Pediatric+Autism

Autism: Incidence/Prevalence: United States prevalence data

prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders in US states in 2000-2001 ranged from 0.6 to 4.6 per 1,000 children, and was associated with number of school-based health centers in the state (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005 Mar;159(3):266 in JAMA 2005 May 18;293(19):2323) prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders 6.7 cases per 1,000 children aged 3-10 and prevalence for autistic disorder was 4 cases per 1,000 children in one US township (Pediatrics 2001 Nov;108(5)

vitamin B6 and magnesium -- no reliable evidence to suggest benefit systematic review found 3 randomized trials with 33 patients 1 crossover trial provided insufficient data for analysis high-dose pyridoxine and magnesium not significantly better than placebo in 10-week randomized trial of 12 patients with autism (J Autism Dev Disord 1997 Aug;27(4):467 1 trial with only 8 children with features similar to pyrodoxine-dependent epilepsy reported statistically significant benefit for IQ change scores music therapy may help children with autistic spectrum disorder to improve their communicative skills (level 2 [mid-level] evidence) no randomized trials of chelation therapy for autism found in MEDLINE search, case report of fatality upon using chelation with inappropriate agent (BMJ 2006 Oct 7;333(7571):756)

Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, Nov2008 Issue 304, p96-100, 5p; In Canada roughly one in every 150 children will be diagnosed with autism, and three to four times more commonly in boys than in girls. Symptoms such as repetitive behaviors and difficulty with social interaction usually surface before the age of three. Affected children can be anywhere on the spectrum from severely impaired to mildly challenged. In 1980 autism was classified as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders, a guide used by medical professionals. Recent studies, however, suggest autism is a neurological problem that causes developmental disabilities. Earlier this year researchers from John Hopkins University isolated a gene they believe may make a child more likely to develop autism. -I also think genes, food allergies, gut health and mitochondrial deficits are factors
 * The Lyme-Autism Connection.**

The scientists caution that autism is not caused by genetic factors alone. They believe that environmental factors during fetal development may also play a role. They note that symptoms of autism are similar to those shown by children who had prenatal infections or who were exposed in the womb to chemical such as alcohol or terbutaline. A drug used to treat asthma. Dr. MacFabe, autism researcher with the University of Ontario, has been studying the link between the digestive system and autism. He has concluded that this disorder affects not only the brain, but also other organs in the body. He is optimistic that scientists from all disciplines can work together to shed light on the causes of autism and ultimately, to find solutions. High dopamine and serotonin common finding

TCM Pattern DIfferentiation: “Self Shut-Off Syndrome” or “Lonely Syndrome” -Lack of eye contact, withdrawn behavior, sometimes sits alone and stares into space, rocking movement 1. Extreme Qi deficiency: After Febrile disease, during fever, restless and agitated, delirium and convulsion, after which the child becomes quiet when fever resides. St36, Sp6, GV26, H7 Gui Pi Tang

2. Lingering Pathogenic Factor – Can be caused by high fever or vaccination, restless, irritable, cannot settle, red face, lips, may talk to self unable to concentrate, poor memory H8, Liv3, St44 Long Dan Xie Gan Tang or Dan Zhi Xiao, Yao San

3. Brain Damage – Following high fever, meningitis, or immunization, injury to head. – Exposure to toxins Bl23, GV16 and Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang + Zuo Gui Wan

4. Kidney deficiency -due to deficient kidney essence at birth, or K Qi Xu after illness or overwork. – Pale, weak lumbar, frail, sees ghosts, imaginary world. Bl23, CV4, St36 and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Zuo Gui Wan

5. Shen Disturbance A. Shock or Fright GV 26, H7, St36 and Zuo Sha An Shen Wan B. Anger Liv3, Lu5, Bl18 and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

More on Autism: Autism Symptoms Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Here is an autism symptoms checklist: Insistence on sameness; resistance to change, Tantrums, Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others Prefers to be alone; aloof manner, Difficulty in mixing with others May not want to cuddle or be cuddled, Little or no eye contact Unresponsive to normal teaching methods, Sustained odd play Spins objects, Inappropriate attachments to objects Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain No real fears of danger, Uneven gross/fine motor skills Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range. Various other autism symptom checklists are also available.

How Is Autism Diagnosed? Concerns about child autism symptoms often begin with parents who notice delayed speech and language development, typically noticed at about 18 months of age. As part of a well-baby/well-child visit, the doctor should do a "developmental screening" by asking specific questions about your baby's progress. According to The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), these are possible autism symptoms that warrant further evaluation: no babbling, pointing, or other gestures by 12 months of age, no single words by 16 months of age, no two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months of age, and loss of previously learned language or social skills at any age.

