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"QUICK JUMPS" ON THIS PAGE Throughout the article are links to other articles about the linked subject matter - use your "browser's" back button to return to this article, or use "CNTRL - D" to add to your favourites. Autism is a profound and poorly understood developmental disorder that severely impairs a person’s abilities, particularly in the areas of language and social relations. Autistic children are typically normal in appearance and physically well developed. Their disabilities in communication and comprehension range from profound to mild. Currently (2007), there has been an exponential increase in the number of new diagnoses of autism. And there is continuing debate and controversy as to what the diagnosis/term/box ‘autism’ actually constitutes. There is even more debate and controversy as to its causes, and potential for treatment /amelioration. Between the years 1987 and 1998, the latest figures available form the California Dept of Developmental services reported a 273% increase in diagnosed cases of autism. Studies in Florida, Illinois, England , Iceland, Japan and Australia have all recorded much higher incidence rates than previously assumed. Disability from the disorder varies in the extreme. Some autistic persons require constant supervision and assistance, even permanent institutionalisation. Others attend regular school, find jobs, lead independent lives and their affliction may not even be noticed by other people. Autistic savants (displaying extraordinary skills in the areas of mathematics, art, music and the ability to memorise data), attract a great deal of attention from the media and general public. Less than 1% of the general population are capable of such feats, but the incidence of such abilities in the autistic population is 10%. No one knows why this occurs. Some consider it is a result of highly concentrated focus on a specific area of interest. So far, the search for the cause of autism, focuses upon genetics and environmental factors (viruses or chemicals). There is little doubt that genetics plays a part. 75% of autistic people are male, and generally, when females are afflicted, they are more severely impaired. A family with one child with autism has a five to ten percent chance of having another child with the disorder. A family with no autistic children has a 0.1-0.2 % chance of having a child with autism. The consensus of opinion of mainstream autism researchers would indicate that the disorder results from neurological problems occurring during prenatal development or within the first years of life whilst neural connections are still being made. In order to put the above into perspective, we will first have a look at standard medical texts to see what is ‘defined’ as ‘autism’. We will then look at observations in the clinical and research settings, and from there look to what can be done, with our present understanding, to prevent this disorder escalating more than it already has in our toxic environment. Medical Text Definitions of ‘AUTISM’ According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, published in 1994 (DSM IV - A manual of criteria for diagnosis written by the American Psychiatric Association.), Autistic Disorder is listed as one of a sub-class of disorders classified under its criteria as a pervasive developmental disorder. In children with this particular Pervasive Developmental Disorder there is substantial delay in communication and social interaction associated with development of “restricted, repetitive and stereotyped” behaviour, interests, and activities. The DSM IV, identifies five different disorders referred to collectively as the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). The Following excerpt is from Behave Net Clinical Capsules2 concerning DSM IV diagnostic criteria of ‘Autistic Disorder’. “DSM IV Diagnostic criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3): (1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: (a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviours such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction (b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level (c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest) (d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity (2) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime) (b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language (d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level (3) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus (b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals (c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements) (d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects 4. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play. 5. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett’s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy lists autism under the heading of a “Psychiatric Condition of Childhood and goes on to define it as “A syndrome of early childhood characterised by abnormal social relationships; language disorder with impaired understanding, echolalia and pronominal reversal (particularly using ‘you’ instead of ‘I’ or ‘me’ when referring to one’s self.); rituals and compulsive phenomena (an instance of the preservation of sameness); and uneven intellectual development with mental retardation in most cases” The Reality………………………. The aetiology of autism is multi-factorial and temporally (timing) related to the child’s development from conception. Autism is the most frequently occurring form of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)4 Autism is characterised by impairments or delays in social interaction and language, a lack of skills necessary for imaginative play and fantasy, repetitive patterns of behaviours, with an onset generally, prior to 3 years of age. Currently,approximately 80% of children with autism also have some degree of mental retardation and most do not reach independence as adults.4 Their most distinctive feature, however - which helps distinguish them from individuals who are solely mentally retarded - is that they seem isolated from the world around them. Autism manifests uniquely in the individual as a cluster of symptoms which are rarely the same from one person to another Researchers continue to work to clarify the confusion and controversy concerning the nature, causes, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of autism. Current research has uncovered subtle differences in the onset and development of symptoms, and different types of autism have been described. Generally speaking, an autistic child is out of touch (or perhaps too in touch) with their environment. Defining ‘Autism’ in the clinical setting In clinical presentation, autism appears to occur as a “spectrum” or “continuum” of disorders (Hence Autistic Spectrum Disorders or ASD) and has, at this stage of our scientific, medical and naturopathic knowledge, an ‘unknown’ aetiology. Current knowledge of the disorder has led most researchers, clinicians and therapists to believe that not only is the disorder on a continuum, but it is the manifestation of the combined interaction of genetics, the environment and the insults that the individual’s immunologic, gastrointestinal and neurological systems have received from our toxic environment in the early stages of their development.5 Both clinical experience and the latest scientific research from institutions and organisations worldwide agree that Autism is neurobiological in aetiology and time critical. Not only in the manner of onset, but also for the potential for optimal intervention. The U.S. National Children’s Study, neurotoxicology, study design. Environ Health Perspect 113:1437–1446 (2005). doi:10.1289/ehp.7672 available via http://dx.doi.org / [Online 24 June 2005 - copy paste 10.1289/ehp.7672 in the doi field] set out to investigate and attempt to quantify the effects of environmental exposures on child development. The fundamental lesson learned from studies of the effects of environmental exposures to the foetus and child is that the developing brain is one of the organs in the human body most sensitive to damage. Functional manifestations ranging from frank mental retardation to milder learning disabilities are the most common class of birth defects (Lipkin 1991). See the article Stages of Brain Development for more information about the development of the human brain from conception to birth; and the article Sensory Motor Integration for information as to landmarks of motor development from birth to adolescence.
Autistic Spectrum
Disorder is diagnosed by the inherent behaviours,
Commonly, these behaviours may include:-
Most autistic children are not diagnosed until 2 to 4 years of age, delaying crucial early treatment and intervention. Said Dr. David Marks, M.D.in a widely publicised interview on US television. ( http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=89103@wcbs.dayport.com ). Autistic behaviours may appear as early, or sometimes earlier than 8 months of age. Many paediatricians however, are reluctant to diagnose prior to the age of three. In what has become known amongst clinicians as ‘classical autism’, the child is born with a compromised immune system, a compromised gastro-intestinal tract and as a consequence of the above, compromised neurological function. Regressive autism occurs when there has been ‘normal’ development of faculties to a point in time and then an acute loss of function occurs. Usually, this is a result of toxic insult to the immune, gastro-intestinal and consequently, the neurologic systems of the body.
 An increasing body of evidence now points to the role of the gut in optimal brain function and behaviour. Many recently published books highlight the gut-brain connection in Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Schizophrenia, Dyspraxia, Depression, and Dyslexia including:-
Clinicians and researchers in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ADHD and associated learning and behavioural disorders are now in the midst of a paradigm shift. This shift involves discarding old beliefs and myths around ASD and acknowledging that these children are medically sick Clusters of symptoms affecting this axis may include:-
Neuronal development is a delicate and intricate process and may be interrupted in autistic individuals due to toxic insult at time critical stages of development. One dogma that still persists is that the blood brain barrier protects the brain at all times and lets nothing through that may be detrimental. Whilst it does protect the brain to a certain extent from exogenous insult, we now know that the blood brain barrier is not as effective as we used to think. The integrity of the blood brain barrier can be compromised (by whatever means in development and growth) and gaps may form between the cells allowing toxins to enter directly via the blood stream causing inflammation of neuronal tissue.
