Asperger's/Autism Treatments
Many of the treatment suggestions will be based off of the results from the initial testing. The majority of children with Autism or Asperger’s have nutritional deficiencies that will also show up on the testing. The nutritional deficiencies will be treated through diet changes, oral supplementation or injections. During the initial visit all appropriate treatment options will be discussed. Treatment will address the digestive tract, immune system, and detoxification processes.
The digestive tract can have several areas of suboptimal function in children with Autism. First, many of Autistic children have food sensitivities to wheat, gluten, dairy, and casein. To address this issue many patients will be asked to follow a gluten free casein free (GFCF) diet for at least 4 consecutive months. A GFCF diet has been shown to be very effective in reducing impulsivity, improving eye contact, and improving mental clarity. There are several helpful websites such as, Talk About Curing Autism which will ease the transition to a GFCF diet.
Children with Autism and Asperger’s may also have additional foods sensitivities that can be tested for by a simple blood test. Digestive enzymes may be recommended to reduce the symptoms associated with your child’s food sensitivities. Plant based digestive enzymes may help digest and break down fats, carbohydrates and protein.
Second, many children have yeast/candida over growth and bacterial imbalances in the gastrointestinal tracts. There are prescription medications that can be used to help these imbalances, such as Nystatin, Diflucan/Fluconazole, or antibiotics.
There are also herbal and nutritional supplements that can also help the imbalances. Many of these natural products also help boost their immune system. Some of these herbs and nutrients include:
- Olive Leaf
- Oregano Oil
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oil/Caprylic Acid
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Garlic/Allimax
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
Children with Autism and Asperger’s may also need some supplementation to help boost their body’s detoxification process. There are many natural products that aid these processes such as:
- Milk thistle
- Turmeric
- Artichoke
- N-acetyl cysteine
- Glutathione
- Calcium citrate
- Magnesium citrate
- Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Vitamin C
Many children greatly benefit from therapy; occupational, speech, music, and physical.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the skills necessary for independent and satisfying lives.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the application of researched and proven techniques to help people get back in motion. Physical therapists are health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists (SLP) will work with a child one-to-one, in a small group, or directly in a classroom to overcome difficulties involved with a specific disorder. SLPs often informally known as speech therapists are professionals educated in the study of human communication, its development, and disorders. By assessing the speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing skills of children and adults, speech-language pathologists can identify types of communication problems and the best way to treat them.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.