Autism Requires Environmental Medicine

Parents Of ASD Child

I know you moms and dads are exhausted and doing the best you can to get through each day. I want to give you an applause for everything you are doing. Being a parent is a DIFFICULT JOB! I also know that financially it can be a struggle. Insurance is for SICK CARE and does not usually cover testing or treatments that promote wellness. Plus the Pediatric side of medicine often does not tell you that there is anything else. So when you are tired at the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is research. I know when you are in your shoes it feels like you are alone in the world trying to navigate the system. Just know that if you look hard enough there are services that actually help give grants to get you care…. Just don’t give up, that is your baby.

Not Sure What Autism Is

Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a labeled condition that is on the rise. One in Fifty-four kids in the US have been labeled with Autism. Autism can be a wide range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. It is usually diagnosed in the toddler years. Other symptoms often are involved with autism like sleep issues, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and so on.

What We Know

Autism occurs due to genetic and environmental factors. We know that with the study of epigenetics our genes can be influenced by our environment. Therefore, we should be putting a lot more attention on an environmental work up.

Why Are Parents Not Seeking Help

I get really frustrated when all I hear parents doing for their child is working with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. There is so much available to date to help kids with ASD. I’m not knocking those services they are great, but it should not be the only therapy. As a mama bear I want to protect my kids and give them the best health possible. I have done everything in my powers even when money was tight to get better healthcare for my child. I would sell my house and give up my creature comforts if it meant finding care for my child. I’m not just saying this…. I actually have done this for my daughter. I have often wondered if it was lack of finances that causes people to not seek care. But I know people that could afford other treatments. So when I see my mama friends drinking Lattes, wining and dinning at nice restaurants and making lavish vacation plans, it makes me wonder WHY. Why are they not seeking care for their kiddos? Why are they not moving heaven and earth to find treatments? Why are they stuck with the occupational and speech therapies as the be all end all for their babies? Or could it be lack of knowledge that other treatments exists. There is so much available today with podcast, books, blogs, articles, even social media posts to not know that there is at least the simplest thing makes me shake my head. I have learned the hard way and it is really hard not to talk about medicine with my friends. I just love them the way they are….   If this is you, I’m not judging…. I’m trying to just figure out why…. And I’m glad you are reading to explore your options. So just as as a mom, I am wanting to figure this out.

Okay rant over….

So Why Environmental Medicine

There are internal environmental toxins and external environmental toxins. Babies are born into this world already being exposed to hundreds of chemicals in the womb. Then they are bombarded will all of the chemicals thereafter.

Internal Environmental Toxins:

• Cellular Waste

• Bacterial Imbalances

• Hormone Break Down

• Food Sensitivities

• Medication

• Parasites

• Viruses

• And More

External Environmental Toxins:

• Disposable Diapers Standard

• Mattresses

• Flooring

• Flame Retardants inPajamas and Furniture

• Soaps, Lotions and Powders

• Toys

• Breast Milk or Formula

• Food -Chemical Additives, Pesticides and Herbicides

• Laundry Detergents

• Fragrances

• Air Pollution (worse in your home)

• Vaccine Ingredients

• Heavy Metals

• Contaminated Water Supply

• And LOTS MORE

The list goes on and on of the things they are exposed to. There are over 85,000 chemicals in this world. The majority of them have not been tested for human safety. No wonder their little systems are overwhelmed with all of this. Some of these toxins store in the body and other are excreted quickly. These toxins can interfere with gene function, neurological development, the immune system and more.

Testing ASD Children

There are so many things to consider when a child has ASD, like was the child born via C-section or Vaginal. Why? Because of the Microbiota of the Gut. The gut bacteria will be different between a vaginal birth and c-section a breast-fed and non breast fed. The gut bacteria is important for so many reasons like absorbing nutrients, immune health and neurotransmitter health. Then there is the question was the child vaccinated. Has he or she been exposed to any viruses and/or had any illnesses? These things all matter. Where was the child born on city water or well water? Do you have new or old furniture? Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate, Wood or Tile? So many things matter when trying to decide the relevance of each test.

The starting point, in my professional opinion for all ASD children need to be a Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acids Test. This is not to be confused with your basic lab tests. This will address fungal and yeast markers, bacterial markers, neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, mitochondria, detox pathways and more.

Afterwards would depend on which environmental exposures are the highest on the Questionnaire.

Testing Options

• Organic Acid Testing

• Non Metal Toxins

• Mycotoxins

• Lyme & Co-Infections

• Gluten Testing with Cyrex

• Food Sensitivity Panels

• Nutrient Profiles

• Genetic Testing for SNPs

• Stool Testing Parasites

• Pyrolle Testing

• Heavy Metal Testing

Treatments For ASD

Emptying as much of the toxic burden as possible. Far Infrared Sauna therapy. Supplying nutrient therapies for lacking deficiencies and for supporting genetic methylation. Ridding the body of pathogens when called for either by botanical or pharmaceutical intervention. Medications, Herbal and Nutrient Supplements. Energetic therapies have also been shown to be beneficial. As a naturopathic doctor I have a larger tool box to be able to find the right therapies for your child.

If your child has Autism or you expect it then I strongly encourage you to seek care with either us or another environmental medicine expert. Start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Disclaimer: This article is not to give medical advice or treatment on a specific health condition or symptom. Please seek care at our office or with your primary care if you have specific questions.