New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

Day in and day out, researchers are looking for treatments for the often life-changing condition that affects over 1% of children between 3 and 17. Though a cure for Autism may or may not be around the corner, there are often new advancements, and specialists are trying to find the missing link that will answer the difficult questions. One route that many researchers take, is associating Autism with other similar conditions in which there are successful treatments for. Another way, is to take a look at similarly structured conditions that might not have a cure yet, but have had their own advancements. The possibility of joint-discoveries gives researchers another avenue to explore when searching for cures and treatments for Autism.

One of the conditions that appears to have many of the same characteristics as Autism is one that affects over 26 millions people worldwide. Alzheimer’s traditionally affects the elderly population, but with many of the same symptoms as The one substantial difference is simply the age range of the people that the conditions effect. Autism traditionally affects adolescents while Alzheimer’s tends to attack the elderly population. Setting aside this key difference, Autism and Alzheimer’s have a striking amount of similarities as well.

Autism shares a number of symptoms with Alzheimer’s including those on both physical and psychological level.  Both conditions often leave their sufferers with the tendency to become catatonic at times, have attention transition issues, become easily distracted and/or disoriented and have difficulty with language comprehension. The similarities between the two conditions are in the hundreds - particularly in the similar brain patterns and symptoms.

These likenesses leave you thinking - could Alzheimer’s hold a piece of the puzzle that is finding a cure for Autism? There is currently research being done on a common drug, Namenda which slows the rate of decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Clinicians are studying the possibility that the drug will assist in the treatment of Autism by targeting the same areas in which Alzheimer’s Patients are affected.

Could nicotine have positive effects?

There are a number of methods available to the public to assist them in quitting smoking. From pills and gum to patches and electronic devices,  consumers definitely have a few choices when it comes to breaking the vicious chain smoking and addiction cycle.  The true demon that we’re fighting is nicotine - the addictive drug found in cigarettes. We often hear about the damaging effects of nicotine - but could it be that it also has it’s good points?

Nicotine has many effects on the body and psyche including inducing a sense of calm, hunger suppression, and raising alertness. In most cases, it has the ability to change one’s mood - for those who are agitated, consuming nicotine decreases the feeling of agitation.

Researchers have been looking into the benefits of nicotine and creating medications for decades. None of these medicines are on the market yet. The biggest reason for this is the reputation of nicotine. Chances are, if you hear that something has nicotine in it, you assume it to be very addictive and cancer-causing. There’s no knowing how the public and doctors would react to a nicotine medication release and how it would be received.

Several studies have been conducted surrounding the nicotine patch. The patch itself resembles a band-aid and it is applied to the body and allows nicotine to be absorbed through the skin and has proven beneficial in aiding people in quitting smoking. However, one study conducted in 2004 found that the nicotine patch improved cognitive function for patients suffering from schizophrenia. In 2003 a study was conducted focusing on the effectiveness of the patch in non-smoking patients diagnosed with depression. There was also a study with promising results that combined the nicotine patch and the the antipsychotic drug haloperidol (Haldol).

Other studies have focused on patients, both adults and adolescents who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  It has been said that 19% of people with ADD are smokers. This number is undoubtedly higher now. The reason? Nicotine has the ability to treat the symptoms of ADHD - especially improving the cognitive function and overall alertness.

Should you hand your child with ADHD, Autism, or other cognitive disabilities a cigarette and encourage them to light up? Of course not. It’s worth noting the investigations and studies occurring, and not to be completely blown away if a nicotine-based medication is released and prescribed to help with general symptoms of cognitive impairment disorders.

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.

When the devastating news is delivered to a parent that their child has Autism, one of the first questions asked is “what do we do?”. One of the first things some doctors do is write a prescription for a medication. While there is no cure for Autism, and there is no medication that specifically treats Autism itself, there are medications that can treat some of the symptoms of autism; depression, mood swings, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity. A lot of these medications of side effects themselves, so one is left with the thought “is this really worth it?” Though not often spoken about, there are other effective treatments available.

There is a non-medicinal, non-invasive, effective and safe option available. The option is Neurotherapy.

What is Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy, also called Neuro Feedback Training or Brainwave Biofeedback, is used to attempt to change the dysfunctional brainwave patterns of the autistic child towards normal. Research and clinical practice indicates that this approach can improve cognitive deficits, concentration, impulse control, depression, anxiety and seizure disorders. Neurotherapy is only used with high functioning children with Autism to improve attention deficits and Learning difficulties. (via)

How does Neurotherapy Work?

Neurotherapy can be compared to Physical Therapy for the brain. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp and on each ear. Then, high-tech computer screens display brain waves within seconds of them occuring. Usually we cannot control our brainwaves, but when we are able to see them, it makes us more conscious of them. With practice it becomes commonplace to be able to control one’s brainwaves into a healthier pattern.

Is Neurotherapy Effective?

