Autism: Symptoms and Treatment
Autism is one of several clinical states marked by social, communication, learning and behavioral difficulties under the larger umbrella of “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD). These symptoms are due to a multitude of complex biochemical, physiological, and neurodevelopmental imbalances. Symptoms can be mild, severe, or somewhere in the middle. Early diagnosis is important, because early treatment can make a huge difference with respect to future quality of life and independence.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Conventionally, medical professionals described different types of autism, such as autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and even ADD & ADHD. However, all of the above are now simply described as falling within the “autism spectrum” where Autism is considered more developmentally severe and Aspergers, for example, less severe.
Classic Autism Symptoms
- Lack of expressive and receptive verbal communication
- Repetitive motions like rocking back and forth and flapping hands
- Lack of eye contact or social interaction with adults and peers
- A panicky reaction with activity transitions or interruption of rituals
- A dislike of being touched or tendency to avoid physical stimulation
- Overstimulation by certain sounds to the point of being severely distressed
- Appear primarily self-absorbed and happier when others are not talking and distracting them
Associated Medical Conditions
Importantly, (yet unfortunately overlooked) is that children with Autism are prone to physical discomforts and medical problems such as hypothyroidism, iron deficiency anemia, hormone problems, abdominal pain and other GI problems, metabolic or inflammatory encephalopathy, mitochondrial disease, seizures, depression, anxiety, and severe sleep disorders.
What Causes Autism?
The short answer: Know one knows for certain. However, it has been demonstrated clinically that the condition is multifactorial involving immune or other stressors combined with genetic weaknesses involving detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, mitochondria, and inflammation as classic examples. Moreover, many clinicians who work closely with these children, including our doctors, consider ASD to be on the "Neuro-Immune Syndrome" spectrum. Having observed consistently patients on the spectrum will display to one degree or another dysregulations of both the immune and nervous systems. Likewise the biomedical approach has proven worthy time and time again and our patients generally are not willing to wait for the "proof" as apposed to undergoing a rehabilitative approach that delivers results consistently. Remember: Autism is Treatable!
Also, see the “Bermuda Triangle Theory” as presented by Walsh Research Institute based on more than 50,000 chemical assays of blood and urine in autistic children and adults:
Savant Characteristics
One of the most fascinating aspects related to Autism is the absolute brilliance many children display in other areas such as math, music, memory, and even intuition and high level sense awareness. While no proof of concept has yet emerged, it is postulated that some type of chemical, immune, or in-utero trauma to one area of the brain during early development creates new and advanced pathways in other parts of the brain that gives autistic children the savant abilities they are so often known for. It is our goal at Natural Balance to capitalize fully on these gifts while rehabilitating the weaker areas in need of assistance.
The Biomedical Approach Offers Hope (but no promises)!
Again, there are varying degrees of severity to the condition know as Autism. Some young patients we work with are severely challenged to speak while others are highly skilled problem solvers who have behavior problems disruptive to the family or class rooms. Some children in our clinic will ultimately mainstream and lead relatively normal lives, while others may need help in every area of their life despite our best efforts. Some will remain socially awkward and yet be recognized as quite high-performing in their areas of expertise, with any savant children being paid well to do what comes naturally to them like solving complex mathematical problems, etc. The goals is start early and follow improvements as far as possible starting with communication, learning and addressing any medical issues identified via medical testing.
Early Intervention is Important!
For those of us who remain in the trenches helping children and adults with Autism daily, one thing remains for certain: Early Intervention is critically important! Basically it can lead to better long-term results for the patient and the patient’s family. To accurately place a child on the diagnostic spectrum for ASD, it normally takes a team of doctors and only certain doctors are charged with such tasks. Our clinic does not diagnose the condition, but we are nationally known for effectively treating it using our biomedical, genetic based, precision approach.
Treatment Approaches
We Are Here to Help You! For More Information Call Us Today!
On behalf of the Natural Balance team, we hope you have found this information helpful and we look forward to working with you. For a personalized assessment and treatment plan unique to your child, call Natural Balance Wellness Medical Center at (734) 929-2696 or book an appointment online.
