By admin | Published Jan 30, 2012

Using Vitamin and Mineral Supplements To Treat Autism And Other Ailments

One of the most common treatments for Autism is the use of vitamins and minerals as supplements for what the body is missing. While many report positive results from this, the research is limited as far as them being used for Autism.

Vitamins and Minerals are known universally as being beneficial for general health. This can be attributed for their connection with the production of neurotransmitters and role in digestion.

It is often difficult to fuel your child’s body with vitamins and minerals when their digestion is off. Additionally, how do you know which vitamins and minerals that your child needs? Are their bodies deficient in Vitamin D? Iron? Unless you know what exactly your child’s body needs, it’s nearly impossible to know which vitamins and minerals are necessary to improve your child’s health.

The inadequate consumption of vitamins and minerals along with a poor diet are the cause of many sicknesses and ailments. Because the gut and digestive system are like a 2nd brain in the body, it’s important that they’re given the right fuel to run correctly. Amongst the ailments that are connected with poor diet and lack of proper vitamins and minerals are:

Anemia (Caused by Low Iron), Hyperthyroid (Low Iodine), Scurvy (Deficient in Vitamin C), Rickets (Low Calcium and/or Vitamin D).

As of late, the focus has switched from these conditions to developmental disorders as well as learning and intellectual disorders.  A study was conducted recently that focused on Autism and the idea that nutritional inefficiencies and metabolic imbalances play a role in ASD.

A recent survey that was conducted found that vitamin and mineral supplements are among the most vastly used treatment suggestions for Autism, and yet the number of studies that have been officially conducted is very low.  Three individual studies have shown that children with Autism have ‘impaired methylation’, decreased gluathione and increased oxidative stress compared to children without an ASD or developmental disorder.

Two related surveys further found that supplements, specifically B12, resulted in improvements in methylation, gluathione and lowered oxidative stress. A 30 week study featured high doses of Vitamin C. These studies resulted in a decreased severity of Autism based on the Ritvo Freeman scale. There have been 11 double-blind placebo studies done with high doses of Vitamin B6 with magnesium – which showed dramatic behavior improvements.

In the most recent study, a three month treatment with vitamin and mineral supplementation, there was a successful result in that the vitamins and minerals were well tolerated. There was also an increase and improvement in metabolic status.

Before you can begin a treatment plan customized to your child, you should make sure you know which vitamins and minerals their body is lacking. Dr. Wong currently is offering his Blood Chemistry Analysis which tests 70 different biomarkers and can determine diseases your child may or may not have, and whether your current diet or supplement plans are working. If you’re ready to get your child on the right path to treating their Autism symptoms, then check out the test in our store!

Posted in Autism General, Autism treatment, Behavioral Modification, Supplements | 1 Comment
By admin | Published Jan 23, 2012

How To: Detox Environmental Toxicities

Body detoxification is the new big thing in healthy living. It’s very common in weight loss and healthy living scenarios to detoxify the body of harmful toxins that affect the immune and other important systems from functioning properly.

In order to keep the body free and clear from toxins, there are some dietary things that we can do, as well as avoiding smog, nicotine and other harmful substances. However, the environment itself carries it’s own amount of toxins and these are hard to avoid unless you live in a bubble. Yet, these toxins are bad for the body and the longer they are allowed to exist, they are given the chance to do damage.

Before we can correct the damage that may have already been done, we have to rid the body of the current toxins as not to produce more issues.

So, how do you detoxify the body from environmentally originated toxins?

1) Avoidance of Exposure

It’s important that you be sure that your child (and yourself!) are consistently exposed to clean air, food and water. Avoid smoking areas and being in a city with a lot of vehicle smog for long periods of time. Be sure you’re allowing your child to consume clean food that isn’t at risk for toxins or pesticides. Additionally, a diet free of gluten and casein has become popular and effective in avoiding allergic reactions. Avoid tap water when possible – or have a water filter in place. You’ll taste the difference most immediately when switching from tap to filtered water.

2) Supplementation

It is common in Autistic Children to find that their body is lacking the adequate vitamins and minerals to have an effective immune system. When the immune system isn’t working, it can’t fight off infection (which explains why you may notice your child might be very sick very often).

Once you find out what your child’s body is lacking, you can supplement it by modifying his/her diet and administering supplements in the form of multivitamins.

Dr. Walter Crinnion, a Naturopathic Doctor, has done increased studies on vitamins and minerals and wrote an article in response to a claim that vitamins were more dangerous than drugs. As Dr. Crinnion explains, it’s true that too much of some minerals is bad, as copper in excess can cause toxic damage, there is no backup that says multi-vitamins are useless.

