Naturopathic treatment is effective for autism because it addresses underlying weaknesses in the body. Research has identified a number of biochemical and physiological abnormalities in children with autism. Through evaluation, theses impairments can be identified and treated with safe, effective, natural remedies.

Some of the underlying weaknesses that leading autism researchers have identified include immune irregularities, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysbiosis or imbalance in bowel flora, detoxification impairments and methylation defects.

Benefits of naturopathic therapy includes:

• increased awareness
• improved cognition
• appropriateness
• improved eye contact
• normalized behaviours and interactions
• increased responsiveness
• spontaneous language
• more complex sentences
• increased vocabulary
• improved initiation and interactive play
• understanding and feeling of emotions
• affection and tolerance to touch

Addressing Methylation Defects

One of the most successful biomedical treatments for autism and other developmental disorders is correction of methylation defects. When babies are conceived, they are de-methylated, and as development progresses it does so through the process of methylation. The use of methyl-B12 to correct the methylation cycle that fuels development can have a dramatic impact on social, cognitive and language development.

B12 works by increasing “fuel” to the brain and by regulating key neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are responsible for learning, memory, mood, behaviour, sensory perception, processing information, relaying information, emotional responses and fundamental brain function.

Dr. James Neubrander, MD has done the pioneering work in the area of autism and vitamin B12 therapy. Find out more about Dr. Neubrander's work.

Diet

The most commonly prescribed diet for autism is the Gluten-free, Casein-free (GFCF) diet. This is because molecules found in these two types of food increases the leakiness of the gut substantially. Protein molecules can pass through the gut and travel to the brain where they have the potential to cause harm. Casein is a protein in dairy and can be found in all dairy products. Gluten is actually made up of many proteins. Wheat is the only grain considered to contain "true gluten". Gliadin and glutenin are the two main groups of proteins in gluten and are found in many grains including wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut. Gliadin is the protein that causes problems in children with ASD and is generally referred to as "gluten".

By removing these food sensitivities it is thought that we reduce inflammation in the brain, along with the opiate or drug effect on the brain that results from the incomplete digestion of gluten.

Benefits from being on a GFCF diet include: improved speech, improved social interaction, decreased self-stimulation behaviour, improved focus, improved digestion and sleep.

Improving Intestinal Health

Research shows that children with autism have a higher rate of imflammation and immune dysregulation in the digestive tract. These abnormalities cause inflammation. Inflammation plus a genetic predisposition creates a "cloud" in the brain. Clearing that “cloud’ of inflammation creates a tremendous amount of potential for development.

Digestive impairment may be caused by:

• Food sensitivities and the early introduction of allergens
• C-section and IV antibiotics, which do not allow for natural colonization of good bacteria in the intestine
• Vaccinations, heavy metals and environmental toxins
• Genetically modified foods
• Antibiotics, which kill good bacteria needed to absorb nutrients and regulate inflammation

Probiotics are supplements that contain healthy microorganisms that populate the digestive tract. Good bacteria and other healthy microbes are essential for healthy digestion. Probiotics also regulate inflammation and immune function. Probiotics and healthy digestion are very important in decreasing inflammation that can impact language, social and cognitive development.

There are many other possible natural treatments, such as essential fatty acids, antioxidants and heavy metal detoxification. For more information please visit Dr. Esposito's Autism articles page.