New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

The basic idea of homotoxicology is to restore the body’s chemical balance by detoxifying. It shares the same idea as Chelation, which is the process of removing heavy metals from the Autistic body. With homotoxicology, homeopathic remedies are given to help the body learn to heal itself. A belief of homotoxicology is that every human being regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality has the ability to instill healing mechanisms  and processes within themselves that can prevent and treat illness.

Homotoxicology was developed in Germany over 50+ years ago and is becoming more and more studied and used at this point in the Uniter States.

Practicing homotoxicology promotes the idea that it is believed that almost every disease is the result of an overabundance of toxins within the body.

In order to start the process, homotoxicology calls for homeopathic remedies to be administered to the body. Homeopathic remedies are FDA approved and are given orally, topically, via inhalation, or by IV injection. A great deal of homeopathic remedies are all natural and have been developed organically from animals, minerals, or plants. Once the remedy is in the body, it goes to work aggressively to stimulate the part of the body that is believed to be able to heal itself. Small amounts of remedies yield to the body practicing its ability to restore its health.

Another view of homotoxicology is that “Like yields like”. In short, this means that the side effects of a remedy may cause a similar reaction to that which is being treated. In essence the body is being given a substance that will trigger these symptoms to train the body to fight them. You can compare this to a chicken pox or flu shot that injects the body with the condition to get the body educated on how to fight.

Because of the dangerously high amounts of chemicals just in our oxygen, let alone through our homes, or supermarkets, or any public place, the body can pick up disease, sickness, and chemical traces rather easily. Toxins that are picked up from an external source are called Exogenous. The liver, kidneys and skin membranes do their best to take these chemicals and rid the body of them.

Endogenous toxins are created inside the body and reak havoc on the body just as the exogenous can. These toxins are often the result of nutrient deficiencies, emotional traumas, psychological stress, and histamine. These conditions constantly generate toxins that can adversely affect cells, tissues, organs, etc.

Next week, we’ll take a look at the homotoxicology process and dig a bit deeper into this holistic type approach to Autism, Diabetes, and other diseases in which poor chemical balance could exist.  You won’t want to miss next week’s post.

Meanwhile, please as any questions you might have regarding this process, and we’ll address them accordingly!

When you or your child are diagnosed with an allergy, you probably walk our of the doctor’s office with a prescription for an allergy medication. When you have an allergy reaction, you’re instructed to take the medication to treat the reaction. What if instead of treating the reaction, we treat the source: the body’s reaction to the allergen. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) revolves around the idea that the body be trained not to be allergic to specific foods or substances.

Allergies are common in the majority of people, so it’s no surprise when you learn that someone you know is allergic to a specific food or medication. Over the counter medications are typically administered to treat the condition and flair ups. Isn’t this, in a sense, accepting the allergy as a life-sentence?

The most common treatment for allergies is avoidance. If someone is allergic to Penicillin, then they tell their doctor, and that medication isn’t prescribed and no reaction is present. Easy enough, right? But how about similarly common instances where the allergen is pollen, dust, or animals? With things that occur naturally like dust and pollen, it is very difficult to avoid these as they’re literally everywhere.

Sublingual immunotherapy is a treatment option in which a solution of drops, or tablets are placed under the tongue and absorbed into the immune system. There is also an injection method, however since the treatment needs to be taken several times a week, the under-tongue route is often more convenient as a medical professional needs to be present for injections.

The purpose of the therapy is not to treat the allergy itself, moreso to desensitize the body against allergens. It has the same idea as a flu shot; injecting the body with the flu so that the immune system knows how to fight it off. In the case of allergies, adverse reactions decrease as the body is desensitized.

Sublingual immunotherapy can be compared to the psychological “Exposure Treatment”, in which people who have phobias are exposed to small doses of whatever they fear in hopes that their tolerance is built up.

While over the counter medications are fine with treating the reaction itself, allergy immunotherapy is the only way in which the underlying problem can be addressed. Why just treat the reaction when you can reduce or eliminate the problem all together? When you have a toothache, you can take an over the counter medication to eliminate the pain, but the best thing to do is to treat the problem, what’s causing the ache?

