Autism is a developmental disease that first manifests in infancy. It typically has an impact on how a child develops language, behavior, and social skills. Although the precise cause of autism is unknown, there are several potential contributing factors, including
- exposure to toxins,
- infections,
- inflammation
- , leaky gut,
- nutrient deficiencies,
- food allergies,
- inborn metabolic abnormalities (in particular, valproic acid and thalidomide taken during pregnancy).
Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for autism, which makes understanding autism treatment so important. Natural treatments including a gluten- and casein-free diet have been proven to help certain autistic youngsters. As autism rates continue to alarmingly rise, parents of autistic children are becoming more hopeful about autism natural treatment options including these types of dietary adjustments.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disease that can pose serious social, communication, and behavioral difficulties. It is also known as an autistic disorder or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is regarded as a spectrum condition since some children may only exhibit minor symptoms while others may exhibit severe, life-impairing symptoms.
Autism symptoms
Depending on the individual, social challenges for those with ASD frequently persist and include difficulty engaging and communicating with others. Additionally, they could exhibit repeated actions while showing little interest in numerous things. In 80 to 90 percent of cases, autism symptoms are often identified within the first two years of life. (1) According to the CDC, 1 in 68 children have been recognized as having an ASD of some kind, and boys are nearly 4.5 times more likely than girls to have an ASD (1 in 42 boys have an ASD) (1 in 189). (2)
The diagnosis of ASD, which now incorporates a number of problems that were formerly diagnosed separately, is given to children with autism in modern times. Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS, and autistic disorder were all distinct diagnoses prior to the creation of the term autism spectrum disease, or ASD. For this reason, autism spectrum disorder, sometimes known as ASD, is currently a common name for the condition.
Before their child turns one, parents start to detect signs of ASD. 80–90% of parents are aware of problems by the age of two.ASD frequently manifests before the age of three and lasts the rest of the child's life. Up until the age of 18 to 24 months, some autistic children reach their developmental milestones, but after that, they stop growing or even lose the talents they already possessed. According to research, 33 to 50% of parents become aware of ASD symptoms before their child turns one. 80 to 90 percent of parents become aware of problems by the age of two.
Conventional Treatment
The kind of autism therapy that is suggested for your child after an autism diagnosis varies on his or her particular requirements. For instance, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and ASD may be diagnosed in some youngsters (ADHD).
For every child with autism, there isn't just one optimum treatment plan, which explains why. Is there medication to treat autism? There is no established treatment for autism. There are no drugs that can treat the primary symptoms of ASD or cure it, according to the CDC.
However, some people with ASD may benefit from some drugs that might help them operate better. For instance, the medicine may be used to control seizures, depression, or excessive energy levels. The majority of autistic children react well to highly structured, specialized programs.
And many experts feel that early intervention is essential in the treatment of autism spectrum conditions. Conventional doctors occasionally suggest drugs that can address particular behaviors associated with autism.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotic medications are used to treat autism. However, the capacity of these drugs to lessen autistic symptoms is only partially effective. Instead, they might stop undesirable behavior (such as self-injury).
It's crucial to be aware of the FDA's "black box" label warning—the strongest possible warning—on the use of antidepressants and the risk of suicide if you decide to use them as a treatment for autism. The FDA advises that patients who use them be closely monitored.
For any odd behavior or suicide warning signals, especially at the beginning of treatment or when there is a dosage adjustment. Autism is now sometimes discovered much later in life. The Adult Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire (RBQ-2) is a novel test that can be used to diagnose autism in adults.
It assesses how much repetitive and limited behavior affects people. Since their parents are frequently absent to explain the autistic adult's conduct as a youngster, diagnosing autism in adults is more difficult.
Additionally, an adult with autism may be more adept than a youngster at concealing typical autistic traits such as ritualistic repetition. (10) The Autism Speaks Resource Library for Adults has online information, therapeutic options, and support programs if you're looking for adult autism treatment.
Overall, each person's outlook or prognosis for autism is undoubtedly unique. According to some professionals, children with autism have a better prognosis if they have an I.Q. over 50, can speak before the age of six, and possess a valuable ability.
