CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Autism

  • ‘Meat Glue’ & Other Ingredients in California Roll Sushi, Gummy Bears & Salad Dressings Are Now Implicated in Leaky Gut & Mysterious Autoimmune Diseases

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    If you are dedicated and serious about healing leaky gut and autoimmune disease, I need you to know about a recent study that IDs seven food additives that trigger leaky gut, or at the very least contribute to the condition.

    So what, exactly, is leaky gut? Known in the medical literature for more than a 100 years as “intestinal permeability,” in my opinion, many modern doctors don’t know how to ID and treat leaky gut. That’s a shame because it’s believed to be at the root of  which is at the root of many diseases.

    Signs and symptoms you have leaky gut include inflammation, joint pain, inflammatory skin disorders and rashes, food allergies and sensitivities and all sorts of other health problems.

  • “Some of The Highest Values For Brain Aluminum Content Ever Measured” Found In People With Autism

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    Scientists have been aware of aluminum’s neurotoxicity for decades. Although aluminum’s apologists have tried to shroud the metal’s risks in manufactured controversy, a growing number of reports by researchers in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Israel, the U.S. and elsewhere has furnished substantive evidence linking aluminum to neuropathology, including the epidemics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    Dr. Christopher Exley—one of the world’s leading experts on aluminum toxicity—has shown that chronic intoxication with myriad forms of this “ubiquitous and omnipresent metal” is exacting a high price on human health. Dr. Exley and other aluminum experts such as molecular biologist Dr. Lucija Tomljenovic have confirmed that aluminum readily and actively traverses the blood-brain barrier to selectively accumulate in brain tissues, where it induces unwelcome changes in brain biochemistry. As Dr. Exley has noted, “There are no ‘normal’ levels of brain aluminum,” meaning that “its presence in brain tissue, at any level, could be construed as abnormal” [emphasis added].
    Documenting Aluminum in the ASD Brain

  • A preliminary trial of ascorbic acid as supplemental therapy for autism.

    Abstract Title:

    A preliminary trial of ascorbic acid as supplemental therapy for autism.

    Abstract Source:

    Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1993 Sep;17(5):765-74. PMID: 8255984

    Abstract Author(s):

    M C Dolske, J Spollen, S McKay, E Lancashire, L Tolbert

    Abstract:

    1. This study presents the results of a 30-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial exploring the effectiveness of ascorbic acid (8g/70kg/day) as a supplemental pharmacological treatment for autistic children in residential treatment. 2. Residential school children (N = 18) were randomly assigned to either ascorbate-ascorbate-placebo treatment order group or ascorbate-placebo-ascorbate treatment order group. Each treatment phase lasted 10 weeks and behaviors were rated weekly using the Ritvo-Freeman scale. 3. Significant group by phase interactions were found for total scores and also sensory motor scores indicating a reduction in symptom severity associated with the ascorbic acid treatment. 4. These results were consistent with a hypothesized dopaminergic mechanism of action of ascorbic acid.

  • A Two-Phase Case-Control Study of Autism Risk Among Children Born From the Late 1990s Through the Early 2000s in the United States. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    A Two-Phase Case-Control Study of Autism Risk Among Children Born From the Late 1990s Through the Early 2000s in the United States.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Sci Monit. 2016 Dec 29 ;22:5196-5202. Epub 2016 Dec 29. PMID: 28031551

    Abstract Author(s):

    David A Geier, Janet K Kern, Mark R Geier

    Article Affiliation:

    David A Geier

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND This study evaluated the hypothesis that the 1999 recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and US Public Health Service (PHS) to reduce exposure to mercury (Hg) from Thimerosal in US vaccines would be associated with a reduction in the long-term risk of being diagnosed with autism.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS A two-phase assessment utilizing a case (n=73) -control (n=11,783) study in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database (for hypothesis generating) and a more rigorous, independent matched case (n=40) -control (n=40) study (hypothesis testing) was undertaken.

