New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

In any child, or person for that matter, it is important to keep the body healthy and balanced. We hear all of the time how the body has too much of some things and not enough of others and it causing havok on the body. With more and more research pointing to the theory that Autism is in fact a biochemical disorder, the benefits of  maintaining a healthy body are becoming more documented and studied especially in Autistic children.

Some of the most commonly studied and practiced methods are diet modification, and vitamin and mineral therapy. Each method has its own purpose but aim for the same goal: maintaining a healthy autistic body to reach increased functioning and decreased symptoms.

Diet Modification

We’ve spoken before about the benefits of changing your childs diet. There have been plenty of studies surrounding the omission of Gluten (wheat, bread) products and Casein (dairy) products. In many children with Autism, there are issues with stomach and gut. The first thing that doctors typically suggest is the removal of gluten and casein from the child’s diet.

Some parents report that getting their children to stop eating wheat and dairy products is similar to trying to get an addict off of drugs. Their children seem to fiend for wheat and milk, and parents end up giving in because they finally feel they can give their child something that they need and want. Think again and maybe a little more literal into the “addict” comparison.

When digested, gluten and casein are broken down into peptides; glutenin and giladin respectively, attach themselves to opiate receptors of the child’s brain. This means that wheat and dairy products can act like narcotics and children can literally be addicted to them.

So, how do you get a child off of Gluten and Casein? Luckily, these days there are many wheat and dairy substitutes in grocery stores with the boom of vegetarianism and all-around body health awareness.

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy

Because of the dietary needs and habits of children with Autism, it has been found that a great deal of children are lacking the proper vitamins and minerals in their bodies. Even as fully-grown, healthy adults we often focus on the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals each day. Specific supplements have been documented as helping aid in the alleviation of autism symptoms and increasing the level of functionality.

One specific mineral that has been often studies is DMG (Dimethylglycine). DMG is found, albeit in small amounts in brown rice and liver. Chemically it resembles vitamin B15. Some of the improvements noted by administering DMG (available over the counter in health stores) are attention span, social awareness, eye contact and speech.

Some parents report an increase in hyperactivity with DMG, but have found success with an alternative, TMG (trimethylglycine).  The same improvements have been reported in TMG as in DMG.

There are quite a number of ways to keep the body healthy. Of course, parents are looking for the methods with the highest result. Which method will decrease symptoms and alleviate some of the everyday frustrations that come with Autism? You know that we can’t answer this directly simply cause each child’s body makeup is different. What might be good for one child, may be counterproductive for another. You may have to try one, two, or ten methods. Stay optimistic, even with minor setbacks, that you will find a method that will work for your child.

As a parent, making the decision to see a DAN! doctor is a difficult task.  Surely, you will search the internet until the wee hours of the morning trying to figure out where you can find a DAN! doctor, what’s going to happen in your appointment, and the benefits of the DAN! protocol over currently mainstream Autism treatments. This week, we hope to shine a little light on the DAN! protocol, DAN! doctors, and what you can expect at your DAN! appointment.

It becomes more and more evident with research that a biochemical disruption has, at the very least, a small connection to Autism. A great deal of specialists, researchers, and parents of Autism believe that it has quite a large impact on the developmental disorder that is currently affecting 1 in every 110 children in the USA.

Where Can I Find a DAN! Doctor?

A simple internet search will bring up many lists of DAN doctors. (We like this list for US doctors and this one for international doctors) It may be somewhat difficult to get a recommendation from your family doctor depending on his or her personal views on the DAN! protocol and the DAN practice in general. Be prepared to hear reasons why you shouldn’t see a DAN! doctor. Listen to the reasons, but also take a look at the reasons why it may be a good move for your child. After all, isn’t that what it boils down to? What’s best for your child?

What is a DAN! Doctor? What makes them different than a regular pediatrician or family doctor?

If you’re a parent, then you probably just “knew” something was going on inside your child’s body. As parents its just nature to realize if something is wrong. Maybe you made an appointment at your family doctor. If that was the case, you may have walked out with a suggestion to go through a battery of tests. Or, you may have walked out with a prescription for a psychiatric medication that would help calm the symptoms.

Some Autism families decide to use psychiatric drugs prescribed by their family doctor to control Autism symptoms, but these drugs do not balance the biochemical levels. However, with the biochemical connection, some parents decide to choose an alternative medication doctor who can target the specialized biochemical imbalance. These doctors, called “Defeat Autism Now” or DAN! doctors are credentialed doctors who go through DAN! training and develop skills to treat Autism using alternative forms of medical treatments (or DAN! protocol) which explores treatments beyond psychiatric drugs.