If insult at critical stages of embryonic and early development occurs as illustrated in the Stages of Brain Development article, deficits in cognitive function will occur. Recent neuroscience research in this area of early development of the foetus into detection of developmental delay and autism has found that three times the amount of placental trophoblast inclusions were found in the placental tissue of those children born with developmental problems than in controls. ( "Placental Trophoblast Inclusion in Autism". Anderson et al., Biological Psychiatry, epublished June 23, 2006. ) Interpretation and Implications of this finding -• May reflect underlying developmental problems • May point to certain molecular alterations • If replicated may be useful as part of a multi marker risk assessment panel ( George M. Anderson, Ph.D. Child Study Centre, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA - at the The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders Tenth International Conference, Tysons Corner, Virginia - November 10, 2006. "Perinatal Factors & Early Biomarkers in Autism: Past Findings and Future Prospects"). The Summary of "Findings
and Future Directions" of this lecture concluded that further
studies to be undertaken should include- The brain is not a static entity. It responds to drugs, to foods, to exercise, to hormones, to nutrients. It is composed of innumerable cells which perform a wide variety of functions. It reacts, it repairs, it is dynamic, it is living. Some researchers have noted that the autistic brain has smaller memory (amygdala), emotion (hippocampus) and learning centres (cerebellum) than normal. The autistic brain does not seem to function at all like a normal brain. Neuroscientist, Eric Courchesne and colleagues have used deep brain scans to show that the fusiform gyrus (part of the brain involved in face recognition) isn't active in autistic children. Other studies report dysfunction in the parietal lobes and the corpus callosum. The anatomical and functional abnormalities strongly suggest dysfunctional genes and misguided development. So far, a gene called WNT2 and another called HOXA1 (both involved in early brain development) and a third gene that codes for serotonin are likely candidates. It is estimated that 10 or more genes may ultimately be implicated.
Structural imaging studies reveal: - Cerebral atrophy7 - Ventricular Dilation1 - Abnormal ventral temporal cortical activity during face discrimination among individuals with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome9 - Various abnormalities of cellular migration10 - Anterior and medial temporal lobe abnormalities11 - Decreased neuronal size and increased cell packing density has been observed in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and amygdala suggesting cells are fixed at an earlier stage of brain maturation. 16
Neurological Networks in Autism Some researchers believe that autism is a result of a dysfunctional networking between brain regulatory centres as indicated in the following diagram.
Recent research has shown that autistic disorders have as their basis disturbances in neural connectivity - some brain regions reveal hyper-connectivity or coherence and and others hypo. Connectivity/coherence guided neurofeedback is capable of significantly remedying these functional anomalies and reducing symptoms of autism. qEEG guided Neurofeedback should therefore be incorporated in their treatment planning. Mirror neurons, discovered in the late 1990's, are a subset of neurons that are activated when an individual performs certain actions as well as when we observe another performing the same actions or movements. These neurons provide a direct internal experience and therefore understanding of another person's act, intention or emotion. They appear to underlie the ability to imitate another's action, and thereby learn. The 'mirror mechanism' is a bridge for communication and connection on several levels.
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran and Lindsay M. Oberman have investigated the links between autism and the mirror neuron system at the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University of California, San Diego. Their studies conclude that the mirror neuron system is dysfunctional in autistic individuals. In their studies they correlated the 'mu' brainwave pattern (8-13 Hertz) as a means of estimating the level of dysfunction of that system. When studying a high functioning autistic child's electroencephalograph (EEG), "The EEG showed that the child had an observable mu wave that was suppressed when he made a simple, voluntary movement, just as in normal children. But when the child watched someone else perform the action, the suppression did not occur. We concluded that the child’s motor command system was intact but that his mirror neuron system was deficient". Studies have since been replicated around the world. Jaime A. Pineda, a colleague of Ramachandran and Oberman is pursuing this approach utilising neurofeedback, and his preliminary results as presented at this year's (September, 2007) International Society For Neurofeedback and Research Conference look very promising. The use of EEG biofeedback (Neurofeedback) to improve autism via the mirror neuron system, or at least alleviate some of its symptoms involves monitoring the mu waves of a child with autism and displaying them on a screen in front of the individual. If the child’s mirror neuron functions are dormant rather than completely lost, it may be possible for him/her to revive this ability by learning over time —through trial and error and visual feedback— how to suppress the mu waves on the screen. Neurofeedback should be administered together with the traditional behavioural-training techniques and other multidisciplinary approaches as discussed in this article in order to address the many aspects of dysfunction exhibited in the autistic spectrum of disorders. Potential Herbal Intervention As An Adjunctive In Addressing The Mirror Neuron System Deficits Observed in Autism Club Moss - Huperzia serrata
