Author name: Ahmad

Someone wrote: I read somewhere Donna Williams wrote about a glutamate concoction she said made her feel better. Are you familiar with this? I ask because of a recent NIH study that talked about glutamate neurons role in autism. The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics in March and is considered a break through in the genetic mapping of ASD. I would really like to find out more about this. My reply, No, not glutaMATE, glutaMINE. Glutamate in excess damages the brain. Many people with autism have excess glutamate and low glutamine. Glutamine counter-balances glutamate and reduces excess ammonia which harms the brain. Glutamine has nothing to do with gluten and contains no gluten. I have been on 2000mg Glutamine for over 15 years, longer than anyone else with autism who I know has used it. I was already on dietary interventions since the 1990s and was first put on nutritional supplements- Vitamin C, zinc, multi-vitamins - around 1972-1975 when I was 9-12 years old. I was one of the first known people with autism in the world whose parents trialled the use of nutritional supplements. I have mentioned this in Nobody Nowhere and some of my other works and lectures and attribute this intervention to improved health and language processing at that time and coincided with my transition from echolalia and stored strings into interpretive (meaning based) language between age 9-11 (two sided communication took longer to emerge). Glutamine is considered an important 'brain-food'. Whilst it is traditionally a sports medicine, Glutamine is used as a growth factor, used to raise T-cell count (immunity), used as an anti inflammatory (its the building block of glucosamine which is made from glutamine+glucose), as a natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety supplement, used in difficult to treat diabetes, used in recovery from gut surgeries and in inflammatory bowel conditions, used to treat alcoholism, used in the management of schizophrenia and dementia and as a 'smart drug' by those with learning and developmental disabilities. It is uses in the management of systemic inflammation including that of the gut and blood brain barrier. It is NOT suitable for ALL people with autism nor is it effective for ALL people with autism but a 30 day trial usually tells whether it will be helpful or not. It is not suitable for those who also have muscle wasting diseases. A naturopath can oversee a 30 day trail of glutamine to ensure it suits the person. Low or homeopathic doses of glutamine do not seem effective. Doses should also not be exceeded. The advised adult dose by the company who makes it, was generally around 2000mg. I have known of children around 9 generally taking around 1,500mg, younger children taking around 1000mg. It is generally not recommended for use by those under 15. Glutamine changes the chemical structure of the brain. As a consultant over 3 years at a school where a significant number of the children trialled glutamine, I saw children with autism on glutamine who were undersized then grow taller over a year of taking it. I also saw significant developmental and communication improvements in those children whose parents felt it was beneficial to them. This does not mean glutamine would cause the same improvement for all children with autism. It is a supplement on the treatment protocol of Paul Shattock, a world leading expert in nutritional factors in autism and who is a pharmacologist. I have been on 2000mg glutamine powder (the powder is cheaper than capsules by the way) for 15 years. It is purchased from GNC stores in the UK, USA, Australia but probably available through most health food stores. It occurs naturally in raw fish, raw eggs, raw meat (yuk). It can be mixed into dairy free margarine, rice milk or other foods but is destroyed by cooking. It is one of three amino acids which make the essential chelation/immune boosting supplement, glutathione (the others being glycine and cysteine) Supplementing with some amino acids requires supervision by a naturopath as excesses in one can cause deficiencies in others. In those for whom glutamine proved beneficial in a 30 day trial, the improvements which may occur within 3 months of starting glutamine may be those associated with improved gut function, improved brain health in reducing toxins crossing into the brain through improving the blood-brain barrier, improved brain health in reducing ammonia accumulation in the brain which causes 'brain fog', improved functioning associated with reduction of anxiety and raising mood. I use 2000mg Glutamine in conjunction with a low salicylate, CF/GF, low sugar diet plus 15 mg zinc, 1000mg Calcium Ascorbate (non acid vit C), mega B complex, calcium-magnesium 1,500mg, chromium 400mcg, Selenium 60mcg and Omega 3 2000mg (as well as a SMALL amount of an atypical antipsychotic which is used in managing co-morbid bipolar/social phobia/OCD/Tourette's issues). Naturopaths train for up to 4 years in the study of nutritional and natural medicine on health and development. Pharmacologists are specialists in chemistry. GPs and most medical doctors who have not done further training in nutritional medicine often have only got a few weeks of study in nutritional medicine. A dietitian is also not a naturopath unless they have also studied naturopathy. Ideally, a qualified medical doctor who also has a formal qualification in naturopathy is an ideal person to discuss nutritional health with. These are rare. Most GPs and doctors with no formal training in naturopathy do not believe in the use of natural medicine. Many still do not believe in a significant relationship between dietary interventions and autism unless they are specifically given and read peer reviewed medical journal studies proving such relationships such as those published in publications like The Lancet. As drug companies fund most medical research, there are more published studies in such journals on the relationship between drugs and autism than there is on nutrition or supplements on autism. Drug companies are in direct financial competition with the companies which make nutritional supplements, including Glutamine. To learn more

