Autism Recovery Treatment

Biomedical Autism Treatment – Biomedicine University and Autism

autism — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:39:28 +0000

If you like the information that I put forth in these videos and if you’ve joined me on my webinars through Great Plains Laboratory which I do once a month on a Wednesday, usually at the beginning of the month but make sure you check with Great Plains Laboratory for the schedule for each webinar regarding a specific topic on biomedical intervention. Then if you like the information I put forth I think you’ll also then like having access to this information through a website we’ve created called www.biomedicineuniversity.com.

What I have done is I’ve gone through many of my most popular presentations, redone the slides, we’ve converted those into a color PDF that you can immediately have as a download. Many of those presentations are also recorded as an audio file and then merged together essentially as a movie file that you can access as well.

Some things that I have done recently, one particular topic called Brain Regions and their Dysfunction in Autism goes through in depth the different areas in the brain. The frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe, the occipital lobe, etc. and looking at different areas that are often dysfunctional in Autism and try and get a better understanding of what’s happening at that neuro-anatomical level. So that has been a popular one.

Another presentation I have done is brain inflammation, specifically brain inflammation with respects to microglia, microglia being these immune cells in the brain that are often activated in Autism leading to chronic inflammation. That information is there as well. But there is a whole host of other presentations on yeast, on biofilms, on supplements, on oxytocin, cholesterol, Respen-A therapy, methyl B-12 therapy, etc. So if you want to keep abreast of the information I am putting out, certainly join me at www.greatplainslaboratory.com once a month for my webinars and you can register through Great Plains Laboratory. And then you have constant access to information as well through www.biomedicineuniversity.com.

Autism Treatment – Pandas, Probiotic Problems and Autism

autism — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:26:41 +0000

PANDAS, PROBIOTICS PROBLEMS AND AUTISM
One phenomenon that I have seen with a number of kids on the Autism spectrum–some kids aren’t necessarily classically diagnosed with Autism but who have the characteristics of something called PANDAS–is a condition in the body that is triggered by a streptococcal infection, specifically Group A Beta Hemolytic Strep. In this case, individuals develop obsessive compulsive behavior, sometimes tics, behavioral issues, weird or odd movements of the head or the eyes, side glancing, or different manifestations that usually come about after an infection, sometimes a sore throat. It can be a marked change in their behavior, social anxiety, anxiety in general and as mentioned before very, very severe forms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Now there are certain individuals on the Autism spectrum who have this characteristic and there are also other people who develop obsessive compulsive behavior and tics etc, who also have PANDAS but are not Autistic. One of the things that is interesting is in many of the supplements that people take, specifically probiotics, there is a specific bacteria called streptococcus thermophilus that is a natural bacteria and is essentially listed as a beneficial bacterial for the digestive system and for our overall health. You also find it in some yogurt products as well. It’s reported that streptococcus thermophilus is entirely different than Group A Beta Hemolytic Strep as far as its protein structure and therefore should not be a contributing problem to the obsessive compulsive problems or the other manifestation of PANDAS. The problem is that has not always proved to be true. This basically means in many kids, whether they are on the Autism spectrum or not, just don’t seem to react very well to probiotics that have streptococcus thermophilus.

If you have a suspicion that your child has PANDAS or is likely a problem, check their probiotics. See if the probiotics that they are taking have streptococcus thermophilus. If it does, consider changing to a different probiotic. It doesn’t always fit, but often times it does.

I had a situation a couple of years ago where a patient who had PANDAS was successfully treated for it and was essentially in remission started a group of new supplements, and all of a sudden, started coming down with those PANDAS conditions again. Anxiety, tics, obsessive behavior. The parent didn’t realize that the streptococcus thermophilus was an issue until we recognized that that was likely a contributing factor. Just stopping that one supplement alone, his PANDAS symptoms, his OCD, his anxiety disappeared. I have seen that happen now with other kids and other people as well. So it is one of the things that I look at clinically is if streptococcus thermophilus is being used in a supplement, that is one thing I look to remove.

