Activists consider suing Michigan’s Medicaid program and other insurance providers in hope of gaining insurance coverage for autism treatment. Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan settled a class-action lawsuit and became the first insurance provider in Michigan to cover autism treatment. http://detnews.com/article/20100613/METRO/6130307/1409/rss36

Last week, I came across a very interesting article titled- “Position Paper Urging the Prescribing of Non-GMO Diets.” The article supports the belief that GMOs are a leading factor in Autism and related disorders. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, the World Health Organization (2009) defines GMO as:

“Organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology,”sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering.” It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.”

After some additional research, I found that organic corn and soy may contain GMO specimens. According to the Organic and Non-GMO Report, Fedco’s supplier attributes the GMO contamination to pressure for increased corn production to make ethanol:

“As the market for biofuels heats up, genetically modified corn encroaches upon the fields cultivated with non-GMO and organic varieties.”

It seems that we’ve all (including most of my school children) been eating GMO specimens for the past ten years or so. Additionally, 70% of grocery store items contain unlabelled GMO specimens. This leads me to my main concern, which is how do GMO specimens affect children with autism and related disorders?

The article describes a probable link between GMO specimens and autism:

“Special populations, such as those with autism and other individuals with chronic infections, appear to be at greatest risk. As described by reports (Adams, 2007) found on the Autism Research Institute’s website, children with autism are often found to have developed allergies to corn, soy, and dairy by the time they are tested and diagnosed. Coincidentally, soy and corn are commonly genetically modified, and dairy products often contain GMOs due to cows being fed GMO foods and injected with a GM bovine growth-hormone (Smith, 2007). Children with autism often have compromised digestion, immunity, and toxin-clearing abilities.”

This gives us all a lot to think about. As consumers and parents, we should take a proactive stance with the FDA and inquire about their decision not to label products with GMO specimens.