Article By: Phil Bate PhD Article Date: 07/28/2008 This page is designed to help you do research finding help and solutions that improve the autism symptoms. You can use this reference page to search further on many and various therapies that have helped others. New products and theories are showing up all the time. There are many different therapies that have helped many people with "mental problems", ranging from ADD/ADHD/Autism to depression, and even schizophrenia. Some (such as EEG Biofeedback (aka Neurofeedback (NFB)) or End Point Titration (EPT) or Hyperbaric (oxygen tanks), etc, that now have inexpensive alternates are not included. Google these “names” if info is desired on them. 1. The newest and certainly the least expensive "brain training" method is the Neuroliminal Training (NT) system. This has now been shown to be an excellent and inexpensive alternate to both the very expensive Neurofeedback (NFB) training, and Hyperbaric Oxygen. Results are very similar to Neurofeedback (both EEG and HEG BF). For a fraction of the cost of those, it offers an affordable and much better alternative to Ritalin and other dangerous drugs for mid and low income families who simply cannot afford Neurofeedback or Hyperbaric. Both NFB and NT work to eliminate allergen affects causing mental problems of all types. http://ADHD-Autism.com for more info. 2. Allergens are almost always part of all "brain problems", There's a simple and free (except for some detective work) way to detect them. Even if you use the NT or NFB Training, this is a good idea! Check out Dr Bate's FREE Caveman Diet and pulse test at: http://drbate.com/Ref/pulse.html 3. For the ADD to Autism continuum (as well as depression and schizophrenia), there is a good possibility that mercury used in infant or childhood vaccines (or other toxic minerals) may be the real underlying problem. These mineral toxins MUST be chelated out of the body. There are various old and new methods of doing this: a. Vitamin C in large doses: This has two advantages; it's relatively cheap, and it's good for overall health. In my former practice, I used it with excellent success in many schizophrenia cases. In general, it is very safe, unless the patient has an allergy to corn (not that unusual). For smaller children, I would recommend 1 gram (1000 mg) at each meal per 40 pounds per child. Overdosing only causes diarrhea, and it might be necessary to work up to this amount if such occurs. If a corn allergy is suspected, then use Calcium Ascorbate, either in powder or pill form. I buy the cheapest form of Ascorbic acid from Cosco, but my wife (with corn allergy) has to use the Calcium Ascorbate. b. Injecting chelating chemical: A therapy where a chelating drug (EDTA) is injected into a vein for an hour or so in a clinic office. This is also quite expensive. Not recommended. c. Zeolite in liquid form: A newer method taken by mouth (and relatively expensive). This is actually a form of lava rock that is very porous, and this porosity attracts heavy metals (mercury, lead, copper, etc) binds to it, and carries it out via the urine/kidney pathway. The reports are excellent, but it's marketed by a sort of MultiLevelMarketing (MLM) scheme that makes it more expensive. Base retail price is about $50, but if you become a distributor, it drops to $33 or so. You can get more details by Googling "zeolite". d. Glutathione Supplements: There's a (new to me) supplement specifically designed to raise Glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is a natural combination of amino acids that is a powerful anti-oxident with several other interesting features: • It’s a major part of the immune system often overlooked by scientists. • Glutathione detoxifies the body by taking poisons, including mercury and other toxic minerals out. (Similar to chelation, but most other toxins as well as minerals.) • It's not absorbed well when taken as a direct supplement. This is important as there are many supplements that contain glutathione that are not generally effective. • Low levels of glutathione are found in all autistic children, as well as many other sick or toxic persons. These low levels do not allow excretion well. This explains why hair, blood, and urine tests of mercury (and other minerals) do not show accurately what is stored in the body. • Price of supplement program - $85 for a 28 day supply. Again not cheap, but this seems to be worth the price if you can afford it. For more details go to: http://maxgxl.com/brainadvance 4. There’s a company that advocates a special "Body Ecology Diet", This has had good success with autism and virtually all other health issues. It includes many products designed to effectively make the human body work better and more efficiently. It includes some very good probiotics as well as others that help get rid of yeast overgrowth & the "Leaky Gut Syndrome". Again, not cheap, but worth it, if it is affordable for your family. For more information: http://www.bodyecology.com 5. What do digestive enzymes have to do with ADD/ADHD and autism? A "leaky" gut syndrome” produces more allergy/sensitivity, and enzymes with meals break down the food better lessening the need for the “leaky gut”. This has helped many ADD/ADHD as well as autistic persons. a. There is a bulletin board sponsored by Kirkman Labs that has a forum on special digestive enzymes. Join at: enzymesandautism-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. b. Another company that has an excellent line of enzymes is New Beginnings. In addition to the enzymes, they have a lot of Gluten/Casein Free Nutritional Supplements, and a "purified source" of cholesterol (see below). Info and catalogs at http://nbnus.com 6. At the recent Orlando conference, I also learned that many autistics have low cholesterol, and supplementing with two egg yolks a day may improve many symptoms. This is certainly easy and cheap to try. If the person has an allergy to eggs (not uncommon) then a "purified" cholesterol may be obtained from the New Beginnings supplier above

