Autism

The dramatic rise in cases of autism over the last couple decades, with an estimated one out of every 90 children suffering from it, should be a flashing red light that certain types of relatively new environmental hazards are likely playing a key role in this disorder.

At the Magaziner Center for Wellness, our approach to treating the condition involves thoroughly screening patients for the presence of various toxins and uncovering what types of chemical agents or heavy metals they might have been inadvertently exposed to, including before birth.

What is autism?

Autism is not a single disorder, but a general terms for a group of complex brain-development problems present from early childhood. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning there is a wide degree of variation in how it affects people. Some autistic individuals are unable to communicate or care for themselves, while others have above average intelligence and are completely self-sufficient.

What causes autism?

No single cause has been identified, however, researchers recently discovered a rare gene mutation that appears to cause a greater susceptibility to autism. Along with that, numerous toxins, including heavy metals, pesticides, food additives, and even ingredients in shampoos, have been associated with the condition. One recent study on umbilical cord blood found that, at birth, the average newborn has already been exposed to 287 different chemicals.

How would I know if my child is autistic?

The fact that your child may have a few autism-like symptoms does not mean he or she is autistic. But if enough problems with both social interactions and using language are continually evident over a sustained period of time, it may call for an examination and diagnosis:

Some of the key symptoms to be aware of include:

• Resistance to being touched
• Lack of interest in and difficulty relating to others
• Delayed speech, not speaking until after the age of two and a struggle to communicate needs
• Repetitive body movements or ticks, rocking, hand flapping, etc.
• Obsessive need for order and routine, and being made upset by any small change in the environment
• Extreme attachment to random objects, such as a rock, keys, light switches, etc.
• Failure to comprehend simple questions or statements

How they treat it

Traditionally, autism is treated with a combination of medication, behavioral training and specialized therapies, including occupational, speech and physical therapy. Being that symptoms vary so greatly from one person to the next, a highly personalized approach is necessary.

How we treat it

At the Magaziner Center for Wellness, we utilize an extremely thorough series of blood and urine tests, as well as a complete examination of every aspect of the body, from mitochondrial function to heavy metal toxicity. We then create a personalized care plan which may include safe, nontoxic dietary supplements, antifungal agents, and dietary modifications, detoxification of environmental pollutants and toxic metals, and avoidance of certain foods which could be contributing to symptoms. We also often recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which greatly increases oxygen uptake, and has been found useful in the treatment of autism.