Alternative Autism Treatments
Updated March 05, 2015.
Q. My 2 1/2 year old was recently diagnosed with autism by a Developmental Pediatrician, who suggested that we return to our Pediatrician to discuss treatment options. He was born with gastroschisis, and I am concerned that he might have a Vitamin B6 or Vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of his autism, since I have read that many children with autism do have GI problems. My Pediatrician isn't familiar with vitamin therapy for autism though. What should I do? Sally, Dallas, Texas
A.
Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which a baby is born with part of their intestines herniating outside their abdominal wall without a membrane covering it. Although they may have other intestinal problems, these children usually aren't born with other problems, such as chromosomal anomalies or heart defects. And if there was no associated intestinal problems, then once the gastroschisis was repaired and he was eating well, you would expect that he would do well.
Although there aren't any studies associating gastroschisis with autism, there have been reports of gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autism, so one thing that you could do that might be worthwhile would be to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist for an evaluation.
And although the average Pediatrician may not be familiar with some alternative autism treatments, such as casein and/or gluten free diets, facilitated communication, secretin therapy, auditory integration training, chelation therapy, immune globulin therapy, or taking vitamins and nutritional supplements, you could talk to your Pediatrician about getting a second opinion from another doctor who is.
Defeat Autism Now! of the Autism Research Institute provides a practitioner list of 'DAN!-based interventions for helping autistic patients.' Keep in mind that not all DAN practitioners are medical doctors.
Could It Be Autism? is a good book that discusses many of these treatments and more and it may also be a good resource for you, especially as you possibly explore trying some of these alternative autism treatments.
Instead, the AAP recommends early intervention, including 'behavioral methods, early developmental education, communication, occupational and physical therapy, highly structured social play interventions, and extensive parent training.'
References:
1Gastroschisis and omphalocele. Ledbetter DJ - Surg Clin North Am - 01-APR-2006; 86(2): 249-60, vii
2Evaluation of an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and cytokine production against common dietary proteins in children with autism spectrum disorders. Jyonouchi H - J Pediatr - 01-MAY-2005; 146(5): 605-10
3AAP Policy Statement. The Pediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 5 May 2001, pp. 1221-1226.
Q. My 2 1/2 year old was recently diagnosed with autism by a Developmental Pediatrician, who suggested that we return to our Pediatrician to discuss treatment options. He was born with gastroschisis, and I am concerned that he might have a Vitamin B6 or Vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of his autism, since I have read that many children with autism do have GI problems. My Pediatrician isn't familiar with vitamin therapy for autism though. What should I do? Sally, Dallas, Texas
A.
Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which a baby is born with part of their intestines herniating outside their abdominal wall without a membrane covering it. Although they may have other intestinal problems, these children usually aren't born with other problems, such as chromosomal anomalies or heart defects. And if there was no associated intestinal problems, then once the gastroschisis was repaired and he was eating well, you would expect that he would do well.
Although there aren't any studies associating gastroschisis with autism, there have been reports of gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autism, so one thing that you could do that might be worthwhile would be to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist for an evaluation.
And although the average Pediatrician may not be familiar with some alternative autism treatments, such as casein and/or gluten free diets, facilitated communication, secretin therapy, auditory integration training, chelation therapy, immune globulin therapy, or taking vitamins and nutritional supplements, you could talk to your Pediatrician about getting a second opinion from another doctor who is.
Defeat Autism Now! of the Autism Research Institute provides a practitioner list of 'DAN!-based interventions for helping autistic patients.' Keep in mind that not all DAN practitioners are medical doctors.
Could It Be Autism? is a good book that discusses many of these treatments and more and it may also be a good resource for you, especially as you possibly explore trying some of these alternative autism treatments.
Alternative Autism Treatment Controversies
Keep in mind that the use of alternative autism treatments is rather controversial. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 'because ASD [autism spectrum disorder] is a chronic condition for which presently there is no medical cure, it has become the focus of several unconventional treatments. However, rigorously controlled randomized studies are still scarce and scientific evidence is lacking for alternative interventions.'Instead, the AAP recommends early intervention, including 'behavioral methods, early developmental education, communication, occupational and physical therapy, highly structured social play interventions, and extensive parent training.'
References:
1Gastroschisis and omphalocele. Ledbetter DJ - Surg Clin North Am - 01-APR-2006; 86(2): 249-60, vii
2Evaluation of an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and cytokine production against common dietary proteins in children with autism spectrum disorders. Jyonouchi H - J Pediatr - 01-MAY-2005; 146(5): 605-10
3AAP Policy Statement. The Pediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 5 May 2001, pp. 1221-1226.
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