| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Autism Information
Autism is a brain disorder that affects about 4 in 10,000 people. There are estimated to be about 400,000 autistic individuals in the USA today. Autism is the third most common developmental disability and is more common than Down syndrome. Males are three times more likely to have the disorder than females, and some people may have a genetic disposition for the disorder. Autistic individuals are mental disabled and suffer from learning disabilities, delayed speech development and score below 70 in I.Q. tests. While most autistic individuals are mentally disabled and have very low IQs, some diagnosed as autistic savants may have extraordinary skills in mathematics, art, music and memory use.
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The exact cause of autism is unknown. Some believe that a neurological imbalance or malfunction makes autistic individuals overly-sensitive to their surroundings. These imbalances are thought to develop in the fetal stages of development. Other researcher believe that autism may be the result of genetics and/or environmental factors, such as viruses or chemicals. Autism is not caused by parental neglect, as once thought.
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Autism is usually diagnosed before the age of three. Autistic infants may appear indifferent to love and affection, may become overly agitated and may cry most of the time when awake. Hormonal changes at the onset of puberty can increase the severity of symptoms, and 20% of autistic to experience seizures. Additional symptoms or signs of autistic behavior may include unresponsiveness to people and environment; inability to make friends with peers; the appearance of mental retardation; the appearance of a hearing disability; aggressiveness; self-injury; repetitive or unusual use of language; difficulty changing rituals or daily routines; preoccupied with parts of objects; and extraordinary skills in a particular area. If autism is suspected, a diagnosis should be made by a skilled professional.
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Though there is no cure for autism, some symptoms may lesson over time with treatment and as the individual ages. Allergies and food sensitivities may intensify autistic behavior. Research has also detected abnormal protein levels in the urine of autistic individuals, and it is thought that this indicates an inability to break down certain proteins into amino acids. These proteins are gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats and other foods) and casein (found in human and cows milk). Many parents of autistic children who have removed these foods from the diet have, in many cases, observed positive changes in health and behavior. Research strongly suggests that many autistic individuals may be sensitive to dairy products and certain fruits, such as strawberries and citrus fruits, which can affect the immune system. These food products may increase or magnify various problems such as headaches, bedwetting, spaced-out appearance, stuttering, whining, crying, aggression and depression. Increasing the amount of vitamins, such as vitamin C, may reduce allergy symptoms.
Other helpful changes include eating a high fiber diet and eliminating alcohol, caffeine, canned and packaged foods, carbonated beverages, chocolate, all junk food, refined and processed foods, wheat, salt, sugar, sweets, saturated fats, soft drinks and white flour products. Autistic individuals may want to have a hair analysis performed to check for heavy metal poisoning.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Calcium and Magnesium is essential for normal brain function.
Choline helps improve brain function. It is recommended use under medical supervision.
Coenzyme Q10 helps improve brain function.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an oxygen carrier to the brain and is important to normal brain and nerve function.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is critical to the proper manufacturing of brain chemicals and acts as a natural antidepressant. Not to be used if taking a prescription antidepressant or if you have a manic depressive disorder.
Vitamin B Complex is essential for normal brain and nervous system function.
Vitamin B6 deficiencies have been linked to autism.
Vitamin C is an excellent general antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
Melatonin may help if symptoms include insomnia.
Amino Acids like L-Glutamine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine and Taurine are needed for normal brain function and may be taken in combination or as individual supplements. Do not take phenylalanine if pregnant, nursing, suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, hypertension or PKU.
Gingko Biloba has been found to improve brain function by increasing circulation to the brain and is a powerful free radical destroyer.
Multiple Vitamin Supplements may be utilized that assists in bringing a combination of important nutrients. These may be given in a liquid or tablet format.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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