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With approximately 2 million children exhibiting developmental delays significant enough to be categorized as an ASD in the United States alone, some scientists have recently begun to modify their long held beliefs regarding the basic etiology driving this collective group of disorders. Though no one completely understands everything about all of its potential causes, there is now significant movement away from the belief that ASD's are predominately the result of a genetic disorder (itself the representation of progress from what had been the held psychoanalytic consensus- focusing upon a 'frigid' mother). This relatively new paradigm shift has resulted in a number of practitioners that assess and treat this broad spectrum of conditions utilizing a biomedical approach- acknowledging the presence of environmental factors or "triggers" such as infection and heavy metal toxicity and further viewing them as treatable pathologies.
What is emerging from the most recent work with ASD is the theory that the varying degrees of cognitive and emotional impairments exhibited have their basis in physiological and biochemical disorders- with appropriate testing rooted in exploring immunological, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues. Bernard Rimland, PhD, pioneer of the DAN! protocol believes, along with many others, that ASD's are PRIMARILY medical disorders- the resulting impairments being a by-product of the physical illnesses from which these children suffer. Physically ill children, with medical disorders that will benefit (to varying degrees and on a highly individualized basis based upon conditions such as age and medical history) by proper testing and treatments that address nutritional sensitivities and deficiencies, immune irregularities, and the condition of health found in the gastrointestinal tract.
I will be working with you to address the area of diet and nutrition for your child. Many parents that adopt a GF/CF diet for their children have witnessed improvements, some profound. Though gains in overall functioning can vary greatly from child to child, there is no telling the extent to which your child may benefit unless you are actually willing to try. Improvements are relative to each child, but have been noted in various areas including sleep patterns, attention span, social connectedness, language ability/ communication, bowel regulation, and a reduction in self-stimulating behaviors.
Many children are addicted to gluten and casein for very real physiological reasons- the result is often a highly self-limited diet, comprised mainly of the foods that supply the basis for their opioid peptide addiction. Briefly, when the proteins gluten or casein are ingested, they are incompletely broken down, leaving peptides (branches of amino acids) that travel through the intestine (leaky gut)> syndrome, an issue of toxic by-products produced by yeast- the result of antibiotic use) into the bloodstream and to the brain, where they react with opiate receptors- mimicking the effects of opiate drugs such as morphine and heroin. Specifically, the seven amino acid peptides are called caseomorphin (casein), and gluteomorphin (gluten), sometimes detected in urine samples of children with autism.
The physical manifestation of these substances (and/or other sensitivities to common offenders such as soy, corn, yeast) are noted in behavioral and cognitive functioning- contributing to mood swings, self-injurious behaviors (decreased pain sensation), screaming fits, night sweats, appearing spaced-out or foggy, stomach problems, red cheeks/ears/nose, sticky, unformed, fatty stools, seizures, dry skin, migraines, dark under eye circles, laughing, diarrhea, bloating, and sleep disturbances. Needless to say, the removal of the foods containing these offending proteins can result in symptoms of withdrawal. However, once they have been cleared from the system (4 or 5 days for dairy, longer for wheat), many parents are surprised at how readily their child will take to other foods. Many children are opioid free within 6 months-1 year.
Because issues of fungal overgrowth (such as Candida- usually the result of repeated antibiotic use to treat prior infections, earaches, etc.), result in excess toxins within the body (see behaviors noted above as well as hyperactivity, confusion, aggression, cravings, abdominal distention) which in turn impair the CNS and immune system, we will also touch upon medical testing (OAT, Stool, Blood- physician/lab) and explore the appropriate dietary (sugar/yeast free) and supplement ( antivirals/antifungals: Lauricidin, grapefruit seed, elderberry, garlic, oregano, olive leaf, NAC, echinacea, etc.) interventions as they apply. The prescription drug Nystatin does not enter the blood stream and can be discussed with your physician.
Ultimately, the health of the gut is largely linked to the immune system and vice versa, whereby healing the former will have a positive and direct impact upon the functioning of the latter. The growing field of psychoneuroimmunology draws upon these connected systems- integrating the functioning of the brain, neurons, and immunity. Chelation is not recommended unless supervised by a physician, and only after gastrointestinal health is first addressed.
We will explore areas of supplementation that have been shown thus far to be safe as well as effective. The degree to which your child will exhibit any gain in functioning is, again (as with all modalities of therapy and intervention), dependent upon and relative to the uniqueness of each individual. Typically, a multi vitamin formula containing extra B6 (P5P) and Magnesium but no copper, along with supplementation of calcium, DMG w/wo folate, Vit. A, C and E, probiotics, EFA's, methylcobalmin, and enzymes will be utilized, staggering each new introduction at least a week at a time.
As with most measurements of successful modifications, assessment of any benefit derived is based largely upon the observations of those with whom the child has regular contact- teachers, therapists, primary caregiver, etc.. Combining information on recent treatments with your child's individual observational reports, we will work together to create a regimen that brings about as much growth and improvement in your child as possible.
Dietary and supplementation recommendations beyond those noted (removing refined sugars, G/F, C/F, S/F) will require the use of appropriate medical intervention and laboratory testing to assess conditions of yeast, bacteria, fungus etc., to guide any detoxification protocols, and to monitor any medications or injections prescribed.
While making modifications in diet that can improve cognitive and behavioral functioning by minimizing common toxins and aiding the various systems of the body in healing and regeneration, we will go yet a step further- exploring and addressing environmental exposures to agents such as heavy metals, common cleaning products, cookware, artificial additives, preservatives, colors, synthetic perfumes, and typically used personal care items.
At this very moment, there is much being learned about the grouping of symptoms referred to as ASD's, and I pledge to work along with you in staying abreast of the most recent developments in the evolution of this new medical model that has given great hope to so many who have had their lives touched by these very special children. In many ways, those with ASD are asking, no requiring, that we as a society take a hard look at nothing short of how it is that we live. Perhaps we could all stand to benefit by examining our reliance on pharmaceuticals, the way in which we have poisoned and abused our water, air and soil supplies, and our willingness to overlook the effects of ill health that result from the foods that we so commonly consume just as long as they remain fast and convenient.
We are essentially challenged to live life from a slower, gentler way in many regards. Our capacity to love and to sacrifice, to nurture and grow, and to learn and evolve can be a magical process of self discovery. There are many people traveling along a similar journey, and I encourage you to reach out to others and become involved to whatever extent you can with as many organizations, forums, chat rooms, individuals, families, etc. as you can. It is empowering to realize that you are ultimately the best advocate for your child and possess the capability of knowing your own instincts and employing a path of common sense in approaching his or her overall treatment. Providing yourself the opportunity to share your insights as well as hear from others will likely be quite helpful and rewarding on many levels.