What does this mean for Autism?

Food allergies are something that are often mentioned with cases of Autism. Specifically gluten and casein, both of which we’ve discussed several times here at New Autism Cure. A healthy diet is suggested, vitamin supplements are suggested, both which focus on fixing the problem [with the gut symptoms], rather than just treating it. Immunotherapy takes the same approach. Rather than focusing on medications and the newest big thing, it’s important that Autism is something that needs to be treated. The symptoms need to be treated, and not just masked by a daily dose of whatever medication is being prescribed.

The behavior of Autistic children can be a very challenging thing to handle. From temper tantrums, to self-injury, to repetitive, destructive behavior, parents often don’t know where to turn to for behavior modification techniques. When “No!” doesn’t work, and time outs are ineffective, it almost seems as though it’s a lost cause. Behavior Modification Therapy focuses on these outbursts and trains the Autistic mind to relate good behavior with good feelings.

In the shoes of an Autistic Child…

If every day you went to work, did your 8 hours, and didn’t get paid, would you continue to do go to work? If you started a new diet, and it claimed that maybe someday you would be healthy, would you continue to do it? Life is all about the reward system: if you do something correctly, then you receive a reward. What the reward might be is relative to the situation, but if you seek value in that reward, you’re sure to do what is required in order to get it.

If you went to work late everyday, sat around and did nothing and still collected a paycheck, would you continue to go to work? If you were on a diet that allowed you to eat as much candy as you wanted, but promised that you’d lose weight rapidly, would you remain on the diet? Probably. Life is also about consequences. If your reward isn’t taken away when you do something against policy, then you never learn right from wrong. How are you to know that going to work late is wrong, or that eating candy is bad, if you’re not given a consequence to your action?

You Need To Say Exactly What You Want To Get Exactly What You Want

For this to be a structured approach, it’s important that you identify three main ideas to the new method:
1) What exact behavior are you looking for from the child.
2) How long do you wish for the child to apply this behavior?
3) Under what circumstances should the behavior be preformed.

For example, if you are having an issue with your child throwing a temper tantrum every time you try to put their shoes on, this can surely become a great hassle. In this situation, the behavior you’re looking for might be to calmly sit on the sofa, and allow his/her shoes to be put on. The  duration of the action may be for 2 minutes or until the shoes are on and tied. The circumstances would be when it’s time to go outside and you have to wear shoes. The goal here would be for the child to learn the idea that “When it’s time to go outside and put on shoes, I have to sit on the sofa for 2 minutes until my shoes are tied”.

Creating a reward system and sticking to it

Why should your child put their shoes on? Of course it prevents mommy and daddy from going nuts from all of the screaming, but what does the child get out of the deal? If there’s no reason or reward for them to do it, then why in the world should they?

It is our own natural defense mechanism to avoid pain and gravitate to good. If you don’t know the difference, then how do you know which direction to go? Behavioral Modification creates a reward system for desired behavior, and enables the child to create healthy behavioral patterns. If they do the right thing, they receive a reward. Whether it be a hug, a high five, 5 minutes to play a video game, the key is to make the reward be something that the child wants. If you try giving a child who doesn’t like ice cream and ice cream cone, that’s not considered a reward.

In our shoe example, let’s assume that the child loves hugs and sandboxes.In this case, we may want the child to think “When it’s time to go outside and put on shoes, I have to sit on the sofa for 2 minutes until my shoes are tied, and then I get to go outside and play in the sandbox and get a big hug from Mommy”.

You Might Need a Little Help…

Unless you have your PhD in Behavioral Health hanging in your office, you probably aren’t completely sure on where to begin. There are plenty of specialists available who can help get you and your family on the right track to behavioral modification. True to form, you as the parent should keep your eye on the reward:

A happier, healthier child. This is probably above all, the best reward we could offer.

It is believed that Mercury plays a large role in adversely affecting brain cells in people with Autism. Those who don’t believe that Mercury is the culprit mostly stand by the results of tests being done on the brain, and mercury not being found. It makes sense - if there is no Mercury being found, then how is it affecting the body? Out of sarcasm, some naysayers say “What, is the Mercury hiding or something?”

