Dara Berger - How to Prevent Autism: Expert Advice From Medical Professionals

Copyright 2017 by Dara Berger

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.

Cover photo credit Dara Berger

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-1466-3

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-1468-7

Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated to the most special mother a girl could have:

Paula R. Silverman.

Thank you for planting the seeds in me many years ago with all those trips to the health food store. You were way ahead of your time.

I only wish we had the knowledge back then that we have today, so I couldve helped you with your debilitating depression and food allergies.

I see your beautiful features in my children every day, and for that Im so grateful. Some of your most precious qualities still live on inside me.

To my beautiful son Dylan,
your courage and unrelenting love are
a beautiful gift. I only hope that I have become
one half the amazing person you are today.

I would not have chosen our path, but this
powerful journey that we have been taken on
has inspired me to share your story in hopes
of helping others. Thank you for being my loving son.

I also dedicate this book to our other son
who we lost during my pregnancy with Dylan.

I truly believe that if I were born today that I would have autism.

Disclaimer

This book contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is written as a source of information only and not as a medical manual. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, health, or any other kind of professional advice or services to the individual reader. The reader should consult his or her medical, health, or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any injury, loss, or damage allegedly arising from any suggestions or information in this book. Furthermore, the author and the publisher make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the title or the contents of this book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T here are so many people and events in my life that came together to make this book possible to write.

My loving husband who feels like he is always last on my list will be thanked here first. He is one of my biggest supporters. There is no other person on earth who knows me the way that he does. Mark, you seem to know what I am thinking and feeling at times even before I realize it myself. You always encouraged me to go face the world, even at times when it was difficult to get out of bed. This journey that we have been on has been intense, but there is nobody with whom I would rather face the adversity and experience the happiness with. I love you with all my heart and being, even when we are nipping at each other. You will always be the greatest love of my life. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and generosity. You have showed me that love can conquer all.

This book could never have been written if not for the love of my whole family. The relationship that I have with my beautiful daughter Jessica is one of the most healing ones I have ever experienced. There was a deep hole in my heart when I lost my mom, and I am so happy I get to give and experience with you what I did not have with my own mother. Thank you for holding such a special place in my heart. I love you more than words will ever tell. You inspire me each and every day. You are one of the most passionate and enthusiastic people I know. Guess the apple doesnt fall far from the tree! I have loved it each time youve asked me questions about this book project and told me how excited you were for its release into the world. My next book will be written with you, as promised, and we will teach as many children as possible how to experience real health like we have discussed so many times. I love you a million times over.

My brother, Scott, has been a great pillar of support for me while writing this book. He has read every word and given me helpful and constructive comments. There have been times when I have second-guessed myself and this project, and he has been there to remind me how important it is that the information in this book gets into peoples hands no matter what and to put any insecurities I have aside. Thank you for your ongoing editorial/psychological support throughout this process. You have been there to remind me of how meaningful this project is to me on a personal level, given that I used to not even be able to read a book for the longest time due to my undiagnosed gluten allergy. I cherish our weekly talks, touching base about our lives, sharing the newest health information and, of course, discussing how crazy the world that we live in has become.

The support from my siblings has been so important to me, and I am blessed to have that twice over. My brother Mark has always been there on the sidelines, like a cheerleader cheering me on through all my endeavors. His protective big brother instincts have gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life, including acting as a parent towards me after we lost our mother. I feel enormous gratitude for having him as my sibling. He is always there to listen and never gets tired of hearing how hard it is to have a child with autism. I feel his immense support always around me.

I have been lucky enough to have many wonderful friendships over the years but one in particular sticks out when it comes to the writing process of this book. I met Kim Mack Rosenberg while we both volunteered our time for the National Autism Association New York Metro Chapter. She has been a wonderful confidante, someone I have so much fun with and, above all, a great supportive friend. She is always there to help with fact-checking, legal questions, and to discuss any personal issues with. Thank you for all your time and energy. You are a most special friend.

I have met some of the most incredibly dedicated people within the autism community. Many of them feel like family. Some of them are parents working tirelessly to advocate for all our children on the state level and trying to protect our childrens rights. Others speak out about the harmful effects of vaccines in hopes of saving other children. Unfortunately, there are so many of us now, but I am thankful for their friendship and company. They hold my deepest respect.

I have chosen some of the brightest and most knowledgeable practitioners to give you the best and most up-to-date information on how to protect your child from autism. Each one of them took the time out of their busy schedules just so your child could have the life they deserve and be one less with autism. For that I am eternally grateful, as this book would not have been possible without each one of their participation. Thank you all for your devotion and passion in protecting all of our children!