AUTISM

Autism is not a disease. It is a little-understood developmental brain disorder affecting approximately 4 out of every 10,000 people. Researchers estimate that more than 400,000 individuals in the United States are autistic. In spite of more than fifty years of research into the varying manifestations of autism and the families affected by it, the disorder continues to mystify doctors, psychologists, and scientists. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down syndrome. More alarming is the increasing prevalence of autism in successively younger children, particularly those born between 1987 and 1992. The increases continued after 1992, but researchers report that the rate has not been as great. Analysis of the data suggests this is a real phenomenon, not a statistical artifact or a case of "diagnosis shifting," in which autism would be diagnosed in cases where previously a patient might have received a different classification. How autistic individuals are affected by the disorder varies widely. In fact, the variety of autistic-like disorders has necessitated the creation of the term Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, to be used instead of the older term autism, which really describes only the most severe form of the disorder. People with severe cases display self-injurious, aggressive, and unusual behaviors. The mildest forms may appear, at least to the layperson, to be a personality disorder, possibly associated with a learning disability. Males are three times more likely to have the disorder than females. Recent studies suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Scientists estimate that families with one autistic child have a 5 percent (one in twenty) chance of having a second autistic child. An autistic adult or child might at first appear to be mentally retarded or hard of hearing. But autism care-givers stress that it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions. Physically, autistic individuals do not appear different from others but exhibit marked differences in behavior from a very early age. Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood (before the age of three) and is characterized by a marked unresponsiveness to other people and to the surrounding environment. While most babies love to be held and cuddled, autistic infants appear indifferent to love and affection, or may be overly agitated, crying most of the time they are awake. Autistic children cannot form attachments to others in the way most children do and seem to withdraw into themselves. Many exhibit various unpredictable and unusual behaviors that can range from constant rocking, feet-pounding, or sitting for long periods of time in total silence. Some experience bursts of hyperactivity that include biting and pounding on their bodies.

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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the criteria used to diagnose autism include the following: Absence or impairment of imaginative and social play. Impaired ability to make friends with peers. Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation. Stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language. Restricted patterns of interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus. Apparent inflexibility with regard to changes in routine or rituals. Preoccupation with parts of objects.

Autistic children have learning disabilities and are often mentally disabled. Speech development is usually delayed and in many cases is absent or limited to nonsensical rhyming or babbling. Some autistic children appear to have lower than normal intelligence, while others seem to fall into the normal range. About half of the people with autism score below 50 on IQ tests, 20 percent between 50 and 70, and 30 percent score higher than 70. To be accurately diagnosed with autism, a child must be observed by a skilled professional, because diagnosis is difficult for a practitioner with limited training or exposure to autism. Specialists suggest a multidisciplinary team that would include, for example, a neurologist, a psychologist, a developmental pediatrician, a speech/language therapist, and a learning consultant. Individuals diagnosed as autistic savants attract a great deal of attention from the media and general public. Many movies, television reports, and newspaper articles highlight the extraordinary skills of these individuals, most particularly in the areas of mathematics, art, music, and memory. Such an individual might, for example, be able to multiply and divide large numbers or calculate square roots with little hesitation, paint like Rembrandt without ever having a drawing lesson, memorize an entire phone book, or be capable of reciting the birth date of every person he or she has ever met. Less than 1 percent of the general population is capable of such feats, but the incidence of such abilities is 10 percent in individuals who are autistic. No one knows why this occurs. One speculation is that autistic people have incredible concentration abilities and can focus complete attention on a specific area of interest.

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The cause of autism is unknown. Some experts believe that it is a result of a neurological imbalance or malfunction that renders the autistic individual painfully oversensitive to external stimuli. Many researchers believe that autism may be the result of genetics and/ or some environmental factors, such as certain viruses or chemicals. Researchers are also studying how brain function differs in autistic individuals. Some theories suggest that brain development may have been interrupted in the early fetal stages in people who become autistic. Other studies reveal a possible signaling problem within the brain. It is known that autism is not caused by parental neglect or actions as was once believed. At one time there was some concern that there was a link between the MMR (measlesmumps-rubella) vaccine or the vaccine preservative thimerosal (ethyl mercury) and the onset of autism. A report released in May 2004 by the Institute of Medicine (10M) Immunization Safety Review Committee has concluded that there is no such link. It must be noted that the National Autism Association disagrees to this day and believes there is some type of link. Whatever the truth might be, since 1999 drug companies have either removed or reduced significantly the amount of thimerosal in their vaccines, just as a precautionary measure. Research continues to try to find the biological basis for ASD. The emergence of brain imaging tools such as computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed researchers to examine, in detail, portions of the brain never before seen in living people. In fact, instead of being able to single out one area of the brain that is affected, it looks as if many major brain structures are implicated in autism. These include the cerebellum, the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and the brain stem. Other research has focused on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine. Evidence now points to genetic factors as the cause of autism, a theory that has been strengthened by twin and family studies, which suggest an underlying genetic vulnerability. Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that abnormal brain development, beginning in an infant's first months, appears to be a contributing cause. This has resulted in a "growth dysregulation hypothesis" that holds genetic defects in brain growth factors to be responsible. '

Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended dosages are for persons over the age of eighteen. For a child between twelve and seventeen years old, reduce the dose to threequarters the recommended amount. For a child between six and twelve, use one-half the recommended dose, and for a child under six years old, use one-quarter the recommended amount.

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NUTRIENTS
SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED DOSAGE COMMENTS

VERY IMPORTANT
Calcium and magnesium 1,500 mg daily. 1,000 mg daily. Essential for normal brain and nervous system function. Improves brain function and circulation to the brain, Use under professional supervision, Improves brain function. An oxygen carrier to the brain. Important for normal brain and nervous system function, Contains elements essential for quick assimilation of brain nutrients. Enhances neuron function. Critical in the manufacture of many body components, especially brain chemicals. A natural antidepressant. Caution: Do not use if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants. Essential for normal brain and nervous system function. A sublingual form is recommended.

Choline

500-2,000 mg daily,

Coenzyme Q10 Dimethylglycine (DMG) (Aangamik DMG from FoodScience of Vermont) Neuro Logic from Wakunaga

As directed on label. 100 mg daily.

As directed on label.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) (SAMe Rx-Mood from Nature's Plus)

As directed on label.

Vitamin B complex

50 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily, with meals (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex vary).

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plus extra vitamin B3 (niacin) 50 mg 3 times daily. Do not exceed this amount. Improves circulation. Helpful for many psychological disorders. Caution: Do not and niacinamide and pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) 500 mg daily 300 mg daily. take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure Helps reduce stress.

and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 50 mg 3 times daily. Do not exceed this amount except at the direction of a physician. Deficiencies have been linked to autism.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids

5,000-20,000 mg daily, in divided doses. (See ASCORBIC ACID FLUSH in Part Three.)

A powerful free radical scavenger.

HELPFUL
L-Glutamine and L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine and taurine Melatonin 2-3 mg daily for adults, 1 mg or less daily for children, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. If this is not effective, gradually increase the dosage until an effective level is reached. 500 mg each daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Amino acids needed for normal brain function. (See AMINO ACIDS in Part One.) Caution: Do not take phenylalanine if you are pregnant or nursing, or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or PKU.

Helpful if symptoms include insomnia.

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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

As directed on label.

Increases alertness, mental calmness, the ability to concentrate, and energy.

Multivitamin and mineral complex with vitamin A and natural beta- carotene and selenium and zinc
RNA and DNA

As directed on label.

All nutrients are needed in balance. Use a high potency formula.

15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do Not exceed 10,000 IU daily. 25,000 IU daily.

200 mcg daily.

50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements

200 mg daily.

100 mg daily.

T aid in repairing and building of new brain tissues. Caution: Do not take this supplement if you have gout. Protects against muscle weakness and is involved in regulation of heartbeat.

Vitamin D3

400 IU daily.

Source:

Prescription for

NUTRITIONAL HEALING FOURTH EDITION - PHYLLIS A. BALCH, CNC

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Herbs Ginkgo biloba is a powerful free radical destroyer that protects the brain. It also improves brain function by increasing circulation to the brain. Take it in capsule or extract form as directed on the product label, three times daily.

Recommendations Eat a high-fiber diet consisting of 50 to 75 percent raw foods, including large amounts of fruits and vegetables plus brown rice, lentils, and potatoes. For protein, eat beans and legumes, fish, raw nuts and seeds, skinless white turkey or white chicken breast, tofu, and low-fat yogurt. Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, canned and packaged foods, carbonated beverages, chocolate, all junk foods, refined and processed foods, salt, sugar, sweets, saturated fats, soft drinks, and white flour from the diet. Avoid foods that contain artificial colors or preservatives. Avoid fried and fatty foods such as bacon, cold cuts, gravies, ham, luncheon meats, sausage, and all dairy pro-ducts except for low-fat soured products. Omit wheat and wheat products from the diet. Drink steam-distilled water. Get regular moderate exercise. Use an elimination diet to test for food allergies, which can aggravate the condition. (See ALLERGIES in Part Two.) Have a hair analysis test to rule out heavy metal poisoning. (See HAIR ANALYSIS in Part Three.) Try to improve blood oxygen supply to the brain with deep breathing exercises. Hold your breath for thirty seconds each half hour for a thirty-day period. This promotes deeper breathing and helps to increase oxygen levels in the tissues of the brain. Do not go without food. Eating frequent small meals daily is better than eating two or three large meals.