PANDAS

Autism Treatment – Thyroid Evaluation and Autism

autism — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:06:13 +0000

Thyroid Evaluation and Autism

The thyroid gland is an important gland in our body with respects to metabolism. It really helps with energy production throughout the body. Whether it’s our immune system, our cardiovascular system including our heart, or our lungs, bones, gut, or brain, without good thyroid output, we tend to run deficits in energy production. In many kids on the Autism spectrum, we know that there are underlying medical problems which contribute to many of their issues. We know that research points to the fact that there are methylation chemistry problems which can affect attention and focusing, we know there are mitochondrial imbalances with can influence negatively metabolism throughout the body and energy production as well. We know that there can be immune system imbalances, digestive problems, and more.

One of the things that doesn’t get a lot of attention is thyroid imbalances. The thyroid is often either not assessed or under assessed with respect to Autism. In patients with various mental health problems, like depression or bipolar disorder, many times thyroid dysfunction is a contributing factor and often optimizing thyroid function helps to really improve the overall mental and physical health status of patients. It’s important to be aware of the importance of thyroid function in Autism as something to assess for your child’s overall health.

If you are doing a blood chemistry test or any type of blood testing for your child, make sure that your doctor includes a thyroid panel. Specifically, look at TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, free T4, and free T3. These are important because the free fraction of those hormones, specifically free T3, is what is acting physiologically at the cellular level. You can also add what is called a reverse T3. If the body is producing a lot of reverse T3, it will actually inhibit thyroid function as well, and that can often go undiagnosed.

As an Autism Specialist, I like to see the free T4 and free T3 in the upper 2/3rds of normal in its reference range. If they are low, I recommend using a natural thyroid such as Westhroid or Armour Thyroid to try and replenish thyroid function. That is not something necessarily we do forever, but sometimes 6 months to a year just to see if we can re-establish thyroid function. Often times, it helps with energy, brain function, cognitive function and even growth.

So again, the thyroid is something important to assess and I recommend that any parent who is having their child be assessed by a physician with respects to blood work make sure you include a thyroid panel, free T4 and free T3. A couple other things that you could add to that panel to rule out that an auto-immune process may be occurring is something called anti-TPO and an anti-thyroid globulin antibodies. If there are antibodies being produced to the thyroid gland, then that indicates that there is some type of auto-immune process that is likely affecting the thyroid adversely. Including these elements would be a complete thyroid panel. But minimally the TSH, free T3 and free T4 are critically important to look at.

Thyroid

Autism Treatment – Autism Research and Brain Inflammation

autism — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:51:53 +0000

Microglia Activation–Brain Inflammation and Autism

Brain Inflammation, or neroulogical inflammation, with respects to Autism, has been the topic of a tremendous amount of research out of Johns Hopkins University and other research facilities. Emerging research shows that in Autism, there tends to be a higher prevalence of neuro-inflammatory markers likely affecting individuals on the Autism spectrum more adversely.

In short, there is a cell in the brain or a system in the brain called microglia. Microglia is a part of the immune system function of the brain and the central nervous system. In many individuals with Autism, there appears to be what’s called microglia activation where the microglia become activated, but don’t turn off. They can become activated from a virus or bacteria. They can become activated from a potential chemical reaction. There’s been some cases where it’s shown that certain vaccines may be a contributing factor to microglia activation.

When the system doesn’t turn off, it leads to chronic inflammation and essentially the destruction of what are called synapses. Synapses are the small spaces between nerve cells where neuro-chemicals are transferred from one nerve cell to the next as a communication link. So, we get a chemical reaction across the synapse creating an electrical chemical reaction in the corresponding nerve cell. So, anything that is going to affect the synapse will essentially affect chemical transportation from one brain region to the next and electrical impulse activation in the brain as well.

There isn’t just one thing that causes microglia activation, but it is something that should be on your radar. It is something to consider for your child on the Autism spectrum, something that may be a contributing factor to their overall condition. Whether you feel your child had a vaccine reaction, whether they had an infection at some point where things just never returned to normal, or they’ve had chronic immune problems throughout their life like food sensitivities, gut problems, etc, you could be looking at the potential for microglia activation.

microglia activation

Autism Treatment – Behavior Changes in Treating Autism

autism — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:03:06 +0000

Behavior Changes

A number of factors can impact behavior in children with Autism, and working on resolving behavior changes means isolating some factors of the behavior. When is the behavior issue occurring? Is it occurring before going to school or in the morning or happening when your child gets home from school? Is it happening at school? In the therapy sessions? Before bedtime? Has there been some type of change in their daily routine?

