Autism

Definition:

Autism: A neurobiological disorder characterized by chronic social, behavioral and communicative impairments. Those with AS may exhibit the following characteristics: abnormal nonverbal communication (such as eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, or gestures), failure to develop peer relationships, impaired ability to express emotion, inability to maintain social exchange, lack of flexibility in adhering to specific routines or rituals, repetitive self-stimulatory behavior, preoccupation with restricted areas of interest, and preoccupation with parts of whole objects. The condition differs from conventional autism in that children with AS maintain average to above average language acquisition and cognitive development. Austistic spectrum disorder is any condition which is related to autism -abnormal self-absorption, first observed in childhood, characterised by lack of response to people and limited ability to communicate.

Dr Damien Downing on Autism and ASD:

Dr Downing has long been a supporter of Bernard Rimland and the DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) protocol, attends DAN conferences and writes on autism (see his editorial on the Autism Research Institute website at http://www.autism.com ).

For children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders we recommend tailoring a combination of therapies based on the history and investigations. The first step is always to assess and correct nutritional status with particular attention to antioxidants and other protective nutrients. We then assess toxic burden, especially heavy metals, and the ability to detoxify/remove them; we both support the patient’s metabolic resources and use a range of chelating agents to help toxins out of the body (first choice is usually transdermal DMPS in the Rashid Buttar protocol). We also use methylcobalamin (by injection and orally), methyltetrahydrofolate, glutathione, DMG and TMG (all where appropriate).