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Considerations In the medical sense, there is no cure for the differences in the brain that result in autism. However, researchers are finding better ways to understand the disorder and help people cope with the various symptoms. Some symptoms can lessen as the child ages and others disappear altogether. With appropriate intervention, many autistic behaviors can be changed for the better/ even to the point that the affected individual may, to the untrained eye, seem perfectly normal. The majority of autistic people continue to display some symptoms throughout their lives. The onset of puberty can be a difficult time for autistic children. Many experience more frequent and severe behavioral problems, and nearly 20 percent of those afflicted begin to experience seizures during puberty. This is believed to be the result of hormonal changes. During adulthood, appropriate living arrangements for autistic people vary depending on the severity of each individual case. While those who are only mildly affected may be able to live on their own, other options can include living in a group home or residential home, or living with parents. For those who are severely affected individuals, an institutional setting may be the only choice. While some autistic adults are unable to adapt to a regular lifestyle, others graduate from college, have careers, form relationships, and marry. Allergies and food sensitivities are beginning to receive more attention than ever before, because research and case studies are beginning to suggest that they con- tribute to autistic behaviors. Researchers have also detected the presence of abnormal protein levels in the urine of autistic individuals. It is thought this protein may be due to the body's inability to break down certain dietary proteins into amino acids. These proteins are gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats, and other foods) and casein (found in human and cow's milk). Many parents of autistic children have removed these foods from their children's diets and have, in many cases, observed positive changes in health and behavior. Research strongly suggests that many autistic people are sensitive to dairy products and certain foods eaten most often in the spring and summer. These foods include strawberries and citrus fruits, which can affect an autistic individual's sensitive immune system. Doctors have noted that a variety of problems=-including headaches, nausea, bed-wetting, appearing "spaced out," stuttering, excessive whining and crying, aggression, and depression-can be magnified by these food products. Such a reaction can be almost immediate or appear up to thirty-six hours after the suspect food is eaten. Besides eliminating problem foods, increasing the amount of vitamins such as vitamin C may reduce allergy and sensitivity symptoms. (See ALLERGIES in Part Two.)
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Secretin, a neurotransmitter hormone found in the pancreas, liver, and upper intestinal tract that has been used for years as a test injection in the evaluation of intestinal problems, reportedly produced marked improvements in approximately two hundred autistic individuals in the United States, according to the Center for the Study of Autism. Following infusions of secretin, many subjects appeared to improve within a few days, with sudden improvement in speech/language, sleep, eye contact, and attentiveness. However, three more recent controlled studies failed to reproduce these results. Autistic children may benefit from taking vitamin B6 and magnesium, as well as other nutrients vital to bio-chemical reactions in the body. One theory is that these children may have leaky gut syndrome and are unable to absorb nutrients from their diets efficiently. In studies of autistic children, a significant number have been found to have gastrointestinal disorders, including celiac disease and other food intolerances. Allergy induced Autism (AiA), a British support group and charity for autism, notes that some children with autism in England are taking enzymes to help them digest food more easily. Elevated serum and tissue copper levels may be a factor in autism and other mental problems, as may excessive exposure to lead and mercury. Excessive copper also seems to contribute to autism. Even low-level lead exposure in young children has been associated with impaired intellectual development and behavior problems. Infants and toddlers whose diets consist largely of processed baby foods need supplemental vitamins and minerals to ensure that all of their nutritional needs are met. Nutritional deficiencies are a factor in many psychological disorders. The prognosis for autistic children is difficult to predict. There have been documented cases of apparent recovery from autism, usually after adolescence. Some children seem to progress well only to inexplicably regress. Many become marginally self-sufficient and independent. However, most autistic individuals ultimately need lifelong care of some type. See also HYPOGLYCEMIA and HYPERACTIVITY in Part Two. For further information about autism, see Health and Medical Organizations in the Appendix.

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