Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part 2:
Medical management.
Kidd PM.
Parris Kidd, PhD (Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley) -
Contributing Editor, Alternative Medicine Review; Health educator and biomedical
consultant to the supplement industry. Correspondence address: 847 Elm Street,
El Cerrito, CA 94530.
Autism and allied autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) present myriad behavioral,
clinical, and biochemical abnormalities. Parental participation, advanced
testing protocols, and eclectic treatment strategies have driven progress toward
cure. Behavioral modification and structured education are beneficial but
insufficient. Dietary restrictions, including removal of milk and other casein
dairy products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar, chocolate, preservatives,
and food coloring are beneficial and prerequisite to benefit from other
interventions. Individualized IgG or IgE testing can identify other troublesome
foods but not non-immune mediated food sensitivities. Gastrointestinal
improvement rests on controlling Candida and other parasites, and using
probiotic bacteria and nutrients to correct dysbiosis and decrease gut
permeability. Detoxification of mercury and other heavy metals by DMSA/DMPS
chelation can have marked benefit. Documented sulfoxidation-sulfation
inadequacies call for sulfur-sulfhydryl repletion and other liver p450 support.
Many nutrient supplements are beneficial and well tolerated, including
dimethylglycine (DMG) and a combination of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and
magnesium, both of which benefit roughly half of ASD cases. Vitamins A, B3, C,
and folic acid; the minerals calcium and zinc; cod liver oil; and digestive
enzymes, all offer benefit. Secretin, a triggering factor for digestion, is
presently under investigation. Immune therapies (pentoxifyllin, intravenous
immunoglobulin, transfer factor, and colostrum) benefit selected cases.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids offer great promise. Current pharmaceuticals fail
to benefit the primary symptoms and can have marked adverse effects.
Individualized, in-depth clinical and laboratory assessments and integrative
parent-physician-scientist cooperation are the keys to successful ASD
management.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.