Natural Remedies
I truly believe that autism natural treatment, including diet, can play a significant part in reducing the symptoms of autism in autistic children and adults. There are some items that should be increased or added to the diet, while there are others that are best avoided entirely.
Numerous supplements and conventional medical practices (from both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine) are also natural treatments for autism that may be beneficial. The additional symptoms that come with having two different diagnoses must be addressed in natural treatments for autism and ADHD.
Autism Diet
- Foods to Eat.
- Additive-free, unprocessed foods.
- Bone broth.
- Poultry.
- Foods that are high in probiotics.
- Wild-caught fish.
Foods to Avoid
- Gluten-Parents of kids with ASD occasionally claim that eating gluten makes their child's symptoms worse, which could be a sign of sensitivity. It's a good idea to test your child for food allergies, particularly those to gluten and cow's milk.
Avoid any foods made with wheat, such as bread, pasta, and wheat cereal, to test if a gluten-free diet is beneficial. Furthermore, gluten and autism have been the subject of over 140 research studies. In one of the most recent studies, MCT was added to a modified ketogenic gluten-free diet.
And after just three months, the ADOS-2 and CARS-2 behavioral tests showed a significant improvement in the key characteristics of autism spectrum disorder in autistic children.
2 Cow’s dairy-A1 casein, a protein found in cow's milk that might cause a similar reaction as gluten, should be avoided in a dairy-free diet. Eat more green leafy veggies to gain more calcium. Try goat's milk kefir as well, which contains probiotics, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
3 Sugar-Blood sugar changes brought on by sugar can result in behavioral issues. Do not consume any products that contain intense sugar, such as candy, pastries, soda, or fruit juices. The brain has been found to be significantly harmed by sugar.
4 Food coloring and dyes-Children with autism may be hypersensitive to a range of food dyes and colorings, especially those who also have ADHD. Therefore, it is best to stay away from all processed foods. The FDA should mandate that manufacturers include a label alerting parents that some children's hyperactivity may be impacted by artificial colors, according to many experts in the U.S.
5 Soy-Phytic acid, a form of antinutrient that reduces nutrient absorption and can irritate the intestines and cause the leaky gut syndrome, is present in soy, a frequent food allergy.
The Ketogenic Diet for Autism
Impressive findings about the potential of the keto diet (a low-carb, high-fat eating plan) for managing autism have come from two human studies and five animal studies. Animals on the ketogenic diet exhibit significantly fewer instances of the behaviors associated with that model of autism.
Such as social deficits, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased sociability, communication, increased repetitive behavior, deficits in the stress response, and microbiome problems, even though more extensive research is still needed.
According to a pilot study, the majority of the young participants showed "mild-to-moderate gains" on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. There were "substantial improvements" in two of the kids.
According to a case study of a child with autism and epilepsy, the youngster shed a significant amount of weight and showed improvement in both the cognitive and behavioral signs of autism.
On the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, this particular patient went from being classified as profoundly autistic to being classified as "non-autistic," dropping from a 49 to a 17 and claiming a 70-point rise in IQ.
Natural Supplements for Autism
1. Fish Oil (1,000 milligrams daily)
The EPA/DHA found in fish oil are the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain health and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most often utilized complementary and alternative therapies.
Children with autism spectrum disorder are supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil. Although study findings have been conflicting, some have shown a noticeable improvement in symptoms of autism.
2. Digestive enzymes (1-2 capsules with each meal)
Digestive enzymes can aid in vitamin and mineral absorption because children with autism frequently have digestive issues and may also have leaky guts. Digestion and absorption problems contribute to the child's decreased nutritional status.
Which can further impact immunity, detoxification, and brain function, says Autism Canada. Digestive enzymes can help with digestion and reduce inflammation, which is very beneficial.
3. Vitamin D3 (2000–5000 IU)
Children with autism are more likely than typically developing children to have vitamin D deficiencies. This essential vitamin is necessary for normal brain function. A mother's lack of vitamin D during pregnancy may also enhance her child's risk of developing autism.