    RESULTS Analysis of the VAERS database using logistic regression revealed that the odds ratio (OR) for being an autism case in the VAERS database significantly decreased with a more recent year of vaccination in comparison to controls (OR=0.65) from 1998 to 2003. Sex-separated analyses revealed similar significant effects for males (OR=0.62) and females (OR=0.71). Analyses of the matched case-control data revealed, using the t-test statistic, that the mean date of birth among cases diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (2000.5±1.2) was significantly more in the past than in controls (2001.1±1.3). Logistic regression also revealed that the OR for being diagnosed with ASD significantly decreased with a more recent date of birth in comparison to controls (OR=0.67) from 1998-2003. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that the risk of autism during from the late1990s to early 2000s in the US significantly decreased with reductions in Hg exposure from Thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines, but future studies should examine this phenomenon in other US populations. Vaccine programs have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious disease, but Thimerosal should be removed from all vaccines.

  • Aberrant Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Is Improved by Two Weeks of Ketogenic Diet. 📎

    Abstract Title:

    Aberrant Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism Is Improved by Two Weeks of Ketogenic Diet.

    Abstract Source:

    Int J Mol Sci. 2020 May 5 ;21(9). Epub 2020 May 5. PMID: 32380723

    Abstract Author(s):

    Younghee Ahn, Rasha Sabouny, Bianca R Villa, Nellie C Yee, Richelle Mychasiuk, Golam M Uddin, Jong M Rho, Timothy E Shutt

    Article Affiliation:

    Younghee Ahn

    Abstract:

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that exhibits a common set of behavioral and cognitive impairments. Although the etiology of ASD remains unclear, mitochondrial dysfunction has recently emerged as a possible causative factor underlying ASD. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that augments mitochondrial function, and has been shown to reduce autistic behaviors in both humans and in rodent models of ASD. The aim of the current study was to examine mitochondrial bioenergetics in the BTBR mouse model of ASD and to determine whether the KD improves mitochondrial function. We also investigated changes in mitochondrial morphology, which can directly influence mitochondrial function. We found that BTBR mice had altered mitochondrial function and exhibited smaller more fragmented mitochondria compared to C57BL/6J controls, and that supplementation with the KD improved both mitochondrial function and morphology. We also identified activating phosphorylation of two fission proteins, pDRP1and pMFF, in BTBR mice, consistent with the increased mitochondrial fragmentation that we observed. Intriguingly, we found that the KD decreased pDRP1levels in BTBR mice, likely contributing to the restoration of mitochondrial morphology. Overall, these data suggest that impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrial fragmentation may contribute to the etiology of ASD and that these alterations can be reversed with KD treatment.

  • Association of autism with polyomavirus infection in postmortem brains.

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    Abstract Title:

    Association of autism with polyomavirus infection in postmortem brains.

    Abstract Source:

    J Neurovirol. 2010 Mar 29. Epub 2010 Mar 29. PMID: 20345322

    Abstract Author(s):

    Carla Lintas, Laura Altieri, Federica Lombardi, Roberto Sacco, Antonio M Persico

    Article Affiliation:

    Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.

    Abstract:

    Autism is a highly heritable behavioral disorder. Yet, two decades of genetic investigation have unveiled extremely few cases that can be solely explained on the basis of de novo mutations or cytogenetic abnormalities. Vertical viral transmission represents a nongenetic mechanism of disease compatible with high parent-to-offspring transmission and with low rates of disease-specific genetic abnormalities. Vertically transmitted viruses should be found more frequently in the affected tissues of autistic individuals compared to controls. Our initial step was thus to assess by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), and simian virus 40 (SV40) in genomic DNA extracted from postmortem temporocortical tissue (Brodmann areas 41/42) belonging to 15 autistic patients and 13 controls. BKV, JCV, and SV40 combined are significantly more frequent among autistic patients compared to controls (67% versus 23%, respectively; P<.05). The majority of positives yielded archetypal sequences, whereas six patients and two controls unveiled single-base pair changes in two or more sequenced clones. No association is present with the remaining viruses, which are found in relatively few individuals (N

  • Autism and Dietary Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

    Abstract Title:

    Autism and Dietary Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

    Abstract Source:

    J Child Neurol. 2013 May 10. Epub 2013 May 10. PMID: 23666039

    Abstract Author(s):

    Martha R Herbert, Julie A Buckley

    Article Affiliation:

    1Pediatric Neurology and TRANSCEND Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

    Abstract:

    We report the history of a child with autism and epilepsy who, after limited response to other interventions following her regression into autism, was placed on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, after which she showed marked improvement in autistic and medical symptoms. Subsequently, following pubertal onset of seizures and after failing to achieve full seizure control pharmacologically she was advanced to a ketogenic diet that was customized to continue the gluten-free, casein-free regimen. On this diet, while still continuing on anticonvulsants, she showed significant improvement in seizure activity. This gluten-free casein-free ketogenic diet used medium-chain triglycerides rather than butter and cream as its primary source of fat. Medium-chain triglycerides are known to be highly ketogenic, and this allowed the use of a lower ratio (1.5:1) leaving more calories available for consumption of vegetables with their associated health benefits. Secondary benefits included resolution of morbid obesity and improvement of cognitive and behavioral features. Over the course of several years following her initial diagnosis, the child's Childhood Autism Rating Scale score decreased from 49 to 17, representing a change from severe autism to nonautistic, and her intelligence quotient increased 70 points. The initial electroencephalogram after seizure onset showed lengthy 3 Hz spike-wave activity; 14 months after the initiation of the diet the child was essentially seizure free and the electroencephalogram showed only occasional 1-1.5 second spike-wave activity without clinical accompaniments.

  • Autism could be caused by problems in the gut

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    Autism could be caused by problems in the gut image

    Autism could have more to do with the gut than the brain, new research is suggesting.

    The gut has its own nervous system that could be influencing—or possibly even causing—autism, say researchers who have discovered the same gene mutations in the brain and gut of children with autism.

  • Breastfeeding, infant formula supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the results of a parent survey📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Breastfeeding, infant formula supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the results of a parent survey.

    Abstract Source:

    Int Breastfeed J. 2006;1:16. Epub 2006 Sep 15. PMID: 16978397

    Abstract Author(s):

    Stephen T Schultz, Hillary S Klonoff-Cohen, Deborah L Wingard, Natacha A Akshoomoff, Caroline A Macera, Ming Ji, Christopher Bacher

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Although Autistic Disorder is associated with several congenital conditions, the cause for most cases is unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine whether breastfeeding or the use of infant formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid is associated with Autistic Disorder. The hypothesis is that breastfeeding and use of infant formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid are protective for Autistic Disorder.

    METHODS: This is a case-control study using data from the Autism Internet Research Survey, an online parental survey conducted from February to April 2005 with results for 861 children with Autistic Disorder and 123 control children. The analyses were performed using logistic regression.

    RESULTS: Absence of breastfeeding when compared to breastfeeding for more than six months was significantly associated with an increase in the odds of having autistic disorder when all cases were considered (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.42, 4.35) and after limiting cases to children with regression in development (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.01, 3.78). Use of infant formula without docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid supplementation versus exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a significant increase in the odds of autistic disorder when all cases were considered (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.24, 15.7) and after limiting cases to children with regression in development (OR 12.96, 95% CI 1.27, 132).

    CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary study indicate that children who were not breastfed or were fed infant formula without docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid supplementation were significantly more likely to have autistic disorder.

  • CDC fails to provide scientific proof that vaccines don't cause autism

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    CDC fails to provide scientific proof that vaccines don't cause autism image

    One of the world's leading health agencies has been forced to concede that its reassurances to parents that childhood vaccines don't cause autism aren't based on any scientific evidence.

    The US's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been unable to produce any scientific studies that support the claims, which have been included on its website and in leaflets to parents.

  • Effects of electroacupuncture combined with behavior therapy on intelligence and behavior of children of autism

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effects of electroacupuncture combined with behavior therapy on intelligence and behavior of children of autism].

