Autism

Overview

Autism known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a ailment that develops during Pregnancy and manifests during the first one to three years of life. Autism patients are found to be chronically deficient in Neurons in the Vermis area of the Brain. The increasing prevalence of Autism has led credence to the notion that environmental factors may also play an important part in Austism.

 The prevalence of Autism is increasing:

 In California, USA, in 1970 Autism occured in one in 2,500 births. This prevalence rose to one in 285 births in 1999.

 80% of autistic children are males.

Genetics

 When one identical twin has Autism, the other twin often has Autism also.

 When one fraternal twin has Autism, the other twin is rarely autistic.

 Although the exact genetics of Autism are not fully known, it appears that 20 or more Genes may be involved.

 If parents produce one child with Autism, there is an increased (5% - 8%) risk of future children developing Autism.

Amino Acids

 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) may alleviate Insomnia in Autism patients. 

 Glutamine may be a useful adjunct for the treatment of Autism.  ^[1]

 Autism patients may be deficient in Taurine.  ^[2]

Amino Acid Derivatives

 Dimethyl Glycine (DMG) may improve the condition (especially vocabulary) of Autism patients.  ^[3]

 The Trimethylglycine (TMG) form of Betaine may improve the condition of Autism patients.  ^[4]

Enzymes

 Autism patients generally have lowered Brain activity ofGlutamate Decarboxylase (indicating that strategies that increase the activity of this enzyme may be useful for Autism patients).  ^[5]

Hormones

 Autism patients often have low Melatonin levels and supplemental Melatonin may alleviate Insomnia in Autism patients.  ^[6]

 Oxytocin may improve repetitive and affiliative behavior in Autism patients.  ^[7]

Lipids

 Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (400 mg per day) may improve most of the symptoms of Autism.  ^[8]

 Most Autism patients are found to be deficient in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and supplemental Omega-3 Fatty Acids may improve behavior in Autism patients:  ^[9]

 Autism patients have been found to have an average of 23% lower Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) levels compared with normal, healthy persons.  ^[10]

Minerals

 Approximately 22% of Autism patients are found to be deficient in Calcium and many parents report that their autistic children respond favorably to Calcium supplementation.  ^[11]

 Iodine deficiency may cause Autism.  ^[12]

 Autism patients are often found to be deficient in Magnesium and supplemental Magnesium may be a valuable adjunct to the treatment of Autism with Vitamin B6 (note that most studies have found Magnesium supplementation to be ineffective in the treatment of Autism when used alone:  it may, however, increase the effectiveness of Vitamin B6 in the treatment of Autism).  Magnesium supplementation may improve the chances of autistic children speaking.  ^[13]

 Potassium may alleviate Muscle Weakness in Autism patients. 

 Zinc may be useful for Autism patients due to its ability to facilitate the excretion of excessive Copper.  ^[14] Up to 90% of Autism patients may be deficient in Zinc.

Peptides

 Autism patients are commonly found to be deficient in Carnitine.  ^[15]

 Carnosine may improve behavior and language ability in children with Autism.  ^[16]

 Autism patients are commonly found to be deficient in Glutathione and may have low reduced Glutathione and high oxidized Glutathione.  ^[17]

Prescribed Medications

 Low-dose Naltrexone may be useful for the treatment of Autism.  ^[18]

Proteins

 Autism patients may have abnormally low Metallothionein levels.  ^[19]

 Whey Protein may be useful for children with Autism (due to its ability to increase Glutathione levels).  ^[20]

Smart Drugs

 Memantine may be useful for the treatment of Autism.  ^[21]

 Piracetam may reduce disruptive behavior in children with Autism.  ^[22]

Sulfuric Compounds

 DMSA may be useful for chelating and detoxifying Mercury from Autism patients (Mercury is strongly suspected as an underlying cause of Autism).  ^[23]

Vitamins

 Folic Acid may be useful for the treatment of Autism.  ^[24]

 Inositol may improve the condition of children with Autism.  ^[25]

 Vitamin A may improve many of the symptoms of Autism (it is speculated that Vitamin A may “unblock†G-alpha Proteins that are attached to Vitamin A Receptors in the Brain).  ^[26]