Diagnostic testing to uncover digestive problems. Testing may include: stool culture, comprehensive digestive stool analysis, stool parasite study, and bowel permeability testing. Diagnostic testing to evaluate allergic problems including food intolerances, gluten sensitivity, casein sensitivity, and mold sensitivities. Diagnostic testing to evaluate toxic metal exposures, especially mercury. Testing may be done on blood, hair or urine. Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative that is used in vaccination preparations. A child that has had the usual vaccination schedule of shots is at risk for toxic levels of mercury in the brain and nervous system.

Diagnostic testing to assess response to chemical toxicity. Measuring the level of mercapturic acid indicates how hard the body is working to purge itself of these chemicals. Diagnostic testing to evaluate nutritional levels including fatty acid analysis, amino acid analysis, B12 and folate levels. Diagnostic testing to evaluate thyroid and adrenal function. The goal is to identify and treat abnormal lab findings and watch for a positive clinical change. The above protocol of diagnostic tests will give us information on how to develop a treatment plan to address autism symptoms and move you toward health and well-being.

Dietary changes
Diet of foods that are unrefined, free of additives, varied, fresh, little or no sugar. Focus on minimizing carbohydrate and make sure there is an adequate intake of protein and essential fatty acids (EFAs). A gluten (no wheat, oats, rye, barley) and casein-free (no dairy) diet, avoiding both for at least 12 weeks. A yeast- and mold-free diet for a minimum of 6 weeks. A diagnostic trial of avoidance of all common allergenic foods for a minimum of 4 weeks, including: dairy products, wheat, baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast, sugar, eggs, corn, peanuts, orange, lemon, lime, soy foods, shellfish, and tomato. A trial removing the foods your child is allergic to, as identified through food allergy testing.

Nutritional supplementation
A trial of a comprehensive multiple vitamin/mineral formula with an emphasis on B6, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium. A trial of high dose vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5 phosphate, and magnesium. A trial of di-methyl glycine (DMG). A trial of high dose folic acid. A trial of high dose vitamin C. A trial of vitamin B12 injections. A trial of DMSA to chelate mercury if the child’s levels were high on testing. – careful mineral deficiencies If intestinal imbalances were found, rebalance intestinal bacteria and yeasts by giving oral doses of good bacteria good bacteria and yeasts. In addition, we may give a trial of anti-fungal medication for 6-12 weeks. A trial of peptidase-rich digestive enzymes such as bromelain or papaya.

Other changes or trials
Stop fluoride in water, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamins or pill form. Trial of IV gamma globulin. Identify and address workplace, school, home and personal care chemical exposure. Consider urinary metabolite test

Prevention
Because the primary causes of autism in children are not well understood, targeted prevention is difficult. However, naturopathic and oriental medical doctors work to promote wellness by supporting fundamentals of health such as diet, nutrition, and hydration, and to remove things that harm health such as digestive disorders, system imbalances, and environmental, and chemical exposures and toxicities. Case: Dr. Pizzorrno

STORY: Our 12-year old son, Ryan, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of two. He is high-functioning and does well academically in school. Like most children in the spectrum, he has difficulty socializing and often has behavioral issues at school and home due to his misinterpretation of other people and the outside world. This past fall, we found a local DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) doctor, began his protocol of supplements, and had some tests run. One of the tests indicated high levels of mercury. As a mother, I was very upset by this information as it seemed quite possible that he got the mercury from the vaccines. But after a day or so I realized I had to put my anger aside and work in the solution. The DAN! doctor told me about Internal Balance and an “angel” reminded me of them, so I called immediately and got an appointment. Tamara and her staff are very professional and personable. They truly care about their clients. Before we signed on, my biggest concern was that Ryan would not be able to make it through one session no less 40. But Tamara assured me that he would be fine and he has been. He does a lot of reading and relaxing while there. He is sometimes not thrilled about the supplements Tamara gives him, but she takes the time to explain why they are necessary in terms he can understand and he takes them.

This week we got back test results that indicate Ryan no longer has high levels of mercury and we are thrilled! We are so grateful to Tamara and her staff. Even though getting the mercury out of his system was my goal, they have helped strengthen his whole body from the inside out. He is much healthier, is eating a wider range of food, and has gained weight. He is now slim, not skinny. We have seen significant changes in him since December. He hardly watches television anymore (it is not good for you he tells me). It was his New Year’s resolution to read more and watch television less! In general, he is much more aware. He is much more productive getting his homework done and not staring off into space for an hour or two. Ryan has always struggled with writing and putting thoughts on paper and we have seen significant improvements over the last several months. His is much more aware of our dog and people’s feelings. He gets along better with the neighborhood kids. We highly recommend Internal Balance and are grateful to them for their help. They truly care about their clients and we are so blessed to have