What is biomedical treatment?
Our approach addresses the problems that are common to virtually all autistic children, including liver dysfunction, toxic overload, nutritional deficiencies, and intestinal imbalances such as yeast infection.7 Many cases of autism can be greatly improved by addressing these conditions, and some cases can be reversed as long as they are caught early enough. However, the treatment is not a case of “one size fits all.”
The Autism Research Institute, founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland, has introduced an integrative biological treatment program for the successful treatment and management of autism. With the help of this program, known as Defeat Autism Now!, many children have been able to recover and lead normal lives. This biological approach can render the more conventional strategies - such as behavioral modification and structured education - far more effective.
Much of Autism Answer’s approach to autism is adapted from the Defeat Autism Now! program. Individualized, in-depth clinical and laboratory testing are used to tailor the program to individual’s needs and pinpoint which areas should be emphasized.
Which nutritional strategies are favored by the Autism Answers approach?
Dietary measures not only help alleviate symptoms themselves, but also support other strategies, making them more effective as well. The most common dietary strategy is to eliminate certain “trigger” foods, such as casein-containing dairy products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar, chocolate, preservatives, and food coloring.8 Eating wholesome natural foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables can help stabilize the chemistry of autistic individuals. We also recommend cutting out additives, colorings, salicylates, and preservatives. In addition, to help identify troublesome foods, Autism Answers favors the use of both IgG antibody testing(delayed food sensitivities) and Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA). A recent survey completed by parents who were utilizing the Defeat Autism Now! protocol with their children ranked dietary modifications and elimination of food allergens the most effective of all therapies utilized.
Which dietary supplements are favored by the Autism Answers approach?
Many studies indicate that supplementing with various combinations of nutrients—for example, dimethylglycine (DMG), omega-3s, vitamins A, B12, B5, B6, B-complex, C, K, folic acid (as well as folinic acid), inositol, zinc, calcium and magnesium—can be of benefit to people with ASDs.9 Deficiencies of vitamins A, C and D have been documented in autistic children.10 Controlled clinical trials with vitamin C or carnosine, both potent antioxidants, have resulted in significantly improved behavior in autistic individuals.11 Additional benefits may result from supplementing with specific essential amino acids that are identified by individualized testing.
What steps are taken to improve gastrointestinal (GI) tract health?
Many individuals with autism have poor nutritional status, poor digestion, and intestinal inflammatory conditions that limit nutrient absorption.12 Following a natural diet and addressing food sensitivities or food allergies can help reduce stress to the GI tract. Improving the GI tract also depends on controlling the overgrowth of intestinal organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This may involve a combination of herbal, homeopathic, and pharmaceutical strategies. In addition, we recommend using certain probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and nutrients to help correct the gut flora imbalances and decrease gut permeability. Digestive enzymes are often beneficial in these children as a way to help breakdown proteins, increase vitamin assimilation, and reduce food sensitivities. Finally, removal of mercury through chelation and biological dentistry can help reduce an additional source of chronic toxicity to the GI tract.13
What steps are taken to reduce toxic burdens or to support detoxification?
Many autistic children show very high levels of lead, mercury and other heavy metals that stress and damage the brain.14 The link between mercury and autism seems particularly strong, according to most of the recent studies.15 To remove these heavy metals from the body, we favor the use of chelation therapy, which is done in combination with an intensive nutritional program that may include both intravenous and oral nutrition. This type of integrative approach to detoxification seems very effective as a treatment for autism, based on clinical research.16 In addition, special measures are taken to support the liver’s detoxification capacities. A variety of nutritional supplements are recommended, all of which help support the production of our body’s most natural detoxifier, glutathione. It is important to recognize, however, that the full benefits from heavy metal detoxification are unlikely to occur if the GI problems (notably the bacterial imbalance or dysbiosis) are not corrected first.
How does oxygen therapy benefit people with autism?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), the use of pressurized oxygen, has shown great therapeutic potential against autism. Brain scans of autistic children indicate a lack of metabolic activity in the brain, resulting inregions of functional sluggishness. After receiving HBOT, however, these brain scans show improved metabolic activity, most often in the language centers of the brain.
Children undergoing HBOT often show progression in language skills and the expansion of their vocabulary.17 In a recent study, 75 percent of autistic children showed significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing HBOT.18 In another recent study, HBOT significantly decreased inflammation (as measured by CRP levels), and observations by the parents indicated intestinal problems (dysbiosis) and increases the activity of enzymes that can help with detoxification problems found in autistic children.20 To achieve a therapeutic benefit, up to 40 treatments may be recommended. An improvement in autistic behaviors.19 In addition, HBOT can help reverse intestinal problems (dysbiosis) and increases the activity of enzymes that can help with detoxification problems found in autistic children.20 To achieve atherapeutic benefit, up to 40 treatments may be recommended.
What other therapies are available to help with autism?
Innovative therapies continue to be explored and recommended at each annual Defeat Autism Now! Conference. Some of the most exciting findings have related to the drug known as Naltrexone, which interacts with the opioid (natural pain-killing) system of the body. In recent clinical studies, Naltrexone has been shown to reduce hyperactivity, agitation, irritability, temper tantrums, social withdrawal, and other classical autistic behaviors.21 Unlike other drugs that have been used with some success to help improve various behaviors in autistic kids, Naltrexone is relatively free of side effects, though occasional drowsiness may occur.
There are also scattered reports of therapeutic benefits from the natural sleep aide, melatonin, and from the anti-viral drug Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride), an FDA-approved treatment for herpes simplex. These experimental agents may be tried after the above options have been explored.