Conditions > Autism

Welcome to the site of integrative nutritionist Blake Graham, director of Nutritional Healing in Perth, Western Australia. You may book an appointment for a consultation by phoning us via the Contact page. You may also wish to join our FREE e-NEWSLETTER.


Definition

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder, which is typically characterized by an inability to develop normal social relationships, compulsive and ritualistic behavior and often (although not always) failure to develop typical intelligence. This disorder is two to four times more common in males than in females. Symptoms of the disorder can vary greatly, generally appearing before the age of one and always before the age of three. See What is Autism? by the The Autism Research Institute for more information.

Return to the top of the page

Issues

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) was established in 1967. The ARI conduct and assess research relating to the cause and treatment of autism and other related conditions. They have many excellent articles available on their website, many by long-term autism researcher Bernard Rimland, PhD.

The Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) initiative was established in 1995 by a group of ~30 physicians and scientists convened by the ARI. This group, now greatly expanded, holds biannual scientific conferences discussing the latest advances in autism research and has produced a regularly updated manual consisting of the most advanced biomedical treatments for autism:

Biomedical Assessment Options for Children with Autism and Related problems

Autism: Effective Biomedical Treatments, by Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. and Sidney Baker, M.D., October 2005

"This October 2005 version of the DAN! Clinical Options Manual replaces the previous editions that have revolutionized the biomedical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of autism, PDD and related disorders."

The DAN! practitioner referral list contains a listing of health professionals who subscribe to the DAN! philosophy:

The Autism Research Institute have now compiled convincing evidence that mercury levels are raised in the majority of those with Autism. Treatment of mercury is one of the top rated treatments for Autism to date. The following Article by the Autism Research Institute represents a consensus statement, which discusses the evidence for mercury in Autism and the latest methods for assessment and treatment of mercury within this population:

The Pfeiffer Treatment Center (PTC) have been pioneers in autism research and in the implementation of individualized nutritionally based treatments for autism for many years. Their unique Protocol for Autism Spectrum Disorders includes the following

A Biological Basis for Neurological Disorders

In this interview with William Walsh, PhD (co-founder and senior scientist of the PTC) he outlines the scientific evidence for their unique nutritional therapy for neurological conditions, including autism.

The PTC make available an original research abstract relating to autism on their site:

Other information relating to autism by the PTC:

The Center for the Study of Autism acts as a source of up-to-date information and conducts research on the effectiveness of various therapeutic interventions. They have an extensive listing of articles including the following:

Food sensitivities and Autism

A number of researchers believe that a significant proportion of people with autism have food sensitivities. Some of the most common reactions are to:

The website entitled Gluten Free Casein Free Diet is a very useful resource for people following such a diet.

The following articles/sites discuss this topic:

Transfer Factor

See:

Yeast and Autism

A relatively high incidence of gastrointestinal yeast infections are found in the autistic population. Furthermore, a number of researchers, including Dr. William Shaw, report significant behavioral benefits in autism, after anti-fungal therapy. The best testing method for Candida testing remains the Organic Acid Test (OAT) offered by Great Plains Laboratory, run by Dr. Shaw. The following articles discuss this topic:

Dietary influences on Candida article:

Essential fatty acids and Autism

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of brain cell membranes, including those of neurotransmitter receptors. Omega-3 fatty acids also alter signal transduction and electrical activity in brain cells and control the synthesis of chemicals such as eicosanoids and cytokines, which may have a direct effect on mood and behavior. Research indicates possible abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism in people with autism. Clinical trials testing the therapeutic effect of omega-3 fatty acids for autism are lacking, although these fatty acids may prove useful as is the case for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Some health professionals, including DAN! practitioners, advocate the use of omega-3 rich oils plus dietary guidelines to balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appropriately.

Related document:

Return to the top of the page

Publications

Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD

Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD (2nd edition)
by William Shaw, PhD, 2002

From the author:

"The purpose of writing this book is to integrate information from the fields of biochemistry, immunology, genetics, nutrition, and microbiology about autism, ADD, and PDD into a form that could be assimilated by both parents, professionals such as nutritionists and dietitians, and physicians who deal with children with these disorders."

William Shaw, PhD, a biochemist, is board certified in clinical chemistry and toxicology, and specializes in autism. Shaw is also director of the Great Plains Laboratory. Contributors to his excellent book below include Bernard Rimland PhD, Bruce Semon MD, PhD, Lisa Lewis PhD, Karyn Seroussi and Pamela Scott. Topics covered:

  • The microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Yeasts and fungi. How to control them.
  • Nutritional interventions.
  • Abnormalities of the digestive system and the latest information on secretin, CCK and other GI hormones.
  • Tests for allergies. Gluten, casein and soy sensitivity. Reversal of food allergies.
  • Calcium supplementation to prevent eye damage.
  • Treatment and tests for mercury and other heavy metals.
  • Amino acid abnormalities.
  • Inborn Errors of Metabolism as Causes of Autism.
  • Typical responses to therapy.

Good News for the Alphabet Kids: How to Reverse Learning and Behavioural Disorders Without Drugs. by Mike Sichel DO, ND, PhD (of Chittaway Bay, NSW, Australia), 2004

"Modern medicine endeavours to help people who suffer from ADD ADHD & Autism with drugs like Ritalin, often in combination with psychiatric counselling. Neither of these reaches the core of the problem�internal physical dysfunction."
Michael Sichel - ADD ADHD Specialist

Special Diets for Special Kids, Two

Special Diets for Special Kids, Two
by Lisa Lewis PhD of the Autism Network for Dietary Intervention, 2001

This long-awaited sequel to the best selling first book is loaded with helpful information and over 175 new recipes. A "must-have" for anyone who uses the first Special Diets for Special Kids!
Children with starving brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children With Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder (2nd edition)
by Jaquelyn McCandless, MD, 2003

This is the first book written by an experienced clinician that gives a step-by-step treatment guide for parents and doctors based on the understanding that ASD is a complex biomedical illness resulting in significant brain malnutrition. Dr. McCandless, whose grandchild with autism has inspired her "broad spectrum approach," describes important diagnostic tools needed to select appropriate treatment programs.
Diet Intervention and Autism: Implementing a Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet for Autistic Children and Adults: A Guide for Parents

Diet Intervention and Autism: Implementing a Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet for Autistic Children and Adults: A Guide for Parents
by Marilyn Le Breton and Rosemary Kessick, 2001

Nutritional Influences on Mental Illness: A Sourcebook of Clinical Research (second edition)
by Melvyn Werbach, MD, 1999

This excellent book contains a section on autism which reviews a large amount of clinical research relating to the nutritional treatment of autism. A considerably more detailed version of this document is available on the following CD-ROM:

The following article is by Dr. Werbach (psychiatrist and author of several books on nutritional medicine.) He discusses the role of nutritional supplementation and food sensitivities in relation to autism:

Return to the top of the page

Support

Australian autism groups:

Return to the top of the page

Recommendations
Return to the top of the page

Links


Key Terms

Return to the top of the page