3) Cleansing

Dr. Crinnion has also done a great deal of work in detoxification by ridding the body of toxic load. He studies the foods that could be making you sick. He interestingly points out that the foods that your child craves the most could be the ones that are causing the most damage. We’ve talked here before about the body being “addicted” to gluten as it attaches to the brain similar to morphine.

Cleansing the body of these things is essential to get on the right path to wellness.

There are a few methods that can be utilized to cleanse the body of toxins: Of the most popular and effective are:

Chelation –  Chelation is the process utilized to remove damaging heavy metals from the body. Mercury, iron, and other metals are often found in the Autistic body and can have negative effects on the brain making Autism symptoms even worse. Another source of damaging metals is Thiomersal, which is found in many childhood vaccines. Chelation Therapy includes the administering of chelating agents to remove heavy metals.

Juicing – By utilizing fruits and vegetables that are highly concentrated, the body flushes out unnecessary toxins. The body digests juices very quickly (in about 25 minutes), so it’s nutrients get in and get to work very quickly. Organic fruits and vegetables are best for juice detoxification and can easily be done at home. Enzymes, vitamins and minerals will be given to your body while toxins will be evicted!

The first step is realizing what is affecting the body negatively. The 2nd, avoiding the things that are making the body sick. And the 3rd, ridding the body of existing toxins. Getting the body in good working order is the key to treating Autism instead of fueling it.

Ready to find out what the state of your child’s body is? We can help! How about a Blood Chemistry Analysis. Dr. Wong will analyze over 70 biomarkers in order to give you a recommendation of what dietary changes your child might need to take part in, what vitamins and minerals are lacking, and what underlying diseases or disorders he/she may have.

Click here to order this test.

It includes the test, courier, shipping and handling, a full analysis, follow up correspondence, full report of findings, and a recommended diet plan if applicable…all of that is included in the purchase price!

 

*Photo Credit: Via

Posted in Practical Help, Supplements, toxins | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments
By admin | Published Jan 16, 2012

Gut Bacteria and Brain Connection

Autism


We’ve talked recently about the relationship between autism and gastrointestinal issues; the gut is the most intricate connection to the brain we have. Issues that we have in our guts often have noticeable and real effects on our brains. New research from Columbia
University’s School of Public Health has found unique bacteria, Sutterella, in the gut of children with autism. In contrast, the bacterium was not found in any of the samples of children without autism disorder.

What remains unclear is the relationship between the bacteria and autism. It is a classic “chicken and the egg” scenario; does the bacteria cause the disorder or does the disorder lead to the bacteria? What we do know is digestive complications are a very serious issue in children with autism and have been shown to cause behavioral problems.

The bacteria in your child’s intestines are of huge importance. An imbalance of intestinal flora (a nice name for the numerous bacteria found in the intestine) causes inefficient absorption of nutrients. You could be feeding your child the best and healthiest food available, but if there is something off with the bacteria in their gut they won’t be able to
absorb all of those great nutrients.

With so many issues potentially being caused by gastrointestinal issues many parents find themselves asking the question “Could the behavioral issues we’re experiencing be caused by unknown issues in my child’s gut?” Luckily there is a test available to evaluate gastrointestinal health and function, the DNA Stool Analysis. The DNA Stool
Analysis can also detect fungi, bacteria, and parasites that are present in the gut. This test can offer extremely useful insight into the well-being of your child.

Interested in getting a DNA Stool Analysis for your child? Dr. Wong offers this special test for his patients and you’re being given the unique opportunity to take this remarkable test. We are currently updating our Products page, and it will be available very soon for immediate purchase.

However, if you want to purchase the test now, you absolutely can! Leave us a quick comment and we’ll get you all taken care of!

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism General
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                                                30 Comments
                                            

                

 
      
 
 
                


                    

                        By 
                        admin
                         | 
                        Published 
                        Jan 12, 2012
                                            


                    
Art as a Form of Healing and Therapy

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


When digging into the various treatments for autism, we often search first for the medical and scientific prescriptions (not drugs, necessarily, just prescribed treatments). There is much to be said, however, about letting your child’s creativity be a form of healing and an outlet for all that energy to be released in a healthy way. A recent project and highlighted the art of artists who have autism – from kids to teenagers to adults. The work is called “Drawing Autism“, and is introduced by Temple Grandin.


I’ll highlight a few of those images here, but you’ll have to check out the book to see them all! They are quite beautiful! (You can click the image to make it bigger.)


Tell us in the comments, or on Facebook and Twitter, how your child uses art and creativity.