By Suzanne Leigh Ten years ago, Kathy Marshack, a psychologist in Vancouver, Wash., was unfamiliar with Asperger's syndrome in adults. Asperger's is a condition on the spectrum of autism disorders that most people associate with children and teens, but Marshack has about 15 patients who are either adults with Asperger's or are the spouses or grown children of them. Marshack, who says her late mother had Asperger's and her adopted daughter has it, believes the condition is widely undiagnosed. In many cases, it doesn't come to light until a spouse or adult child seeks therapy for depression or poor self-esteem that results from the coldness and egocentricity Asperger's adults demonstrate in relationships, she says. The number of Asperger's adults, like the diagnosis, is hard to pin down. Anecdotal growth in their ranks and a burgeoning online "Aspie" adult subculture that includes dating sites, advocacy groups and chat rooms raises the question: Are we starting to discover generations who escaped diagnosis? The condition officially wasn't recognized until 1994, which leads people such as Marshack to believe doctors are playing catch-up with adult diagnoses. Because some Asperger's adults are spouses and parents and have enduring careers, others suggest that the diagnostic criteria are being interpreted too loosely. "Almost by definition, an Asperger's person would not form an intimate relationship, get married and have children," says research scientist Katherine Tsatsanis of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic. "They don't form connections. The desire, the drive and the social knowledge is lacking." An explanation for behavior What is not disputed is the testimony of those who say their diagnosis helps explain their lives. When Liane Holliday Willey was diagnosed with Asperger's at 40, she felt she had been offered a key that would "unlock the mysteries that were me." The Rockford, Mich., married mother of three wrote of her suspicions that she had the disorder in her memoir, Pretending to be Normal, published in 1999. In it she described an "overwhelming childhood desire to be away from my peers," preferring pretend tea parties in which "the fun came from setting up and arranging things." The criteria for Asperger's, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the clinicians' diagnostic handbook, are "qualitative impairments in social interaction," which may include poor eye-to-eye gaze, failure to develop relationships and lack of "emotional reciprocity." The syndrome also is marked by "restricted repetitive and stereotyped" behavior, such as inflexible adherence to routine, hand flapping or twisting and an abnormal preoccupation with certain interests. For William Loughman of Berkeley, Calif., a retired director of a hospital cytogenetics lab and grandfather of six, reading about Asperger's led to an epiphany when his conviction that he had the condition was confirmed by a psychologist three years ago. Loughman, 74, says that like many people with Asperger's, he has difficulty making eye contact and tends to rock back and forth ("stimming" in Asperger's parlance). He believes Asperger's explains why he flourished in the highly structured environment of the U.S. Army and partially explains why his first wife of 10 years divorced him. (His second marriage, which has lasted 40 years, has weathered decades of turmoil but is now calm, he reports.) Disparities in diagnoses Like other conditions on the autism spectrum, Asperger's is believed to be caused primarily by errant genes, and it is not typically associated with low IQ. Although there's no consensus on prevalence, a study in May's Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry pins it at 1 in 400 among 8-year-olds, more often in boys than girls. Though professionals use the same diagnostic criteria, interpretations make for wide disparities in diagnosis. Ami Klin, head of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, says some people may have family members with autism-spectrum disorders and exhibit features of Asperger's, such as "social deficits and a great deal of rigidities," but these traits are not tantamount to the diagnosable condition. Forming close friendships and dating run counter to Asperger's adults' goals, colleague Tsatsanis says; Klin says he has never known a parent with Asperger's. Bryna Siegel, director of the Autism Clinic at the University of California-San Francisco, concurs that an Asperger's parent would be rare, and she knows of just one short-lived marriage. Recently she does more "un-diagnosing" than diagnosing, she says. But Marshack, whose self-published A Sliver in My Mind: Loving Those With Asperger Syndrome arrives this year, says experts who say Asperger's adults don't marry or have children either "have their heads stuck in the sand" or do not believe many have learned to compensate for their deficits. Diagnosis can offer fresh hope to those who have been struggling, she says. Holliday Willey says she fails to understand concern about overdiagnosis. "The idea that too many are being diagnosed - so what? I'd rather gather in more folks than leave one out."

Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon People with autism are more susceptible to allergies and food sensitivities than the average person; and this is likely due to their impaired immune system. I have provided a brief discussion of allergies and food sensitivities below. Allergies. An allergy is the body's overreaction to a foreign substance. When a substance causes the body's immune system to overreact, this substance is referred to as an 'allergen.' When an allergen, such as a plant pollen, is inhaled, it is identified by the body as an intruder. As a response, the body produces an antibody called 'immunoglobulin E,' or IgE, to destroy the intruder. The antibodies then attach themselves to mast cells which are located in tissues and basophils and are located in the blood stream. When the IgE also attaches to the intruder, the mast cells and basophils release histamine. Histamine causes swelling of the lining in the nose and causes extra mucus to form. Consequently, the person can suffer nasal itching and congestion, sneezing, and inflamed, irritated, and/or itching eyes. Due to one's immune system, some people are more sensitive than others to foreign substances. Numerous tests are used to identify which foreign substances are allergens. These include skin prick tests, blood tests, x-rays, and nasal endoscopy. There are also many treatments which may alleviate symptoms associated with allergies. Interestingly, giving an extremely small dose of an allergen may desensitize a person to the foreign substance thereby its status as an allergen. This procedure usually involves receiving an 'allergy shot.' One can also purchase sublingual drops from a nutrition store. Vitamins and other nutrients, such as Vitamin C, are also used by many people to reduce allergy symptoms. While not used to desensitize a person to a foreign substance, allergy symptoms can be treated by taking medications such as cromolyn sodium (administered using a nasal spray) or taking antihistamines. These medications sometimes have side-effects, such as drowsiness and dryness. Another method to relieve the suffering associated with allergies is to reduce allergens from one's surroundings, such as using an air conditioner and/or an air filter in the home. Food Sensitivities. There is growing evidence that many people with autism are sensitive to certain food products. The most common food products to which this sensitivity develops are grains (e.g., wheat, rye, oats) and dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, whey). Other foods, which are often consumed during the spring and summer, are strawberries and citrus fruit. Food sensitivities are considered by many people as allergies in that one's immune system is overly reactive to these substances. Food sensitivities may be responsible for numerous physical and behavioral problems, such as headaches, stomachaches, feeling of nausea, bed-wetting, appearing 'spaced out,' stuttering, excessive whining and crying, sleeping problems, hyperactivity, aggression, sound sensitivity, temper tantrums, fatigue, depression, intestinal problems (i.e., gas, diarrhea, constipation), muscle aches in the legs, ear infections and possibly seizures. Sometimes the person will have changes in physical appearance as a result of a food sensitivity. These can include: pink or black circles around the eyes, bags under the eyes, rosy cheeks or ears, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, fluid in the ears (a cause of ear infections), and excessive perspiration. However, it should be mentioned that these behavior and physical symptoms may not necessarily be a result of a food sensitivity and can be due to other causes as well. A reaction to a certain food may occur immediately after exposure or may take up to 36 hours or longer to manifest itself. In addition, reactions usually occur after a meal rather than before a meal. If behavioral problems occur before a meal, the problem may be hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Interestingly, people often crave the very foods to which they are sensitive. At the present time, we do not know why this is so. There are several ways to determine whether a person is sensitive to a specific food substance. The easiest way is to eliminate completely the suspected foods from one's diet. If a person is sensitive to the food, one would expect an improvement in how a person feels and/or behaves once these products are no longer in the person's system. One way to test for a food sensitivity is to remove the substance from the person's diet for approximately one or two weeks, and then give it to him/her on an empty stomach. The food must be totally eliminated; even a trace amount might be too much for some individuals. In most cases, a food sensitivity reaction, if it occurs, will do so within 15 to 60 minutes; however, it may take several hours to notice some reactions, such as bed-wetting and fluid in the ears. Another way to test for food sensitivities is to rotate food items in one's diet every four days. If the sensitivity exists, then one would expect a reaction to occur every fourth day. Another method used to determine a food sensitivity is to provoke a response with an extract and then neutralize the response by using a diluted form of the food substance. This can be done by having a qualified physician inject the substance into the person via a needle or placing food extracts under one's tongue. When a reaction is observed, then a dilution of the extract is given to stop or neutralize the reaction. For some, a dilution of the food substance will desensitize the person to the allergen itself. The best way to stop a reaction to a particular food substance is to remove that food from the person's diet. Other treatments include taking nutrients to strengthen the immune system and giving the person sublingual drops, i.e., very small amount of the substance. In general, it is important that people realize that allergies and food sensitivities can affect one's health and behavior, but these problems are treatable. The Autism Research Institute distributes an information packet on vitamins, allergies, and nutritional treatments for autism.