is a Chinese herb
traditionally used as a diuretic, sedative and antispasmodic; it was used among
the elderly to improve memory. It is from the Lycopodium
(Lycopodiaceae) family now used in Western herbal medicine
that has been shown to promote the outgrowth of neurons’ dendrites. Club Moss enhances the
function of neurotransmitters and has been shown to help increase Acetylcholine
levels (due to the Huperzine A content of Club Moss inhibiting the
acetylcholinesterase enzyme that degrades Acetylcholine). Huperzine A has proven
to be a valuable adjunctive intervention in Alzheimer’s Disease. (Acetylcholinesterase
is over-active in Alzheimer’s Disease patients). Toxicology and efficacy studies have shown that Huperzine
A is non-toxic even when administered at 50 - 100 times the human therapeutic
dosage. Unlike other cholinesterase inhibitors, Huperzine A (desirably) does NOT
bind to Muscarinic M1 nor Muscarinic M2 Receptors. Huperzine A is very effective
in crossing the blood-brain barrier, and maximum levels of Huperzine A occur in
the brain at 1.3 hours after its ingestion. A complementary hypothesis to the mirror neuron system - the salience landscape theory - could account for some secondary symptoms of autism such as hypersensitivity. One group of researchers decided to explore the possibility that children with autism have a distorted salience landscape, perhaps because of altered connections between the cortical areas that process sensory input and the amygdala or between the limbic structures and the frontal lobes that regulate the resulting behaviour. As a result of these abnormal connections, any trivial event or object could set off an extreme emotional response—an autonomic storm—in the child’s mind. This hypothesis would explain why children with autism tend to avoid eye contact and any other novel sensation that might trigger an upheaval. These distorted perceptions of emotional significance might also explain why many children with autism become intensely preoccupied with trifles such as train schedules while expressing no interest at all in things that most children find fascinating. Their findings, observing galvanic skin response or skin conductance, indicated that children with autism tend to have a much higher level of autonomic arousal than normal children. Therefore any approach which aims at balancing autonomic function such as gentle bodywork therapies such as the Bowen Technique and CranioSacral Therapy, will be beneficial to autistic individuals. Immune System Difficulties Common In Autism Altered sensitivity to — toxins (pesticides. gas-off from building materials and furnishings ~ preservatives, food colourings, flavour enhancers, processed food additives), foods (gluten, casein, yeast, sugar, salicylates), heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, aluminum etc), infections (bacterial, viral, yeast), vaccinations Abnormal processing — autoimmune dysfunction, fungal, bacterial and viral infections Autistic individuals appear to be particularly susceptible to candidiasis — candida albicans — a yeast overgrowth with the potential to breach the bowel and cause intestinal permeability. Candida has the potential to turn from yeast to a fungal infection and the rootlets grow into the intestinal barrier and attach themselves to nervous tissue20.. — See Intestinal Permeability later in this article. Digestive Abnormalities Common In Autism Altered enzyme function Changes in bowel flora — increased harmful (toxic) bacteria Increase in intestinal permeability to antigens, peptides and toxins Biochemical Peculiarities In Autism Defective detoxification leading to toxic overload is common in autism, therefore support of detoxification pathways — liver etc. is desirable.
Metabolic and Nutritional
Deficiencies
In Autism
Intestinal Permeability is an ailment of the digestive system characterised by the inability of the intestines to prevent the “leakage” of large particles (Antigens) through the intestinal wall into general blood circulation. It is universally found in autistic individuals. Intestinal permeability is a poorly recognised but extremely common problem. It is rarely tested for. Essentially, it represents a hyperpermeable intestinal lining whereby large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall, and bacteria, toxins and food leak in to where they shouldn’t. If the gut is not healthy, neither is the rest of the body. It is the point of fuel and nutrient entry. (See earlier comment regarding the gut/brain connection). In some cases of intestinal permeability whole bacteria, the toxins produced by bacteria (endotoxins or Lipopolysaccharides) and other antigens are able to permeate the intestinal wall or gastric mucosa and enter the lymph glands, lungs, liver and other organs where they produce various diverse ailments. When the antigen is a microorganism, this phenomenon is known as microbial translocation (when the microorganism is bacteria, the phenomenon is known as bacterial translocation). During intestinal permeability, the epithelium of the villi of the small intestine becomes inflamed and dysfunctional impeding absorption of essential nutrients. The Following Substances may Cause intestinal Permeability Carbohydrates Excessive consumption of simple sugars may cause