During an informative seminar, Dr. Sherman Johnson, M.D. and Dr. Chitra Bhakta, M.D., reviewed startling evidence about an alternative therapy for treating autism. Known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT, it is commonly used to treat wounds, deep sores, and crush injuries. The effectiveness of this therapy in treating traumatic injuries has demonstrated that a relatively low pressure of oxygen administered in a pressurized chamber can significantly assist in reducing tissue inflammation and promote healthy circulation of oxygenated blood.

Reductions of brain and gut inflammation as well as overall blood flow are common concerns in treating the autistic condition. This correlation between oxygen, reduced inflammation and increased blood flow presents a strong argument that HBOT could be a formidable new weapon in the fight against autism.

A Healing Hypothesis

In an article published in Medical Hypotheses, volume 67, issue 2, of 2006, a team from the Department of Family Medicine of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, presents a clear hypothesis with supporting evidence that HBOT may improve both medical and behavioral symptoms in autistic children.

The hypothesis suggests that autistic brain inflammation as shown in ultrasounds and PET (positron emission tomography) scans reduces blood flow to the brain’s temporal lobes, and thalamus. The temporal lobes of the brain deal primarily with proper hearing, emotional responses, memory and speech while the thalamus acts as the receiver and director of signals from the various brain regions.

Dr. Bhakata states that this reduced blood flow in the brain is “responsible for some of the behaviors and symptoms that are seen in autistic kids.” She also points out that the reduced blood flow within the brain varies with a child’s age, and is difficult to correct as a child grows older. The hyperbaric hypothesis is that damaged brain tissue, treated with anti-inflammatory medications and saturated with oxygen, can heal as swelling is reduced and blood flow is increased.

Autistic children also suffer from abnormal swelling in the stomach and throughout the gastrointestinal system. All of this swelling results in an exaggerated response from the immune system, producing a large number of cytokines which are protein agents of the immune system that communicate between various cells. Preliminary studies have shown that HBOT along with anti-inflammatory medications can promote a more regulated immune system resulting in a significant reduction in the medical and behavioral symptoms commonly associated with autism.

Autism and Oxidative Stress

The medical community has conducted various studies that support the theory that autism is caused by multiple factors including a genetic disposition for the body to retain polluting toxins from surrounding environments. Oxidative stress occurs when a body cell struggles to get enough oxygen to repair significant damage within the cell structure.

A healthy cell should be able to repair itself even after exposure to minor environmental irritations. It is theorized that autism, resulting from a genetic pre-disposition for the body to be aggravated by environmental toxins, sustains a deregulation of the immune system, and increased swelling throughout the brain and gut.

This bodily panic attack creates a state of oxidative stress so that the body is unable to heal itself within normal parameters. The theory is that this oxidative stress, caused by a body’s inability to excrete environmental toxins, ultimately results in a toxic body burden within multiple organ systems.

These systems are then unable to heal themselves due to toxic interference and stress within the cells as they expend energy in trying to accomplish a futile healing process. During her presentation, Dr. Bhakata indicated that HBOT along with another alternative therapy called chelation can rid the body of the toxic burden and relieve oxidative stress.

Chelation and HBOT

Chelation is a proven method to treat toxic exposure to lead and other environmental toxins. It was developed in the 1940s as a method to remove toxic metals from people exposed to them while serving in the military. It is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and has proven effective in the treatment for lead exposure and similar toxic conditions. It is, however, not officially recommended as a treatment for autism and is considered to be an unproven therapy for autism spectrum disorder.

Chelation is a process where a chemical binding agent is introduced intravenously into a patient’s blood. DSMA is a chelating agent used for the removal of lead and it has the official Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval for such use. Although it can remove mercury and other heavy metals, it has not officially been approved by the FDA for the removal of metal toxins related to autism. The chelation process works as the binding agent binds with mercury and other heavy metals present in the blood stream allowing the body to excrete the metal toxins through the urinary tract system. The Hyperbaric Healing Centers , of which both Dr. Sherman and Dr. Bhakta are a part, promote both chelation and HBOT as effective alternative treatments for autism.