DAN! Protocol? What is that?

The Defeat Autism Now! Protocol is a series of alternative medicine solutions for Autism. There are several avenues that a DAN! Doctor may explore, but traditionally, the following plan may be enforced.

-Dietary intervention: Omission of Gluten (Wheat) and Casein (Dairy) products from your child’s diet. Additionally omitting junk foods that have refined sugar.
-Vitamin and Mineral Supplements - To balance out the dietary changes, replacement minerals and vitamins that the body may lack will be supplemented. Some of the vitamins and minerals commonly supplemented:  Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B5.
-Chelation - the removal of heavy metals which have proven to be very destructive to the Autistic body
-Treatment of intestinal bacteria

What can I expect at my DAN! Doctor Appointment?

A large determining factor of what to expect depends on the doctor. Many parents report a friendly and helpful physician who is just as interested in the road to a cure as you are. Their focus isn’t so much on treating the symptoms of Autism so much as healing the damaged, Autistic body. With this approach, symptom improvement often comes naturally.

Your child will more than likely go through a battery of testing mostly revolving around the state of their internal body. A test for hidden food allergies will be conducted to be sure that any dietary changes that are made as part of your child’s treatment plan are beneficial and not more damaging to them.

You should leave with your questions answered and a customized treatment plan for your child’s needs. If you have questions, ask, ask, ask. Remember, these doctors chose to be DAN! doctors. They believe in this treatment method, and want to see your child healthy.

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.

A few posts back, we took a look at the studies that were showing the benefits of using Ionized Water Filtration systems as a treatment for Autism.  In addition to this method, there are also studies being done surrounding Kangen Water and it’s ability to treat Autism. The majority of these studies are being conducted in Japan, and some are still in experimental stages, however, just looking at some general connections between symptoms of Autism, and the proven benefits of Kangen water show that it seems to only make sense that the use of Kangen water would be a beneficial treatment option.

Kangen Water itself is an alkaline water that has many anti-oxidant properties. In order to produce Kangen Water, regular water ( H20) goes through the electrolysis process and separates into two different substances. One part is an acidic HO molecule, and the other as an alkaline OH- molecule. The Kangen Water creators bottle the OH molecule of the alkaline base for drinking purposes, and the acidic HO molecule is often used for sterilization, skin and plants. The word Kangen is Japanese for “return to the source” or “return to the origin” which explains the creation, philosophy and marketing of the product.

Kangen Water has a very small molecular structure. What does this mean? Traditional tap and bottled water have larger molecules, so they pass through the body quickly without reaching their destination cells. When water doesn’t reach cells, they suffer from cellular dehydration and either die, or do not function to their full efficiency. It is believed that Kangen Water has the ability to rehydrate these cells before they dry out and die.

What Does This Mean For Autism?

The benefits of Kangen Water are proving to be significant and have lead the Japanese researchers to take a closer look at the ways that it may be able to treat Autism symptoms.  A few of the symptoms and conditions of Autism that are being studied are the acidic body, dehydration and inflammation. These three symptoms alone have been found to be decreased in those who consume Kangen Water over traditional non-electrolyzed water.

Our bodies are supposed to have a balance of acidity and alkaline. The balance of these ensure proper metabolism, immune system, and even brain function.  Specifically, a body that is too acidic (a common symptom of Autism ) is a breeding place for diseases. When too acidic, our bodies try to buffer or balance this out by taking calcium from our bones and magnesium needed for heart health. It then turns extra acid into solids and stores them in fatty tissues, which can clog arteries. Because Kangen Water is alkaline, it works to dissolve excess acid and restore balance.

Additionally, mal-digestion is a common occurrence in Autism Disorder. Along with hyperactive intestines and abnormal bowel function, Autism often spells discomfort and abdominal unhealthiness. Drinking Kangen Water with its proven benefits, can help with restoration of both hydration and a healthy digestive tract.

Autism has dozens and dozens of symptoms. It’s important that we take a look at each symptom individually, and then think about what types of treatments are available for each one. For example, it might never be proven that Kangen Water can change say, the sometimes Obsessive Compulsive type behavior that comes with Autism. However, it might be able to treat other physical symptoms. Of course, we hope that one day, there will be a universal  treatment for all symptoms and to hopefully be able to successfully treat the disorder.

If you’re like the majority of the population you’re not exactly a master at all of the technical terms that are thrown about in studies of  various treatments for Autism. Whenever I do any kind of article reading, I’m sure to have my search engine open and ready to go, in order to find the “lay-man’s terms” for different words and medical jargon. Truth be told, it’s a lot

A new study of chromosomes has found a connection between chromosome 5  and Autism.  Great, right? But, what does it all mean?

What’s a Chromosome? The need-to-know basics.

Chromosomes are found in the cell nucleus and consist of long chains of nucleic acids coated with protein. Each chromosome contains hundreds or thousands of the genes that form our hereditary blueprint. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 total. Each parent contributes 1 chromosome to each pair.

Each chromosome has genes that determine almost every detail about us as a person. For example, some of the genes that are located on Chromosome 5 are: Pikachurin - which is responsible for the eye’s ability to track moving objects; FGFR4 which is the fibroblast growth factor receptor, and SMN1 and SMN2 -the survivor motor neurons.

Chromosome Disorders

Chromosome disorders occur if there is an an alteration in the number of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell, or if there is an alteration of the structure of a chromosome. One of the chromosome’s that researchers have looked at in depth recently is chromosome 5.

Chromosome 5 represents almost 6% of the total DNA in cells. Changes to chromosome 5 have been linked to certain types of cancers and Chron’s Disease. A recent study suggests that chromosome 5 may play a major role in Autism cases as well.

Chromosome 5 and Autism - The Connection

An in depth genetic scan of Autism families found an area on chromosome 5 that is strongly associated with Autism. In the October 2009 issue of Nature, it was also said that there were two genomic areas that may harbor typically rare variants relevant to Autism.

There have been previous studies on how genes and chromosomes may affect Autism. These studies have found possible links on chromosomes 15, 16 and 5, but this is the first study that has concentrated the area of chromosome 5 to the 5p15 region. The study has found that a specific gene, SEMA5A (or semaphorin 5A), that is responsible for enabling  neurons to their targets, may have a role in Autism Disorders.

For this particular study, the genomes of 1,031 families were examined. Furthermore, each family was considered a ‘multiplex’ family, or, families with multiple members with Autism Disorders. One method of study that took place was comparing the genes and chromosomes of the family members with the disorder to find like variants. The other method concentrates on comparing people with the disorder with people without the disorder to find similarities and differences to better understand where some causes of the disorder may lie.

A combination of these methods allowed researchers to discover that chromosomes 6 and 20 are are significantly linked with Autism. Additionally, another area on chromosome 5 was found to carry a link as well. The new area, or nucleotide is in very close proximity to  SEMA5a. The variant is protective. In other words, it’s presence decreases the risk of Autism

Despite previous proof that Autism is a hereditary disorder, the genetic scan turned up very few genetic markers. It is believed by many that a mix of common variants that are prominent in 5% of the population as well as some rare variants are more contributory to Autism.

Bottom line - What does this all mean?

Simply put, this means that research is progressing and the causes of Autism are becoming more and more discoverable. Causes, after all, are the first step to finding a treatment. Because Autism truly is a puzzle of a disorder, finding one universal treatment may not be right around the corner. However, the more we find links to the cause, the more treatments we can find that satisfy what particular “form” of Autism is affecting our loved ones.

Horse Therapy Shown to Be a Beneficial Therapy Treatment (via)

Every form of Autism is unique. There are many cases of Autism that are similar - similar symptoms, similar patterns, similar family background. However, it all boils down to the fact that people are different - so each Autism case will be different. Each and every story is very inspiring. Alexis Diaz’s story is no different.

Alexis is ten years old and has severe autism that prevents her from speaking and doing independent tasks that we often take for granted. She is unable to feed or bathe herself, and in addition she lost one of her eyes due to cancer.

Last year, Alexis was enrolled in the Therapeutic Riding of Texas (TROT) program, and made significant progress. The local news stations banded together and paid $700 for Alexis to attend the sessions.

Horse Therapy has been around for quite some time and there have been benefits noted in children with ADD and Autism. The mere act of being around a horse can change brainwave patterns — people feel more calm, at ease, and focus less on the past or negative events - so it’s a very enjoyable experience for them. Children with ADD/Autism Disorder have benefited as they are often unable to effectively communicate with other people and express themselves. Even those who are more aggressive and have severe behavioral issues have shown positive benefits from horse therapy. Even being around the horse has made these people much calmer, and more willing to communicate and be receptive.

How and Why Does Horse Therapy Work?

Horses behave in a way that is a direct reflection of how they’re being spoken to. They’re an animal of prey so they want to feel safe. If they’re being spoken to an an aggressive, angry or demanding way, the horse will become fearful. If the horse is spoken to calmly, smoothly and by making requests, they’ll be very receptive and obey such requests.

Children are ideal candidates to work with horses because with just a little insight on how to communicate with the horse, the child can learn how to change or control his/her behavior and see the effects from it. The child is more likely to consider this more of “making a relationship” with the horse rather than trying to dominate the situation and be in constant control.

After Alexis’ great outcome from her last TROT visit, she was very excited to head back this March. This year, however, the charity wasn’t sure if they would have the funds available to send Alexis back to the program. Alexis’ family is also on a limited income as her mother, Tammy Stewart, is a single mother who is unable to work due to Alexis’ need for 24 hour care.

Her attending the TROT program was almost definitely out for this year due to funding.

This past week, an anonymous letter was sent to Duncanville Outreach Ministry. Inside the letter was a $700 donation that was to go toward Alexis’ registration to this year’s TROT program. The donation was in the form of a Money Order with no return address. It simply said: “Sincerely, a Duncanville citizen who wishes to remain anonymous.”

Autism’s logo - a puzzle peice — is all too appropriate. Autism itself is a puzzling disorder. It comes in so many different forms, with many different symptoms.  There are many treatments available, and twice as many opinions about these treatments. It boils down to what methods and treatments work for your child.

Over the course of this blog, we’ve taken a look at a lot of different treatment options. Something we pride ourselves in is making you aware of everything that’s out there, so you can have the information necessary to make decisions based on what’s best for you and your situation.

Are Biomedical Treatments Effective? (via)

Over the years, it has been debated whether or not factors other than neurological ones have anything to do with Autism and other  Neurological Disorders. Studies have found that many ND’s begin in the stomach and can be results of a poor or lacking diet.

Gluten has been one of the things connected to Autism, and many parents adopt a no bread - no dairty - all gluten free diet for their children. Also, it is believed that the bodies of children are often overwhelmed with heavy metals, toxins, viruses (from vaccines), and bacteria.  These factors often cause a slower or even stopped biochemical pathways to the body.

Biomedical Treatments is based upon the belief that the neurological symptoms experienced are the direct result of the physical ailments that children are having, and if the physical is treated, a great deal of symptoms can be alleviated. The main steps in a Biomedical Treatment are:

1. Decrease the level of toxins

2.Help the stomach to heal

3. Increase nutrients

4. Get rid of metals and other toxins.

It is believed that once these things are achieved, the neurological impairments will greatly improve. The most important and in depth step is the first step — Decrease the level of toxins.There are numerous things that are toxic to the body, and as many, if not all must be removed in order to achieve the greatest results. The things that can and should be removed are both dietary and environmental.

• From a diet aspect:  gluten, dairy, allergens, and bad sugars should all be removed from the diet.

• Household cleaners should be removed and replaced with natural forms.

• If your child needs dental work, be sure not to have silver fillings put in their mouths, as they contain mercury.

• Add a Hepa Air Filter to your child’s room.

• Ensure that any vaccinations that need to be given are Thimerosal free.
• Use a fluoride-free toothpaste

From here, it’s necessary to allow and assist the damages already infringed on the body to heal. This is often helpful if a combination of  vitamins are used. Cod Liver Oil, for example has a necessary level of Vitamin A and also aids in the repairing of intestinal walls. It’s also essential to use digestive enzymes and Colostrum (a stomach healing natural supplement) to better help in the body’s repair.

Also important is to keep the level of nutrients up by giving a sufficient level of Vitamins (A, D, B, Zinc, etc.) in order for the body to not only heal, but become stronger. To restore your child to good health, getting the toxins out via detoxification is helpful. There are natural detoxifires as well as medicinal (Chelation).

Bottom line, Biomedical Treatment is still being tested among Autism and Neurological Disorder patients. There  are many success stories. There are also doctors who believe that this method does not work, as they had no success with it. It’s important to keep in mind that the diets of children are traditionally very poor due to the Americanized diet. With that in mind, the removal of the poor diet and repairing of the body may take a little longer than expected due to the damages in the body.

How beneficial is HBOT in treatment of Autism symptoms? (via)

The Hyperbaric Chamber is something that we often hear about athletes and high-profile celebrities using. The chamber has proven benefits by delivering 100% natural oxygen to the body while inside a pressurized chamber.

