Autism - where focus on the individual is crucial...

As a Naturopath I have seen many children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recently, being in schools completing my teaching qualifications I have been astounded by just how many children are now on the spectrum. This may be due to improved diagnostic techniques, however there are numerous other factors that come into play which can influence the incidence of autism including childbearing being delayed, maternal infection of rubella or cytomegalo virus, maternal use of SSRI’s (a form of anti-depressant medication) for a year leading up to conception and high toxicity in both mother and father.

To understand autism, one needs to understand that it is a “whole-body condition”, that each child will display unique behaviours and that each child needs a multifaceted and individual treatment plan. The signs, symptoms and behaviours displayed by a child with Autism are influenced by many different systems in the body, they have neurological, immunological, pro-inflammatory and pr- oxidant issues within their bodies. ASD children have difficulty breaking down and digesting foods, are prone to yeast infections, have lower levels of essential fatty acids, a tendency towards leaky gut (where the lining of the intestine is too permeable and nutrients cannot be absorbed as needed) and an inability to methylate properly which means that they cannot use neurotransmitters (the chemicals in our brain) correctly. Detoxification pathways in ASD children also generally tend to be poor. Toxins from the environment and diet such as salicylates, artificial ingredients, MSG, mercury and aluminium can build up in their bodies and lead to patterns of irritability, aggression and stimming behaviours.

Nutritionally to support these children I look at three key steps to initiate healing. These are to improve digestion, reduce inflammation in the body and heal the lining of the gut.

To improve digestion: Add ½ -1tsp depending on the age of the child of apple cider vinegar mixed into water before meals, this aids in increasing stomach acid and therefore the ability of this acid to break down foods. Consume bitter foods in the diet such as rocket, endive, grapefruit, lemon, chicory and ginger. Bitter foods stimulate the body’s own production of digestive enzymes allowing the child to breakdown, assimilate and use the nutrients from food as needed. Eat unhurried and in a calm setting where the child can chew slowly, this will also aid digestion.

To reduce inflammation: Remove all foods from the diet that cause inflammation, for each individual child this will vary. Key inflammatory foods to omit include gluten, casein, soy, refined sugar and oils, additives and preservatives. Food intolerance and sensitivity testing is also recommended to find specific food triggers for your child. Introducing as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible to the diet can help also. These foods include ginger, turmeric, oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts and avocados.

To heal the lining of the gut: Include medicinal foods that heal the gut such as bone broths and foods made with organic gelatin. Both of these foods have high amounts protein and amino acids which repair the mucosal lining of the gut, a crucial step in helping to assist symptoms associated with ASD. Include foods that supply beneficial bacteria to the gut such as coconut kefir and cultured vegetables. Also include lots of pre-biotic rich foods (PRE-biotics help PRO-biotics stick to the gut lining) including asparagus, bananas, beans and legumes, chicory root, garlic, leeks, onions and peas.

Children with ASD also require a tailored supplementation program at therapeutic doses to begin with to see noticeable change in behaviour and symptoms associated with ASD. Specific mineral testing may also be required for children with ASD. Through professional nutritional and herbal support ASD can be successfully managed and noticeable improvements seen. To make an appointment please phone 0422 259 754 or email tessaroberts@outlook.com