Autism Spectrum Disorder:
A new model offering hope for recovery By Gail M. Szakacs, MD
A
utism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common disorder characterized by impairment in social
interaction and communication, as well as restricted repetitive and stereotyped behavior patterns. The older model of ASD confines it to a brain disorder that is genetically determined and offers no treatment other than behavioral, speech, and occupational therapy. The newer model suggests that ASD is a systemic disorder that affects the brain. There is a genetic predisposition with one or more environmental triggers that act as a “tipping point” into illness and result in whole body dysregulation, characteristic of ASD. The internal dysregulation in one or more organ systems manifests as changes in behavior, cognition or physical or emotional regression. Potential underlying problems include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal disor- ders (gut), nutritional deficiencies and imbal- ances, impaired detoxification, allergies and immune dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Within this newer model, the evaluation of environmental triggers and treatment of underlying medical problems often lead to improvement and make recov- ery possible. As Michael Gershon points out in his
book, “The Second Brain,” everything that fuels our brain goes through the gut. This “gut-brain” axis is often wounded from poor dietary habits and abnormal germ overgrowth (yeast, bacteria, parasites), and these changes can trigger significant negative behavioral, physical, and cognitive effects. Early poor nutrition (including mom’s nutri- tion during pregnancy and while breastfeed-
32 Natural Nutmeg
ing) during periods of critical brain develop- ment is a common problem. If poor nutrition continues or develops later, it can still have a negative impact. The relationship between dietary peptides (like gluten and casein) and neurologic function and behavior is well documented as well. Horvath, et al, and others, have shown that increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) can allow poorly digested peptides (as well as toxins and al- lergens) into the bloodstream where they can trigger inflammation, immune dysregulation, and affect neurologic and psychological function.
In terms of general nutrition, it is clear that basic vitamins and minerals are essen- tial to cognitive function. Various researchers have found low levels of vitamins and miner- als in children with a range of neurodevel- opmental disorders, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and academic improvement in those receiving specific supplementation. For instance, iron deficiency can be associated with lower IQ scores, poor focus, and im- paired memory. Also, insufficient fatty acid levels often contribute to hyperactivity, poor attention span, psychological problems, and certain skin rashes. Anecdotally, the list of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that have helped ASD children with various cognitive, behavioral, and physical impair- ments is extensive and convincing. Studies have also shown that supplementation with agents like magnesium, acetyl-L-carnitine, pycnogenol, and other vitamins and miner- als can improve such things as hyperactiv- ity, stimming, anxiety, focus, and cognitive function.
Nancy H. O’Hara, MD
Poor diet, stress, trauma, allergens, infections/abnormal germ overgrowth, and toxic metals and environmental toxins and chemicals can cause oxidative stress and increase the overall toxic load. This increased load further burdens the im- mune and other body systems and results in behavioral and cognitive changes. In fact, many chemicals and metals are recognized causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and subclinical brain dysfunction. It has been shown repeatedly that exposure during early fetal development can trigger brain injury at doses much lower than those affecting adult brain function. Jill James and other promi- nent researchers have showed the majority of ASD children have impaired methylation/ detoxification cycles and suboptimal levels of reduced glutathione. In the past, canaries were sent into coalmines to see if they were too toxic. Today, our children with ASD are like our canaries and they are telling us that our environment is too toxic. Additionally, a subset of children with
ASD have abnormal mitochondrial energy production and function that contributes to their physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. The presence of mitochondrial dysfunction increases the risk for potential damage to the brain, which is dependent on oxidative metabolism.
Although the exact etiology of ASD is
still unknown, understanding the basic medi- cal problems and patterns of these children can help them recover. To recognize patterns in the ASD population, look for histori- cal, clinical, and laboratory clues. Several examples of important clinical and histori- cal clues are outlined below for some of the
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