In 1943, Leo Kanner, M.D., a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University, identified the condition called autism. The word "autism" is derived from the Greek word "autos" meaning self. The name arose because of the sufferer's profound difficulty in relating to and communicating with others. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects more boys than girls. It is the most common of five neurological disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Asperger's Syndrome, another one of the five, is a form of high-functioning autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001, as many as 1.5 million Americans today have some form of autism or 1 per 1,000 individuals. Due to increased incidence and increased detection, that number is on the rise, growing at a rate of 10-17% per year. California reported a 273% increase over a recent 10 year period. Research has ruled out better testing and population increases as possible causes for California's dramatic increase. California has the only system in the nation for registering autistic children; their numbers may indicate what is also a national trend.

Autism is a spectrum disorder. Although defined by a certain set of behaviors, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Language disability is the hallmark of the disorder. Autistic traits also include rigidly adhering to routines, fixation on specific subjects or toys, avoiding eye contact, overreaction to stimuli, difficulty mixing with others and repetitive movements such as head banging or arm flapping. People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. Sensory integration is a common problem. Children do not outgrow autism although symptoms may lessen as the child develops and receives treatment. A diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior and developmental levels. Accurate and early identification of the problem is essential to provide the basis for building appropriate, effective, educational and developmental intervention for a child.

There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Researchers are investigating heredity, genetics, medical problems, problems during pregnancy, dysfunction of the immune system, environmental factors and viruses. Preventive Medicine Group's Derrick Lonsdale, M.D. believes that the cause for autism is found in the "toxic soup" of today's world into which these children are born. The relationship between vaccines and autism continues to be debated. It is clear that children with autism and PDD are born with the disorder or with the potential to develop it. Bad parenting does not cause autism. Autism is not mental illness. Children with autism are not just unruly children who choose to misbehave. Many are quite intelligent. One thing researchers do agree on is that there is probably no one single cause for autism.

Many people think there is a relationship between early childhood vaccinations and autism. It is not uncommon that a child will seem perfectly normal until vaccinated with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and then in short order develop symptoms of autism. However, recent research by theInstitute of Medicine and a large scale Danish study failed to establish a link. On the other hand, a study was published by a doctor in London demonstrating the theory that autism stems from a severe immune reaction to something in the vaccine. Some people say the onset of autistic symptoms after vaccinations is actually due to the coincidence of the vaccine being given at around 15 months when behavior and speech patterns begin to become pronounced. Others say that the vaccinations may trigger a predisposition. A poll of families with children with autism reveals 33% think there is a link between onset of autism and their child's vaccination. Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. of the Autism Research Institute points out that laboratory studies have shown marked differences between autistic children and normal children in terms of the presence of measles vaccine in their intestinal tract or neurons. Some people believe the MMR vaccination itself is not a problem, but what is in some of the vaccinations; in particular, mercury used in the preservative thimerosal. It may be that the combination of genetic predisposition, mercury in the vaccinations and the increased number of vaccines that children are given could be a problem. Currently, if children get the recommended vaccinations, they are getting 22 vaccine doses before the age of two. Vaccines manufactured since 1999 are supposed to be made without thimerosal, but earlier thimerosal versions are still in use and will be until their expiration dates have been reached.

There is substantial evidence that autistic children have a difficult time detoxifying heavy metals, particularly mercury. Exposure to mercury can cause immune, sensory, neurological, motor and behavior dysfunctions. The neurotoxicity of mercury has long been recognized. In addition to concern about thimerosal in vaccinations, other sources of mercury for a child could include a prenatal mercury load derived from maternal amalgam fillings, fish consumption or environmental sources. A program of detoxification is recommended for these children. Derrick Lonsdale, M.D. of Preventive Medicine Group is unique in using a fat soluble, garlic-derived form of vitamin B1 called TTFD for detoxification. He has done research showing that arsenic can also be a problem with these children. The TTFD is effective with arsenic as well as mercury, cadmium, lead and nickel. Other research has indicated that autistic spectrum children may have a missing sulfur containing protein in their metabolism that is known to protect against the toxic effects of some metals. The TTFD may be a valuable therapeutic agent in this case because it removes heavy metals to which the child may not otherwise be sufficiently protected.

The immune system must be adequately supplied with many nutrients if it is to function properly, especially including vitamins A, C, E, B6 and a number of minerals, including zinc, magnesium and selenium. Vitamin B6 taken with magnesium has been shown to increase general well-being, awareness and attention in about 45% of autistic children. Di-methyl-glycine (DMG) is another nutrient that helps some by strengthening the immune system. Other children benefit from the addition of digestive enzymes. Dr. Lonsdale works extensively with essential fatty acids as part of a nutritional supplementation program for autistic children. The essential fatty acids provide in the body the raw material for the production of super-hormones called prostaglandins which help to regulate body function.

Food sensitivities may contribute to autistic behaviors. Researchers have detected the presence of abnormal peptides in the urine of autistic individuals. It is thought that these peptides may be due to body's inability to breakdown certain proteins into amino acids. These proteins are gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt and triticale) and casein (found in milk and milk products). An excellent website addressing elimination of gluten and casein is www.gfcfdiet.com. Some children respond to the injections of hormone called secretin. Children with autistic spectrum disorder need early, ongoing educational and developmental intervention. The approaches mentioned here would offer a complement to such a total therapeutic approach.

For further information on autism spectrum disorder contact Preventive Medicine Group.