In a sense, yes.

In order to remove Mercury or other heavy metals, they must first be located. The brain is showing signs of effects similar to mercury, but it’s not being found. The mystery has stunned and stumped researchers. Until now.

A few weeks ago, we talked a bit about Biofilm. (Feel free to catch up by reading the post here).  As a brief summary, Biofilm is the substance that bacteria, parasites,  and other microbes often hide themselves in to avoid antibiotics and other treatment methods. Not only are the hidden bacteria damaging, but it has been found that the biofilm itself may contain damaging contents, particularly heavy metals.

For some time, we were unable to break down the Biofilm, or find out what its contents are. Researchers have found that digestive enzymes from the earthworm family can be utilized to assist in the digestion of the Biofilm and to release not only what the protective matrix is holding onto within it’s walls, but also what it’s covering up, which is often infections, bacteria, parasites and other gut disturbing particles.

It has been found that heavy metals often are part of the Biofilm matrix. Because the Biofilm is negatively charged, it attracts things like heavy metals which are positively charged and holds tight to them. The Mercury and other heavy metals being in the digestive system cause the same effect on brain cells as they would if they were actually contained in the brain.

In order to detoxify the body of such metals, they have to be released out of the grips of the biofilm. Once they’re released Chelation therapy can be initiated in order to remove the metals.

Sounds good, right?

As with many things, the proof ends up being in the results. As logical and simple as this all sounds, what have been the results of finding biofilm in the stomach, breaking it down, releasing the metals and bacteria, and detoxing the body?

There are several posts throughout the Autism Message boards discussing biofilm protocol. One testimonial in particular that I’d like to share is from Grace.

Grace has a young daughter, Jaden who has Autism. They began the Biofilm Protocol, and while very rigorous and time sensitive dosing of medication was involved, she saw results. Grace reported that Jaden was very ornery, and learned to lie and steal. She also was having very large and interesting bowel movements. In a nutshell, Jaden is a handful. Grace says:

“Why do we put up with this?, you might be asking. Because all of those difficult moments mean the yeast and bacteria are being pulled from their mucousy biofilm, where they were safe before, and killed! Once the protocol is over  Jaden will likely not need antifungals very often. We sent off her urine two weeks ago and received the results today–proof that the protocol is going to work for Jaden!

The good things we have seen: much independence! Getting out of bed on her own and turning on the TV and petting the cat while waiting for me to come out. Getting dressed completely on her own. Getting her own drinks from the cooler and the refrigerator. Using words like ‘disgraceful’ and ‘gross’. Having a phone conversation with her sister and answering every single question–correctly! Enjoying (and asking to go to) the public library and picking out books for herself. Then making me read them over and over and over. She learned to zipper and isn’t afraid of the vacuum anymore!”

Though Autism is often considered to be the incurable condition, there are researchers all over the world studying and making connections between Autism and other psychological disorders. Most recently, a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a connection between a rare disease affecting Amish children and the commonly diagnosed Autism and Epilepsy disorders.

The researchers found that a mutation in the STRAD-alpha gene can cause a rare but severe brain disorder known as Polyhydramnios, megalencephaly, and symptomatic epilepsy (PMSE). Characterized by abnormally increased brain size, PMSE also affects sufferers with its cause of difficulties with cognitive function and epilepsy that is not responsive to medication or treatment.

In animal case studies, animals that lacked the STRAD-Alpha (also called: STRADA) protein,  the pathway for another protein called mTOR is opened. In humans, this opening may promote abnormal cell growth that leads to cognitive impairments especially in children. It’s been found that  STRADA and mTOR are proteins that make up the complicated molecular structures that are often found in Autism and other behavioral conditions.

Mutations of the mTOR proteins are found in several disorders including uberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and other conditions that feature brain tumors. Unlike PMSE, it’s not STRADA but a different protein is affected by the pathway opening. TSC is a much more common disorder with approximately 1 million sufferers worldwide. Researchers find it to be very interesting that a rare disorder like PMSE and a not-so-rare TSC are comparable by their molecular pathways.

