What is Autism?

Autism, part of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopment disorder marked by profound language and social disabilities.  Autism now affects 1 in 150 children with a male predominance of 4:1.  The signs of autism become apparent in early childhood, sometimes as early as 18 months of age.  Often, the child displays normal learning and language before an abrupt plateau or even decline in language skills.  Children with autism may exhibit disinterest in social interaction, poor eye contact, and become abnormally withdrawn.   Other behavioral characteristics include restricted and repetitive stereotyped behaviors.

Current research describes autism as a complex medical condition affecting the brain, nervous, gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine and detoxification systems all arising from a confluence of genetic defects and environmental exposures.  The previous notion that autism is an exclusively genetic and psychiatric disorder has become antiquated.   Autism is a treatable disorder when the multiple factors mentioned above are addressed.  Limiting treatment to psychiatric drugs restricts potential improvements that autistic children and their families deserve.   Behavioral therapy continues to play an important role in autism treatment.

A Complete Approach to Autism

Thanks in part to the late Bernard Rimland, PhD, Autism Research Institute, and the many active parents of autistic children, the management of autism has evolved tremendously over the past decade and includes several bio-medical advances.  As stated, autism is a complex medical condition affecting many systems simultaneously. Affective treatment of autism rests upon a thorough and comprehensive plan that addresses all factors.  Defects in the gastrointestinal system and detoxification systems are universal themes in autism that need redress before the full benefit of other therapies can be realized.   

Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal imbalances include gut inflammation, “allergy” or intolerance to foods such as wheat, soy, gluten, casein and others.  Food allergies are identified by an IgG food allergy blood test.  Once identified the offending foods are removed.  Imbalances in gut flora and cell repair can then be treated with probiotics and the amino acid L-glutamine.  A condition termed “leaky gut,” where pre-digested proteins are absorbed contributes to an overactive immune system in autistic child.  Stool analysis is used to test both “leaky gut” and gastrointestinal inflammation.  Overgrowth of yeast and bacteria can be assessed with an organic acid test.   Inadequate digestion, along with the above measures is treated with digestive enzymes formulated for autistic children. 

Detoxification & Methylation

Autistic children universally have an impaired ability to clear toxins from their bodies due to defects in methylation.  Methylation is the process where our cells use different sulfur based amino acids to detoxify compounds.  They also have a decreased ability to form the active forms B₁₂ and folic acid needed for detoxification, methylation and glutathione production.   Injections of methylcobalamin and folic acid can dramatically and rapidly improve methylation.  Methylation is impaired by heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic and aluminum.  Up to 80% of autistic children are low in glutathione, an invaluable antioxidant in detoxification.

Neurological System

Children with autism often display abnormalities in neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitters are amino acid derived hormones that the nervous system uses to communicate messages.   Imbalances can result in hyperactivity, insomnia and agitation.  Excitatory neurotransmitters are commonly high while inhibitory neurotransmitters are low.  Treatment entails combinations of amino acids to restore balance.   Carnosine and secretin are successfully used in some children resulting in improved learning and language.

Nutrition in Autism

A cornerstone of autism treatment is nutrition selection.  Because of methylation defects, foods with phenol compounds like onion, banana, chocolate and cheese should be reduced.  Casein and dairy should be eliminated since they both contribute to gut inflammation and can result in compounds that have an “opiod” like effect in the brain of autistic children.  Because autistic children commonly have low calcium status, calcium rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beans, and wild caught salmon should be eaten.  The diet should eliminate sweets, refined carbohydrates, food additives, colorings and preservatives.  The diet should also be high in protein and fiber. 

Autism can be effectively treated with a comprehensive bio-medical approach.  By addressing the multiple imbalances found in autistic children, dramatic improvements in learning, language and communication and socialization occur, often allowing reintegration into mainstream settings. 

Dr. Ayo Bankole is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.naturopathic.org and the AmericanCollege for the Advancement of Medicine.  For more information about autism treatment or for an appointment call 951.801.2302.