Autism and Children's Nutrition Deficiency

Autism and Children's Nutrition Deficiency



Autism and Children's Nutrition Deficiency

Introduction

Autism is a rapidly increasing epidemic. The rates of Autism have increased far in excess of population changes in the United States. In California alone, it increased almost 300% from 1987 to 1998. It is widely accepted that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism per year. However, in some areas like the South Bay of Los Angeles where I live and practice, the ratio is thought to be closer to 1in 65. Local resource centers report overwhelming numbers of newly diagnosed children coming for help.

Analysis

Many members of the traditional medical community define autism as a psychiatric disorder. The DSM-IV, the authoritative reference manual for psychiatric disorders lists criteria for Autism that they use as a guide to diagnosis. While many of the criteria fit part of the clinical picture, many forward thinking health experts believe that Autism Spectrum Disorders are far more than just a psychiatric disorder. Experts in a more holistic approach to Autism diagnosis and treatment believe that Autism is “not a psychiatric or psychological disorder. It is a set of biochemical imbalances that create neurological/neurotransmitter imbalances, which result in psychological (social and behavioral) symptoms as well as physical symptoms”. The biomedical treatment for Autism as outlined in the DAN! Literature and training syllabus includes several components. Each component may or may not be applicable to any specific child. Each case is unique although several consistencies can exist from child to child (Megson, 2000).

Toxins such as mercury from dental amalgams in the mother or child, or mercury and other toxins from vaccines, aluminum, pesticides, environmental toxins from the child's fireproof bedding and pajamas to carpet and paint in their room since infancy can be part of the puzzle. Food additives, artificial colors and flavors, MSG and other excitatory neurotoxins play a part. Poor liver function (also called disordered methylation) manifesting in an inability to clear these toxins efficiently from the body can be a big factor between one child exposed to these toxins getting Autism and one with the same exposure but no Autism (Cowen et al, 1971).

Another toxin important in Autism is Candida which is pathogenic yeast usually found in the intestinal tract. It can be passed from the mother, caused by an overuse of antibiotics and is exacerbated by eating sugars and causes excessive sugar cravings. While Candida is not ...