Adding PMSE to the list of disorders that is affected by the mTOR pathway is a great advancement in the treatment of Autism. Because PMSE shares some of the same symptoms and characteristics of Autism, it sheds a bit more light on Autism and other similar disorders. The more information that researchers find about possible causes and sources of Autism, the more that they can work towards successful treatments.

When something is ailing us medically, doctors send you to get a complete workup complete with blood, stool and urine samples to determine what’s, well, ailing you. If it’s something detectable, like a urinary tract infection, heightened sugar level, or an irritated liver, then you’re diagnosed as such and given a treatment plan.  There are some conditions, like Autism, that up until now, have not been able to be detected without a series of tests. A new report that was released in the Journal of Proteome Research claims that Autism may be able to be detected via a urinalysis.

As the report explains, children with autism have a different makeup of bacteria located in their guts. Learning more about and looking at the genetic by-products of this bacteria that is found in urine may be a key way to determine whether or not a child has Autism.

Autism isn’t simply a gastrointestinal disorder. As families with Autistic children know, it’s much more than this. It affects social and communication skills. Autism is a very difficult disorder to live with. It’s also a very difficult disorder to diagnose.

The experiment itself consisted of three groups of children between the ages of 3 and 9. There were 39 children who were diagnosed with autism previously, 28 non-autisic children with an autistic sibling, and 34 children who did not have autism or an autistic sibling. The results showed that each group had a different chemical makeup. The 28 children who did not have autism, but had an autistic sibling, had a different makeup than the children who did not have autism or an autistic sibling. Additionally, the 39 children who were diagnosed with Autism had a different chemical make-up than both of the other groups.

What does this all mean?

Right now? Not a lot. But it has a lot of promise.

As it stands right now, Autism is diagnosed by a battery of tests from brain scans, blood work, social skill assessments and etc.  Once the Urine analysis approach is perfected, it will take a lot of lost time out of the treatment schedule utilized for those with Autism. For example, starting on a Gluten Free, Casein Free diet is much more difficult if it’s all a child has known since they were young. Being able to detect this chemical difference in a simple urine exam would enable parents and physicians to immediately begin a treatment regimen early in hopes that a greater result will be experienced.  The earlier treatment begins, the greater chance for there to be positive results from it.

Though it’s not completely proven, there have been studies that show a strong connection between food allergies and autism symptoms. One of the most frequently heard connections is that between Gluten (wheat) and Casein (milk) products. These food proteins are broken down into smaller proteins, also known as peptides. The two peptides, glutenin and gliadin, and leak into the gut and attach to the opitate receptors of the autistic child’s brain. This is very similar to the body being on a morphine drip. The peptides act as a Narcotic to the autistic body.

One of the primary steps in the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN) Protocol is that the autistic child be placed on a Gluten Free, Casein Free diet for at least three months. Many parents have been reporting a link between Autism and diet for years, but it’s now being found that children who consume gluten and casein regularly have more severe autism symptoms. Some of the research reports that claim to “disprove” this theory, also depend a lot on the idea that this is an allergic reaction that is being claimed to exist. Quite the contrary. In fact, it’s not due to an allergic reaction that the symptoms worsen. It’s because the autistic body cannot break down the proteins properly from gluten and casein.  It’s not necessarily an allergy so much as an intolerance.

When parents make the move to take their children off of Gluten and Casein completely, they’re often worried. One of the main concerns is that their children love gluten and casein products. Many parents have a difficult time getting their children to not eat gluten and casein, as if they’re addicted to it. This is more than just an analogy. It could be completely true. Remember, when gluten and casein break down, they leak into the gut and attach themselves to the opiate receptors of the brain. The same receptors that morphine, codeine and heroin attach themselves to. Your child could literally be addicted to gluten and casein.

Researchers are firm in their statements that “autism is not caused by an allergy.” When some parents read about the effects of gluten and casein, they assume their child is allergic to the foods and that’s the cause of Autism. They take their children off of the foods and expect a cure. Again, as far as we know, autism is not caused by an allergy. However, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders are very sensitive - especially in their immune system in how it reacts to the environment.

