Also known pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), infantile autism and Kanner syndrome.
It is a disorder characterized by impaired development in communication (verbal and non-verbal), social interaction and behaviour.
Autism should not go unnoticed before the ages 3-6.
Boys are 4 times more likely to be autistic than girls.
Causes of autism are not clear.
Researchers believe that childhood vaccines play a role in autism due to the mercury content. Mercury act as a preservative in some vaccines.
There are varying degrees of autism ranging from mild, moderate and severe all of which are dependent on the duration, frequency and intensity of the autistic behaviours.
Many other neurological conditions are sometimes accompanied by autism or autistic-like behavior.
Rational nutritional and natural therapies may not often be 100% scientifically proven but that does not mean they should not be tried out. Autism affects each individual differently. Needs and requirements could be different too so be patient and consistent when trying any therapy.
FREE OF GLUTEN and CASEIN
Gluten and casein are 2 proteins found to exacerbate autism. These are the same proteins that trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Gluten is found in wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, kamut. Casein is found in milk and diary products.
According to pediatric researcher Dr. Karl-Ludwig Reichelt, autistic children are unable to produce enough food enzymes peptidases to break down these 2 proteins completely in the stomach. As a result of this unsuccessful breakdown process, protein fragments (known as exorphins) flow into the bloodstream, get transported to the brain and interact with the brain's opiate (binding) receptors.
In a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research,
Dr. Reichelt put 15 autistic children on a diet free of gluten and casein for 4 years and found that all showed improvements in communication, social behaviour and cognitive skills.
To prevent calcium deficiency, ensure a daily intake of calcium-rich foods and a calcium supplement.
VITAMIN B6 - Pyridoxine
Dr. Bernard Rimland, a psychologist and a father of an autistic child has been studying the effects of vitamin B6 on autistic children since the 1960s.
His findings along with the studies conducted by other researchers found that autistic children given megadoses of vitamin B6 (300-600 mg and even as high as 1 gm) with or without magnesium showed significant benefits.
Dr. Rimland undertook one large-scale study on over 200 autistic children of megadose quantities of vitamin B6, niacinamide, pantothenic acid and vitamin C, along with a multiple-vitamin tablet.
At the end the 4-month trial, vitamin B6 was singled out as the most important among the 4 vitamins.
Children who were given vitamin B6 showed improvements. A few suffered minor side effects such as irritability, sound sensitivity and bed-wetting but these quickly cleared up when additional magnesium was given.
2 years later, he and his colleagues carried out another study on 16 autistic children focusing on vitamin B6 (dosage ranged between 300 and 500 mg), several hundred mg/day of magnesium and a multi-B tablet to guard against vitamin B6-induced deficiencies.
The results were most encouraging - better eye contact, lesser tantrums, showed more interest, less self-stimulatory behavior and in general the children were more normal, although they were not cured.
ZINC
In a study of 503 autistic children conducted at the Pfeiffer Treatment Center, a leading research institute into biochemical therapies for behavioural problems and mental conditions, Dr. Bill Walsh found that 91% of 503 autistic children have a deficiency of metallothioneins, reflected by a high copper/zinc ratio. A normal child has a 1:1 ratio of copper to zinc while the autistic child has a 1.7:1 ratio.
Metallothioneins are proteins essential in the development of the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. They also help get rid of poisonous substances in the body.
The formation of metallothioneins are dependent on the mineral zinc. High levels of copper reduces the levels of zinc. A shortage of zinc would disable the function of the these proteins in eliminating poisonous metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Metallothioneins display greater affinity for mercury than zinc.
NONI
A natural tropical fruit found to contain over 150 nutraceuticals which include 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because they are not produced in the body, vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, ursolic acid, linoleic acid, proxeronine (bromelain), scopoletin, pectin, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Its traditional uses include immune booster, pain, arthritis, diabetes, headaches, cuts and scrapes, skin problems, cancer, high blood pressure and many more.
Surely, it must be the whole noni makeup, the joining of all the nutrients found in this fruit that makes it unique and more importantly effective against many health challenges.
The following are some other nourishing nutrients found in noni :
:: Phenylalanine
This amino acid is a precursor to tyrosine which is responsible for the manufacture of hormones thyroxine, dopamine, noradrenalin and the skin pigment melanin.
Thyroxine is required for normal brain growth and development in children.
Dopamine, a precursor to adrenaline and noradrenaline plays an important role in normal body movements and gives the feeling of pleasure.
:: Tryptophan
This amino acid is a precursor to the manufacture of vitamin B3 (niacin) and hormones serotonin and melatonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, aggressive behaviors, suicide tendencies, migraine, autism, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep problems and obsessive-compulsive disorders, depending on which part of the brain in affected.
Melatonin helps regulate sleep cycles.
This amino acid helps the liver get rid of toxic overloads of lead.
Noni can be used in conjunction with any medication and natural supplements, in fact, noni may enhance the effects of medications and supplements. It is best taken with clean water on an empty stomach.
According to Dr. Neil Solomon, who is considered a recognized leader in medical nutrition and nutraceuticals, and is probably the foremost expert on Morinda Citrifolia, his suggestion for dosing as a start for children below 16 years of age is 1 teaspoon then gradually building it up to a therapeutic dose of 1 ounce before breakfast and 1/2 ounce before dinner.
See Dr. Solomon's Recommended Dosing.
Ms. Isabelle Navarre-Brown suggests in 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) to start with 1 teaspoon for children below 5 or 6 years of age.
Noni experts and researchers such as Dr. Ralph Heinicke, Dr. Neil Solomon, Isa Navarre and Dr. Steven Hall recommend only TAHITIAN NONI™ Juice.
References :
"Why Noni Works-A Reference Book for The Biological Activity of the Constituents of Morinda citrifolia" Melanie Alfred (Direct Source, 2000); "Simply Noni-Ancient Health Miracle for Modern Times" Tonita d' Raye (Direct Source, 2000);
"Tahitian Noni Juice : How Much, How Often, For What" Neil Solomon (Direct Source, 2002)
SECRETIN
A natural ocurring hormone produced by all mammals.
Benefits seen as a result of secretin, usually given by slow infusion (injection) to autistic children include eye contact, awareness, sociability, speech and better sleep (on the night of infusion).
PETS
Animals have their special touch that reaches out to a human big or small, normal or not, regardless of who you are.
They are the natural therapists.
