Autism has become an epidemic. In 2002, the UC Davis’ M.I.N.D. Institute, in Sacramento, California found that the incidence of “full spectrum,” or profound autism, had increased 273% in California from 1987 to 1998 and that this was “far in excess of population changes of approximately 20% for the State during the same time.” (Bryd, 2002). Other states in America have also seen increases, as have many other countries. A 2001 study in Pediatrics reported a 1 in 250 incidence for full-spectrum autism in a New Jersey community (Bertrand: 2001) and a 2003 JAMA study found 1 in 294 in an Atlanta community, with a male to female ratio of 4:1 (Yeargin-Allsopp:2003). In 2004, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the American Academy of Pediatrics published US statistics of 1 in 166 (CDC:2004). Other countries, such as Sweden (Gillberg:2006), Canada (Fombonne:2006) and Australia (Icasiano:2004) have also reported rises in the incidence of autism. In a 2006 Lancet report, Baird et al. state that 1 in 86 children in a community in England have ASDs. (Baird:2006). In most autism circles it is widely accepted that autism affects 1 in 150 children, and 1 in 94 boys. Some critics continue to suggest that these findings are simply the result of better diagnostic techniques—since we can better identify ASD we find it more often. However, Dr. Robert S. Byrd, an epidemiologist and pediatrician at UC Davis states, “We wondered if the increase was real. Maybe we were doing a better job of finding causes. If the criteria for diagnosing autism had changed in those 10 years or if the definition had broadened, the mystery would be solved. But the standards used to diagnose full-spectrum autism were the same in both age groups.” Further, he states, “You can’t explain an increase of this magnitude on genetics. Something else is happening.” (NY Times, 2002). Several DAN! Doctors, including David Traver M.D., have told me, “Genetics don’t create epidemics.” Biochemical Imbalances Create a Neurological Disorder Currently, the medical community defines autism as a psychiatric disorder, warranting a diagnosis using criteria found in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (commonly called the DSM-IV). These criteria include impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and characteristic behavior patterns. (See Appendix I). However, in spite of the fact that the diagnosis of autism stems from this manual, it is not a psychiatric, nor a psychological disorder. It is a neurological disorder. In other words, autism is a set of biochemical imbalances that create neurological/neurotransmitter imbalances, which result in psychological symptoms. In addition to the psychological (namely social and behavioral) symptoms; however, this faulty chemistry also manifests physical symptoms (See Appendix Ia). The following are just some of the common biochemical imbalances among those with ASDs that illustrate that autism is not just a “psychiatric disorder.” According to William J. Walsh, Ph.D., founder and director of research of Health Research Institute and Pfeiffer Treatment Center, “more than 85% of untreated ASDs exhibit either severe zinc deficiencies or an elevated copper/zinc ratio,” suggesting a metallathionein (MT) disorder and an inability to detoxify heavy metals. He suggests that the MT disorder also affects early brain development and the immune response and can result in GI problems. (Walsh:2001). Jill James, Ph.D., found oxidative stress in children with autism including significantly lower baseline plasma concentrations of methionine, SAM, homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, and total glutathione than controls. (James 2004). This oxidative stress increases suspectiility to infection and inflammation—both seen in autism. You don’t need to understand exactly what each of these conditions entails to see how they help to illustrate the biochemical imbalances behind this disorder and how these imbalances affect people psychologically (actually neurologically) and physically, creating the autistic traits we see. There are no medical tests to determine autism, and the many physical symptoms are commony ignored, even though it is known that those with autism share common physical symptoms. Acknowledging the physical symptoms is crucial—doing so shapes how we approach these disorders clinically and whether treatments are covered by medical insurance (parents spend tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to address these biomedical issues that should be covered by insurance). Bryan Jepson, MD, of Thoughtful House, a treatment center for children with ASD, describes autism as “a disease of disordered biochemistry and metabolism that affects multiple organ systems, and it is treatable.” (Jepson:2007). The term biomedical is a popular term used to describe biochemical approaches to autism. While I do not practice medicine, as I am not a doctor, I do use some these biochemical (sometimes referred to as “biomedical”) approaches and I have seen the positive outcomes and hope for the future they foster. I’ve heard many stories of recovery including the wonderful story by Jenny McCarthy in her new book, Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism. In the words of late Bernard Rimland and the Autism Research Institute, “Recovery is possible.” Return to Nourishing Hope page
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