There is much going on in the world of autism lately. Information and misinformation abound. Controversies arise. And one thing is for certain…whatever causes autism, however it’s acquired…it’s on the rise. The CDC itself now acknowledges that 1 out of 150 children have an autistic spectrum disorder. Something this widespread is finally getting a great deal of attention. While many behavioral interventions, such as ABA are found effective for many, what may be even more effective (and is definitely more controversial) are the biomedical treatments that many are pursuing.

The “world of biomed” is complicated at best. We are working with a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor with LuLu and have been for over a year. Yet, I still don’t understand it all. However, a recent Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism, written by Dr. James Adams of Arizona State University is a great place to start if you’re researching biomedical interventions. Dr. Adams is a professor at ASU and heads the Autism/Aspergers Research Program. This paper is a wonderful explanation of the most common biomedical interventions, their rationale, and some of the research done. It’s a very parent-friendly version of a highly complex subject. Dr. Adams gives references and suggestions for where to read and learn more.

This summary includes sections on the following:

• Improve Diet
• Food Allergies
• GFCF Diet
• Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
• High-Dose Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Gut Treatments
o Antifungals
o Probiotics
o Digestive Enzymes
• Amino Acids
• Melatonin
• Thyroid Supplements
• Sulfation
• Glutathione
• Chelation
• Immune System Regulation

In a nutshell, biomedical interventions are based on the symbiotic relationships between three systems – your GI system (gastrointestinal), your immune system and your neurochemistry (brain chemicals). Many of the chemicals that control your brain functions have their beginnings in your intestines. (“You are what you eat” is really not just a saying.) If, because of genetics, environmental factors (or in the case of many of our kids, trauma) your GI system becomes weakened, then what DAN! doctors refer to “leaky gut” can occur. This allows undigested particles of food to enter your blood stream and your immune system to attack them. Over time, allergies develop. Things worsen. Your immune system can either become highly overactive or highly underactive – either attacking everything or allowing viruses and bacteria to flourish. Neither of these is a healthy situation. This can cause many physical manifestations, but in children with autism and other neurological disorders, it can cause brain chemistry to become out of whack as well. And because this is a symbiotic relationship, the reverse is true as well, abnormal brain chemistry can trigger abnormal immune responses. Abnormal GI system can produce abnormal brain chemicals. It’s a complex biochemical issue. But biomedical treatments work to restore health in these three areas.

The other place to learn a great deal about these types of interventions is the Autism Research Institute’s newly expanded website. ARI funds research and publishes a quarterly newsletter of findings from many areas of autism research. If you want to learn more about DAN! doctors, check out the great article on the ARI website by my good friend, Dawn Rossi. She’s the mom of a recovered traumatized child, adopted from China, who was not diagnosed with autism, but has made miraculous strides using biomedical treatments.

Biomedical interventions have the promising potential of healing children with a variety of neurological disorders!

Here's a recent blog about one of our biomedical interventions that's working for LuLu:
Immune Boosting Actos