Autism | Renewal Research

Autism

See also: ADD, ADHD, Brain Power.

Symptoms

Approach

Suggested Supplements

Other Therapies

Autism is a severely incapacitating, lifelong developmental disability which typically appears during the first three years of life. It occurs in approximately 2 to 6 per 1,000 births and is four times more prevalent in males than females. It occurs throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds. Factors in the psychological environments of a child have not been found to cause autism. There are several causes with distinct neurological effects, including untreated phenylketonuria, rubella, celiac disease, and chemical exposure in pregnancy. Factors that may influence autism include nutrition, brain biochemistry, toxic exposures, and genetic predisposition.

Autism is growing at near epidemic rates.

Symptoms

Symptoms of autism include:

Slow development or lack of physical, social, and learning skills
Immature rhythms of speech, limited understanding of ideas, and use of words without attaching the usual meaning to them
Abnormal responses to sensations. Sight, hearing, touch, pain, balance, smell, taste, the way a child holds his body—any one or a combination of these responses may be affected
Abnormal ways of relating to people, objects, and events.

People with autism live a normal life span.

Approach

Autism has been closely linked to food allergies.

All autistic patients should be tested for food allergies. Remove exposure to foods that are even minimally allergenic. Meridian Valley Laboratory (Renton, WA; 425-271-8689) offers the best (and, at $99.75 for 100 of the most common foods, by far the lowest cost) food allergy panel.

Fatty acid abnormalities are also common in autistic patients. Testing for fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances and correcting them is often effective in reducing or removing symptoms.

Mercury and other heavy metals have been implicated in autism. Hair analysis at Doctors' Data (1-800-323-2784) will reveal heavy metal levels.

A strong gut-brain connection is also apparent, with poor digestive function often appearing as a hallmark of the disorder. Identifying and treating intestinal tract disturbances has been effective at controlling symptoms of autism.

Suggested Supplements

The following nutritional supplements have been found effective in the treatment of autism:

DHA 100 mg. gelcaps. 1-2 three times a day.
flaxseed oil 2-5 capsules twice a day or 1-2 tablespoons of liquid flaxseed oil daily.

Other Therapies

Since symptoms change, and some may disappear with age, periodic reevaluations are necessary to respond to changing needs. Special educational programs using behavioral methods have proved to be helpful.