Autism information and alternative treatment, new research review and suggestions on dietary supplements

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. In 2006 more children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, yet profound gaps remain in our understanding of both the causes and cures of the disorder. Increasing our knowledge about developmental disruptions in these individuals is crucial, since early detection and intervention can lead to improved outcomes. Infants who don't respond to their name by 1 year of age appear to be more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental problem by the age of 2.

Autistic disorder is a developmental disorder resulting in social, language, or sensorimotor deficits, occurs in approximately seven of 10,000 persons. Early detection and intervention improve outcome, with about one third of autistic persons achieving some degree of independent living. Indications for developmental evaluation include no babbling, pointing, or use of other gestures by 12 months of age, no single words by 16 months of age, no two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months of age, and loss of previously learned language or social skills at any age. Autism is frequently associated with fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis, and may be caused by lead poisoning and metabolic disorders. Autistic children often suffer form mental retardation, seizure disorder, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
   Advanced maternal age and paternal age are both risk factors for having a child with an autism spectrum disorder. However, the risk of having a child with autism is very small, even for the oldest parents.

Natural remedy as a the treatment
There is a scattering of research that indicates diet and nutrients may be of some benefit in treating autism, but  much more research is needed before we have a better understanding the role of diet and nutritional supplements in the therapy of this condition.

Children given carnosine showed statistically significant improvements on several tests including an improvement in vocabulary and recognizing a picture. Carnosine is a natural substance composed of 2 amino acids. It is found in relatively high concentrations in several body tissues, muscles, and nerve tissue, including the brain.

Thanks for your time in reading this email. My son is two and a half years old and has no speech,  has hyperactivity and is very sensory seeking. OAT test shows mitochondria dysfunction. I will like to go the natural route to help him. What supplements can I give him? I am looking for a homeopathy cure.

I have 2 autistic grandchildren 7 and 9 years old, both been diagnosed as having mild autism. The 9 year old started talking at 6, he is academically a bright boy, his speech is sometimes interrupted and repetitive. Marcus the 7 year old has only few words, no sentences he is also a bright boy but he can't talk and express himself starts crying followed by autistic behaviors. Their mother been seeing a local doctor for the last 2 years, both boys went trough extensive medical examinations, dieting and different supplements which helped very little. I've been doing lot of web searching, when I got across your site and saw the Mind Power Rx capsules. Can I purchase it or any other supplement that you can recommend to help improve these kids conditions specially the 7 year old speechless boy.
    It is difficult to predict the response of any child or adult to a supplement. Perhaps some of the supplements listed on this page can be tried to see if there is any benefit.

I am interested in learning more about the health benefits of DMG. I heard from a tTV infomercial that it may benefit individuals who live with autism and like conditions ,would you please comment on this.
    One study back in 1999 did not show benefit with the use of this supplement in relation for the treatment of this condition.

Carnosine Helpful in autism treatment
From the day she was born, Betty seemed different from other infants. At an age when most infants enjoy interacting with people and exploring their environment, Betty sat motionless in her crib and didn't respond to rattles or other toys. It wasn’t too long before Betty was diagnosed with autism. Unfortunately, modern medicine has little to offer as a cure for this condition. But supplements may be helpful. Researchers at the Autism and Epilepsy Specialty Services in Lake Bluff, Illinois, investigated 31 children with autism in an 8-week, double-blinded study to determine if carnosine would result in changes. The exact role of carnosine is not well understood, but studies indicate that this nutrient has antioxidant potential and may also act as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the nervous system). The children received 800 mg  a day and were compared with a group of children on placebo. After 8 weeks, children given carnosine showed statistically significant improvements on several tests including an improvement in vocabulary and recognizing a picture.
     Comments: L-carnosine is sold in health food stores most commonly in capsules of 500 mg. It would be worthwhile to try 100 to 200 mg of this nutrient before breakfast and lunch for a few weeks under a pediatrician’s supervision.

I am just writing to ask you how much of the carnosine and fish oil to give my 10 year old autistic boy. I know you mention in your website that a child should take less than an adult but i don't know how much less. I will be meeting with my son's neurologist this week to start monitoring him and first of all get his "OK" since my son is on anticonvulsants. My child is non-verbal (with potential) and very much dependant on me for his overall needs.
    It is difficult to know how any child responds to medicines or supplements. As a general rule, it is a good idea to start with a quarter of the adult dose for carnosine and one or two fish oil capsules a day and then your doctor would monitor.