Even more, a study found that the season of conception is responsible for 11.4 percent of cases of autism, intellectual disability, and learning issues. This is because vitamin D levels in humans tend to be lowest during the winter months due to decreased sunlight exposure. This study involved the record linkage of 801,592 Scottish kids.
4. Probiotic (50 billion units daily)
Abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea are frequent gastrointestinal issues in children with autism. Taking a high-quality probiotic daily can help maintain intestinal health and an ideal mix of good and bad bacteria in the gut because digestive problems may be linked to autism.
5. L-carnitine (250–500 milligrams daily)
It has been demonstrated that this amino acid helps with autism symptoms. A 2013 study using 30 autistic children as subjects found that using l-carnitine supplements could reduce behavioral symptoms.
L-carnitine therapy, given daily doses of 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for a total of six months, "substantially reduced the severity of autism, although further research is advised."
6. Multi-vitamin with folic acid/folate (daily for pregnant women)
According to a 2018 study's conclusion, moms who took folic acid and multivitamin supplements before and during their pregnancies had a lower risk of having children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than mothers who did not.
Instead of folic acid, which is the synthetic version of folate frequently present in many fortified foods and supplements, I advise taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folate.
Homeopathy
The way that homeopathy treats autism can differ. There is no recipe book that specifies which homeopathic remedy should be administered to a youngster, according to the National Center for Homeopathy.
In a particular circumstance, any homeopathic medicine, whether large or little, derived from the animal, plant, or mineral kingdom, may be required. It is important to find a licensed homeopath with experience treating autistic people if you're interested in utilizing homeopathy to treat your child's autism.
Ayurveda
Dosha imbalances, particularly an increase in the vata dosha, are addressed in Ayurvedic treatment for autism. Autism treatment in India and in Ayurvedic medicine around the world typically includes a daily Ayurvedic massage.
Which can really help to relax someone with autism and as a parent can be a free way to help your child's symptoms, claims Dr. Denise Tarasuk, who has a Master's Degree in Ayurveda and lectures internationally on autism, Asperger's syndrome, and Tourette's syndrome.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
An additional method for treating autism symptoms is traditional Chinese medicine, which also uses acupuncture and acupressure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards autism as an energy imbalance that may be treated by activating particular energy points (acupressure/acupuncture sites).
And pathways, as it does with all health issues (meridians). According to TCM, the heart, spleen, and kidney are the three main organ systems that control reason and consciousness, both of which are significantly impacted by autism.
The director of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic in Asheville, North Carolina, is Dr. M. Cissy Majebe. Phlegm removal, heart blood, qi, and yin tonification, clearing heart heat, spleen qi, and kidney essence tonification are all common components of autism treatment.
Essential Oils
The following essential oils are suggested by Autism Parenting Magazine for kids with ASD and/or ADHD due to their range of beneficial effects, which include elevating mood, encouraging mental clarity, and lowering stress.
- Frankincense.
- Sandalwood.
- Vetiver.
- Lavender.
- Mandarin.
- Cedarwood.
- Chamomile.
- Peppermint.
- Bergamot.
- Ylang Ylang.
Behavior and Communication Treatments
Techniques for autism therapy are also available to address the issues with behavior and communication that autistic people face. Applied behavior analysis (ABA), verbal behavior intervention (VBI), discrete trial training (DTT), and pivotal response training (PRT).
And mostly for children under five, early intensive behavioral intervention is the program to further investigate to see if they are a good fit for your child (EIBI). Chelation detox, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and supplementation with zinc, liposomal glutathione, and l-glutamine are further autistic natural treatments that may be helpful.
Precautions
Autism natural treatment and autism conventional treatment vary considerably from person to person because every child (or adult) with an ASD diagnosis is unique.
Autism has occasionally received a false diagnosis. As an illustration, consider a youngster who was first given the autism spectrum diagnosis but later found to have "a constellation of GI issues that were directly connected to his disruptive behaviors and erratic sleep habits."
This is why it's so important to seek out several professional perspectives after receiving an ASD diagnosis. Testing for food allergies can also be very beneficial.
Autism Diet
The Ketogenic Diet for Autism
Natural Supplements for Autism
Homeopathy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Behavior and Communication Treatments
No comments:
Post a Comment