                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Art, Autism treatment
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                        By 
                        admin
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                        Published 
                        Jan 9, 2012
                                            


                    
The Brain-Gut Connection

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    




Our miraculous body has some amazing connections. Think about it, when you stub your toe, your brain sends a message down to your toe that it hurts. When you have a toothache, sometimes the pain can be felt in another tooth because of how many nerves there are. One of the most fascinating connections, however is that of the brain and gut.


Some often call the gut a second brain, as it sends a number of messages throughout the body, just as the brain does. Remember the last time you had butterflies? Some may argue that this is your brain sending a nervous signal to your stomach. How about when you eat a lot of food in one sitting – it takes your stomach a little bit of time to tell your brain that you are in fact full. (This is why many doctors and health counselors suggest eating more slowly to give the stomach time to communicate with the brain. Before even eating, the brain can get the stomach’s juices flowing in anticipation.


In Autism cases,  and as a reverse to this brain-gut connection, a troubled intestine can also send messages to the brain. Because the gastrointestinal system is so closely related to the brain, they should be considered one.


A sick or disrupted gastrointestinal system can cause behavioral symptoms as well. Just as being hungry causes anyone to be a little grumpy, this is the same in many other instances. Because GI problems are common in Autism cases, one might be inclined to ask, “Could it be a gut issue that is causing my child’s behavioral issues?”


From being anti-social and extra anxious to overly sensitive and lacking focus, the malfunctioning stomach can be the cause of many neuro-symptoms.  Other symptoms that can be attributed to poor gut function are depression, lack of interest, short temper, loss of memory, trouble recalling things, headaches, and sleep problems.


It could be a diet change, or an allergic reaction, or gut flora that could be affecting your child. While every case of Autism is different, it’s very interesting to consider the connection between the brain and the gut and how seemingly brain-related symptoms could originate in the stomach and vice-versa.


 

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism Symptoms, Diet, Immune Systems, Practical Help, Uncategorized
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                                                2 Comments
                                            

                

 
      
 
 
                


                    

                        By 
                        admin
                         | 
                        Published 
                        Jan 5, 2012
                                            


                    
Autism and Politics? For this 9-year-old boy, yes!

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


It is election year in 2012 in the United States. Barack Obama will represent the Democrats come the general election in November. The Republican candidate, however, is yet to be determined. This means lots of debating in small towns across the country. The main issues seem to revolve around the economy, job creation, big business, etc. This is understandable. Luckily, though, one little boy is making sure that special needs issues don’t fall off the table. Check out a few of his videos below, and be inspired to be involved in community  issues!








There are even more videos of little Sam over on his YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/linwessels.


How have you seen those with autism be involved in their communities? Tell us here, or over on Facebook and Twitter!

                    

 
                    

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                        By 
                        admin
                         | 
                        Published 
                        Jan 2, 2012
                                            


                    
Does Your Child Have a Dead Brain?

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


Neurological disturbances are often studied in Autism cases. What’s difficult is how to know that your child may have an issue in their brain. Some signs go un-noticed or are written off as “just a phase”.  How can you tell that your child might have some sort of neurological disturbance? And furthermore, could these disturbances be causing the brain to die?


Fatigue


Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of neurological disorders. There’s a difference between fatigue that is brought on by a normal busy day and fatigue caused by neurological issues. Dangerous fatigue is often caused by low oxygen levels, anemia and poor circulation. This will cause your child to be consistently tired even after adequate rest.


Depression / Anxiety


Our brains are a large part of our moods. The naturally occurring chemicals in the brain are the reasons for many physical reactions in the body. If there is an imbalance of these chemicals (neurotransmitters), then your child may be more susceptible to bouts of depression and/or anxiety.


What’s with this “Dead Brain” idea?


When we get sick and we lose hydration, we can replenish it by drinking water and other fluids to revive our health. We can recover from lost water.  Something our bodies do not recover from are lost neurons and heart cells. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. Because of this, the preservation of both neurons and heart cells is extremely important.


It’s similar to when someone goes completely brain dead, the condition is irreversible. So it’s crucial that we take all possible measures to avoid the destruction of brain cells.


One such way in order to ensure proper brain function is having a full workup done on your child including a brain scan to detect any irregular processes. Additionally, procedures such as HBOT can also enhance the function of the brain. Of course, before any treatment plan is begun, you should consult your doctor.


 

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism General, Autism Symptoms, Autism treatment
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                                                14 Comments
                                            

                

 
      
 
 
                


                    

                        By 
                        admin
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                        Published 
                        Dec 26, 2011
                                            


                    
Treating Behavioral Issues in Autism Part II: Treatments

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


First and foremost, Happy Holidays on behalf of Dr. Wong and the family at New Autism.com. We hope all of you are having such a wonderful time with your family. 


