This method can be implemented by women who are planning a pregnancy. Prior to conception, a woman should indulge in a healthy diet and better lifestyle. This lifestyle change which will lead to a healthy body and is the first step towards a healthy baby. By consuming organic grains, vegetables, fruits etc., the pregnant mother will keep away from any harmful chemicals and toxins that could aggravate autism in the child. Since organic products are easily available at an affordable cost in the market, this prevention method is highly recommended. Intake of organic food should start 6-7 months before conception takes place for more effective results. If a person is traveling, they should find restaurants serving organic food or find groceries that sell organic products. Also, for protein source one can focus on lean meat. Everything from digestive problems, gluten intolerance or any food allergies should be ruled out before planning a pregnancy. 

Researchers have found that women taking pre-natal vitamins when planning a pregnancy reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorders. This method can be implemented by taking a daily dose of pre-natal vitamins for three months before conceiving and the first month of pregnancy. This reduces the chances of an autistic child when compared with women who do not take the supplements. The only lifestyle change that one has to imbibe is remembering to take daily vitamins without a break. Here the family can act as a support source by reminding the expectant woman about her vitamin dose if she forgets. Multivitamins are easily available in the market at an affordable rate and can be easily carried to any place when traveling. While traveling, one should keep in mind to store some extra medicines. Since pre-natal vitamins are very high in folic acid and other B class vitamins, they help in nourishing the brain. 

One of the most proven ways to protect a child from any illness is breast feeding as it has all the nutrients for healthy growth. While breast feeding, it is important to maintain a diet rich in antioxidants. The immune system of the child doesn’t become effective till the age of 18 months, so breast milk offers the best immune system support. The prolonged nursing period is a great way to minimize the risk of autism in a child. Since every mother bears the charge of nursing her baby, this lifestyle change is an enriching experience of motherhood. 

There exists a link between autism and vaccines, and so it is always advisable to look for safe vaccines. Toxins such as mercury impair the development of brain, so one needs to consult the doctor about getting only the vaccines that are free of thimerosal, a mercury preservative, and other potentially hazardous preservatives. Though, thimerosal has been taken out of children’s vaccines, but is still common in flu shots given to pregnant women. There are no major lifestyle changes that a patient has to undergo due to vaccinations. But there may be some effect on their health since they cannot easily take up any and every vaccination as a remedial measure for any illness.

Studies reveal that another preventive method to lessen the chances of autism is staying away from any viral infections in the third trimester of pregnancy. The probability of getting autism is also higher in children with fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.

Since taking antibiotics kill both the bad and the important good bacteria in our bodies, it is preferable to limit the quantity of their intake. In cases where antibiotics are unavoidable, one should accompany them with probiotics at the same time. Limiting antibiotics may prolong the recovery process of any illness but it will surely reduce the autism risk. Also, giving the child probiotics for 2 weeks after the antibiotics course gets over shall help in enhancing good health. 

If there is a history of autism in the family, it is important to avoid environmental toxins. One needs to consult the doctor about protective measures from environmental exposures during pregnancy. This can be done by avoiding intake of fish with high mercury content and also avoiding mercury in other forms and aluminum in vaccines. One should also be cautious about water filtration and should visit the dentist for safety precautions against amalgam in tooth fillings.