Supplemental Learning Center Educates Public about Preventing Autism Spectrum Disorder

JERSEY CITY, NJ, March 28, 2013 (Press-News.org) According to a 2013 survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every 1 in 50 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With National Autism Awareness Month taking place in April, Brain Balance Achievement Centers, nationwide specialized achievement centers for children with neurobehavioral issues, is educating families on ASD and steps that can be taken to potentially prevent the development of it.

ASD can be reliably detected by the age of three, and in some cases as early as 18 months. Children with ASD often have trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling.

"The recent skyrocketing in the number of cases is no accident. There are definite elements in the environment that can cause a person who already has a genetic propensity to develop active symptoms," said Dr. Robert Melillo, founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. "However, there are things that parents can do to help prevent the development of ASD."

The following are examples of easy lifestyle tweaks future parents can make now to reduce the chance that their child is born with an Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• Choose organic fruits and vegetables to avoid consuming harmful pesticides.
• Take Vitamin D, Folate or Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid sugar, gluten and artificial sweeteners.
• Opt for protein with every meal and emphasize gluten-free grains.

"As the founder of a company for children with symptoms linked to ASDs such as Asperger's, it is my goal to educate future parents that there are steps they can take now to reduce the likelihood of their child having an ASD. If their child does have a developmental disability, however, there is an effective, integrated program that can address the core functional imbalance, resulting in a reduction and sometimes elimination of the neurobehavioral issue," added Melillo.

For more information about Autism Spectrum Disorders, visit http://www.brainbalancecenters.com.

ABOUT BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS
Since 2006, Brain Balance Achievement Centers has helped thousands of children between the ages of 4 and 17 reach their, academic, social and behavioral potential through a non-medical, brain-based program. The individualized and customized program utilizes sensory motor, cognitive exercises and nutritional guidance to address the root cause of most neurobehavioral issues. There are currently over 45 Brain Balance Achievement Centers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.brainbalancecenters.com.

Media Contact: Stefanie Zimmerman, Fishman PR & Marketing, (847) 945-1300, szimmerman@fishmanpr.com