One of the primary focuses of the Autism Alternative Medicine field is exploring ways in which we can treat our children’s autism symptoms and getting to the source of the problem. While there have been some reports that go against the connection between food allergies and Autism, there are still researchers who very much believe that there is a valid connection and they’re exploring this intensely.

It has been evidenced that some of the common symptoms of Autism may result from an abnormal immune response. It has also been evidenced that removing helminths from the body could influence the occurrence of autoimmune disorders. Could it be that having a few worms living in your stomach could be life altering…in a good way?

What’s a Helminth? And how it it used in Autism Treatment?

Simply stated, a helminth is a parasite. More exactly, an internal parasite. You may be more familiar with external parasites such as fleas and lice. Unlike these more common itchy friends, helminths or “Parasitic Worms” live inside of their host. That host is typically the animal or human digestive tract. Though they can live almost anywhere in the body, they prefer the intestinal wall.  An abundance of parasites are often found in people with HIV.

Helminthic therapy, also called TSO (Trichuris Suis Ova) Therapy is a type of immunotherapy. It’s used to treat autoimmune diseases and immune disorders by deliberately infesting the body with a helminth. Why the heck would we do that?

Think about the flu shot. We purposely inject the body with a form of the flu, so that the body fights it off and (hopefully) we avoid getting the horrible flu for one more season. Though not exactly the same instance with TSO Therapy, it’s a similar idea.

It’s been evidenced that there are some parasites that the body needs. This day in age, there’s a vaccine for almost everything. While we’ve decreased the number of instances of immediate death sentences with a severe disease or disorder diagnosis by eliminating parasites like helminths, it seems that it’s a double edged sword. Colitis and Crohn’s Disease numbers are on the rise. So is the number of Autism cases. Maybe, just maybe the body needs helminths. Maybe not in abundance, but at least enough to have a properly functioning immune system.

So, we’re treating Autism with that same parasites that are found in bodies with HIV?

Incorrect.

It’s more of another type of parasite, protozoans that are most common in HIV cases.  It’s strictly hookworms or helminths that are used for this kind of immunotherapy. Also, it’s not so much treating Autism as it is a treatment of some of the symptoms of Autism.

For example, it has been shown that some Autism symptoms are the result of malfunctioning immune system. Studies are also suggesting that removing helminths from the body is the start to obtaining a malfunctioning immune system. There have also been cases reported in which Autism symptoms decrease significantly when the child is sick or with a fever.

In TSO therapy, there are two types of approaches that treatment centers use. They either dose the skin with one large dose of infectious necator americanus larvae, or they are given a more spread out treatment of smaller doses over about 10 weeks. The one dose treatment is typically much cheaper, however the 10 week treatment decreases possible side effects that can occur. Although each individual is different as far as which side-effects may be experienced,  the most common were mild cases of nausea, vomiting and topical rash.

As with every single treatment for every single condition your child may have, you’ll want to consult your doctor. As time goes on, we can only hope that we make greater advancements to improve the lives of our loved ones who have Autism.

Whenever we have some sort of illness or condition, one of the first things we think to ourselves is “what medication can I get that can help me?”.   As humans in a very scientifically advanced world, we rely a lot on medication to k,ill infection and to improve our quality of life. The same rings true in parents who have children diagnosed with Autism. One of the first questions of any parent is surely “how do we fix it?”  The second is surely “Will it hurt my child?” and somewhere down the line in the “doesn’t matter as much as my child’s health” category is “How much will it cost?”

Unfortunately for Autism, there is no cure. Not yet. There are dozens of medications that can treat symptoms individually, but with every medication comes side effects. Even over-the-counter pain medication has some risk of side effects. What if, though, there was another possible treatment? An non-invasive, non-medicinal, safe treatment that has proven effective in some cases. There is such a treatment: Neurotherapy.