HBOT: How Does It Work?

HBOT was originally developed for the diving industry to help divers and others of similar professions overcome decompression sickness. It involves putting a patient into a sealed chamber that is pressurized with oxygen. Relatively low oxygen pressures are recommended in treating a child with autism.

Chambers vary in structure. The less expensive models have a soft case while the more expensive models have a hard case. A more modern chamber will have clear sides and top so that a patient can see outside while receiving treatment. A patient lies down comfortably inside the pressurized chamber and oxygen is administered and breathed in by the patient for an allotted amount of time.

While receiving treatment, children listen to music and some centers feature overhead television. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are large enough for two people to fit inside. If a child is anxious or claustrophobic about going inside a chamber, a parent can lie down with the child during treatment to lend a calming influence.

Pre-cautions, Side Effects and Cost

Before beginning any type of treatment, parents should consult with an autism specialist or pediatrician. Side effects from HBOT are mild and could include reversible myopia, mild seizures, sinus squeeze, and ear pressure issues. Cost for Hyperbaric Treatment varies, and treatment of the autistic condition using HBOT is not covered by most insurance companies.

Preliminary evidence suggests that HBOT could offer significant improvement of overall health in autistic children, yet it is important to note that it has not been proven by clinical studies and more studies are clearly needed.

An Autistic Child Can Improve Using HBOT

An unidentified woman at the autism seminar gave testimony that HBOT therapy along with an organic diet completely recovered her grandchild from the autistic condition. Gratitude showed in her face as she expressed joy over watching her granddaughter progress to recognize basic colors and letters. Dr. Bhakta expressed similar findings as she has
personally witnessed improvement in the overall health and behavior of her autistic patients.

Dr. Sherman expressed concern over the seriousness of the autistic condition stating that “without interventions, the prognosis is grim, but we know that treatments have evolved and that they are very successful and there is much hope.” The future of HBOT to help autistic children is still medically unclear, but one thing is certain, HBOT offers a hopeful alternative therapy in the fight against autism spectrum disorder.

More information on behavioral therapy combined with HBOT therapy at an affordable camp for kids suffering from brain injuries and disabilities.

Looking forward to a baby’s developmental milestones is typical for many parents. Crawling, sitting up alone, walking, smiling, reaching and first words are all exciting to watch. But what about the baby that is silent, withdrawn and easily frustrated? These are some of the basic signs of autism spectrum disorder and a new web based autism video glossary can help parents better determine the difference between normal development and autism spectrum disorder.

Developed by a Research Team

Developed by a research team at Florida State University, the Autism Web Based Video glossary is the first of its kind. Project Director, Professor Amy Wetherby, collaborated with two non-for-profit organizations, Autism Speaks, and First Signs to bring parents this informative early intervention tool. Professor Wetherby’s team known at Florida State University as the FirstWords Project is funded by several prominent educational organizations. The FirstWords Project is designed to assist the parents of children diagnosed with communication disorders. The autism web based video glossary is an innovative tool to support parents in evaluating the need for further diagnosis should developmental questions arise during a child’s growth.

Navigating the Glossary

Navigating the glossary is surprisingly easy with a systems check button to determine if a computer is compatible to the video glossary. Specialized software can be downloaded to help make video viewing possible.

The glossary is divided into two sections with a video glossary and a medical glossary. The video glossary utilizes side by side video clips of a normal child and an autistic child. The children are placed in similar settings and put through a set range of motions to demonstrate different behaviors. Other video clips demonstrate a single child in random environmental settings exhibiting different autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Parents should be patient in downloading the clips as the advanced technology associated with the video clips does take more buffering time.

The medical glossary contains definitions of different autistic behaviors. The FirstWords Project designed the medical glossary to assist parents everywhere in understanding the medical terminology associated with autism. Both the autism web based video glossary and the medical glossary are located at the Autism Speaks web site listed below.

