Rich Zeoli Talks To La Salle Professor Of Nursing About Autism Conference
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- La Salle University is holding a conference Friday for parents and caregivers for children with Autism.
Dr. Ann McGrorty, an Associate Professor of Nursing, told Rich Zeoli on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT that there is currently no cure but steps can be taken to alleviate symptoms and stresses in children diagnosed with Autism.
"Diagnosing it early and actually providing the intervention that we can do to make a difference. In that, there will be specific interventions, including physical therapy, speech therapy, as well as, some work with fine motor, so it would be occupational therapy, nutritionists are involved. So not necessarily a platform for a cure, but actually an intervention strategy to make a difference."
She stated that parents are the greatest advocates for their child and they need to be given all the assistance available.
"We know they are the experts in their child's care so it's treating the child but you're treating the whole family when you treat a child with Autism."
McGrorty noted there are many nutrition options that can help make the lives of kids with Autism better.
"One if fish oil. We know it's neuro-protective, so it will help the neurology or the central nervous system piece. We also know some children are more sensitive to gluten that have Autism. So we may offer them a gluten free diet, but that is after a nutritional consultation because we know they have food aversions. They don't like specific textures in their mouth. We really need to look into that a little more closely."
The conference begins Friday at 8AM in the Union Building on La Salle's campus.