intestinal permeability.8 Microorganisms Candida albicans overgrowth (Candidiasis) may cause intestinal permeability (this occurs via the Acetaldehyde produced by candida albicans damaging the epithelial cells of the small intestine).’9 Some types of detrimental protozoa may cause intestinal permeability: - Blastocystis hominis may cause intestinal permeability.2 - Yersinia enterocolitica may cause intestinal permeability.12 Pharmaceutical Drugs Methotrexate may cause intestinal permeability.23 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen may cause intestinal permeability (by inhibiting certain Prostaglandins that normally protect the intestinal wall).24 Pharmaceutical Antibiotics may cause Intestinal Permeability (by killing the layer of Beneficial Bacteria that reside in the Mucous Layer of the Intestinal Wall).26 Potential Herbal Intervention To Assist In Healing The Gut The herb, Hydrastis canadensis (Golden Seal popularly), may be a candidate as an adjunctive in nutritional and biomedical treatment of the intestinal inflammation and permeability seen in the autistic population and is used in traditional Western herbal medicine as a trophorestorative for the mucous membranes. Additional properties of golden seal are said to be antihaemorrhagic, anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, bitter tonic, antinflammatory, depurative, vulnery, choleretic, and reputed oxytocic actions. It is used traditionally for such conditions as skin disorders, dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, dysmennorrhoea, sinusitis, and mucosal inflammations. Key constituents of the herb are Beta-Hydrastine, berberine, canadine, as well as other alkaloids. Due to the potential for toxic and interactive possibilities, Golden Seal should be prescribed only by a qualified, experienced practitioner at accepted therapeutic dosages. It should be noted that there is considerable adulteration of the herb in commercially available products due to the scarcity and price of genuine golden seal and therefore only authenticated, cultivated material should be used. There is no cure for autism, but its effects can be ameliorated. B. J. Freeman, professor of medical psychology at UCLA has been quoted in saying "whose to say there aren't things in the environment involved in autism. If you look hard enough and know what to look for, you can see evidence of autistic symptoms in the first few months of life in 95% of cases". The key, according to Freeman, is identifying autistic children as soon as possible---and acting. "Very few people talk about a cure, but I have seen plenty of autistic kids treated who are now indistinguishable from normal kids", said the late Dr. Rimland of the Autism Research Institute, an advocate of vitamin therapy. As all parents of autistic children learn, there is no shortage of autism remedies. Some of these include dietary changes, elimination of gluten and dairy, supplementation, purging the body of heavy metals, toxins and drugs used to combat depression, convulsions and hyperactivity to more controversial therapies like secretin (a hormone involved in digestion) supplementation.(See later comment regarding a co-ordinated, individualised programme). Equally important in improving autism outcomes is behaviour therapy. Applied Behavioural analysis (ABA) comes in many forms. No single method works for every autistic child. Connecting is the key to behaviour training. While typical children absorb social lessons around them almost automatically, the autistic child does not. For example, a normal preschooler might see his peers line up for class and conclude that he is supposed to as well. The autistic child might not even notice there are other children nearby. In behaviour training, therapists use visual and verbal cues to teach autistic children what to do and how to behave in different specific circumstances. Sometimes this is done with pictures, food, mimicry or simply repeating a behaviour until the child catches on. The setting for behaviour training can be limited to a child and therapist or parent or can take place in a more communal setting. Aubyn Stahmer, Clinical Research Director of the Children's Toddler School (USA), a preschool that involves and mixes together autistic and developmentally normal children believes "other children are often the best teachers". Timely intervention is critical; the behavioural therapies are much less effective if begun after autism’s main symptoms appear (typically between ages two and four). The road to recovery in the autistic spectrum of disorders is not an easy one - there is no quick fix or panacea. It is intensive and long, requiring commitment from all concerned - parents, families, friends, carers and interdisciplinary practitioners alike. As each child is unique, so will their particular needs be.
Baseline Investigation
- at many levels in an organised, co-operative and interdisciplinary manner needs to be undertaken.
Trying 'this' then 'that' without a coordinated baseline and intervention plan results in wasted time, effort and money. - This is of detriment to both the autistic individual, their families and the integrity of the therapies attempted - remember, there is NO panacea for autism as it is a continuum of disorders manifesting uniquely in the individual concerned. What 'works' with one autistic individual may not necessarily benefit another. Repair - low irritant diet, nutrients and herbal medicine according to metabolic and other findings to support growth & repair:-
Retest the triad of baselines - metabolic, nutritional, neurological. Integrate therapies for sensory integration — whilst continuing dietary and biomedical interventions.
