Autism

Autism is classified as one of the pervasive developmental disorders of the brain. It is not a disease. People with
classical autism show three types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal
communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. These symptoms can vary in severity. In
addition, people with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation.
Symptoms usually appear during the first three years of childhood and continue through life. Researchers have
identified a number of genes that play a role in the disorder. In some children, environmental factors also may play a
role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that
autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development. Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every
10,000 people, depending on diagnostic criteria used, and strikes males about four times more often than females. 

Is there any treatment?

There is currently no cure for autism, but appropriate treatment may foster relatively normal development and
reduce undesirable behaviors. Educational/behavioral therapies and drug interventions are designed to remedy
specific symptoms. Educational/behavioral therapies emphasize highly structured and often intensive skill-oriented
training. Doctors also may prescribe a variety of drugs to reduce symptoms of autism Other interventions are
available, but few, if any, scientific studies support their use. 

What is the prognosis?

People with autism have normal life expectancies. Symptoms in many children improve with intervention or as the
children age. Some people with autism eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. Adolescence can worsen
behavior problems in some children, and parents should be ready to adjust treatment for the child's changing needs.
About a third of children with autistic spectrum disorders eventually develop epilepsy. The risk is highest in
children with severe cognitive impairment and motor deficits. 

What research is being done?

NINDS supports studies aimed at identifying the underlying brain abnormalities of autism through new methods of
brain imaging and other innovative techniques, and at identifying genes that increase the risk of autism.
Researchers also are investigating possible biologic markers present at birth that can identify infants at risk for
the development of autism. Other studies are examining how different brain regions develop and function in relation
to each other, and how alterations in these relationships may result in the signs and symptoms of autism.
Researchers hope these studies will provide new clues about how autism develops and how brain abnormalities affect
behavior. 

Nutrition Suppplementation:

	Child�s	Adult	Murray - for	Our comments
	RDA/AI	RDA/AI	Typical Adults
	(age 4-8)	(male)
Vitamins  A	2500 IU	5000 IU	5000 IU
Carotenes*	***	***	5000-25,000 IU	Best with mixed carotenes (not only beta-carotene)
B1 Thiamin	0.6 mg	1.2 mg	10-100 mg
B2 Riboflavin	0.6 mg	1.3 mg	10-50 mg
B3 Niacin	8 mg	16 mg	10-100 mg
Niacinamide			100 mg
Inositol			100-500 mg
B5 Pantothenic	3 mg	5 mg	25-100 mg
B6 Pyridoxine	0.6 mg	1.7 mg	25-100 mg	We recommend  about 8 mg of B6 per pound bodyweight    (with some children needing significantly less or more), and about 3-4 mg of magnesium per pound bodyweight (B6 must be taken with magnesium). In the P5P form of B6, use 1-2 mg per pound bodyweight Start at a lower dose of B6, and increase gradually.
B12 CyanoCobalamin	1.2 mcg	2.4 mcg	400 mcg
Biotin	12 mcg	30 mcg	100-300 mcg	500-1000 mcg
Folic Acid	120 mcg	240 mcg	400 mcg	Take extra if taking DMG (see DMG note)
Choline*	250 mg	550 mg	10-100 mg	follow new RDA/AI guidelines of 250 mg for children, 550 for adults
Inositol*	***	***	10-100 mg	optimal dosage unclear, but dosages of 12,000 mg have been used to effectively treat depression and panic disorders, since it is required for  the function of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
C	25 mg	90 mg	100-1000 mg	250-500 mg, 2x/day.  Some people recommend higher doses.   If diarrhea results, lower dose.
Bioflavonoids*	***	***	***	Enhances effects of vitamin C.  Mixed bioflavonoids are best.  A ratio of 1:2 bioflavonoids to vitamin C seems reasonable.
D	200 IU	200 IU	100-400 IU	Fat-soluble, so do not take excessive doses (over 1000 IU/day).
E	7 mg	15 mg	100-800 IU	150-250 IU.  Fat-soluble, so be cautious of overdosing

Diseases&Treatments

scroll here for more diseases Aging Alcohol Abuse Allergies Alzheimer's Amenorrhea Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Anemia Angina Anovulation Anxiety Disorders Appendicitis Arrhythmia Artherosclerosis Arthritis Asthma Autism Autoimmune Disease Breast Cancer Bursitis Cancer Cerebral Aneurysm Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cirrhosis of the Liver Depression Dermatomyositis Diabetes Diarrhea Eating Disorders Eczema Endometriosis Epilepsy Fibroids Fibromyalgia Gastritis Genetic Obesity Genital Warts Gynecomastia Hair Loss Heart Disease Hemorrhoids Genital Herpes High Blood Pressure Hypoxia HIV & AIDS HPV & Cervical Cancer Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Impotence Kidney Stones Lymphoma Menopause Migraines Osteoporosis Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cysts Paget�s Disease Pain Parkinson�s Disease Premenstrual Syndrome Prostate Enlargement Prostate Problems Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Ulcers Ulcerative Colitis Uterine Bleeding Vaginitis Varicose Veins Venous Thrombosis Waardenburg Syndrome Whipple�s Disease

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only.   This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice.  All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.