An important part of Alice Bender's work as curriculum coordinator at the Riverside School board has been the promotion of inclusive education in schools which involves the integration of handicapped children in the regular school curriculum so that they learn alongside other children. A dynamic, 54-year old woman passionate about her work, it's not surprising that her contribution has recently been noticed by the Canadian Association for Community Living. They have given Alice Bender an award in recognition of her outstanding work at a Toronto workshop on inclusive learning this past November 2nd (2002). In her work, Alice aids teachers develop the skills required for inclusive education. This includes how to teach with more variety and different levels of challenge adapted to handicapped and non-handicapped children. Children with disabilities may not learn at the same level or at the same rate as their peers. Teachers trained in this manner integrate handicapped children in the classroom while keeping in mind government guidelines and implemented study programs. Inclusive learning, as Alice puts it, "is more a philosophy than a series of learning goals. It's the belief that all kids belong together." Alice goes on to say that the philosophy of inclusive education is that children with disabilities attend the same neighbourhood schools and classes as their siblings. Handicapped children learn alongside other children just as they would at home. When asked how she got involved in inclusive education as a specialty, she answers, "Both my parents were handicapped, and this has a lot to do with how I see handicapped people." On the other hand, she recalls a pivotal incident as a Grade 1 schoolteacher in the eighties. "I had a six-year old boy in my class that had the development of a 3-year old." She discussed this child with her school principal. In doing so, Alice recalls her change in mindset. "He was six years old and lived in the area. Instead of teaching a subject, you're teaching a child." From that point on, she took courses on inclusive education that would teach her the necessary skills for integrating children with disabilities in the regular classroom. She then went on to work several years for the provincial ministry of Education as a consultant for inclusive issues in English Quebec. In 1998, she returned to the School Board initially as school principal of Harold Napper elementary school, and switched to being full-time curriculum coordinator for inclusive education since 2001. More recently, Alice has been invited by UNICEF to develop teacher training modules on inclusive education in Mali and other African countries. She will be returning to Mali for the third time this year in December. Over the years, she has had the chance to follow several children that have benefited from inclusive learning. To illustrate how a teacher might use inclusive education skills, she tells the story of a Down's syndrome child, Johnny. In a 6-grade class, the teacher was discussing Jacques Cartier with the children. She had written the name of the famous explorer on the board with a felt marker. Since one of her goals was to teach Johnny to spell his name, in the middle of the discussion, she would circle the letter "J" in Jacques Cartier's name with a different colour marker, turn to Johnny and ask him, "Johnny, what letter is this?" At another point in the discussion she might ask him what colour the marker in her hand was. Johnny would reply, expecting to be part of the ongoing discussion. Alice also points out how the other children may benefit from the inclusive system. They learn how to deal with peers such as Johnny, naturally mimicking the teacher's interactions with the disabled child. They gain an awareness of the child's level of ability and knowledge of how they can assist him or her. Inclusive education is gradually becoming more widespread. Most children taught in the Riverside School board system are taught in the inclusive system.

