Treatments and Therapies
Introduction
Even though there is no known cure for someone diagnosed with autism, there are interventions and treatments that may help to minimize their symptoms and improve health, behavior, and overall quality of life for both the individual with autism and their families. It is important that the family consult with their physician before considering a change in a child's diet or other intervention.
Nutritional Interventions
There are many interventions and treatments to revolve around a person's diet. The most popular ones are the Feingold Diet, as well as the Gluten and Casein Free Diet.
Feingold Diet (FG)
This diet consists of eliminating all artificial ingredients such as artificial dyes and flavors. This also includes eliminating artificial preservatives and salicylate-containing fruits, vegetables and aspirin-containing medications. All of these things are believed to provoke behavior, learning and health problems in some individuals. Visit http://www.feingold.org/ for more information, as well as access to online member support groups.
Gluten and Casein Free (GF/CF) Diet
Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, and many foods. This also includes products which list "natural flavorings" as an ingredient. Someone with a gluten intolerance indicates that proteins are improperly digested because they are absorbed through the intestinal walls where they are released into the bloodstream, which can then be mistaken by the brain as neurotoxin. This affects behaviors, moods, senses, etc.
Casein is the protein in animal milk, which is found in milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, and various baked good. Many practitioners, parents and caregivers of individuals with autism state that the elimination of casein and gluten has produced positive results in behaviors and digestive issues. For more information about gluten and casein free diets, visit http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/health/autism/autism-diet/
Other Nutritional Interventions
A list of other nutritional interventions and websites to obtain information about each are as follows:
- Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) www.pecanbread.com or www.digestivewellness.com
- Revolving Diet http://www.specialfoods.com/rotationdietexample.html
- Low Oxalate Diet (LOD) http://www.stillpointhealth.com/LowOxalateDiet-HelpandSuggestion.html
- Body Ecology Diet (BED) http://bodyecology.com/autism/bedrobroch0609st.pdf
- Yeast-Free Diet/Anti-Yeast Diet http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-diet
Alternative Treatments
There are other alternative medical treatments that can help an autistic child deal with their symptoms better.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST)
This therapy involves using gentle touch to help balance the spine and brain. This type of treatment takes about an hour and involves placement of the provider;s hands on the neck, feet, jaw, and lower back. This may help in calming/diffusing meltdowns and improving ability to communicate.
Neurotransmitter testing
Evaluating and properly addressing neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances may lead to significant changes in behavior for some individuals with Autism. These imbalances may contribute to anxiety, manic behaviors, hyperactivity, extreme fatigue, depressions, poor concentration, repetitive behaviors, stimming and many other symptoms. The neurotransmitter test can enlighten a person as to how specific supplements can help trigger the body to produce adequate serotonin naturally.
Auditory Integration Training
This methodical treatment is designed to normalize hearing and the ways in which the brain processes auditory information. It's based on the assumption that in many cases, distortions in hearing or auditory processing contribute to behavioral or learning disorders for individuals with autism. For information, visit www.auditoryintegration.net.
Toxic Heavy Metal Testing & Chelating
Some heavy metals , such as arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, and tin, can be beneficial in small amounts, but become toxic when a person takes in too much. To chelate is to grab the toxic metals and pull them out of the body. An agent called a chelator enters the bloodstream and attaches itself to the toxic metals and removes them from the body. Unfortunately, the chelator will pull out essential elements as well so a physician needs to closely monitor the process and supplement any essential elements accordingly. Plants have naturally occurring chelating properties, as well as Epsom salts and saunas.
Other types of Treatments
A list of other treatments and websites to obtain information about each are as follows:
- Vision therapy
- Saunas www.sunlightsaunas.com/detox-vaccines.htm
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) www.hbotreatment.com/Autism.htm
- Neurofeedback http://www.autism.net.au/Neurotherapy.htm
- Immune-System Regulation http://www.autism.org/naltrex.html
- Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) www.naet.com
Conclusions
Answer the following questions:
- What is your opinion on these different types of interventions and treatments? Do you think they help a person with autism deal with their symptoms better?
- Do you have any experience with any of these interventions or treatments?
The last unit will discuss different strategies that are used with autistic individuals inside and outside of the classroom.
Unit 5: What strategies can be used for someone with Autism inside and outside of the classroom?
Links
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ETAP 623 Fall 2014 taught by Byrne Systematic Design of Instruction
Autism Spectrum Disorder Mini Course
Unit 1: What are the different diagnoses under Autism Spectrum Disorder?