Alternative Treatments for Autism

In the Unites States alone, autism rates have increased by 11,400 percent since the year 1980. In 1980, autism rates were 1 in 10,000 children in the United States. In 2008 it was 1 in 88, and today its 1 in 68 children. Autism rates are spiraling out of control and something must be causing this.

Many holistic doctors believe that heavy metals are contributing to this problem. Common sources of heavy metals include mercury fillings (passed in the womb from mother to child), vaccines (some contain mercury and aluminum), pesticides, and even baby foods. Chemicals and toxins in the environment, overuse of antibiotics, and food allergies are also contributing to this toxic overload.

Thankfully, there is something we can do about it. Below are a list of supplements and treatments that have been used to help heal autism:

Detox Clay Baths

Autistic children usually have high levels of heavy metal toxicity. This might not be seen in regular blood tests, because the body stores heavy metals away from the blood, in the liver, bone, and fat cells. Mineral Hair analysis may also not be accurate, since autistic children are not able to excrete heavy metals into their hair. Therefore, levels of heavy metals in the hair will be low. This is because the heavy metals are literally trapped in the body. Only as the body starts detoxifying will heavy metal hair levels begin to rise, indicating that the body is finally excreting the toxins.

Bentonite Clay baths remove heavy metals. Raymond Dextreit, a French naturopath, notes that most of the poisons in the body are positively charged, whereas healing clays possess a negative ionic attraction to these toxins. The clay draws the toxins out of the body through the skin. When heavy metals are removed from the brain, healing can begin to take place.

Not all clay is created equal. Companies who sell detoxifying clay choose clay with special properties and minerals. I have given my children Bentonite clay baths and have seen great results. There might be a classic detox reaction after the bath, with symptoms of slight stomach ache or headache. This is normal. However, within a few days many parents have reported serious improvements in their children, such as speech for the first time and increased communication. Often, the child himself will request to take the 'mud' bath. A series of clay baths may be necessary. After the bath, electrolytes should be replenished in the body (a teaspoon of Spirulina or green superfood powder will do the trick). Make sure to stay hydrated.

Vitamins

Many autistic children have vitamin deficiencies. Certain vitamin deficiencies such as a lack of B12 or iron might indicate severe parasitic infestation and bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Yeast and Bacteria feed off of sugar, refined grains, and an acidic environment. If there is indication of bacterial overgrowth in the gut, then remove all junk food in the diet, increase the raw vegetable intake (to alkalize the body) and start cleansing out the colon. Just giving a child Vitamin B12 or iron supplementation might aggravate the problem, if the cause is not dealt with first.

However, in my opinion, there are a few KEY VITAMINS that are vital to mental and emotional health: Vitamin B3(Niacin), Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.

Niacinamide (Non-Flush Niacin)- Vitamin B3

Niacin is a potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It performs many tasks in the body and is an integral part of detoxification and mood control. Regular Niacin causes a harmless red flush that many children find uncomfortable. The flush occurs because niacin releases histamine from its storage sites. This may be why niacin helps alleviate allergies, because it reduces the amount of histamine available in the body.

Niacinamide or non- flush Niacin, is a more suitable form of Vitamin B3 for children. Niacinamide has all the benefits of Niacin without the flush. Detoxification is a very important element in natural autism recovery treatments. Niacinamide helps behavior by reducing moodiness and anxiety.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant which boosts the immune system and aids detoxification. It is vital for cell growth and repair. Since many autistic children have bacterial, viral, and/or yeast overgrowth, vitamin C supplementation can help the immune system fight these pathogens.

Vitamin C is also an antihistamine and has the potential to minimalize allergic reactions to food. Since autistic children generally have multiple food allergies, vitamin C is an important vitamin to supplement with.

All truth to be told, Vitamin C is one of my favorite vitamins, and should always be on hand. When I am sick, I take enough vitamin C until I am symptom free, even if it means taking over 10 grams a day.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals affected in children with autism. Vitamin B6 has been used to treat many psychiatric illnesses. Vitamin B6 is usually given in conjunction with magnesium.