Elkmont, Ala. - There may have been a time when Jennifer Cech did not think she would be able to brag "how incredibly talented" her daughter is. When Katie was born, doctors told John and Jennifer Cech that she had infantile autism, a condition that can cause poorly developed communication skills, abnormality in speech pattern, inability to sustain aconversation, inability to make friends and tantrum-like behavior when the child's routine is disrupted. Katie's condition was not that severe. She remembers having trouble memorizing, and she is almost completely deaf. "I have hearing aids now," the 11-year-old Elkmont High School sixth-grader said. "I'm outgrowing the problems I had learning." She has more than outgrown them. She has surpassed her problems. On Thursday, Katie's teacher, Matt Stockman, notified her that she placed in the top 10 nationwide in an inventor's challenge. Katie designed a walking stick that can growl and provide light. The top of the stick has an animal's head, such as a wolf. "His growl can scare animals away, and the light helps you see if it gets dark," she said. She got the idea from a magazine picture of a staff with an animal's head on it. On her entry form she wrote this explanation for her invention: "Imagine yourself deep in the dark woods and the sun is beginning to set. You forgot your flashlight and the matches you packed in your backpack are wet and soggy. How will you find your way back to camp or to your cabin? This lighted walking stick is the perfect answer. "A molded resin animal head in your choice of characters sits on top of a 2-inch diameter staff. Just below that animal head, a fabric-covered hand grip provides a comfortable place to grasp your walking stick during your long hikes. Light shines through inserted plastic shapes that have been carefully molded into the body of the staff. A button at the throat of the animal can be pressed to make an animal sound like a horse snort, the growl of a wolfhound or the deep grunt of a deer. A night-light-sized bulb provides the light for the walking stick and is powered by two C cell batteries, which are purchased separately from the walking stick." Katie also drew her creation. "I started drawing when I was 5," she said. "I like to draw half humans, half dogs." By placing in the top 10, she won toys from the company that hosted the contest, Wild Planet, and a chance to be a child consultant to Wild Planet for a year. Katie said she enjoys science and art, but she would like to have a job where she can care for animals. Near her wooded Elkmont home, she often finds abandoned dogs and cats. She has a Shiatsu named Max and three cats named Erwin, Aggie and Snickers. Her family locates homes for some of the animals that she finds. When the animals are too sick, her mother takes them to a veterinarian to be put to sleep. "It's really sad when we do that," Katie said. "I try to leave food out for the ones that are OK." She has never been bitten and believes that's because animals trust her. "I like to come up with names for them from movies I watch," she said. Her mother couldn't be happier that her daughter has so many interests. "I'm so proud of her," Jennifer Cech said. "She's done so well, and she doesn't mind telling you about it. She gets excited and will just talk and talk." Katie admits she's been "jumpy and smiling" since Stockman told her that she won. With Katie planning to enter more art and science contests, she'll probably have plenty to talk about.

Autism Management Limited - #5 in a series of informative papers. Dr Edward Danczak Food reactions can in general be classified as immune in origin such as an allergy, and of non immune origin which may be called intolerance. Food, since it is taken by everyone, features high in the index of suspicion when looking at autistic behaviour, with widespread concern at the possibility that intake of dairy and wheat products may be a triggering factor for abnormal behavioural activity. A recent UK Government report comments that up to 30% of the UK population believes that they have a food allergy or some kind of adverse reaction to foods. This figure can be clarified by using objective measurements, which reveal a much lower figure of around 1.8%. (1) The most common reaction is to natural food and not to synthetic additives or contaminants, the prevalence of which is around 0.03%. Children in general have much higher reactivity than adults, with up to 8% suffering adverse responses. In general 90% of food reactions in children are caused by one of the following: cows milk, chickens eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts (hazel,brazil,walnuts) and soya protein. It is not surprising that wheat milk and eggs have the highest incidence of reaction since they are the most common ingredients in early years diet. Wheat can cause reactions in autistic children through a number of different routes. Direct immune response with a classic eczema rash, and sometimes the onset of asthma in susceptible individuals. There may also be vomiting, colic, and diarrhoea. Symptoms may start within a matter of minutes and may last for many days before stability returns. This may be associated with a deterioration in concentration, communication and overall functional activity. Indeed behavioural changes may be the only indicator of reactivity. There are at least three other routes to intolerance. Inadequate breakdown of wheat peptides (short chains of amino acids) contained in gluten, part of wheat, due to intestinal wall depletion of peptidases, (enzymes) which break down the peptides into non toxic fragments. This failure is shared in some milk intolerances. These peptidases are Zinc dependent, and would be expected to be reduced in population when there is bowel wall damage. This breakdown failure leads to absorption of glutenomorph peptides which look and behave like enkephalins, naturally produced morphine like mediators. Measurement of these urinary peptides provides one route of assessment of inappropriate absorption (2) (4) Symptoms may include lack of concentration, introspection, intoxicated behaviour, and repetitive movement. Self injury is not uncommon. Another well recognised route is gluten intolerance causing coeliac disease. This is a recognised cause of malabsorption, detectable on intestinal biopsy, by blood test, and by the gold standard of reactivity on exposure to gluten containing food. All enterologists are familiar with this process. Foul smelling difficult to clear stools with poor weight gain, bloating, gas, anaemia and failure to thrive are commonly seen. Gluten, which is quite