I’ve often had kids who’ve had behavior changes because they’re in a classroom and a new child comes into the classroom that they either don’t like or they’re not getting along with or there is some type of conflict. It can even be a result of a new therapist or a new teacher.

Behavior changes can break down to something in their daily routine. Has there been some sort of change in their diet? Eating new foods or taking certain foods away that your child likes certainly can contribute to behavioral problems. Have you added a new supplement? Often times, changes in behavior occur when new supplements are added. Often times people will add too many supplements at one time instead of spacing them out every two to three days when introducing a new thing. Supplements sometimes can cause problems.

So you really have to be a detective in what is actually happening with your child and how long has that behavior change been occurring. Keep a journal on your child’s behavior changes to help you establish patterns. Has it been over a couple days or a couple weeks? Really try to piece together what may be going on, and keep in mind it may not be biomedical. It could be situational.

By the way, if it is something that might be tied to supplements, generally what I do is isolate which supplements have been added since the behavioral change started. Then, I recommend taking all of those new supplements out. Wait four to five days and see if the behavioral change shifts. Reintroduce those supplements one at a time, maybe sometimes at half a dose, and take implementation slower because just that change alone may be enough for your child to handle whatever new program you are putting them on.

Behavior Changes

Helicobacter Pylori and Autism – What Tests to Perfom

autism — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:55:58 +0000

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter Pylori, or what is called H. Pylori, is a bacteria that has been responsible for the development of stomach ulcers. We know that kids on the Autism spectrum seem to have a lot of gut problems, including bacterial imbalances, yeast problems, and digestive problems in general. Helicobacter Pylori typically tends to aggravate the stomach and alters stomach acid production which can affect digestive enzyme function in the small intestine. It leads to poor digestion and malabsorption, and can also be a trigger for food allergies or sensitivities. It can cause stomach pain, acid reflux, gastritis and overall discomfort in the upper intestinal area, particularly after eating.

There’s a number ways of testing for H. Pylori. The most common test is called an H. Pylori antibody test, where they look at antibodies, which are immune proteins that are generated by our immune system to the presence of an infection, whether it’s a bacteria or a virus. The most common antibody is called an IGG antibody to H. Pylori. The problem is that IGG is only indicative of exposure to H. Pylori, and doesn’t really give you any idea if there is an active infection, so with that test, you still have to correlate it to symptoms. Some labs will also do an IGA and an IGM antibody to H. Pylori, which often times you have to specifically request. Those are important because IGM is actually a marker of active immune activity or immune activity against an active infection. IGA is also part of the complex as well. IGA, IGM and IGG are the common bloodtests that are done for H. Pylori. There is also a breath test that can be done, but it’s difficult to do with kids, so its not frequently used. Some of the labs are doing stool testing for H. Pylori, and are looking for what are called antigen staining or an antigen test.

One of the labs I use is called Biohealth Diagnostics and they have a panel called 401 which is a stool pathogen panel. When you add the H. Pylori component to it, it’s called the 401 H, it not only becomes a great test for parasites, looking for things like giardia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis, entamoeba histolytica, but it also has a stool antigen test for H. Pylori and that if a stool antigen is present, it’s very good evidence that H. Pylori active infection is present. I often will do that, as an add-on stool test for kids on the autism spectrum to look for the presence of H. Pylori and also to look for the presence of other parasites that maybe missed by other stool tests. Those typically are the major tests that are done; the blood testing, the breath testing and the stool testing. The ones that are most common in the autism community would certainly be doing stool testing and the blood testing as well. I realize with some kids, it’s difficult to get blood, so again, if your doctors only gonna run H. Pylori IGG, in my experience that’s not going to be enough. Ask them to at least do the IGM, the IGA antibody and better than that, add a stool H. Pylori antigen test as well.

Helicobacter Pylori

Autism Treatment – Helicobacter Pylori and Autism

autism — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:01:42 +0000

Let’s talk about something called Helicobacter pylori and Autism or H Pylori. H. Pylori is a bacteria that has been responsible for the development of stomach ulcers. We know that kids on the Autism spectrum seem to have a lot of gut problems, including bacterial imbalances, yeast problems, and digestive problems in general. So, they seem to have a greater susceptibility of these types of infections, as well as susceptibility of behavioral problems associated with these infections whether it’s self stimulatory behavior that is driven by yeast, or aggressive behavior that is exacerbated by the presence of clostridia bacteria.