These vitamins not only assist the detoxification process, they perform a myriad of functions in the body. Dr. Abram Hoffer, author of Healing Children's Attention and Behavior Disorders was a revolutionary genius who used mega doses of Vitamin B3 to treat schizophrenia, drug and alcohol addictions, and learning disabilities. He did not believe in classifying children as autistic or retarded. He used mega doses of vitamins, specifically Vitamin C, vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide), and Vitamin B6, to treat the thousands of children who were brought to him. He was a pioneer in his field. There are many orthomolecular physicians who follow in his footsteps such as Dr. Andrew Saul, creator of www.doctoryourself.com and co-author of the book The Vitamin Cure for Children's Health Problems.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a major antioxidant primarily located in the liver, but it does its work throughout the body. When the body is exposed to toxins, the liver stores these toxins in an attempt to protect the body. However, if the body is overwhelmed with toxins, the liver will also be overwhelmed, limiting its ability to detoxify. This is where trouble arises, even more so for autistic children. For autistic children to begin to heal, detoxification pathways have to be open, so that the body can get rid of environmental toxins, present in the food, vaccines, medications, etc… This is where glutathione comes in. Glutathione contains sulfur groups. Sulfur acts like sticky paper. Toxins and heavy metals stick to the glutathione which carries them into the bile and stool and thus is excreted from the body. Glutathione supplementation can aid detoxification and help repair the liver. The problem is finding the right glutathione supplement., because glutathione is very hard to absorb. Certain foods naturally raise glutathione levels such as Turmeric and bioactive Whey protein.

Fermented Sea Tangle is a traditional Korean remedy that naturally raises liver glutathione levels and protects the liver. It is made of Fermented Sea Kelp. Since it raises liver glutathione it aids the body in detoxification.

Fermented Sea Tangle also contains high levels of GABA. The acronym GABA means Gamma Amino butyric Acid. It works as an calming neurotransmitter in the brain that directly affects the capability of a person to manage stress.

MSM (Organic Sulfur) is 34 percent sulfur by weight. According to Dr. Mercola "Sulfur plays a critical role in detoxification, and also in inflammatory conditions. For detoxification, sulfur is part of one of the most important antioxidants that your body produces: glutathione. Without sulfur, glutathione cannot work." Supplementing with organic sulfur crystals can help the body to detoxify.

Green Juicing

Juicing helps the body to detoxify from heavy metals. Kale is part of the cruciferous vegetable family that has been shown to potentially up-regulate liver detoxifying enzymes, which may help increase the body’s ability to detoxify. Cruciferous vegetables also contain powerful antioxidants that may be cancer-preventive. Parsley can help to stimulate bile production that can help with detoxification process. Apple contains a compound called quercitin that has been found to help up-regulate detoxifying enzymes and other compounds; additionally quercitin has been found to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cilantro is one of the best herbs for detoxification. Aluminum, lead, Arsenic, cadmium, and mercury can become resident in our tissues. Cilantro has been shown to bind to these toxic metals, loosening them from tissue, and facilitating their elimination from the body.

One of favorite Green Juice Recipes: (juice or blend)

1-2 green apples

handful of cilantro

handful of parsley

handful of lettuce

2 leaves of kale

Consume the juice within 15 minutes after juicing for ultimate benefits. Choose organic vegetables for juicing!

Cranial Massage & Qigong Massage

Cranial Massage has been seen to completely cure Autism even in 17 year olds. I have personally heard of 20 year old autistic girl who felt the healing effects of the massage and hugged her doctor after he gave her this massage. Qigong Massage is a wonderful massage technique that parents can administer to their children themselves. It is very relaxing and opens up blocked energy. In many cases, the child begins to enjoy touch for the first time. Qigong Massage for Autism recovery was started by Dr. Louisa Silva.

In conclusion, there are many alternative treatments for autism. Thousands of parents in the USA have completely cured their children of autism. There are many different approaches endorsed by holistic doctors. You might need to try different treatment options to find the right one for your child. The key is never give up!

M.P. Geulah is the author of "Managing ADHD Without Medication- from a Mother's Perspective".