Core Concepts
Core Concepts in Nutrition For Autism Recovery Approach to Treating Autism/ASD
The following are some of the key concepts in our functional nutrition approach to treating your child on the autism spectrum.
- Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been generally thought of as a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the child shows impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests.
- In reality, autism is not a psychological or “brain disorder,” but rather a whole body disorder. Essentially all systems of the body are affected, to one degree or another.
- There is no single cause or set of contributing factors in ASD known at this time. There is clear evidence, however, of an underlying genetic basis; in fact over 100 genes have been identified as associated with autism!
- It has also become clear that the environment plays a key role in the expression of autistic symptoms. This is likely through direct interaction with affected biochemical pathways as well as what are known as epigenetic processes. Epigenetics is one of the most important concepts in functional medicine. It explains how the environment and other factors actually modifies the expression of various genes, leading to alterations in biochemical pathways, with physiological effects.
- Among the environmental factors include exposure to various chemical toxins, mycotoxins, pollutants, heavy metals, herbicides (glyphosate being the primary culprit) and pesticides. These have multiple modes of action: direct effects on the central nervous system, endocrine system, immune system and detox pathways. Systemic inflammation is a commonly seen condition, generally thought to be a result of immune system reaction to toxin exposure.
- Several key biochemical and physiological components of children on the autism spectrum are frequently affected. These include various specific nutrient deficiencies, gut dysbiosis, impairment of gut/brain axis, gut/immune system axis and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Children with autism typically have very restricted diets, often a result of sensory or behavioral issues. They are often problem feeders (extreme picky eaters). It is not uncommon for a child on the spectrum to eat as few as five or ten different foods! Your child may not be unique I this respect. And there is hope that your child can become a happy eater!
- They typically consume a diet deficient in many vitamins, minerals and protein, as well as other dietary components.
- The goals of dietary intervention are twofold. The first is to increase the child’s acceptance of a healthful, varied diet. The second is to eliminate dietary substances (beginning with gluten and casein) which are problematic for many children on the spectrum. There are numerous other food substances which may be problematic for an individual on the autism spectrum. This is where the functional approach is most useful.
- Functional nutrition is an offshoot of the rapidly advancing practice of functional medicine, which takes a whole body approach to healing and wellness. Rather than a focus on a single complaint, lab value or symptom, it takes into account the interrelatedness of all body systems, as well as the individual’s environment and life style. The key feature of this approach is to treat the underlying cause of illness rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. What is referred to as “biomedical intervention” is quite similar in both emphasis and practice; however, “functional nutrition” is more general and more reflective of my approach.
- A key aspect of this approach is the recognition that what a child eats can have a profound effect on their behavior. The concept of “food as medicine” is at the core of this approach.
- Rather than the (all too frequent) use of psychotropic medications to treat various behavior problems, functional medicine looks for the underlying causes. This frequently can be demonstrated to be a specific food substance, dysbiosis or environmental toxin!
- In terms of children on the autism spectrum, the focus is on the underlying genetic, nutritional, metabolic, biochemical and environmental causes of the child’s symptoms. Also included is consideration of the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal experience of the child.
- Routine clinical lab work often falls short of uncovering the subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on health. A functional approach to treatment is a search for the underlying physiological imbalances contributing to the symptoms of a patient’s disorder. Treatments are designed to restore the body to balance and optimize function through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reduction of environmental influences. Laboratory testing can help to identify causal factors and to focus treatment (Adapted from GPL handbook).
- As contrasted with the standard clinical labs ordered by most physicians, functional lab tests are intended to understand underlying system disorders. These may include a focus on the gut microbiome, mitochondria function, gut permeability, neurotransmitters, immune function, detox pathways or hormone regulation.
- Interpretation of these labs is then used to determine appropriate dietary modification or supplementation in order to correct imbalances or deficiencies.
- I typically recommend various specific lab panels, depending on the child’s needs. I am able to use a number of different laboratories which specialize in different lab tests and evaluations.
- The use of dietary supplements is fundamental to functional nutrition. I select supplements meeting the highest standards for purity and efficacy in addressing the needs of your child. Each child is unique, with unique requirements. The choice of each supplement, in what form and at what dosage, is carefully determined.
- I maintain two online supplement dispensaries in order to offer the highest quality, practitioner grade supplements at the lowest prices to meet your child’s unique needs.