When 100% natural oxygen is delivered to the body under pressure, a great amount is absorbed by the blood stream and hereby delivering more oxygen to the body organs and tissues. This improves the effect and benefits of many antibiotics, activates white blood cells to fight off infection, and promotes chronic wounds to begin the healing process.

In cases of psychological and behavioral conditions, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), some research and studies have indicated a change in symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, speech and repetitive behaviors; all of which are commonly found in Autism cases. Other studies, such as the one discussed in a recent issue of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, show little benefit of HBOT therapy in Autistic patients.

This recent study, conducted by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and led by Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D; Jonathan Tarbox, Dennis R. Dixon, Arthur E. Wilke, Michael S. Allen, and James Jeffrey Bradstreet, found that HBOT therapy had no significant effect on the symptoms of Autism.

There were only 2 factors considered in the randomization of study patients; age and ABA hours of treatment. When children are participating in ABA treatment, it’s to be assumed that a decent amount of them will be exhausted mentally and physically. This exhaustion level can prevent the HBOT therapy from working at full capacity and enabling children to benefit completely from the treatment.

There are some other controversial concerns about this most recent study as well. More than likely there will be another research and study done in which some of the constants are modified. Until the idea of HBOT and its effects on Autism symptoms is further examined, it may be too soon to write this off as an unbeneficial treatment option.

People are diagnosed with autism at a variety of different ages. Autism diagnosis ranges from toddlers to teenagers to adults, Autism does not discriminate against the age of a person. This might not be the case when we switch focus and look at the parents’ ages. A study conducted between 1989 and 2002 of 7.5 million births in California found that the risk of a child developing Autism went up with the age of the parents.

A child’s risk of getting Autism went up 38% for each 10 year increase of a mother’s age between the ages of 20 and 40. There were also other factors taken into account including race, education, and the father’s age.

As a father’s age increased, the risk of the child developing autism went up 22% with each 10 year increase between the ages of 20 and 60.

Most believe that genetics plays a key role in the development of Autism. However, studies of parental age as a factor have mixed results. There are some studies, like the one in California, that show age may have an impact on the risk of developing Autism. Then, there are other studies that do not show any impact whatsoever. Still, there is no solid evidence that age plays a definitive role in determining the risk of a child developing autism.

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a significant spike in the number of autism cases. The reasons for this still have not been determined as there is no clear link. Though it’s just an observation, it’s not unfathomable that the overall trend of delaying pregnancy and childbirth could have something to do with the rise – and this would tie into the age speculation.

Even if the parents’ age is a factor, however, it would not have an overwhelming effect on the risk of autism development. Even in the California study, a large majority of older parents did not give birth to children who developed Autism. About 800 children born to women between ages 40-44 developed autism, while 150,000 did not. When this number is compared to the children born to mother’s aged 25-29, the risk was 84% higher.

Until there is solid evidence, there are no suggestions to give parents planning on having children.

A few weeks back, I discussed how gluten can cause behavioral disorders in children who are incapable of digesting it. Many parents have also found that removing Gluten from their Autistic child’s diet has been very beneficial. The same goes for Casein (dairy).

How does one go about removing this from a child’s diet? It’s unfortunately not as simple as cutting out just bread and milk. Carol Ann Brannon, who focuses on specialized diets for Autistic children notes that gluten can not only be consumed via food, but also through the skin:

“Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, and any derivatives of these grains, including, but not limited to malt grain-starches, malt wash, hydrolyzed vegetable/plant proteins, grain vinegar, soy sauce, and natural flavorings. Casein is found in milk and milk products from mammals….Gluten is in even in Play-Doh, adhesive on stamps and stickers, and many hygiene products. Soy, another common food allergen, is in many foods and hand lotions, make-up, etc.”

Starting the diet is always the toughest part. Should you go cold-turkey; cutting out all bread and dairy products all at once? Or should you slowly omit these foods from your child’s diet? Some parents choose to completely cut out all Gluten and Casein all at once. It is also common that parents and other non-autistic children in the family will feel the benefits of the diet as well. Other parents choose to cut the gluten out of their diets first, and then move on the milk products.

If your child is on the GFCF (Gluten-Free Casein-Free) diet, what CAN they eat? It seems that living without bread and milk takes the majority of food choices away.

“Children can eat a wide variety of meat, chicken, eggs, fruits, and vegetables -– anything that does not contain wheat gluten or casein. It is generally recommended that organic, whole GFCF foods be consumed whenever possible.”