Autism
Description
Autism is a rare disorder which has received more attention, recently, including the movie: “Rainman”. However, the incredible numerical ability featured is even rarer than the other behavioral disorders depicted.
From infancy, development is delayed and the child fails to interact with people and situations.
Causes
Autistic children often also suffer epileptic seizure disorders which hints at a subtle form of brain damage.
Signs & Symptoms
The child is distant, removed from most stimuli, fixating upon certain objects, or behaviors often in a repetitive pattern. They may fidget with their fingers for hours on end, even suffering injury as a consequence. The normal protective pain barrier seems to be absent.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Nutrients for Brain Support
Besides ruling out food sensitivities e.g. milk, sugar and wheat, studies are available for two nutrients:
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General Supplements
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| Magnesium | 100-300 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 150 -300 mg |
Note:
All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Occasionally, the children become hyper-agitated, so a parallel may be drawn to other hyperactive disorders. Food sensitivities may yield benefits, usually: sugar milk and wheat.
Also, pyridoxine and magnesium supplementation may bring some benefits. Some studies indicate that they should be combined to maximise their effectiveness.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Children | Baryta carbonica |
| Bedwetting | Argentum nitricum tinct. |
| Epilepsy | Galium |
| Headache | Gelsemium sempervirens |
| Sensitivity to light, touch | Arsenicum Album |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Ginkgo biloba
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Ginkgo biloba is noted for its contribution to brain function and circulation.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Calming oils would include:
Bergamot Essence,
Clary Sage Essence,
Geranium Essence.
Stimulating oils would include:
Basil Essence,
Lemon Essence,
Peppermint Essence,
Rosemary Essence.
Related Health Conditions
AbstractsReferences
Eto I et al., Plasma and urinary levels of biopterin, neopterin, and related pterins and plasma levels of folate in infantile autism. J Autism Dev Disord, 1992 Jun, 22:2, 295-308.
Lelord, G. et al: Electrophysiological and biochemical studies in autistic children treated with vitamin B6. In Lehmann, D. & Callaway, E.: Human Evoked Potentials: Applications and Problems. Plenum Press, New York. 1979.
Lelord, G. et al: Modifications in urinary homovanillic acid after ingestion of vitamin B6: Functional study in autistic children. Rev. Neurol. (Parisa) 134(12): 797 - 801.
Lelord, G. et al: Effects of pyridoxine and magnesium on autistic symptoms - Initial observations. J. Autism Dev. Disorders. 1981,11: 219 - 230.
Lucarelli S et al., Food allergy and infantile autism. Panminerva Med, 1995 Sep, 37:3, 137-41.
Marlow, M. et al: Decreased magnesium in the hair of autistic children. J. Orthomol. Psychiat. 1984, 13(2): 117 - 122.
Martineau, J. et al: Effect of vitamin B6 on averaged evoked potentials in infantile autism. Biol. Psychiat. 1981,16: 627 - 641.
Martineau, J. et al: Vitamin B6, magnesium and combined B6-Mg: Therapeutic effects in childhood autism. Biol. Psychiat. 1985, 20: 467 - 478.
McDougle-CJ et al: Acute tryptophan depletion in autistic disorder: a controlled case study. Biol-Psychiatry. 1993 Apr 1; 33(7): 547-50
Murray, M.T. & Pizzorno, J.E.: An Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Pbng, Rocklin, CA.
Rice MA & Haas RH: The nutritional aspects of Rett syndrome. J Child Neurol, 1988, 3 Suppl:, S35-42.
Rimland, B.: An orthomolecular study of psychotic children. J. Orthomol. Psychiat. 1974,3: 371 - 377.
Rimland, B.: Comparative effects of treatment on child’s behavior. Institute for Behavior Research. 1977.
Rimland, B.: The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study. Am. J. Psychiat. 1978, 135: 472 - 475.
Shearer TR et al., Minerals in the hair and nutrient intake of autistic children. J Autism Dev Disord, 1982 Mar, 12:1, 25-34.
Warren RP et al., Immunogenetic studies in autism and related disorders. Mol Chem Neuropathol, 28(1-3):77-81 1996 May-Aug.
Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Keats Pbng. New Canaan, CT.
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