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Autism

Autism is an abnormal condition of early childhood in which the child has difficulty establishing relationships with other people, exhibiting extreme withdrawal and a refusal to communicate. Similarly to ADD and ADHD, EEG readings in autistic children indicate a dysfunction in the electrical activity of the frontal and temporal lobes. The more severe forms of autism are linked to Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder in which a small portion of the tip of the X chromosome is susceptible to breakage. Fragile X is the leading cause of mental retardation among newborns, and is more common in males. Among the features of Fragile X children are learning difficulties and emotional impairment, over-sized ears, elongated forehead, enlarged testes and double jointedness. Individuals that display features in the autistic spectrum but without any evidence of mental retardation may be classified as suffering from Asperger’s syndrome.

An autistic child may exhibit obsessional motions such as erratic movements of the fingers or limbs, facial grimacing or twitching. Seizure disorders are common in individuals with autism. If the autistic child’s normal environment is disturbed he may fly into a rage or retire into an anxious brooding. Efforts by the parents to correct this behaviour will often result in hostility and even hysteria. Autistic children grow up to be very sensitive, temperamental adults, and some even with exceptional talents.

The cause of autism is for the most part idiopathic, although several hypotheses exists, including genetic abnormalities, obstetric complications, exposure to toxic agents, and prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal infections. Maternal rubella in particular is associated with significantly higher rates of autism. There is also strong anecdotal evidence that autism is linked to early vaccination, and specifically, the usage of the mercurial preservative thimerosal that was and still is found in some childhood vaccines such as DPT. Despite several studies that have apparently disproved this link, many parents of autistic children continue to maintain that the onset of symptoms occurs shortly after vaccination.

Holistic treatment of autism

Botanicals

Nervine relaxants, to promote relaxation and equinamity: Rauwolfia, Matricaria, Lavandula, Passiflora, Verbena, Valeriana, Scutellaria, Stachys, Nepeta, Melissa, Evolvulus
Nervine trophorestoratives: Avena, Ganoderma, Centella, Bacopa, Acorus, Withania, Eleuthrococcus, Turnera
Alteratives, to promote detoxification: Trifolium, Rumex, Curcuma, Guaiacum, Fucus, Berberis
Antispasmodics, to control spasm and seizure: Acorus, Withania, Valeriana, Lobelia, Cimicifuga

Supplements

vitamin B complex, 100 mg t.i.d.
vitamin C, to bowel tolerance
iron, 20 mg b.i.d.
calcium/magnesium, 1:1, 800 mg each b.i.d.
zinc, 50 mg daily
chromium, 200 mcg t.i.d.
EPA/DHA, ensures proper neural development, 1000 mg each daily
dimethylglycine (DMG), 125 mg, 1-8 times daily; if hyperactivity is noted add folic acid, 1600 mcg per 125 mg dimethylglycine
Diet
high protein, low carbohydrate and sugar-free diet
eliminate common allergens, e.g. dairy, wheat, citrus
avoid packaged foods
organic produce and free range meat only
rule out reactive hypoglycemia

Aromatherapy