Neurotherapy - Physical Therapy For The Brain

Neurotherapy has also been commonly referred to as Neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback. More simply put, it’s a real-time illustration of brain wave activity that can be monitored by specialists to determine where dysfunctional brain patterns are occurring, especially in Autism.

Neurotherapy can also be thought of as Physical Therapy for the brain. When you hurt a bone or muscle, you have to train it how to work appropriately again. When brain activity is abnormal, Neuroptherapy aims at making the activity functional again. For example, during an EEG/Neurotherapy session, if the brain displays activity that is desired by the “trainer”, then a positive reward can be given. If it is in the opposite direction of the desired activity, then the trainer can give opposite feedback, or sometimes the absence of the positive feedback is enough.When an undesired habit or symptom is existent, if the brainwave that is associated with it can be located, isolated, and normalized, then ideally the symptom disappears.

As we said, one of the most worried about issue with any kind of Autism treatment is whether or not the treatment will hurt your child. It’s universally agreed that there isn’t anything much worse than seeing your child that you love in some kind of pain or discomfort. Rest assured that Neurotherapy treatment isn’t painful at all. In fact, many children actually enjoy it very much.

The process is simple: Electrodes are placed on various areas of the head and scalp to live-monitor brain waves. A screen is in front of the patient and on that screen is where the positive, colorful brain feedback is given. Many children compare the treatments to video games and many parents have reported successful symptom alleviation after only a few treatments.  It seems like more of a game, or a fun-time activity than it is Neurotherapy and brain training.

This treatment is typically used in high-functioning Autistic children to improve attention spans as well as learning disabilities that often occur.

*Photo Credit: Via

Neurons Firing During Seizure

Seizures are something we associate with Epilepsy. — a brian disorder in which multiple, unexpected seizures are triggered. Seizures are also a very common symptom of Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) including Autism.

The Basics - What Is a Seizure?

Seizures themselves are highly studied. Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There are times in which the brain’s neurons all fire simultaneously, and this is what causes a seizure to occur. The majority of people think of a seizure as the violent convulsing,  unconscious episode that people have. This is true - some seizures, known as tonic clonic seizures are characterized by uncontrollable and violent shaking. This is because both sides of the brain are affected. However, a partial seizure - only affecting part of the brain - can be as mild as losing awareness for a brief amount of time. The recurrence of seizures is known as Epilepsy, however, seizures can occur in people who do not have epilepsy as well.

Because seizures have so many symptoms, and can sometimes affect different parts of the body, they are classified into motor, sensory, autonomic, emotional, or cognitive.

Why Seizures Occur in PDD and Autism Cases

It has been found that one in four children with a PDD will develop seizures. Most recent studies conclude that 1/3 of Autistic children will also develop epilepsy. Though it was heavily documented in the 1960’s when the connection between Autism and Seizures was studied, researches even today are working hard to establish links between seizures and Autism.

Another interesting study is that the chances of developing seizures range based upon which subcategory of PDD that the person has. The present studies suggest that people with classical Autism have a 30% risk of having seizures, while those with Asperger Syndrome have less than a 10% risk. Those with Disintegrative Disorder or Rett Syndrome have over 75% chance of developing seizures. What this shows us is that there are risk factors - specifically in Autism - that determine the risk of a person who has PDD developing seizures.

The major risk factors for a child with Autism developing seizures is the level of cognitive impairment and motor deficits. The more common symptoms of Autism - clumsiness, fine motor coordination, aren’t as severe as paralysis on one side or forms of cerebral palsy. The more severe the cognitive impairment, in some cases, the greater the risk for developing seizures. In a child with Autism, who has normal intelligence and no other apparent mental condition or family history of seizures, the chance of them developing seizures is less than 10%. However, if the Autistic child has mental retardation or severe motor deficit, the risk rises to 50%

Treating Seizures

Sometimes, seizures give a signal of their onset. Some sufferers report a strange taste in their mouths, sudden body temperature change, etc. Sometimes, they are unexpected. Typically, seizures can be controlled with medication. It’s very important that the type of seizure, whether or not its epilepsy, and the underlying cause of the seizures is studied as to provide the appropriate medication.