doctor about screening your child for autism. While validated screening for autism starts only as young as 16 months, the best bet for younger children is to have their development screened at every well visit with a highly validated developmental screening tool. If your child does have autism, early intervention may be his or her best hope. 

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation: 

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

*This information has been provided by First Signs, Inc. ©2001-2005. Reprinted with permission. For more information about recognizing the early signs of developmental and behavioral disorders, please visit http://www.firstsigns.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/actearly.

 

Ingredients:

• Orange Mike and Ike candies
• Green gummy candy (we used Rips licorice pieces, which are flat)
• Nabisco Biscos sugar wafer cookies

• Chocolate frosting
• Chocolate wafer cookie crumbs

1. To make each carrot, cut a slit in one end of a Mike and Ike candy with a sharp knife (an adult’s job). Cut a small triangle from the green gummy candy (if needed, roll it flat), then fringe the base to form leaves. Tuck the triangle into the slit of the Mike and Ike and pinch it closed.
2. For each carrot planter, place a wafer cookie base on a flat surface. Form the longer walls from two whole cookies and cut a third one to fit the shorter ends. Attach the pieces with frosting.
3. To fill four planters, combine 2 tablespoons frosting with 2 tablespoons cookie crumbs. Fill each box with the mixture, then press three candy carrots inside. If needed, add more of the frosting mixture to hold the carrots in place.

GAP is hosting their annual casting call.  If you have aspirations for your children to become models enter their photos in this competition.  Requirements are below and check out the site to enter and for more details.  Good Luck!!

Does your baby’s giggle light up the room? Does your toddler say the cutest things? Does your child like to be a big helper? Tell us how your little star brightens up the world for a chance to become the new face of GapKids and babyGap.

Entering is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Step 1: Complete a short registration form so we can contact you if your child wins.

Step 2: Upload your child’s photo and answer our short question.

Step 3: Preview your entry and enter it into the contest.

Additional Things to Know:

• Entries are divided into four categories: baby boy (0-4 years old), baby girl (0-4 years old), boy (5-12 years old), girl (5-12 years old).
• Have lots of little stars in your life? Don’t worry! You can upload up to five entries in any category combination.
• Each entry requires a photo upload and a response to this question in 50 words or less: “How does your child brighten up the world?”

See Prizes for information about what your little star could win!

Submit entries (up to five) and/or view entries: April 2 – 22, 2012

Vote for your favorite finalists: May 21 – 25, 2012

View the winners on or around July 30, 2012

Click here to view the Official Rules.

Macy’s Fishing Clinics

What:

Cast a line into the Lullwater for sunfish, bluegills, and largemouth bass in this introduction to fishing.

Where:  Audubon Center at the Boathouse at Prospect Park, Enter at Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 Contact:  718-287-3400 ext. 303

When:  Ongoing:  Every Sat, 1pm-2pm

Age Range:  0-to-12 Years Old

Event: Music, Theater

Price:  Free

Reservations:  No Recommendation

Official Website:  prospectpark.org

Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical

What: 

Julianne Moore’s best-selling kids’ book takes the stage.

Where: 

New World Stages-340 W50th Street (Near 8^th Ave), New York, NY 10019  
Contact Number: 646-871-1730

When:  Ongoing Wed-Sun

Age Range:  6-to-12 Years Old

Event: Theater

Tickets: Telecharge.com

Price: $39–68.50

Reservations:  Advance Tickets Recommended

Official Website: frecklefacethemusical.com

Nearby Subway Stops: 1 at 50th St.; C, E at 50th St.