Understanding Autism (AD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism (AD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs social and language interactions. As the primary form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it usually appears early in childhood. Children with autism often show delayed development and struggle to interact with people and situations. They may exhibit repetitive behaviors and fixate on certain objects, sometimes fidgeting for hours. In some cases, they become hyper-agitated, similar to other hyperactive disorders like ADHD. Involvement from parents has been crucial in accelerating treatment and enhancing understanding of autism.
Rising Prevalence of Autism
Over the years, autism and ASD have become more prevalent. Before 1990, about 5 in 10,000 individuals had AD, and 20 in 10,000 had ASD. However, by the late 1990s, ASD’s prevalence rose to 50 in 10,000. Recent estimates now suggest that 1 in 150 children may have ASD. Despite the significant rise in autism cases, the FDA has not approved any specific treatment. Thus, doctors and parents must choose treatments at their discretion. However, certain conditions associated with ASD, like allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and vitamin deficiencies, have approved treatments. Conventional medicine aims to improve the child’s life by addressing their biological, behavioral, and nutritional needs.
Dietary Considerations for Autism
Diet plays a crucial role in managing autism. Many find that removing gluten and casein from the diet can help. These molecules can increase gut permeability, often linked to irritable bowel disease. Identifying food allergies and sensitivities is also vital. Common sensitivities in autistic or ADHD children include milk, dairy products, wheat, sugar, red meat, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and processed foods.
Restricting these foods, especially gluten and casein, can reduce symptoms. Testing for food sensitivities using IgE or IgG testing can identify non-immune-mediated sensitivities. A natural diet, rich in organic foods and fluids like water, fruit juices, and herbal teas, is beneficial. Foods high in antioxidants, mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, are especially helpful. Additionally, the Elimination Diet, a non-invasive method to identify food allergies, can improve cognitive function, activity, sleep, and overall health.
Potential Causes and Complications
Heredity and Genetics
Autism often appears within the first three years of life, suggesting a genetic component. While genetics may not directly cause autism, they could make a child more susceptible. Research into chromosomal disorders and their links to developmental disorders continues. Interestingly, autism occurs more frequently in boys, with over 80% of cases being male. If genetics were the sole cause, there would likely be an equal distribution between genders. Identical twins have up to a 90% chance of both having ASD, compared to a 10% chance for fraternal twins.
Free Radical Component
Free radicals contribute to over 60 diseases and may cause up to 85% of degenerative conditions. These unstable molecules interfere with the body’s genetic code, leading to cellular damage. They result from environmental pollutants, food additives, heavy metals, tobacco smoke, alcohol, and other toxins. This oxidative damage disrupts normal cellular processes and may contribute to autism.
Immune Dysfunction
Abnormalities in the immune system have been found in autism, including dysfunction in macrophages, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. These findings support the importance of a healthy diet and effective supplementation in managing autism.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s defenses cannot handle the amount of oxidants, leading to cellular damage. Autism, often linked with oxidative stress, shows markers like low antioxidant levels, high organic toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants. Therefore, reducing exposure to these toxins and boosting the body’s antioxidant defenses is crucial in managing autism.
Low Glutathione
Research by Dr. Richard Van Konynenburg indicates that low glutathione levels can block the methylation cycle in autistic children, affecting genetic variations. Supplementing with Vitamin B12, folic acid, and trimethylglycine can help restore this cycle and improve glutathione levels.
Candida Albicans (Fungal Infections)
Candida overgrowth frequently occurs in autistic children, leading to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and skin issues. Reducing sugar, dairy, and processed foods while supplementing with probiotics can help manage candida and improve gut health.
The Role of Mercury in Autism
Many believe that the rise in autism cases since 1990 may link to heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury. Children with a genetic susceptibility may struggle to detoxify mercury, leading to neurological damage. Exposure can occur through contaminated fish and environmental toxins. Since symptoms of mercury toxicity often resemble those of autism, the connection seems plausible.
Natural Approaches to Autism Management
Detoxification
Detoxification plays an essential role in treating autism. Children, especially those with autism, face many environmental toxins and stressors. Methods like chelation with DMSA and EDTA, homeopathic detoxification, and energy medicine can help. However, these methods require careful use and guidance from a healthcare professional.
Nutritional Therapies
Proper nutrition, supplementation, and a healthy diet are vital in managing autism. Supplements like B-complex vitamins, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and targeted amino acid therapy can support neurotransmitter balance and overall health.
Balancing Neurotransmitters
Autistic children often have an imbalance in neurotransmitters. They may have elevated excitatory neurotransmitters like epinephrine and low inhibitory ones like serotonin and GABA. Addressing this imbalance through nutritional support and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms.
Clinical and Laboratory Findings
- Congenital: Inborn errors of metabolism and genetic susceptibilities.
- Biochemical: Impaired sulfoxidation capacity and nutritional deficits.
- Liver: Impaired detoxification and low levels of cysteine, taurine, and glutathione.
- Central Nervous System: Altered neurotransmitter balance.
- Gastrointestinal: Impaired digestion and leaky gut.
- Immune System: Abnormal antibody processes and inflammation.
Conclusion
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with various causes and symptoms. While conventional treatments remain ‘off-label,’ a natural approach that includes dietary changes, detoxification, nutritional support, and targeted therapies can significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism. Each child is unique, so healthcare professionals should tailor treatment plans to meet specific needs.
