Autism is on the Rise and Many Blame Nutrition and Modern Lifestyles. An Autism Diet, as well as Vitamins and Supplements May Be the Answer.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological disorder which presents itself in childhood. Children who suffer this disorder have difficulty with language, social relationships, and some sensory and motor problems. It can begin early in infancy, as children fail to develop language and interactions normally, or can occur later, with the loss of previously mastered language and interactions.

There are lots of medical opinions regarding the causes of autism, to include mercury or lead poisoning, severe allergic reactions to certain food substances, and perhaps specific brain dysfunction with which children may be born. Whatever the cause(s), the incidence is clearly on the rise, and about 6 in every 10,000 children worldwide now have it. Interestingly, children is less developed countries do not have the amount of incidence that developed nations do, and that may give researchers good clues about causes.

Treatment of Autism

Pediatricians and child psychologists do not recommend specific pharmaceutical drugs for autism; indeed, there are none. Instead, they focus on a regular and consistent regimen or introducing the child to developmental programs to enhance language and social interaction. With this treatment, the symptoms of autism can decrease as the child ages. In severe instances, independent living is not a possibility.

Autism Diet

The casein and gluten-free diet is the most promoted one for autism, and is based upon the theory that children with this condition have severe allergies to certain food items. Gluten and casein are both proteins and they are found in wheat, oat, rye, barley and dairy products. From a scientific standpoint, children who have these allergies cannot digest these proteins and so they hang around and activate negative brain receptor activity. The diet is difficult to follow, because so many food items contain these proteins, and it truly is almost a full-time job to manage it. Children on the diet are usually evaluated after three months to determine efficacy.

Vitamin Supplements in Autism Treatment

Most commonly used vitamins are the B’s, because they are known to enhance neural production of enzymes that help the brain to function more normally. Some studies have shown improvement in recognition and interaction after a significant and regular regimen of B vitamins.

Another autism vitamin is C. Children given Vitamin C supplements showed, in some studies, increased ability to communicate and interact with others.

The amino acid carnosine is highly concentrated in the brain, and studies increasing this supplement in autistic children have achieved positive results. Parents of autistic children should consider giving them between 100-200 mg. of this nutrient twice a day, before meals. Evaluate any progress after a few weeks.

Another Autism Supplement with Some Promise

One important study has shown that autistic children appear to break down fatty acids more rapidly than non-autistic kids. If these fatty acids are not replaced as quickly as they are broken down, then the brain is affected. Fatty acid deficiency is linked to other neurological illnesses and disorders as well, so this treatment may prove somewhat beneficial. With this in mind, it certainly would be easy to add fish oil as a supplement in treatment. Some fish oil contains Vitamins A and D, and there are a few studies indicating that these are important in correct brain function.

Another Factor in Autism – Rashes in Mothers

Pregnant women who develop allergic skin problems between 3-6 months into the pregnancy, especially psoriasis, and women diagnosed with asthma and other allergies are far more likely to have autistic children. Prevention, then, may include some work on immune function and its effect on a fetus.

Summary

Autism is clearly a complex and tragic condition. Children with this condition face a difficult life at best and complete loss of independence at worst. Whether the increased incidence of this disease is a result of better diagnoses or the result of contemporary environmental factors, the fact is that traditional medicine is not coming up with causes or cures. Parents should explore all natural treatment options, to include the autism diet, supplements specifically shown to have promise, and a vitamin regimen, particularly B complex, A, D, and the supplement carnosine. Increase in fatty acids shows promise as well, and this can be achieved by the addition of certain fish into the diet.