Autism Is Treatable By Eileen C. Comia, MD T
wenty five years ago, the word “autism” only appeared in textbooks of Pediatrics. It was so rare that you wouldn’t pos- sibly encounter a person with this illness in your lifetime. The incidence of autism then was 1 out of 20,000; now it is 1 out of 88 children. While statisticians argue whether there is a true rise in number of cases or just an increase in awareness, it is undeniable that we are dealing with an illness of epidemic proportion! Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a
chronic progressive neurologic, developmental disorder that is char- acterized by impairments in language, socialization and behavior. Symptoms usually become prominent between the age of 1 and 2 years although some children get diagnosed after the age of 5 years. The textbook of Psychiatry, known as DSM IV, defines autism as a behavioral disorder with no reference to the multitude of physi- ologic symptoms that we commonly observe in children with ASD. A new DSM V is anticipated to be released this year and is expected to redefine the disorder. Efforts to shift the paradigm stem from progressive research
revealing autism as a whole body, multi-system metabolic disorder. We now know that multiple organ systems (the gut, brain, immune system, lungs, hormones) are involved; therefore, requiring simul- taneous treatments. It is no longer perceived as a purely genetic, “hard-wiring” problem but rather a genetic predisposition influ- enced by toxins from the environment (Epigenetic Phenomenon).
Symptoms Chronic and simultaneous exposure to various toxins from the
environment affects our bodies at the cellular level. This damage to our cells may not be obvious as they occur insidiously. In fact, regular blood tests are usually all normal except for a few minor abnormalities. However, injury may start in the gut and before long manifest in the brain. Symptoms range from: “picky eating”, pica, lack of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain/colic, to mood swings, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, rituals, tics, unusual play, flapping hands, toe walking, gestures, hyperactivity, speech delay, language problems, poor socializa- tion, aloofness, zoning out, poor eye contact/focus/attention, sleep problems, seizures, sensitivity to sound/light/texture/touch/pressure, frequent upper respiratory infections/ear infections, rhinitis, allergies to environment/foods/medications, and eczema/atopic dermatitis.
Testing Leading the
metabolic and physiologic as- sessment of children with ASD is the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) Organization. Founded in 1995, Drs. Sidney Baker, Bernard Rim- land, and Jon Pangborn prepared a team of 30 experts from different scientific fields to study the hair, blood, urine, and stool samples of hundreds of children with autism. After 18 years of research, a consensus has been reached that autism is not merely a behavioral disorder but a metabolic disorder that warrants testing at the least. Laboratory assessment requires special techniques that are not usu- ally performed by regular laboratories. These tests usually come in “kits” that are given by functional medicine practitioners. Gut func- tion is assessed with very sensitive stool tests that check for benefi- cial bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, yeast, ova and parasites. Nutri- tional requirements are evaluated by ION profile, urine and blood tests showing intracellular levels of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, urine organic acids, substrates of citric acid cycle, methylation and detoxification pathways. Delayed food sensi- tivities are discovered by performing IgG food allergy blood testing. Behavioral problems are evaluated by checking urine neurotransmit- ters and heavy metal toxicity by urinary porphyrin testing.
Treatment Recovery starts with “cleaning up the diet.” Use of pesticides in
certain towns and cities has been positively correlated with higher incidence of autism. Therefore, use of organic fruits and vegetables is imperative. Additives, preservatives, food coloring, artificial sugars (sucralose, aspartame, etc.) should be avoided at all times. No one should drink soda; drink organic juice instead, but most importantly, drink a lot of water. When grocery shopping, I generally recom- mend not purchasing foods in packages/cans/bottles as they usually have preservatives/additives that adulterate the food. Learn to cook from scratch; avoid packages of seasonings, bottles of sauces and dressings unless you know how to read labels well. Be wary of “natural flavors” as they likely contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). If you can’t pronounce the word, it is likely a chemical with the exception of xanthum gum and guargum -- they are acceptable binders. When choosing meat, look for “all-natural” and vegetable-
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