An understanding of the complex factors involved in the development of autistic dysfunction requires a clinician to foster this holistic attitude, understanding the implications of diet, family, education, and toxins in the child's life. The ultimate goal of holistic pediatrics is to prevent problems from arising by considering the child within his or her context. SummaryĪ careful history and an approach to management that respects the highly sensitive nature of children with autism can result in profound improvements in behavior and development. Treatment geared at supporting the spleen/stomach and liver is consistent with the recent research suggesting that autism be defined as an enterocolitis-encephalitis syndrome. In TCM the digestive system is always considered of primary importance in the treatment of children. Treatment is designed to address the Uprising Phlegm Fire with Chinese herbs and acupuncture. This Phlegm corresponds to the inflammatory process described in recent research. 60 The origin of this Phlegm is thought to be internal trauma, excessive wetness, inappropriate diet, and food stagnation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) texts, children with mental disorders that bear similarities to autism are described as resulting from Phlegm misting the mind. Homeopathy treats symptom complexes through the use of corresponding remedies. 59 Homeopathy and Chinese medicineīoth homeopathy and Chinese medicine are complete “systems of medicine” that assess the child with autism, although careful consideration of each child's unique presentation is beyond the scope of this text. Tests are available to indirectly assess relative imbalances in neurotransmitters. Supplementation with DMG ( dimethylglycine), TMG (betaine), methyl B 12, amino acids, DMAE, L-theanine, acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and specific neurotransmitter precursors such as tyrosine and 5-HTP can support proper brain function. Impaired function of methionine synthase affects the bioactivity of SAM, B 12, and glutathione, all of which are important chemical components in brain function. Allithiamine (TTFD) is an artificial garlic derivative that may potentiate removal of heavy metals. Natural chelators include garlic, cilantro, chlorella, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid. A challenge of a chelator such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or topical DMPS followed by measurement of urinary metal excretion will determine the need for chelation. Mineral supplementation is required during the process. The chelation process requires careful monitoring to avoid adverse reactions from both the chelating agents and the mobilization of toxic elements. It is important to strengthen the body's capacity to detoxify before trying to remove potentially toxic elements.
May Loo MD, in Integrative Medicine for Children, 2009 Chelation of Toxic Elements The only double-blind study of methyl vitamin B 12, with 30 children, did not show any difference between experimental and control groups in either autistic symptoms or glutathione status, however. Some families have stated that methyl vitamin B 12 was the most clearly effective of the entire range of biomedical interventions. Methyl vitamin B 12 injections, given every 3 days, are probably the most widely used of these therapies, and in my experience they elicit the most positive responses from parents. None has been subject to any type of controlled study, so it is difficult to know which, if any, of these supplements are worth recommending. All of these are recommended based on various metabolic and nutritional defects discussed earlier, and many come with glowing anecdotal reports of efficacy. These include trimethylglycine, dimethylglycine, glutathione, dipeptidases, digestive enzymes, methylcobalamin (methyl vitamin B 12), phosphatidylcholine, and others. Many different metabolic and nutritional supplements have been used for the treatment of autism. Newmark MD, in Integrative Medicine (Third Edition), 2012 Other Supplements