Description

Autism is a disorder that typically appears early in childhood and is characterized by learning difficulties, speech problems, repetitive behaviors, and impaired communication and social interaction skills. The condition usually involves multiple systems in the body, including the neurological, immune, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. Because of its systemic nature and symptoms that may vary significantly by individual, it is one of the most difficult conditions to treat.

Attention-deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are related, but less severe conditions, characterized by age-inappropriate impulsiveness, an inability to focus and maintain attention, learning difficulties, and sometimes hyperactivity.

Causes

The exact cause/s of these disorders remain to be proven. Based on the research and clinical evidence, it seems clear that the conditions are biomedical in nature. The disorders may be influenced by genetics, but likely primarily result from environmental factors, including exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals) and a significantly expanded vaccination schedule. In turn, these environmental factors may lead to disordered mineral transport, oxidative stress, disregulated immune response, and an inability to properly digest/absorb/metabolize nutrients.

Treatment Approach

- Change the diet to remove foods that the body may not be capable of digesting properly and/or may be causing a poor immune reaction (e.g., with ELISA testing and/or elimination diet). This step, in turn, helps the gut to heal so it can better digest and absorb nutrients properly.

- Supplement to help restore the body's levels of essential nutrients.

- Avoid future environmental toxin exposure, and reduce existing toxin levels in the body.

- Address existing chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal).

- Support endocrine function (adrenals, thyroid).

Possible interventions

Dietary changes

- Gluten-free / Casein-free (GF/CF)

- Simple Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

- Feingold Program

- Low-oxalate Diet

- Etc.

Supplementation

- Antioxidants

- Minerals

- B vitamins

- Essential fatty acids

- Enzymes

- Probiotics

- Etc.

Other

- Chelation of heavy metals (low/frequent-dose)

- Anti-bacterials / -virals / -fungals (Rx medicine, if necessary)