As with anything, you have to look at it on a case by case basis. Because it is specifically targeting the symptoms of Learning Disabilities and attention deficits, it is used with High Functioning Autism patients. In 2009 in collaboration with researchers from Tübingen University (Germany), Radboud University (Nijmegen, the Netherlands), Brainclinics and EEG Resource Institute a meta-analysis was conducted on published research about Neurofeedback treatment in ADHD which concluded that neurofeedback is an ‘Evidence-Based’ treatment for ADHD.

Countless children are sent to the principal’s office or given detention for their poor behavior or lacking social skills. It’s always assumed that these are “problem children” who come from “problem families” or who are never taught the proper way to act.

These are classic symptoms of Autism. Children with Autism often lack the social skills needed to maintain well behavior. This disorder and inability to develop skills is often noticeable in children younger than four years old.

Toddlers with Autism often do not respond as a child normally would to social situations. Typically at the age of 2 or 3, children begin to make friends. Autistic children often to not develop this social skill and seem a bit stand offish. Additionally, they may not respond to being hugged or shown affection from a parent or caregiver.

Autistic children also may develop a seemingly “obsessive” series of habits. For example, having to arrange things in a specific order and checking to make sure it remains that way several times. They also may have a slower speech progression. Autistic children sometimes have a limited vocabulary characterized by repeating the same words over and over again.

It’s worth mentioning that you may have a child who is simply shy, or who just takes a liking to a certain word and chooses to repeat it. There are even some children who are just naturally slower when it comes to developing speech. It’s usually when it’s a combination of these things that flags are raised.

If your child does develop a few of these common autism symptoms, or others such as unnatural attachment to objects, repetitive physical movements, or general lack of affection, it is strongly suggested that you bring it up with your physician as soon as you begin to notice it.

It’s often said that mother are the best diagnosticians – they can sense something is wrong at a very young age. It’s also recommended that you keep a video or photo diary of your child’s questionable behaviors or habits to show to your doctor.

In a recent study, it was found that there were a variety of improvements in those children who were diagnosed and treated for Autism at a younger age. There are many new and experimental treatments being used to treat the disorder, and these treatments might not always be available to all autistic children. It all depends on their geographical location.

As long as parents and caregivers can recognize the symptoms of Autism, it’s likely that an effective treatment schedule can be developed.

The debate has been going on for years now: Should we or should we not legalize the use of Medical Cannabis (or marijuana)? Everyone has their own opinion on whether or not the legalization should occur. Some argue that legalizing the drug will only make it more easily obtained for recreational use. On the flip side, others say that the benefits outweigh the risks. How many benefits are there to this sometimes considered “miracle herb”? Are there even more diseases and conditions that can be treated by marijuana that haven’t been proven yet?

It has been documented that administering cannabis has been beneficial in eliminating nausea and vomiting, inducing appetite in AIDS and Chemotherapy patients, reducing eye pressure in those with Glaucoma, as well as in general pain reliving. Some individual studies have also shown medical cannabis to be beneficial in Multiple Sclerosis and depression cases.

The legality of this treatment varies by country. The issue often shows up in state elections throughout the United States. One could spend the entire day weighing the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. What it boils down to is who and how does administering marijuana help. I discussed AIDS, Glaucoma, Cancer and Chronic Pain patients, but how about children? Or more specifically, Autistic children.

There was a letter published (via) from a mother in Florida who shared the story of her very large, autistic child who went from loving and caring son to angry and aggressive. She says in her letter that she often had to lock herself in the bathroom or else her son would attack her. They tried many different medications but nothing seemed to help. A friend of the family suggested something that the mother had never thought of; a brownie laced with marijuana. She weighed her options and decided to give it a try. As a result of giving her son marijuana, his symptoms subsided and the gentle, loving son that once was, was back again. The boy is now being given 1 marijuana brownie as well as several doses of Marinol, which contains the active ingredient in marijuana everyday. The boy’s mother says “He shows no signs of being under the influence of a drug…This has clearly saved my child’s life and my family’s life.”

Typically when such aggressive and assaultive behavior arises, medication is sought to calm the person down. Medications such as Risperdal are administered, but do have high levels of toxic effects including but not limited to rapid heart beat, muscle spasms, and severe anxiety. Granted, marijuana has its own associated side effects, but are seemingly not as severe as those of Risperdal and like medications.

Depending on where you live in the world, this may or may not be a possible route for you to explore. Because of the widely range of illegality, it’s not suggested that you try to obtain marijuana on your own and attempt to treat your child’s (or even your own) condition. It’s absolutely worth speaking to a doctor about - though since the studies and research are not nearly complete, chances are, he/she will not prescribe it. Yet.

We often speak about Autism in children since this is often when the disorder is diagnosed. Parents are much more aware of the common symptoms of Autism including short attention spans, slow speech, specific repetitive behaviors and social interaction difficulties. Parents are quick to ask their doctors as soon as these things become apparent. With the growing rate of diagnosed Autism cases, this also leads one to wonder- what happens to autistic children as they grow older? What happens when they aren’t children anymore?

Of course this question doesn’t have one answer, and needs to be researched on a case-by-case basis. Dylan and Remly Clark are two brothers, 18 and 19 respectively, who have autism. Their mother, Judy Clark is the founder of Autism Support And Programs (ASAP) which is an organization that offers support and information for people with autism.

About 8 years ago, Judy made the difficult decision to put her son Remly into a facility. His autism was particularly difficult to manage and handle, so she had no other choice than to get Remly the care that he needed and deserved. Despite her confident decision, Judy was determined to have her two sons together again somday.

As the ASPS grew, they added more staff members and were able to enhance areas of the organization to promote growth. One of the biggest additions — a group home specifically catered to those who have autism. Everything from the color scheme to the available activities were created and targeted to benefit the residents.

Rainbow Farms is a 5 acre farm and is located in Pender County, North Carolina. Each resident’s case is explored individually and a daily schedule is devised based on their specific needs. The residents have a chance to interact with not only each other, but with farm animals and horses. They staff at Rainbow Farms base their work on several principles including Individualization, Behavioral Support, Collaboration and Positive Supports.

Just opened this year, Rainbow Farms now houses both Dylan and Remly Clark. They are learning to interact with others and enjoying their time spent together. Despite their autism, Judy says she wouldn’t trade her sons or their conditions for the world. The Autism is just a part of her boys’ charm.

Canadian neurotherapist Paul Swingle will be the first to admit that his methods of treatment for Autism are often criticized. Many claim that there are no dependable studies that prove his neurotherapy sessions work.  Melanie Lewis of Harrogate, England is a firm believer in Swingle’s treatment and she says her son is proof of its effectiveness.

When Melanie’s son, Martin was three years old, she and her husband began to worry about him. His speech was delayed, he lacked coordination and was unable to focus on any one thing for too long. He soon began to have seizures and visited doctor after doctor who would simply give him more medication and send them on their way.

At 8 1/2 years old, Martin began having a different kind of seizure.  Melanie took him to several different doctors and neurologists who gave negative prognosis and their answers were to up his dosages on his medication. Melanie says, “It was a time of fairly major disillusionment in the medical system.”

Melanie, a doctor and her husband, previously a doctor, now a lawyer have always taken a “proactive” approach to their son’s condition. They tried everything from modifying his diet to horse-back riding to having him take Ritalin and anti-seizure medication. None of these things seemed to help, at least not dramatically.

It was across the world that Melanie would soon locate Paul Swingle, a psychologist from Vancouver. She says she was browsing around the internet and came across Swingle’s website. The neurotherapy that he specializes in made sense to Melanie and this convinced her to fly halfway across the world to try to find a successful treatment for her son.

Having surfaced in the 70’s, neurotherapy was introduced to treat a variety of disorder’s including attention deficit disorder, autism, epilepsy and addiction. It has also been used as treatment for stoke victims.

Swingle describes neurotherapy treatment as involving normalizing, modifying and optimizing brain functioning.  He goes on to say that “We find areas [of the brain] that are not functioning efficiently.” Then neurotherapeutic exercises are introduced to stimulate the non-functioning areas.The idea is similar to physical exercises that enhance muscles.

The first step in the neurotherapy treatment is an initial analysis which includes the measurement of brainwaves. An electroencephalograph (EEG) is used to determine which brain waves are excessive and which are under or dysfunctional. This information is then used to give feedback to the patient and they can then learn how to regulate their brain waves to achieve successful relief from symptoms.

Swingle says that “self-regulation” of brain activity can be compared to using Yoga and meditation to reach complete relaxed states, focusing on the power of the mind. He says this can mind control also be achieved using neurotherapy exercises.

What exercises are used to reach the point of regulation? Swingle explains in his book, Biofeedback for the Brain:  How Neurotherapy Effectively Treats Depression, ADHD, Autism and More that “A brain-controlled Pac-Man game is often a popular and effective reward. Using rewards of sounds and game-like computer images that provide information about successful brain regulation allows the person to learn what concentration feels like and, better yet, how to sustain that mental state.”

Melanie admits that she was a bit nervous about flying across the world to have her son take part in a treatment that she hardly knew anything about - but the changes she has seen have made her a believer.  Within 5 days, Melanie claims Martin was off of the Ritalin that he had been on since he was 2 years old. He hasn’t had any since.  Though he still does take anti-seizure medication, his dosage has been cut in half since he began neurotherapy. Melanie also reports that she has seen drastic changes in Martin’s behavior, social skills and cognitive function.

As mentioned, neurotherapy has its critics.  On QuackWatch.com, along with Facilitated Communication which we discussed a few weeks ago, Neurotherapy is listed as a method of treatment that “should be avoided. ” Although documented cases of success exist, ” a comprehensive review has concluded that none of these claims is supported by well-designed studies.”

Despite this, Melanie explains that being a parent of a child who has diagnosed disorders you will try anything to help them. Neurotherapy has worked for her son and she’s happy for this.

Neurotherapy sessions with Swingle cost about $105 per session.  It is also worth mentioning that this method is traditionally only used with high-functioning autistic children in an attempt to correct dysfunctional brain-wave patterns.