Autism

Autism is a condition that begins in childhood, resulting in a behavioral disorder that lasts a lifetime. It is psychologically demanding on the parents because the child isolates him or herself from the rest of society, desiring to live in a world of his or her own. Often the child will not speak, or only restrictively so. This behavior is accompanied by repetitive movements, such as head banging or rocking. Ritualistic behavior and strong resistance to changing habits are common: for instance, the child refuses to drink unless served from one specific cup filled a certain way and left in a certain place.

No single cause for autism is known. However, occurrences of this disorder have significantly increased in the last ten years. Studies link the illness to brain defects, toxic metal poisoning from lead, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Metabolites of toxic chemicals have been detected in the urine of autistic children. These children have weak immune systems resulting in chronic infections. Vaccination, particularly the whooping cough vaccine, often triggers autism. Poor nutrition also plays a role, as vitamin supplements with certain B vitamins have produced favorable results. Food allergies, especially to the gluten in wheat, and candidiasis yeast infections are additional problems to be considered. Eliminating sugar from the diet is most important.

Supplements and herbs

Studies involving autistic children show that supplementation with vitamin B6 has a positive effect on behavior. Vitamin B6 should be combined with vitamin B complex and magnesium , supplements. A magnesium deficiency may result if vitamin B6 is supplemented alone. Folic acid is another B vitamin highly recommended for autism. New studies have shown that acidophilus provide friendly bacteria which benefit the treatment of autism.

Positive effects have been obtained with orthomolecular therapy. Niacin, vitamins B5 and B6, and vitamin C with magnesium counteract the magnesium depletion which accompanies large doses of vitamin B6.

Herbal remedies provide effective relief from symptoms associated with autism. The following should be taken as tinctures, 15-20 drops, twice daily.

• Wild lettuce extract promotes overall calming of the nerves and restores a sense of control and balance without causing drowsiness.
• Ginkgo biloba also has a positive effect on the nervous system, especially when used in conjunction with evening primrose oil, lobelia, oat extract, skullcap, St. John's wort and wild lettuce.

What else you can do

• Speech, music and dance therapies have been effective in drawing the child out of his or her isolation.
• Cranial osteopathy has had good results, but should only be performed by a professional therapist.
• Hair mineral analysis can be helpful to pinpoint individual mineral deficiencies. In addition, blood amino acid levels can be tested.

How much to take

Adult daily dosages:

• Vitamin B6, 20 mg
• Magnesium, 600 mg
• Vitamin B complex, 50-100 mg
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 250 mg
• Folic acid, 400 mcg
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, 3 capsules or 1 tsp. daily

Children's daily dosages:

• Vitamin B6, age three to six, 1 mg; age seven to eleven, 2 mg
• Magnesium, age three to six, 200 mg; age seven to eleven, 300 mg
• Vitamin B complex, age three to six, 10 mg; age seven to eleven, 20 mg
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, age three to six, 150 mg age seven to eleven, 200 mg
• Folic acid, age three to six, 150 mcg; age seven to eleven, 300 mcg

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