A few weeks ago, we began talking about treating behavioral issues in Autism. Especially Children with short attention span. We looking a bit further into potential causes of short attention span and the reasons why children might experience this common symptom.


Many children, even those without Autism have a difficult time focusing for long periods of time making it very frustrating for the child as well as the parent. Think about days when you just cannot focus on work. Not exactly ideal, right?


Knowing that the problem exists is part 1, but what are some ways in which we can calm down the brain, if you will.


One such way is a Theanine Supplement. Derived from Green Tea, Theanine has a way of calming the brain from the “hectic-ness” that occurs with Attention Deficit issues. Green Tea itself is something that I drink at night time to calm down a bit, so you can see where this can make sense. Theanine can also increase concentration as it decreases stressed brain activity.


HBOT – HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy has also shown to increase oxygen to areas of the brain that have lower oxygen utilization. By delivering 100% Oxygen at increased pressure, the nutrients can be delivered to the organs and tissues that need it. By increasing SOD, one of the bodies most important antioxidant, the body’s free radicals are balanced out. More on HBOT can be found in this informative post.


NeuroTherapy – Easily put, neurofeedback is an up-to-minute analysis of the brain activity. When you break your leg, physical therapy helps your leg function well again. When there is a less-than-ideal function happening in the brain, Neurotherapy helps your brain to function in the desired way again. We go into more details in Neurotherapy: Physical Therapy for the Brain – but when your child is “acting out”, trying to see how the brain is acting itself can help target which areas need to be worked on and developing a plan of attack to help calm the brain. Even if it’s a specific coping mechanism.


Medication: Although with our natural approach to the treatment of Autism, sometimes medication is the chosen path for calming down the symptoms of Autism and other defecit disorders. Although we cannot tell you what will and will not work for your child, it’s always good to speak with a doctor before going on any sort of medication to ensure that they do not react with your child’s body. (Allergies, etc.).


There are many ways in which you can take a look at your child’s behavior and modify it in a way that can benefit both you and your child. As we said, it’s difficult when your child acts out, but also difficult for them to handle their emotions.


How does YOUR child act out? What methods have worked for you?


 

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism General, Autism Symptoms
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                                                8 Comments
                                            

                

 
      
 
 
                


                    

                        By 
                        admin
                         | 
                        Published 
                        Dec 19, 2011
                                            


                    
Scandal Exposed: On Autism and Mercury

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


One of the greatest arguments against the claim that Thimerosal causes Autism is a Study on Autism in Denmark. In this “groundbreaking” study, it was claimed that taking Thimerosal out of vaccines caused an increase in Autism cases. This was a blow to the many doctors and researchers who believe that this preservative used in vaccines is a key cause of Autism.


Just a little over 2 months ago, a statement was released discounting this study on the grounds that it was missing crucial data. One of the co-authors of the study sent in an e-mail saying that the results did not include numbers from 2001. However: “the incidence and prevalence are still decreasing in 2001”


Interesting. It went from the claim that Thimerosal removal caused an increase of Autism to stating that the numbers were consistently dropping. (?!?!)


Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) ignored the omission of information and still endorsed and encouraged that the article and study results be published. And they were in Pediatrics in 2003. The Coalition for Mercury Free Drugs: (CoMeD) is demanding that the CDC investigate this mistake.


An interesting fact: Dr. Poul Thorsen, one of the co-authors and and resident scientist with the CDC (2000-2002), was terminated from his job due to embezzlement charges related to his $11 million grant from the CDC.


Friends, Parents, Caregivers: How can we make a conscious effort to move forward in our fight against Autism when we’re given false information? If we can’t trust the CDC, who can we trust?


We’ll stay on top of this story and keep you updated on how it unfolds. Be wary of conflicting studies that go against what you believe. And don’t ever be afraid to ask questions and demand the truth.


What a lesson, eh?

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism General, Autism treatment, Causes of Autism
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                        Tagged , 
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                        3 Comments
                                            

                

 
      
 
 
                


                    

                        By 
                        admin
                         | 
                        Published 
                        Dec 16, 2011
                                            


                    
Boy With Autism Welcomes Home Military Dad

 
                    

                    

                    

                        
                        
 
                        

                        

                        
                        

                        

                                                
                        

                        
                        
                        

                    

 
                    


Today marks a big occasion for America, no matter what side of the political coin you fall on. It marks the official end of the war in Iraq. And with that, thousands of soldiers are coming home to expectant families. Sometimes, though, the soldiers decide to surprise their family – which creates amazing videos for us to watch! This one especially touched our hearts of a young boy with autism being surprised by his dad at school. Feel to watch over and over again, we won’t judge you!




Also find us on Facebook and Twitter!

                    

 
                    

                        Posted in Autism General
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