Helicobacter Pylori found in children on the Autism Spectrum typically tends to aggravate the stomach and alters stomach acid production which can affect digestive enzyme function in the small intestine. It leads to poor digestion, malabsorption, and can trigger food allergies or food sensitivities. It can also lead to stomach pain, acid reflux, gastritis and overall discomfort in the upper intestinal area, particularly after eating.

A lot of kids will actually avoid meat because it’s just hard to digest, and that can be an indicator that Helicobacter Pylori may be a problem. So I want you to think about Helicobacter Pylori as another type of infection that may be affecting your child’s digestive system and affecting the way they digest food.

Autism Treatment – How to Successfully Work With a Biomedical Autism Doctor

autism — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:25:49 +0000

Autism Treatment

These suggestions have been acquired over the years in my practice and have helped me assist my patients greatly. Also, in talking with many other doctors working with families of a loved one with autism these recommendations often hold true as well.

Autism Treatment Journal – keep a running journal of your observations and timeline of therapies you are implementing.

Keep a spreadsheet of therapies.

Keep dates of when new therapies such as when supplements were started, stopped, and what reactions you see (good or bad).

Recognize your child’s patterns – situational, seasonal, time of day.

If you add new therapies new problems occur, then cut out the therapies implemented after the reactions occurred, then reintroduce each therapy one at a time and slowly to isolate which one was the potential culprit. Notify your doctor of these changes.

You will need to become a detective of your child’s particular autism condition.

You know your child better than anyone – be involved 100%.

You are ultimately responsible for your own health and your child’s health care, and by keeping an Autism Treatment Journal, you can help your doctors to treat your child effectively. Be prepared for your consultations with questions, concerns, and important topics you want to cover. Ask whether your practitioner receives faxes, emails, or voice mail regarding questions.Send these to your doctor via fax or email prior to your consult.
Be prepared to pay for extra time. Most doctors will answer questions that are related to a new therapy introduced or quick follow-up questions to a recent visit.

Partnering with your practitioner also means having a relationship with the office staff. Treat them with respect. They are there to help. Do not assume your doctor remembers every detail about your child – keep them informed. If you change supplements by either removing or adding them, let your practitioner know in writing via fax or email. This way they can keep a copy for their records.

Come prepared with your latest observations about your child. Let your doctor know what different therapies, testing, etc. you want to explore. Keep a running list of supplements, medications, calendar of therapy implementation and observed reactions to therapies.

Let your doctor know when you have sent off tests or if you are having problems getting tests samples collected. Some offices track follow-up appointments based on incoming tests results.

Autism Treatment

Autism Treatment–Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

autism — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:19:20 +0000

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Some children, particularly those with inflammatory bowel conditions, very weak immune systems, or the inability to eradicate opportunistic bacteria and yeast from their digestive system, often times will receive benefit from a more detailed autism treatment dietary program than just the gluten and casein-free diet. One such autism treatment program is called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) as promoted by the late Elaine Gottschall, author of a groundbreaking book titled “Breaking the Vicious Cycle.” This diet is an extension of the gluten/casein-free diet (and soy-free diet) and has been a big boost health wise for many children on the autismspectrum.

I have seen the Specific Carbohydrate Diet work miracles with patients with digestive conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis or Chron’s Disease. Many children on the autism spectrum are suffering with a similar condition called Autistic Entereocolitis as described by Andrew Wakefield, M.D. Many more kids are suffering with undiagnosed bowel disorders that benefit from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is not just a low carbohydrate diet, but instead is focused on removing certain grains such as wheat, barley, rye (same as the GF/CF diet), as well as rice, corn and other offending foods. The theory is that certain digestive enzymes that breakdown disaccharides (complex sugars) are missing (or are being blocked from reaching the food in the digestive system by excessive layers of intestinal mucus) in the child’s digestive system, making it difficult to digest these additional food sources. The lack of digestive function leads to chronic inflammation in the digestive system leading to gut wall deterioration. With the breakdown of the gut wall, food absorption is compromised leading to mineral, amino acid and vitamin imbalances, as well as immune dysfunction and the overgrowth of opportunistic infections such as yeast and bacteria.