A child's healthy development in all forms, particularly those of social/emotional, communication, and behaviour, should be closely monitored by parents and care givers continually, and by health care practitioners through screenings incorporated into each neonatal visit………… education of all concerned in the care of children as to the early warning signs as well as knowledge of the available interventions and current research into developmental disorders should be a priority of all governments…………. Early recognition and appropriate, timely, synergistic interventions are crucial to success in amelioration of developmental disorders and any problem perceived by a parent or teacher as having such warrants attention. With appropriate interventions, a child can overcome or learn to compensate for a wide range of developmental problems. Intensive, well-designed, and timely intervention can improve the prospects—and the quality of life—for many children who are considered at risk for cognitive, social, or emotional impairment. Experience in this clinic has shown that with effort, and time, the following multimodal interventions including diet (low allergenic, gluten-free, dairy free) nutritional supplements (Vit B, magnesium, essential fatty acids & others as per pathological and metabolic findings of the individual), EEG biofeedback training (synonymous with 'neurofeedback'), ABA training, speech therapy, Sound Therapy, Sensory Integration methods, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy (Upledger) and aromatherapy are useful in ameliorating many of the symptoms of autism. At Learning Discoveries, our multi-modal, interdisciplinary approach aims at guiding and educating the person (and their families) in their own innate capacities to attain functionality, balance and wellbeing in their lives. Consultation is by appointment only, for assessment and intervention programmes, please telephone the clinic during business hours. Article compiled by Rosemary Boon and Gregory de Montfort (March 2008) 1. DSM1V published by the American Psychiatric Association 2. Behave Net clinical Capsules http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/index.htm. 3. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy 4. (Siegel 1996). 5. Gupta S, et al. Th1- and Th2-like cytokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in autism. J Neuroimmunol. 1998 May 1;85(1):106-9. 6. Campbell-McBride, N (2005): Gut and Psychology Syndrome 7. Courchesene et.al. Brainstem, cerebellar and limbic neuroanatomical abnormalities in autism. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 1997 Apr;7(2):269-78. Review. 8. (‘Gaffney & Tsai, 1987) 9. (‘Shultz et.al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57.331-34Q) 10. (Piven et. al. 1990) 11. Bauman ML, et al. Early infantile autism. Int Rev Neurobiol. 1997;41:367-86. Review. 12. Bolton PF, et al. Autism, affective and other psychiatric disorders: patterns of familial aggregation. Psychol Med. 1998 Mar;28(2):385-95.. 13. Chugani DC, et al. Altered serotonin synthesis in the dentatothalamocortical pathway in autistic boys. Ann Neurol. 1997 Oct;42(4):666-9. 14. Maurer & Damasio, 1982; 15. Bachevalier J. Brief report: medial temporal lobe and autism: a putative animal model in primates. J Autism Dev Disord. 1996 Apr;26(2):217-20. Review. 16. (Miller et.al. 1999) 17. (Zimmerman & Gordon 2001) 18. DeAnn, J., et al. Gut restoration and chronic disease. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 5(4):20-33, 2002. 19. Martin, S. Intestinal permeability. BioMed Newsletter. 11, 1995. 20. Gates, D. The Body Ecology Diet 21. Miller, A. L. The pathogenesis, clinical implications, and treatment of intestinal hyperpernmeability. Alternative Medicine Review. 2(5):330-345, 1997. 22. Serrander, R., et al. Acute Yersinia infections in man increase intestinal permeability for low-molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEG 400). Scand J Infect Dis. 18:409-413, 1986. 23. Hone, T., et al. Docosahexaenoic acid exhibits a potent protection of small intestine from methotrexateinduced damage in mice. Life Sciences. 62(l5):1333-1338, 1998. 24. Bjarnason, I., et al. Importance of local versus systematic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in increasing small intestinal penmeability in man. Gut. 32:275-277, 1991. 25. Fond, J., et al. Assessment of intestinal permeability changes induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the rat. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods. 34(1):9-16, 1995. 26. Miller, A. L. The pathogenesis, clinical implications, and treatment of intestinal hyperpermeability. Alternative Medicine Review. 2(5):330-345, 1997. 27. Jarusiewicz, B. (2002). Efficacy of neurofeedback for children in the autistic spectrum: A pilot study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 6(4), 39-49. 28. Scolnick, B. (2005). Effects of electroencephalogram biofeedback with Asperger’s syndrome. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 28(2), 159-163. 29. Sichel, A. G., Fehmi, L. G., & Goldstein, D. M. (1995). Positive outcome with neurofeedback treatment of a case of mild autism. Journal of Neurotherapy, 1(1), 60-64. 