Autism

We have treated children with autism spectrum disorders since 1994. New research is providing valuable insight into the underlying biological conditions that produce the autism syndrome. Autism appears to a be neuro-inflammatory condition. There are many causes of the inflammation, but autistic children have two common characteristics:

• They are slow detoxifiers
• They have high levels of toxins

The successful treatment of autism described in its simplest form is to improve detoxification, relieve oxidative stress, and remove the accumulated toxins. A number of children we have treated have fully recovered from autism using these techniques.

The oxidative stress caused by immune load cause what could be described as a toxic encephalopathy known as autism. Successful treatment of autism requires treating all the medical conditions found in these children. The pathology and physiology of autism is not fully understood, however, autistic children have many chemical markers that can be found in their tissues and urine. These markers are helpful in determining the cause of some of the underlying oxidative stress.

We can track the biochemical markers of autism and we can treat the underlying causes and when we are successful there is marked improvement in both cognitive function and behavior.

While autism is difficult to treat, successful treatment of autism is possible. It requires a sustained effort by parents and physicians for the treatment to be effective. While most autistic children share similar characteristics, autism is a disease with considerable diversity in the degree of pathology and disability. For this reason, each child requires a unique treatment plan.

Mindmap of the basic treatment strategy

The treatment plan starts first by gathering information using a detailed history form, physical exam, and laboratory tests. The tests we use in autism are much more extensive than routine laboratory tests, which frequently read within normal limits.

Many of our patients are out of town, so we do many initial and follow-up appointments via teleconference or web conference.  However, before we can prescribe medication for a child, that child must be seen in our office.  All other appointments may be done via teleconference or web conference.

The biological approach to the treatment of autism is but one of many approaches to the treatment of autism.  There are a number of speech therapy and behavior approaches that are also beneficial.  Our approach is limited to the biological aspects of the disorder.  I encourage parents to explore the full range of therapeutic options for their children.

We now have an informational site dedicated to autism Autism in a Nutshell.

 

  The following are some of the tests we recommend for most children:

NO-Tyrosine:

NO-Tyrosine is the marker of brain dysfunction found in many neurological disorders including autism. NO-Tyrosine if elevated can function as a marker for treatment success. NO-Tyrosine levels lower gradually over time with a successful treatment program.

Glutathione Level:

Glutathione is the body's primary cleaning agent and detoxifier. Autistic children generally have glutathione levels that 50% lower than normal children.  Our treatment protocols devote a considerable amount of effort to raising glutathione levels.  

Urine Organic Acids:

This test can be extremely useful since it indirectly measures the presence of multiple toxic organisms, such as Candida and abnormal bacteria. The tests measures the compounds made by these organisms; many of which are also neurotoxins. Comparing the levels of key organic compounds also provides clues to the levels of important protective chemicals such as B6 and glutathione. Studies by Jill James PhD. at the University of Arkansas  have found that autistic children have marked reduced levels of glutathione, cysteine, and other key important amino acids.

GI Health Panel

Most children with autism have concurrent problems with their bowel. Bowel inflammation can be very extensive in autistic children. Treatment of the bowel disorders in autistic children is a constant challenge, but reducing inflammation in the GI tract is most of the most important steps in the recovery process. The GI Health Panel measures multiple parameters of GI Health and is a valuable tool in the treatment of these disorders.

Amino Acids

Urine amino acids provide information on a variety of biological processes including: nutrient adequacy: the quality and quantity of dietary protein, digestive disorders, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (particularly folic acid, B 12 , B 6 metabolism, zinc and magnesium). In addition amino acid analysis provides important diagnostic information about hepatic and renal function, availability of precursors of neurotransmitters, detoxification capacity, and many disorders in amino acid metabolism.

Environmental Toxin Screen

This affordable test measures the levels of common environmental toxins such as: Styrene, Benzene, para benzene, phthalates, etc. The test is very simple to perform. The sample strip is dipped in the first morning urine and sent to the lab. We have found most autistic children have extremely high toxin levels. We use the same test in adults with any signs of chronic illness or neurological disease.

Food Allergy Screen

This test measures IgG antibodies to 88 different foods. Food allergy is a source of inflammation to the bowel and secondarily may affect cognitive function.  Food allergy is a common finding in autistic children.