The Nutrition Piece of the Autism Puzzle

A very large study was completed last year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention citing that about 1 in 150 kids have autism - a higher number than previous national estimates. Autism, a developmental disorder of the brain that appears in early childhood, can be mild to severe and is usually accompanied by symptoms of impaired social interaction and diminished or absent communication skills as well as unusual repetitive behaviors. The diagnosis is normally made from 2-3 years of age. Although there is no known unique cause of autism, there is growing evidence that autism can be caused by a variety of factors which are genetic, environmental and nutritionally based.

Genetics
Boys are 3 times more likely to develop autism vs. girls. There is also a greater likelihood that identical twins will have autism than fraternal twins. Some evidence also points to a genetically weakened immune system, so kids are less capable of fighting infection. Genetics also play a role in how well a child is able to detoxify environmental toxins and heavy metals like mercury.

The Vaccination Debate
A review of studies from the Centers for Disease Control states that there is no correlation between childhood vaccinations and autism. On the other hand, 30% of parents who have autistic children swear that their children's behavior changed after being administered certain vaccinations like MMR and DPT. Many parents have noted that their children were normal until receiving the triple vaccine shot DPT.

Dr. Bernhard Rimland, PhD and author of the book Infantile Autism, believes that heavy metals are a cause. He has theorized that some children have a greater predisposition toward autism because of how they detoxify metals like mercury. Many vaccines administered to kids contain large amounts of thimerosal (mercury) as preservative. According to Dr. Rimland, "it's the genetic predisposition, plus the mercury, plus a huge number of increased vaccines which causes the increase (in the rate of autism)." In the '50s kids were given three vaccines before the age of 2. Now, if kids get the recommended amounts, they get 22 vaccine doses before the age of 2. In 1985 kids used to get 33 vaccinations before kindergarten, but by 2005 they were getting 77. And, as the number of vaccines increases, the population of autistic children also increases. Children are exposed to mercury not only through vaccines but also diet and environment. And while thimerosal was removed from vaccinations in 1999, there are still quantities of thimerosal-containing vaccines still in warehouses, waiting to be administered. For instance, in 2006, 85 million doses of the flu shot were administered, and at least 8 million of those shots still contained thimerosal (for more information on the vaccine debate you can check out Dr. Sheri Tenpenny's website: www.newswithviews.com/Tenpenny/sherri1.htm).

GI Symptoms and Food Intolerances
The digestive tract also plays a role in autism: food intolerances and abnormal bowels are a common observance. In a survey of over 500 parents of autistic children, over 50% reported loose stools or frequent periods of diarrhea. And in another survey of 500 autistic subjects, the highest frequency of food intolerance was observed with wheat and milk products. Many families have observed dramatic changes after removing milk and wheat from their children's diet.

Kentlands residents Natalie and Tom Liniak know first hand the effect that food intolerances can have on an autistic child. Their son Jonathan was diagnosed at age 2 with autism. After 6 years of therapy and nutritional intervention including the avoidance of dairy products, Jonathan's autism, is much more manageable. "There are a lot of therapies out there that are expensive and don't work," says Natalie Liniak, "you just have to figure out which therapies are best for your child." For the Liniaks, working with a good healthcare provider, adding nutrients like zinc essential fatty acids and enzymes along with a dairy-free diet and using behavior therapy seems to be a successful formula. The Liniaks also own and run a nonprofit organization called Sports Plus Group located in Gaithersburg, which offers sports programs specifically for autistic children. "Exercise is great therapy for an autistic kid. It helps them deregulate, and calm down."

Here are some other interventions that may be beneficial:

Start With Diet
Food intolerances to common allergens, especially wheat, sugar and cow's milk, have been implicated in association with autism. Either eliminate these foods for at least 8 weeks or have a food sensitivity test done to identify offending foods.

Add Nutrients

• Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Zinc: There are 22 published studies by scientists in 6 countries showing that vitamin B6, used in conjunction with magnesium, is highly beneficial in the treatment of autistic children and adults. Vitamin B6 taken with magnesium has been shown to increase general well-being, awareness, and attention in approximately 45% of autistic children.
• Probiotics: Probiotics have been shown to normalize bowel movements and repair intestinal permeability, as well as decrease inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Autistic children show a higher incidence of free radical production and a lower level of antioxidants like Vitamin E, C and A, so a good antioxidant formula may be beneficial. Of course, with children, you may want to start first with getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid, is lower in autistic children. Autistic children receiving fish oils should also receive a balancing dose of the omega-6 primrose oil, since a component in primrose oil, dihomo gamma linolenic acid (DGLA), improves digestion function and enhances immune function. Make sure to take essential fatty acids with antioxidants or a good multivitamin. And keep the fatty acids refrigerated to protect against rancidity.