30. Pineda, J. A., presentation at the September, 2007 International Society For Neurofeedback and Research Conference in San Diego. Autism Links: Learning Discoveries offers the links below as a convenience to our clients and users of this website. We do not control third party websites and are not responsible for their contents. Denver Colorado Autism Presentation Excerpts from the Autism Society of America, Colorado Chapter's 2002 Conference Key-Note Address - presented by Rosemary Boon. Exploring Autism - An article written by Beverly Shamon, Medical Herbalist, Iridologist, Kinesiologist, Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist. Beverly can be contacted via email at: ehc@ion.com.au , or by telephoning: (07) 5535 1552. Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders is the national peak body representing people who have an autism spectrum disorder, their families, carers and helpers. Autism Spectrum Australia Aspect provides information, education and other services through partnerships with people with autism spectrum disorders, their families and communities. Mindd Foundation Mindd, an acronym for Metabolic, Immune, Neurologic and Digestive Disorders is a non-profit Health Promotion Trust set up and run by a team of patients, medical doctors and health care professionals, MINDD Foundation is well placed to promote improved treatments for a range of disorders including Autism, ADD, asthma, eczema, allergies, food sensitivities, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, digestive disorders, Schizophrenia, depression and chronic infections. Autism Research Unit - Paul Shattock's website at the University of Sunderland, U.K. Dr Alex Richardson Senior Research Fellow, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford; and Founder Director of FAB (Food and Behaviour) Research. Food and Behaviour Research (FAB Research) is a charitable organisation dedicated both to advancing scientific research into the links between nutrition and human behaviour and to making the findings from such research available to the widest possible audience.Advocates For Children Pediatrics, Ltd. - Dr. Elizabeth Mumper - Medical director of DAN Physician's Training. Offering expert paediatric consultation with a focus on behavioural problems, learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, and chronic disease. Our practice is unique in its use of state of the art research, patient education, and collaboration with other physicians, community resources, and families The Autism Research Institute (ARI):
The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is the hub of a worldwide network of parents and professionals concerned with autism. The founder of ARI is
the late Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., an internationally recognized authority on autism and the father of a high-functioning autistic son. ARI is a non-profit organization which provides its services free of charge, except for nominal fees to cover postage and printing. ARI depends for its support upon charitable contributions from concerned individuals and organisations. www.danconference.com Defeat Autism Now! conference sponsored by the Autism Research Institute www.DanWebcast.com Webcasts of the Dan! conferences www.AutismMercuryDetox.com ARI’s Treatment Options for Mercury/Metal Toxicity in Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities www.ARI-ATEC.com Autism Research Institute - Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) Internet Scoring Program www.gfcfdiet.com The GFCF Diet:- Gluten Free Casein Free Dietary Intervention For Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The GFCF Diet Support Group Information Website The Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI) provides help and support for families using a Gluten Free/Caesin Free diet in the treatment of autism and related developmental disorders Chidren's Neurobiological Solutions CNS is a nonprofit research foundation improving the lives of children disabled by neurological disorders through research focused on brain repair and regeneration. Alternative Therapies for Children with Developmental Disorders: Written and overseen by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., Ph.D. Program Director, Continuum Centre for Health and Healing, Beth Israel Hospital / Albert Einstein School of Medicine - this site is a wealth of information for parents and professionals alike. The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders - Chaired by Stanley Greenspan M.D., the ICDL is a non profit organisation of professionals from all disciplines working with children with developmental and learning disorders, collaborating and sharing knowledge. Its aim is to improve the identification, prevention and treatment of developmental and learning disorders. A wealth of information for professionals and parents.
The information contained in this website is intended for educational purposes only and was current at the time of publishing. It is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis and/or assessment. Information will be updated as and when time allows………. Each person is an individual, and has a unique biochemistry and history. A thorough assessment needs to be conducted. Appointments for assessments can be made by contacting the clinic on: (02) 9637 9998 |
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Rosemary Boon Registered PsychologistM.A.(Psych), Grad. Dip. Ed. Studies (Sch.Counsel), Grad. Dip. Ed., B.Sc., MAPS, ACNEM. |
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The doctor of the future will give no medicine,
Send mail to Rosemary Boon with questions or comments about this web site.
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