Early Diagnosis and Intervention is Critical

Early diagnosis and intervention is critical to every autistic child’s success in managing the autistic disorder. The autism web based video glossary gives parents an edge in determining if a child needs professional evaluation. Hand flapping, rocking motions, avoiding eye contact, unnatural silence, hyper focusing and withdrawal are all classic autistic symptoms. Detected early, the child can be treated through proper medication and behavioral therapies. Some children with autism exhibit minor symptoms which can be difficult to detect while other children will have more obvious ones. Parents can utilize the autism web based video glossary to determine if a baby is exhibiting autistic symptoms and if the symptoms are minor or more extreme. Parents should then seek further clinical information and diagnosis from a pediatrician or autism specialist.

Medical professionals can also utilize the web based video glossary for reference to medical terminology associated with autism as well as typical autistic behaviors. Pediatricians and Family Practitioners who do not associate with autism on a daily basis can utilize the site to help ascertain proper diagnosis. When proper diagnosis has been determined, parents of autistic children should be referred to an autism specialist for treatment options and long term care.

A Powerful Weapon

Early diagnosis and intervention is a powerful weapon in the fight against autism. Many books and reports have shown that many children, with early intervention, are actually brought out of their autistic condition and are able to lead more normal, happier lives. The autism web based video glossary is an early intervention tool designed to help win the fight against autism spectrum disorder.

Resource links for parents for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders

The web based video glossary and medical glossary .

The First Words Project site at Florida State University. Designed to help parents in the early diagnosis and intervention of communication disorders.

This site gives insight into early intervention and diagnosis from personal accounts. Lists the five early signs of autism.

Autism first signs. Early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders.

In his new book, “Changing the Course of Autism”, Dr. Bryan Jepson, shares new insight about autism spectrum disorder which has stumped doctors and researchers for decades. In his book, Dr. Jepson explores three questions in regard to autism “What is the cause?, What are safe and effective autism treatments?, and Can the many therapies that are in use be narrowed and individualized to particular children?” He goes on to define autism as a “metabolic disease affecting multiple organ systems.” Dr. Jepson answers questions and explores child autism with fresh new insight that can help parents of autistic children everywhere.

Not Just a Brain Condition

In the early years, autism was widely perceived to be a psychological disorder mainly located somewhere in the brain and in the emotional make-up of the child. Dr. Jepson blows this theory out of the water with clear cut science designed to help parents and doctors better understand the autistic condition. Both psychological and medical case studies have been conducted to try and pinpoint the cause of this disease. In his book, Dr. Jepson explores the scientific theories regarding the many different factors that play a part in autism. He lists medical case studies and outcomes that have been explored since 1938. Dr. Jepson gives hopeful medical insight into this mysterious condition pointing out how the brain, the immune system, the “gut” or gastrointestinal system and our environmental pollutions play key roles in the disease of autism.

Autism: A Domino Effect

Dr. Jepson suggests a possible connection between the immune system, the brain and the gastrointestinal tract creating a domino effect and causing the condition of autism. When a virus invades the body, it is the immune system’s job to determine which part of the body is self and which is the invading virus. Studies have shown that autistic children have immune dysregulation problems, meaning that natural killer cells of the immune system are abnormal or seriously reduced. This makes it more difficult for autistic children to fight off infections and promotes the autistic condition through inflammation in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. A 2005 study out of John Hopkins by Vargas et. al. determined that this immune problem in autistic children is a “disease of ongoing, postnatal inflammation.” They hypothesized that it could be part of a child’s genetics or related to environmental factors either absorbed in the womb or sometime after birth. Dr. Jepson uses case studies to speculate that a mother having an “abnormal prenatal immune response” could cause immune problems in the baby leading to an autistic condition later in the child. Autistic children are highly prone to infections requiring antibiotics. Prolonged use of antibiotics can hurt the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract which in turn can cause more infectious conditions.

Food is also involved in autistic immune problems. If a child has a food allergy, it is the immune system’s job to respond and fight off the allergic reaction. Case studies have shown a noticeable improvement in autistic behavior after removing gluten and casein from a child’s diet. Gluten is a protein found in many common grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt. Casein is a protein found in cow’s milk. Case studies have shown that by removing these dietary items, inflammation in the brain and gastrointestinal tract is greatly reduced.

Inflammation in the brain of autistic children is thought to cause brain abnormalities affecting the way the brain sends signals to the body through neurotransmitters which are the chemical messengers of the brain. These brain abnormalities are thought to be the cause of lost motor and verbal skills so prevalent in the autistic condition. Neurotransmitters also affect sleep patterns which seems to explain why so many autistic children have abnormal sleep cycles.

Mutated Gene Raises Risk of Developing Autism

On October 16, 2006, Dr. Pat Levitt, Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, with his associates concluded a genetic study which identified a single mutation in a gene called MET. This particular gene is involved in the development of the brain, normal function of the immune system, and gastrointestinal repair. The study, published in the proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, indicates that this gene does not cause autism, but instead raises the risk of developing autism. Case studies of people with autism demonstrated that those with two copies of the mutated gene are at a greater risk than those with one copy. This particular gene regulates MET protein. The mutation affects how actively the gene is involved in normal development. Dr. Levitt and his associates pointed out that while this is a common mutation among 47% of the human population, this mutation coupled with environmental factors could help pinpoint the cause of autism. First author on the Vanderbilt paper was Dr. Daniel Campbell, researcher, and Doctors James Sutcliff and Phillip Ebert. This study has opened many research possibilities and supports Dr. Jepson’s theory that the autistic spectrum disorder is a condition brought on by the dysfunction of various systems within the body.

The Gut: Is it related?

A big question in the medical community is the role of the gut in the autistic condition. Dr. Jepson’s book points out case studies and theories that point to the possibility of a “leaky gut” theory. Decreased levels of sulfate or inadequate calcium in the blood affect the gates of the gut located between the absorptive cells which make up the lining of the GI tract. These gates of the gut or GI tract are referred to as “tight junctions.” When they malfunction, damaging toxins enter the bloodstream causing immune problems and damage to the brain. Casein and gluten are thought to be two of the molecules passing through the “leaky gut” causing the immune reactions leading to digestive problems and damage to the brain. Dr. Jepson’s book points to various studies which support the theory of the gut being involved in the autistic condition and even speculates that autism is in fact a “gut disease.”

Environmental Toxins, Mercury and the MMR Controversy

In his book, Dr. Jepson explores the possibility of environmental toxins both inside and outside the body as possible links or causes to the autistic condition. He goes on to say that “I believe that autism comes about in children who are born with a genetically vulnerable immune system that sustains damage from multiple environmental exposures reacting cumulatively and synergistically. The environmental exposures are likely to be different in different children which could explain the range of symptoms and the differing ages of onset.”

In our world today there are many environmental toxins, one of which is mercury. Mercury was part of a preservative called thimerosal commonly used in childhood vaccines. Due to a possible link between autism and mercury, manufacturers have removed thimerosal from almost all childhood vaccines. Mercury is still found in dental amalgams and in trace amounts in soil, water, seafood, and contaminated air. It has also been used in medical products other than thimerosal. Theory and study behind the possible mercury/autism link points to a genetic susceptibility in some children to retain mercury buildup within their developing systems. Although mercury has been
found to cause damage to developing brains, the mercury/ autism link is still highly controversial.

The MMR vaccine is a combination of three live viruses given to a child in a single vaccination. Many studies have been conducted to determine if the MMR is the cause of a problem in the gut or brain which could lead to the autistic condition. The overall conclusion of these studies is that there is no proven link between the MMR and autism. Dr. Jepson points out that more research in this area is clearly needed “as some published studies have confirmed the presence of vaccine-strain measles virus in the bowel tissues, the blood, and the CSF of children with autism and gastrointestinal disorders.”

Treating the Systems Affecting Autism

Based on various case studies, Dr. Jepson points out how four main systems of the body are impaired and connected in the realm of autism. They include the neurological system, the gastrointestinal system, the immune system and the toxicological system. Recommended treatment includes dietary changes, vitamin regimens, and anti-inflammatory medications to help treat and regulate each individual system. Dr. Jepson strongly recommends that parents “find a good doctor who specializes in treating the medical needs of autistic children.” He also points out that it may take several years to treat and help regulate each individual system. Treatment recommendations include supplementing the diet with vitamins and nutrients, treating the gut, supporting the detoxification process, calming and regulating the immune system while reducing the inflammation in the brain. For specific treatment options, pick up a copy of Dr. Jepson’s book and be sure to consult an autism specialist.

Dr. Jepson’s Book a Step in the Right Direction

Although the medical community is still far from finding a complete cure for autism, Dr. Jepson’s book “Changing the Course of Autism” is a step in the right direction. He outlines scientific and medical studies to help both parents and doctors better understand this mysterious disease. With over half a million American children affected by autism, parents and doctors can move forward with hope that autism can be treated and one day cured.

Reference:

Changing The Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach For Parents and Physicians, By: Bryan Jepson, M.D., 2007. First Sentient Publications, Boulder, Colorado, USA

Helpful Autism Links

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Learn the milestones your child should be reaching and act early if anything seems amiss.

Questions and Answers on Autism from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

News Release of Dr. Levitt’s Study , MSNBC

Anatomy and description of the leaky gut syndrome .

Vaccinations and autism, is there a link? This puzzling question has caused much controversy within the medical community. Parents of autistic children have also been asking questions, prompting medical research to try and determine if vaccines are either safe or dangerous. This interesting history demonstrates the dedication of both parents and doctors all over the world who are concerned about the well-being of every child.

What is Thimerosal?

Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative used widely in vaccines from 1930 to 1999 to prevent bacterial growth. In the beginning, thimerosal was not much of a concern as the level of mercury per vaccination was considered harmless. As the vaccine regimen changed and increased from one vaccination in the 1940’s to seventeen vaccinations given between birth and age five, thimerosal, became a genuine concern. Committees of the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency conducted studies with the possibility in mind that the increase in required vaccinations actually led to higher mercury levels which surpassed the EPA’s federal safety guidelines regarding safe mercury levels. Although no definite medical link was made to autism and the preservative thimerosal, in July 1999, the FDA recommended that manufacturers remove it from all vaccinations. This startling recommendation was the starting point of many conflicting medical studies.

Conflicting Medical Reports Fuel the Controversy

Conflicting medical reports have fueled the controversy. The Center for Disease Control, which regulates childhood vaccinations, led a study that was published in the November 2003 issue of the American Journal of Pediatrics. This study concluded there were “ no consistent significant associations between thimerosal containing vaccines (TCVs) and neurodevelopment outcomes.”

However, some doctors disagree and have studied vaccination trails only to see more prevalent autism rates where child vaccinations containing thimerosal have been distributed. In a letter to the editor in the March 2004 issue of the American Journal of Pediatrics, Mark R. Geier and David A. Geier point out three specific studies that correlate a link between the vaccine preservative thimerosal and autism. They state that “Evaluation of children with autistic spectrum disorders in comparison to normal matched control children has shown that autistic children retain abnormally high concentrations of mercury from such sources as thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines.” They go on to explain that children who develop autism have a genetic make-up that “causes them to have a decreased ability to excrete mercury.” This build up of mercury in the brain can lead to problems in the functioning and development of the brain. The authors go on to point out that “Thimerosal has been shown and conceded by authors from the Food and Drug Administration to cross the blood brain barrier and placental barrier resulting in considerable concentrations of mercury in the brain.” Their conclusions are discussed and questioned in a response by Paul Offit and Rita Jew. A link to the original article and these letters is given below.

Another study regarding the safety of the MMR shot conducted by a Dr. Andrew Wakefield was published in The Lancet Medical Journal in 1998. Dr. Wakefield’s research led many people to believe that there may be a connection between autism, bowel disease and the MMR shot. On July 17, 2007, the Associated Press released a story regarding Dr. Wakefield and the fact that his study has been discredited. Dr. Wakefield is also facing misconduct allegations regarding questionable research methods. In a statement by Dr. Philip Minor, head of virology at Britain’s National Institutes of Biological Standards and Control, the MMR shot was referred to as “One of the safest, best-studied vaccines.” The London Daily Herald, through the Associated Press, also reported that “Doctors warn that the MMR controversy has led many parents to the underestimate the dangers of the diseases” that the MMR shot prevents. The majority of the medical community stands behind the fact that it is extremely important that each child be fully immunized against disease.

The Cause of Autism, Still a Mystery

One reason that the cause of autism is still a mystery to the medical community is that its onset often occurs in the very early years of life. During this critical time, there are many environmental and developmental factors that come into play. Autism is also a condition that affects the chemicals of the brain and the brain’s ability to transmit instructions to the body. Although research advances have been made, doctors are still undecided on what factors actually cause the onset of autism. There is no medically recognized proof that vaccines are directly related to the condition of autism.

Consult With a Pediatrician

Before your child receives a vaccination it is important to consult with a pediatrician regarding any concerns you may have. The general medical community has concluded that not having vaccinations and risking disease is very dangerous to a child’s well-being. Childhood vaccinations prevent diseases which can be very traumatic and cause disability, developmental delay, and even death.

Keep Vaccination Records and Diary

Every child should be immunized and many immunizations are required by law before a child can enter pre-school or day care. It is important for each parent to keep a record of their child’s vaccinations. Most states provide a vaccination record that you should take to each doctor’s visit during both baby and toddler years. It is also wise to keep a diary of your child’s developmental milestones. Should you notice any significant delays or changes in your child’s progression, be sure to consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.

In any case, be reassured that vaccinations are safe and necessary for a child’s well-being. After a vaccination, a child may experience mild pain and swelling at the injection site. Tylenol or ibuprophen can relieve this mild discomfort. Be sure to follow proper dosing instructions and consult your doctor if any more serious reactions occur. Cuddling your child after a vaccination is also important to communicate love and security. Through your touch, a child can begin to recognize that you, the parent, have they’re best interest at heart.

A brief summary regarding the history of childhood vaccinations and the FDA and CDC research and conclusions on childhood vaccinations

American Journal of Pediatrics / article and letters to the editor on the studies about childhood vaccinations and autism.

Information regarding state policies on childhood vaccinations .

Could my child have autism? It’s an alarming question that more and more parents are asking. The startling facts are that autism is on the rise with one child out of every one-hundred and sixty-six children being afflicted with this mysterious condition. The good news is that much is being done to help understand signs of autism, to treat autism and to uncover the cause. Early detection and intervention can actually help autistic children develop more normal patterns of behavior and key medical breakthroughs are finally helping to pinpoint the actual cause of autism.

WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is actually a group of different disorders which the medical community refers to as autism spectrum disorders. These autism disorders include some or all of the classic autism symptoms which are generally lumped together under the medical name of autism. Autism disorders include Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. Studies have shown that autism disorders are directly tied to underdevelopment and abnormalities in the innermost parts of the brain. Recent studies have pointed to environmental and genetic factors as the underlying causes of autism.

WARNING SIGNS OF AUTISM
All parents need to be on the lookout for the warning signs of autism. A child with autism could have a wide range of abnormal behavior. Children with autism generally are socially withdrawn and have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication. A baby with autism is not likely to respond to simple social cues such as smiling and peek-a-boo. An autistic baby may also focus on one object for an unusual length of time and be ultra sensitive to sound, light and/or touch. Autistic babies may dislike being held or cuddled. Autistic children are prone to repeat the same type of behavior over and over again. In the medical community this is called repetitive behavior. For example, older autistic children may be involved in a constant rocking motion, opening and closing a door over and over, or staring at an object for an unusual length of time. Older autistic children are prone to be obsessed in one area of interest and cannot carry on a two way conversation. Autistic children tend to have mild to severe bowel problems, a lack of emotional empathy and have extreme difficulty relating to other people and difficulty dealing with social situations.

RECENT STUDIES ARE NARROWING THE CAUSE
On Saturday, December 30, 2006 the Kansas City Star posted information regarding two recent studies that are narrowing the cause of autism. One study, also published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, originated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Researchers at the University found that autistic males who have difficulty looking at peoples eyes in photographs had an underdeveloped or smaller amygdala. The amygdala is an almond shaped grey mass that is located in the front part of the brain. It links the cortex which is responsible for conscious thought with the regions of the brain that control emotions. It enables a person to interpret fear related information. The amygdala is also involved in character determination. For example: determining if a person is trustworthy based on past experiences. Researchers realized that autistic males with a small amygdala also had difficulty interpreting emotional facial expressions from a neutral facial expression. Subjects were tested using an eye-tracking device to record where they looked.

In a separate French study also published in December of 2006 in Natures Genetics, researchers found “that a protein encoded in a gene called SHANK3 interacts with other proteins that have a role in brain signaling. Mutations have been found in a small number of individuals with autism.” Researchers and doctors have long supposed that a genetic factor is at play in the cause of autism. This new medical research supports the genetic theory.

Neurotransmitters have also played a role in the cause of autism. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain that carry messages about touch, taste, smell, sight, thought, and feelings to the brain. A lack of the neurotransmitter serotonin has been believed to cause many of the classic symptoms of autism. Outside sensory information such as sound is not properly relayed back and forth between the brain regions. Sound, touch, taste, smell, etc. can be lost within the brain or not carried properly to the right portion of the brain for an autistic child to assimilate and understand. For example: voicing a basic instruction to “go get your shoes.” For a child to understand the instruction, the sound of the voice needs to be carried by a neurotransmitter to the portion of the brain that can understand and interpret the instruction accurately. Autistic children are believed to not understand such simple instructions due to a neurotransmitter imbalance. This imbalance is also believed to be the cause for abnormal sleeping patterns often exhibited by autistic children.

TREATMENT FOR AUTISM
There is no medically known cure for autism, but there are medications and treatment therapy options. A combination of early detection, medication and treatment therapy has proven to be effective in helping autistic children develop more normal patterns of behavior. Educators and behavioral specialists conduct therapy sessions where a child is intensely trained in social and communication skills. A form of therapy called applied behavior analysis is the gold standard in autistic treatment. It is expensive and very rigorous, with a forty hour week of one-on-one training. One Mother has written a book, called “The Autism Sourcebook” on how her son actually recovered from autism through this form of therapy. A link to that book is given below.

Doctors will often prescribe anti-depressant medications to enable an increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin. This medication can often help autistic children better handle the sensory overload that could be going on in their brain. It also helps control symptoms such as anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorders. Anti-psychotic drugs are used to treat severe autistic behaviors. Drugs are available to help control seizures and stimulant drugs used to treat ADD can help control hyperactivity. A more restricted diet can help control bowel problems and has been known to help autistic patients exhibit more normal patterns of behavior.

There are many natural or experimental therapies available to treat autism. Parents should research such options carefully and be sure to discuss all options with a qualified specialist.

CHILDREN GROWING INTO ADULTS WITH AUTISM
Perhaps the biggest fear that parents of autistic children face is what to do when their child grows up. Who is going to help care for him and what kind of life can they have? The good news is that autism improves with treatment and age. Also, there are many resources available to help parents and older children deal with autism. An example of resources now available is a halfway house for autistic adults in New Milford, New Jersey. It is a home that helps autistic adults manage their condition and at the same time liberates them into a more independent role. To find out more information regarding your state autism resources, be sure to check out the link below.

Having a child with autism is not easy for any parent to face. It’s a difficult condition that is too much a reality for many families. Parents who face an autistic condition head-on, with accurate information, proven therapies, and treatments have the opportunity to better integrate their child into society
. More resources are now dedicated to study the cause of autism and for autistic treatments. Hopefully researchers will find more answers and shed more light on the causes of this difficult condition. Until then, there’s research, treatment, medication, hope and above all, love.

State Resources available for child and youth with disabilities including autism.

National Institute of Health more facts on Autism.

How My Child Recovered from Autism. A Mother’s story regarding the ABA treatment therapy option.