The digestive system is the largest immune organ in the body and acts as the first line ofimmune defense against pathogens such as parasites, yeast, bacteria and intestinal exposed viruses. The loss of this immune response and the eventually breakdown of the gut wall can lead to systemic immune dysfunction and leaky gut. “Leaky gut” is analogous to a screen door on a submarine – “everything and anything can get through.” This means you lose the ability to keep the bad stuff from entering your blood stream. Increased toxins filtering into your child’s blood stream can activate systemic immune responses leading to local and systemic inflammation – including the brain. Celiac disease (which is a genetic disorder evidenced by the inability to digest gluten – specifically gliadin – containing grains) is an example of this where gluten proteins from food can adversely affect the brain.

To learn more about this autism treatment approach – the Specific Carbohydrate Diet -and the benefits it may have for your child visit – www.breakingtheviciouscycle.com

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Autism Treatment – Dietary Treatment Options for Autism Treatment

autism — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:29:56 +0000

Autism Treatment

There are a number of dietary interventions that are helpful for individuals on the autism-spectrum. These include the gluten and casein-free diet (GF/CF), the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), Low Oxalate Diet (LOD), Feingold, GAPS, and anti-candida. Deciding on which Autism Treatment diet is right for your child can be confusing. How do you know where to start? Which Autism Treatment protocol do I do? Which one is best? All of these are common questions, but sometimes difficult to answer. In my experience there, is no one diet that is right for every person – certainly not every autism-spectrum child. One size does not fit all. It is true that in the context of eating, the elimination of toxic foods such as processed grains, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats is critical, and in doing so will go a long way in improving the health of your child. Let’s take a glance at one diet – The Body Ecology – as an Autism Treatment option.

Yeast is a major problem in autism. The biotoxins from yeast contribute to cognitive, behavioral and language difficulties. Working to reduce or eliminate yeast toxins is an important consideration for any person on the autism-spectrum. Autism Treatment programs such as the Body Ecology Diet help in attacking chronic yeast problems. Here is an overview of the Body Ecology Diet:

* Anti-candida diet by eliminating all fruits other than lemons, limes, dried cranberries, and black currant seed juice.
* Cultured vegetables which aide in proper digestion, normalizing intestinal beneficial bacteria levels and acid-alkaline balance.
* Using various kefir products which are a good source of protein.
* Using a wide variety of protein meats, vegetables, and certain non-gluten (gliadin) grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet and buckwheat).
* Vegetable juices for increased nutrient bioavailability.
* Proper food combining to reduce digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and yeast overgrowth, etc.

The benefits derived from the Body Ecology program are a reduction in yeast overgrowth (and other opportunistic intestinal “gut bugs” such as bacteria and parasites), reduced exposure to harmful sugars, proper digestion, stronger immune function and less food allergies.

The Body Ecology Diet is a good example of how a more whole food diet (with the incorporation of fresh fruits and vegetables, organic meats, and healthy grains), and the elimination of fast foods can have wide-sweeping positive effects on your child’s health by reducing many of the artificial food ingredients, sugars and toxic fats that plague so much of the typical American diet.

Autism Recovery Treatment

Biomedical Autism Treatment – Biomedicine University and Autism

Recommended Reading

Autism Treatment – Pandas, Probiotic Problems and Autism

PANDAS

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Autism Treatment – Thyroid Evaluation and Autism

Thyroid Evaluation and Autism

Thyroid

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Autism Treatment – Autism Research and Brain Inflammation

Microglia Activation–Brain Inflammation and Autism

microglia activation

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Autism Treatment – Behavior Changes in Treating Autism

Behavior Changes

Behavior Changes

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Helicobacter Pylori and Autism – What Tests to Perfom

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter Pylori

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Autism Treatment – Helicobacter Pylori and Autism

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Autism Treatment – How to Successfully Work With a Biomedical Autism Doctor

Autism Treatment

Autism Treatment

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Autism Treatment–Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

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Autism Treatment – Dietary Treatment Options for Autism Treatment

Autism Treatment

Autism Treatment

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