a complex structure, contains a substrate called gliaden. This contains a protein called a lectin, which is toxic, not broken down by digestive enzymes, and which can cause unexpected clinical illness ranging from diarrhoea to intestinal damage, to various types of arthritis. The wheat lectin is classified by its ability to bind glucose. It shares this with a lectin contained in potato. This may explain why some children do not respond well to wheat withdrawal, but then respond well to potato exclusion. It may be that the glucose receptor on the lectin is the common reactive trigger. It also offers the possibility of using accurately targeted medication to block the lectin activity, and allow a child to take prophylactic medication to block sensitivity reactions. (3) If you think that wheat intolerance could be contributing to your child's condition, before planning to exclude wheat as a dietary constituent, discuss this with your physician. Inadvertent malnutrition is common in autistic children through inappropriate dietary intervention. Dr Edward Danczak 1) akosua.adjei@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk (COT Secretariat, Food Standards Agency) 2) Reichelt KL., Knivsberg A-M., Nodland M.,Lind G.,Nature and Consequences of Hyperpeptiduria and Bovine caseinomorphins found in autistic syndromes. Development Brain Dysfunction 1994;7:71-85 3) Van Damme E.,Peumans WJ., Pusztai A., Bardocz S.,Handbook of Plant Lectins, Properties and Biomedical Applications. John Wiley 1998 ISBN 0-471-96445-X 4) Shattock P.,Kennedy A.,RowellF.,BerneyT.,Role of Neuropeptides in Autism and their relationships with Classical Neurotransmitters, Brain Dysfunction, 1990 3:328-345 *********************************************************** Copyright (c) 2000 [Autism Management Limited]. All rights reserved. Revised: September 07, 2000 .

Neuroscience and radiology professionals from around the globe demonstrate how imaging technology is key to best practices in medicine The world's leading neuroscience and radiology experts today shared new research and technological developments in medical imaging that facilitate diagnosis and breakthrough treatments of fetal brain abnormalities, epilepsy and cognitive disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's. These important imaging advancements hold significant promise to enhance disease diagnosis to ultimately improve the life-saving and life-changing benefits of today's medical treatments. Held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center June 5-11 in Seattle, the ASNR Annual Meeting has become the global congregation point for the top minds in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology. Attendance at this year's meeting is up 20 percent, drawing twice as many overseas participants as last year. Some of the most dramatic technology and research insights shared were in the areas of fetal intervention, epilepsy, autism and Alzheimer's. Fetal Imaging "Today there are amazing surgical procedures that can be done on fetuses in utero to treat brain abnormalities, but these cannot be performed without first conducting fetal imaging tests to carefully diagnose the malady," explains ASNR President Dr. Charles Strother. "Using the latest imaging technology doctors can now get better quantity and quality of information from which to make their diagnosis, decide on the best treatment, and even plot out the step-by-step details of delicate surgery." Technologies and research in the areas of fetal imaging focused on modalities such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The tests are safe for pregnant women, their unborn babies and newborns with MR imaging that uses no ionizing radiation. The resulting data enable diagnosis and treatment of many disorders that were previously undetectable or worsened by delayed intervention. Physicians can now better detect and trace abnormal fetal brain development in-utero and improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatment therapies. Epilepsy Epilepsy can be treated surgically, and this is especially important to the more than 200,000 Americans with epilepsy who do not respond to pharmacological treatment. Advanced imaging technologies such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were among the technologies presented at the meeting, which demonstrated improvements in detecting the origin of the seizure within the brain. "Detecting the origin of the seizure with greater specificity enables us to better treat patients, to select those patients who may be cured by surgery and those who are better treated medically," stated Dr. Victor Haughton, ASNR program chair and president elect. "Effective imaging can maximize the medical outcome and - in the case of epilepsy - even an incremental benefit can go a long way towards improved quality of life for these patients." Autism Several health and consumer organizations are highly concerned about today's dramatic increase in the incidence of autism. This mysterious disease is well known to be the result of abnormal brain function, yet the key improved treatment and therapy lies largely in the ability to determine exactly how each particular child's brain function is abnormal. New imaging research - most notably using magnetoencephalography (MEG) - is shedding light on this growing epidemic by monitoring neuronal activity to better identify just "how" one's brain function is abnormal. MEG is a non-invasive, high-resolution technique that can detect fields so minute that it can physically image a single thought in real-time. In this manner, MEG has been extremely insightful in gaining a greater understanding of how autistic children process sounds (only in the left hemisphere as opposed to both) and other aspects of language impairments, traditionally associated with autism. Together with MR imaging and functional MRI, it provides a picture of how brain functions are organized in individuals with autism. Alzheimer's While there is no known cure for Alzheimer's it has been established that if it is treated before severe cognitive deficits occur, patients can maintain healthier cognitive function. Continued refinement of proven imaging techniques, such as MRI, promise to help diagnose Alzheimer's earlier and earlier. "New research using MRI shows that the rate of brain atrophy during the period of mild cognitive impairment can predict future decline into Alzheimer's disease within four years prior to clinical diagnosis," Dr. Haughton said. "This information can help maximize the potential to preserve this cognitive ability by enabling earlier intervention."

Article By: Paula L Rochelle, N.D. Article Date: 08/30/2010 The blood brain barrier is a network of tight junctions of endothelial cells in the central nervous system vessels. The cells are polarized into luminal (blood-facing) and abluminal (brain-facing) plasma membrane domains. These protective membranes serve to allow substances to cross into and out of the brain selectively. In a newborn, it takes approximately six weeks for the blood brain barrier to become formed. Within the blood brain barrier there are circumventricular organs which include: a.) the Pineal body which secretes melatonin, associated with the normal twenty-four hour sleep/wake cycle; b.) the posterior Pituitary which releases neurohormones like oxytoxin (responsible for bonding) and vasopressin (which plays a key role in the regulation of water, glucose, and salts in the blood; c.) the Subfornical organ which is important for regulation of body fluids and; d.) the Vascular organ, a chemosensory area that detects peptides. Each of these organs is sensitive to toxicity. If any of these organs are toxic, the most common symptom manifested is hearing sensitivity. Most infants are born with a substantial toxic load. A study of chord blood performed by the Environmental Working Group identified almost 200 chemicals present in the chord blood of newborns; chemicals which include PCB's (plastic), chemicals which cause cancer, heart disease and even heavy metals. At birth, these chemicals already have entered the brain due to the poorly formed plasma membranes. The mandatory Hepatitic B shot given in somewhat of a robotic fashion without regard to the vitality or size of the infant only adds to the toxic burden. This vaccination permeates the poorly formed blood brain barrier which is already toxic. A vaccination designed to create immunity. . now in a place it should never have been allowed to access. After approximately six weeks, and before there are any concerns, the blood brain barrier closes and locks toxicity inside of the brain. Most chemicals including antibiotics are now too large to cross the blood brain barrier. Accessing the toxicity must be done through another means. Leaving the world of chemistry and entering the world of physics is now providing a unique approach to neutralizing toxins inside the blood brain barrier. In much the same way that you would use a tuning fork to tune a piano, specific vibrations placed in an electrolyte solution are demonstrating substantial improvements in sleep, behavior, 'stimming', and bonding. It appears that the brain does not differentiate between the vibration and the actual substance such as oxytocin or ACTH. 'It is like the key that unlocked the door' for 9 year old Bailey who now carries on an interactive conversation without her normal hand-flapping. Playing with her imaginary friends at a tea party is a delight for all to see. While there are many issues which must be addressed in working with individuals on the spectrum, this is proving to be one of the most effective and unique approaches to addressing the challenge of the blood brain barrier . . . a challenge which has haunted many practitioners and parents alike.

I would like to back Bill Welsh's call (Letters, 17 August) for Scotland's chief medical officer, Mac Armstrong, to make a statement on the epidemic of autism engulfing our country. The price to the public purse for each person with autism has been costed at £2.9 million. A simple calculation suggests the government is looking at a bill of £9,860 million. While the financial cost should worry those that hold the Scottish government's purse strings, the physical and mental costs for those with autism are often much higher. For years, parents have fought to improve the almost non-existent National Health Service facilities for autistic children. It is soul-destroying when one sees the medical establishment close ranks and completely ig-nore the many problems that our children have. What we need at the top is an ambitious and brave leader who is willing to tackle this serious injustice. Steven Law, New Star Bank Newtongrange, Midlothian