    Abstract Source:

    Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Sep;27(9):660-2. PMID: 17926617

    Abstract Author(s):

    Chun-nan Wang, Yan Liu, Xiao-hong Wei, Li-xia Li

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE: To find out an effective therapy for autism. METHODS: Sixty children of autism were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) plus behavior therapy group and a behavior therapy group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were treated with routine behavior, with EA at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Naohu (GV 17), Naokong (GB 19), Neiguan (PC 6) and scalp acupuncture at Speech Areas I, II, III added for the EA plus behavior therapy group. Their therapeutic effects were observed, and the picture and vocabulary scale (PPVT) and behavior ability were detected. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 86.7% in the EA plus behavior therapy group which was better than 56.7% of the behavior therapy group, and had significant enhancement in sensation, association, body, and ability of self-care (P<0.05) and was better than the behavior therapy group in sensation, body and self-care factors, with no significantly improvement in the scores of PPVT in the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with behavior therapy can significantly improve clinical symptoms of autism, but does not improve intelligence.

  • Effects of Thai traditional massage on autistic children's behavior.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of Thai traditional massage on autistic children's behavior.

    Abstract Source:

    J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Dec;15(12):1355-61. PMID: 20001837

    Abstract Author(s):

    Krisna Piravej, Preeda Tangtrongchitr, Parichawan Chandarasiri, Luksamee Paothong, Saengaroon Sukprasong

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to access whether there were any therapeutic effects of Thai Traditional Massage (TTM) on major behavioral and emotional disturbances in Thai autistic children. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial study. Settings/location: The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society. SUBJECTS: A total of 60 autistic children between the ages of 3 and 10 completed this study. Interventions: Standard sensory integration therapy (SI) was compared to the SI with TTM treatments. Outcome measures: Parents and teachers assessed major behavior disturbances using the Conners' Rating Scales at 0 and 8 weeks. Sleep Diary (SD), recorded by the parents, assessed the patient's sleeping patterns every week. RESULTS: Sixty (60) autistic children, mean age 4.67 +/- 1.82, were recruited. No statistical differences were seen in the demographic and baseline data among both groups. From both the Conners' Teacher Questionnaire and SD, statistical improvement was detected for conduct problem, hyperactivity, inattention-passivity, hyperactivity index, and sleeping behavior. However, results from the Conners' Parent Questionnaire revealed an improvement only for anxiety (p = 0.04) in the massage group, whereas when both groups were compared, a significant improvement in conduct problem (p = 0.03) and anxiety (p = 0.01) was found. Results indicated that TTM may have a positive effect in improving stereotypical behaviors in autistic children. CONCLUSIONS: Over a period of 8 weeks, our findings suggested that TTM could be used as a complementary therapy for autistic children in Thailand.

  • Emotional, motivational and interpersonal responsiveness of children with autism in improvisational music therapy.

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    Abstract Title:

    Emotional, motivational and interpersonal responsiveness of children with autism in improvisational music therapy.

    Abstract Source:

    Autism. 2009 Jul;13(4):389-409. PMID: 19535468

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jinah Kim, Tony Wigram, Christian Gold

    Abstract:

    Through behavioural analysis, this study investigated the social-motivational aspects of musical interaction between the child and the therapist in improvisational music therapy by measuring emotional, motivational and interpersonal responsiveness in children with autism during joint engagement episodes. The randomized controlled study (n = 10) employed a single subject comparison design in two different conditions, improvisational music therapy and toy play sessions, and DVD analysis of sessions. Improvisational music therapy produced markedly more and longer events of 'joy', 'emotional synchronicity' and 'initiation of engagement' behaviours in the children than toy play sessions. In response to the therapist's interpersonal demands, 'compliant (positive) responses' were observed more in music therapy than in toy play sessions, and 'no responses' were twice as frequent in toy play sessions as in music therapy. The results of this exploratory study found significant evidence supporting the value of music therapy in promoting social, emotional and motivational development in children with autism.

  • Exploring a massage intervention for parents and their children with autism: the implications for bonding and attachment.

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    Abstract Title:

    Exploring a massage intervention for parents and their children with autism: the implications for bonding and attachment.

    Abstract Source:

    J Child Health Care. 2005 Dec;9(4):245-55. PMID: 16275663

    Abstract Author(s):

    Lesley A Cullen-Powell, Julie H Barlow, Delia Cushway

    Abstract:

    This exploratory study aimed to address two questions: (1) What does touch mean between parents and their children with autism on completion of a massage intervention? (2) Do parents feel that their relationship with their children has changed on completion of a massage intervention? Fourteen parents agreed to be interviewed. Data were collected before the massage intervention (baseline), immediately after the massage intervention and 16 weeks from baseline and were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. At baseline, parents felt distressed that they felt unable to get 'close' to their children. After the intervention, parents reported feeling physically and emotionally closer to their children. Children expressed a range of cues to initiate massage at home. These benefits were maintained at follow-up for parents who continued to use massage at home. In conclusion, giving massage to children with autism may help to enhance the emotional bond between parent and child.

  • Flame retardants now the biggest cause of development problems

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    Flame retardants now the biggest cause of development problems image

    Flame retardants in carpets and curtains in the home are doing more damage to children's mental development than even car exhaust fumes.

    The retardants, along with pesticides sprayed on parks and farms, have caused a decline in IQ and cognitive abilities in more than a million children in the US between 2001 and 2016, say researchers at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine.

  • Hiding Behind Genetics to Avoid Culpability for Environmental Causes of Autism

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    images/external-images/3bed7a4209f7e2df3b6b80dc9d7fa838.jpgGenetics is the darling of the biomedical research industry. For diseases ranging from cancer to skin disorders, investigators have been busily at work for decades trying to identify the conditions’ underlying genetic causes. However, these same investigators—and the reporters who communicate their findings to the public—are often strangely incurious about the role of environmental toxins as triggers of disease.
    A story about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) published in October 2017 by the news website Vox furnishes an example of this genetics-as-the-explanation-for-everything perspective. Vox senior health correspondent Julia Belluz (a self-described “evidence enthusiast”) interviewed a small sample of five reportedly “cutting-edge” autism researchers, all of whom focus on autism genetics. Given the lack of disciplinary diversity in her selective sample, Belluz’s conclusion that genetic factors are the most “well-established” and “promising” explanation for autism comes as no surprise.
    …environmental factors have been underestimated, and genetics overestimated, for their roles in autism-spectrum disorders.

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Thai autistic children.

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    Abstract Title:

    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Thai autistic children.

    Abstract Source:

    J Med Assoc Thai. 2008 Aug;91(8):1232-8. PMID: 18788696

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jessada Chungpaibulpatana, Tappana Sumpatanarax, Noppol Thadakul, Chansin Chantharatreerat, Maytinee Konkaew, Methira Aroonlimsawas

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Autism is a developmental and behavioral pattern, the triad of impairments, 1. social interaction, 2. social communication, 3. imagination. Their memories are seemingly in picture or photo records. Difficulties in the treatment, management, and handling of autistic children are the main problems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a modern treatment in Thailand for nitrogen imbalance (Decompression sickness syndrome or Caisson disease). HBOT can increase plasma oxygen to the tissues including the brain. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is safe to use in children with autism, and has a statistically significant effect on autistic symptoms. This is the first study in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thai Autistic children (n = 7) received HBOT (1.3 atm., 10 sessions) treatment. Assessment was done before and after treatment in five domains: Social development, Fine motor and Eye-hand coordination, Language development, Gross motor development, Self-help skills. RESULTS: Improvement was shown in five domains with a significant level. Seventy-five percent of children shown improvement while 25% did not seem to respond to the treatment. CONCLUSION: HBOT is a new treatment for Thai autistic children. Many scientific studies recently have shown that HBOT could be an effective treatment for autistic children. It could improve the major autistic symptoms.

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might improve certain pathophysiological findings in autism.

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    Abstract Title:

    Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might improve certain pathophysiological findings in autism.

    Abstract Source:

    J Neural Transm Suppl. 2007;(72):189-93. PMID: 17141962

    Abstract Author(s):

    Daniel A Rossignol

    Abstract:

    Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder currently affecting as many as 1 out of 166 children in the United States. Numerous studies of autistic individuals have revealed evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation and gastrointestinal inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, relative mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter abnormalities, impaired detoxification of toxins, dysbiosis, and impaired production of porphyrins. Many of these findings have been correlated with core autistic symptoms. For example, cerebral hypoperfusion in autistic children has been correlated with repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors, and impairments in communication, sensory perception, and social interaction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might be able to improve each of these problems in autistic individuals. Specifically, HBOT has been used with clinical success in several cerebral hypoperfusion conditions and can compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content of plasma and body tissues. HBOT has been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to improve immune function. There is evidence that oxidative stress can be reduced with HBOT through the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. HBOT can also increase the function and production of mitochondria and improve neurotransmitter abnormalities. In addition, HBOT upregulates enzymes that can help with detoxification problems specifically found in autistic children. Dysbiosis is common in autistic children and HBOT can improve this. Impaired production of porphyrins in autistic children might affect the production of heme, and HBOT might help overcome the effects of this problem. Finally, HBOT has been shown to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow to the systemic circulation. Recent studies in humans have shown that stem cells can enter the brain and form new neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. It is expected that amelioration of these underlying pathophysiological problems through the use of HBOT will lead to improvements in autistic symptoms. Several studies on the use of HBOT in autistic children are currently underway and early results are promising.

  • Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

    Abstract Source:

    BMC Pediatr. 2009 Mar 13;9:21. PMID: 19284641

    Abstract Author(s):

    Daniel A Rossignol, Lanier W Rossignol, Scott Smith, Cindy Schneider, Sally Logerquist, Anju Usman, Jim Neubrander, Eric M Madren, Gregg Hintz, Barry Grushkin, Elizabeth A Mumper

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Several uncontrolled studies of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism have reported clinical improvements; however, this treatment has not been evaluated to date with a controlled study. We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism. METHODS: 62 children with autism recruited from 6 centers, ages 2-7 years (mean 4.92 +/- 1.21), were randomly assigned to 40 hourly treatments of either hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atmosphere (atm) and 24% oxygen ("treatment group", n = 33) or slightly pressurized room air at 1.03 atm and 21% oxygen ("control group", n = 29). Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). RESULTS: After 40 sessions, mean physician CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0008), receptive language (p < 0.0001), social interaction (p = 0.0473), and eye contact (p = 0.0102); 9/30 children (30%) in the treatment group were rated as "very much improved" or "much improved" compared to 2/26 (8%) of controls (p = 0.0471); 24/30 (80%) in the treatment group improved compared to 10/26 (38%) of controls (p = 0.0024). Mean parental CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0336), receptive language (p = 0.0168), and eye contact (p = 0.0322). On the ABC, significant improvements were observed in the treatment group in total score, irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and speech (p < 0.03 for each), but not in the control group. In the treatment group compared to the control group, mean changes on the ABC total score and subscales were similar except a greater number of children improved in irritability (p = 0.0311). On the ATEC, sensory/cognitive awareness significantly improved (p = 0.0367) in the treatment group compared to the control group. Post-hoc analysis indicated that children over age 5 and children with lower initial autism severity had the most robust improvements. Hyperbaric treatment was safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: Children with autism who received hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atm and 24% oxygen for 40 hourly sessions had significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to children who received slightly pressurized room air. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT00335790.

  • Improvement in sensory impairment and social interaction in young children with autism following treatment with an original Qigong massage methodology.

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    Abstract Title:

    Improvement in sensory impairment and social interaction in young children with autism following treatment with an original Qigong massage methodology.

    Abstract Source:

    Teratology. 1999 Apr;59(4):252-60. PMID: 17597498

    Abstract Author(s):

    Louisa M T Silva, Anita Cignolini, Roxanne Warren, Sarojini Budden, Annette Skowron-Gooch

    Abstract:

    In clinical research, sensory impairment is considered one of the core deficits in autism and is associated with impaired socialization, behavioral disturbances and bowel and sleep problems. The effectiveness of the Cignolini methodology, an original Qigong massage methodology, in treating sensory impairment in young children with autism was evaluated in a small, controlled study. Thirteen children with autism between the ages of three and six received daily treatment according to the methodology for 5 months. Compared with untreated children, treated children experienced significant improvement of their sensory impairment (p<0.01), and demonstrated increased social skills (p<0.04) and basic living skills (p<0.02) on standardized measures. In addition, all of the children with bowel and sleep abnormalities demonstrated improvement after treatment.

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