What is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurological condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is typically diagnosed in early childhood and lasts throughout a person's lifetime. One in 54 children had been diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2016, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000. Even worse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now estimates that 1 in 68 children in the U.S. have autism; this is at the alarming ratio of about 5 boys for every girl. These individuals may have difficulty with social skills, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and issues with verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects each person differently and to varying degrees. It is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity so it can look different for everyone. Some autistic people can speak, while others must communicate in other ways. The spectrum of autism disorder includes conditions like Asperger's syndrome, which is generally now thought to be at the mild end of autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum is related to brain development so each person may have distinct set of strengths and challenges.
What are Some Symptoms of Autism?
Some common symptoms and characteristics of autism include:
✓ Social difficulties: Difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, difficulty making eye contact, and struggling to engage in conversations with others.
✓ Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements or actions, such as hand flapping, rocking back and forth, or repeating the same phrases or words.
✓ Sensory sensitivities: Heightened sensitivity or aversion to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells.
✓ Communication challenges: Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, such as delayed language development, difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, or using gestures or facial expressions.
✓ Restricted interests: Intense focus on specific topics or interests, often to the exclusion of other activities or interests.
✓ Difficulty with change: Resistance to changes in routines or environments, and difficulty adapting to new situations or transitions.
✓ Difficulty with social relationships: Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships with peers, difficulty understanding social norms, and struggles with empathy or perspective-taking.
What are Common Risk Factors?
There are several risk factors that have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing autism spectrum disorder. These risk factors include:
✓ Genetic factors: Autism tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component in its development. Individuals with a family history of autism or other developmental disorders may have an increased risk of ASD.
✓ Advanced parental age: Research has shown that children born to older parents, particularly older fathers, may have a higher risk of developing autism.
✓ Maternal factors: Certain prenatal and perinatal factors have been associated with an increased risk of autism, such as maternal illness or infection during pregnancy, exposure to certain medications or chemicals, and complications during birth.
✓ Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental factors, such as air pollution, pesticides, vaccines or certain chemicals, during pregnancy or early childhood has been suggested as a potential risk factor for autism.
✓ Premature birth: Preterm birth and low birth weight have been linked to an increased risk of autism.
✓ Gender: Autism is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, with boys being approximately four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD.
Are Vaccines Associated?
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate any potential association between vaccines and autism. One of the rationales used for the association between autism and vaccine is that the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism by damaging the intestinal lining, which allows the entrance of encephalopathic proteins. Another thought is that thimerosal, an ethylmercury-containing preservative, has a known association with developing neurodevelopmental disorders. The other thinking is that the simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines overwhelms or weakens the immune system. Every baby today is given about 70 doses of 16 vaccines (per CDC), in the 1980s there were only 7 vaccines. One commonly used adjuvant in vaccines is aluminum salts (such as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate). Aluminum salts are used in vaccines to enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine antigens. Aluminum, however has been associated with several health concerns, including:
❖ Neurotoxicity: High levels of aluminum exposure have been linked to neurotoxicity, which can potentially lead to cognitive deficits, memory impairment, and neurological disorders.
❖ Bone and kidney disorders: Chronic exposure to high levels of aluminum has been associated with bone disorders, such as osteomalacia, as well as kidney disorders, such as kidney stones and impaired kidney function.
❖ Respiratory issues: Inhalation of aluminum dust or fumes can irritate the respiratory system and may contribute to respiratory issues in some individuals.
Best Diet for Autism:
Some individuals with autism may benefit from certain dietary interventions that can help manage symptoms or improve overall health and well-being.
Some dietary interventions that may be beneficial for individuals with autism include:
❖ Gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet: Some individuals with autism may have sensitivities to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) and casein (a protein found in dairy products). A GFCF diet involves eliminating foods containing gluten and casein to see if it helps improve symptoms.
❖ Limited sugar and processed foods: A diet low in sugar and processed foods may help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus in some individuals with autism.
❖ Increased intake of fruits and vegetables: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients and support overall health and well-being.
❖ Probiotics and gut health: Some research suggests that individuals with autism may have imbalances in gut bacteria, which can contribute to digestive issues and behavioral symptoms. Probiotics and foods rich in probiotics (such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods) may help support gut health. Some studies have also hinted at associations between autism and vitamin D deficiencies, gut inflammation, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
❖ Individualized approach: Every individual with autism is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Overall, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, along with regular physical activity, can support overall health and well-being for individuals with autism. It is important to focus on providing a variety of nutrient-dense foods and creating a positive eating environment to promote healthy eating habits.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved