Autism and Glyconutrients
Autism has been medically classified since 1943. Since that time the incidence of autism has continued to increase at alarming rates. Autism is a term used to refer to a spectrum of disorders whose cause is unknown. Some believe autism spectrum disorders are genetic disorders that have not as yet been identified with genetic testing. This may be because they are caused be several different genetic abnormalities.
1. Childhood autism
Childhood autism is always present before 3 years of age and often can be seen by 18 months when they will have some speech developmental and social interactive regression. Childhood autism is characterized by poor eye contact, pervasive ignoring, and language delay. Many of these children will appear completely non-verbal and 'in their own world'.
2. Aspergers syndrome
Aspergers is a form of autism that affects language less, but with difficulties with appropriate speech and communicative development. Aspergers is characterized by social interaction difficulties and impairments related to a restricted, repetitive, stereotype behaviour. Aspergic children may have very high IQs, may do very well academically, have a superior memory for 'unimportant' details, some historical or geographical trivia, yet they may lack the skills to care for themselves and live independently.
People with Aspergers syndrome may talk repetitively and at length and depth about a certain topic without 'seeing' that others become bored with the topic. Many people with Aspergers remain undiagnosed because they are able to compensate with their memory or excellent academic abilities, but they are considered by others to be 'socially inept', 'weird', 'eccentric', etc.
3. PDD NOS
Autism and PDD NOS are very similar and many believe they are one and the same condition. The main difference is in degree of impairment - PDD NOS is less severs. People with PDD NOS are more likely to be verbal and have some degree of verbal and non-verbal effective communication but do have severe impairment in social interaction, communication, or repetitive stereotype behaviour.
Although some researchers believe the causes for autism are most likely genetic, there is evidence that viruses can cause dysfunction in the brain and damage the protective coating, called myelin, around the nerves. This leaves the verves exposed and susceptible to damage.
People especially children with neurological difficulties such as autism often have eating and digestive problems. This may be due to a real unidentified biological issue which is manifesting in problematic behavior. There is a nerve system that is tightly interconnected with the digestive tract. Things that affect digestion also affect the nervous system. Prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders means that it is important to focus on good nutrition and digestive support.
There is no single, clear-cut cause with immune factors, neuro-chemical factors, genetic susceptibility factors and environmental factors (such as microbial infections and chemical toxicity) being implicated. Clearly autism is a very complex, multifactorial disorder.
Up to eighty percent (and possibly all) cases of autism are caused by an abnormal immune reaction, commonly known as autoimmunity. The autoimmune process in autism results from a complex interaction between the immune system and the nervous system. The autoimmune reaction to the brain structures, especially the myelin sheath, has a critical role in causing the neurological impairments that are characteristic of autism. After exposure to infection (either from natural sources or from vaccination) the myelin sheath develops 'nicks' or small changes that ultimately lead to disturbance of higher mental functions such as learning, memory, communication, social interaction etc.
For children and adults who have autism glyconutrients supply the body and brain with the necessary ingredients for proper cell to cell communication and the ability to correct chemical imbalances.
Since autism is an autoimmune condition treatment needs to centre on therapies and supplements that are effective in treating autoimmune diseases. Glyconutrients can modulate an overactive immune system ie they can help to correct autoimmune diseases and conditions. Autism is one of several autoimmune diseases that show the same profile - a lack of dietary sugars - the inability to absorb them - or abnormalities in their structures. For people with autism, glyconutrient supplementation has been found to be beneficial. It seems likely that supplementation with glyconutrients will also provide an effective preventative measure for autoimmune diseases. For all people, not just those with autism, glyconutrients support the body's ability to heal, repair, regenerate, regulate and protect itself.
There is enormous potential for restoring brain function in autistic children and adults through the use of glyconutrients.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.
Copyright 2005 Glyconutrients Reference - Last Updated May 2005
Where to Next?