IMAGINE BEING THE PARENT of a young child who is not acting normally and being told by your doctor that your child has autism, that there is no known cause, and there is no known treatment except, perhaps, some behavioral therapy. That is exactly what Jackson’s parents were told as their 22-month old son regressed into the non-verbal psychic prison of social withdrawal, disconnection, and repetitive behaviors typical of autism.
While we don’t have all the answers, and more research is needed to identify and validate the causes and treatment of autism, there are new signs of hope. A study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by researchers from the University of California, Davis called “Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism”(i) discovered a profound and serious biological underpinning of autism—an acquired loss of the ability to produce energy in the cells, damage to mitochondria (the energy factories in your cells), and an increase in oxidative stress (the same chemical reaction that causes cars to rust, apples to turn brown, fat to become rancid, and skin to wrinkle). These disturbances in energy metabolism were not due to genetic mutations, which is often seen in mitochondrial problems, but a condition the children studied acquired in utero or after birth.
Bottom line, if brain cells cannot produce enough energy, and there is too much oxidative stress, then neurons don’t fire, connections aren’t made and the lights don’t go on for these children. In fact, this problem of energy loss is found in most chronic disease and aging—from diabetes to heart disease to dementia. Brain function and neurodevelopment in particular are highly dependent on energy.
This is exactly the problem I documented and found in Jackson when I first saw him. He had a profound loss of energy in his cells (particularly his brain cells), and indicators of severe oxidative stress. This is the same problem many other researchers have found in similar studies.(ii) Despite the evidence, most physicians don’t test for mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress or other myriad factors commonly found in autistic children.
Let’s look more closely at what this new study in The Journal of the American Medical Association tells us about mitochondrial dysfunction and how this may lead us to new methods of treatment—methods similar to the ones I used to help reverse Jackson’s autism.
If autism can be reversed in one child, it forces us to ask critical questions: How did this happen? Can it happen in other children?
Autism: Brain Disorder or Body-Based Biological Illness?
The big debate that ranges in autism circles is about whether or not autism is a fixed, irreversible brain-based genetic disorder or a systemic, reversible body-based biological condition that has identifiable causes, measurable abnormalities, and treatable dysfunctions.(iii) In other words is autism a life sentence or a reversible condition.
Many studies have illuminated the causes and possible treatments for autism, but mainstream physicians or scientists ignore ignore most of this data. This new study, breaks new ground because it was published in one of the world’s major medical journals.
In it researchers from UC Davis examined children 2 to 5 years of age from the Childhood Autism Risk From Genes and Environment (CHARGE) study in California—a population-based, case-control investigation with confirmed autism cases and age-matched, genetically unrelated, typically developing controls, that was launched in 2003 and is still ongoing. What they discovered was the aforementioned mitochondrial dysfunction that lead to problems with energy. Interestingly, these abnormalities were not found in neurons on a brain biopsy but from examining white blood cells called lymphocytes. This means the energy deficit was a systemic problem—not one residing solely in the brain.
This study forces the question: How do children acquire energy deficits that affect their whole system, not just the brain?
The causes of mitochondrial dysfunction are well known, specifically as it relates to metabolism and the brain, and I have documented them in my books UtraMetabolism and The UltraMind Solution. They include environmental toxins(iv)—mercury, lead and persistent organic pollutants(v)—latent infections, gluten and allergens (which trigger inflammation) sugar and processed foods,(vi) a nutrient-depleted diet(vii) and nutritional deficiencies.(viii) These are all potentially treatable and reversible causes of mitochondrial dysfunction that have been clearly documented.
I found all these problems in Jackson, and over a period of 2 years we slowly unraveled and treated the underlying causes of his energy loss which included gut inflammation, mercury, and nutrient deficiencies. Over time, the tests for his mitochondrial function and oxidative stress (as well as levels of inflammation and nutrient status) all normalized. When they became normal, so did Jackson. He went from full-blown regressive autism to a normal, bright beautiful 6-year-old boy.
What it Means if Autism Can be Reversed
This is just one story, but if autism can be reversed in one child, if there is any possibility of effective treatments or a potential cure, , it forces us to ask critical questions: How did this happen? Can it happen in other children? What were the biological patterns found and how were they treated?
The emotional and financial costs to of autism for families and societies is staggering. Now one in five—or 20 percent—of children have some neurodevelopmental disorder. How can we sidestep our scientific and moral obligation and sit back and accept the limited resources allocated by the National Institutes of Health ($5.1 billion for cancer but only $141 million for autism) and society as a whole.
Most neurodevelopmental disorders have common roots. But looking at only one aspect of such conditions will not solve the problem of autism. Current autism research is based on an outdated approach—one that is something like blind men examining the proverbial elephant. Each researcher works in his or her own silo examining different factors and coming to different conclusions. Research that integrates, synthesizes and examines all the data on causes and potential treatments is practically non-existent.
The mitochondrial dysfunction identified in the JAMA study I’ve been talking about is ultimately only one downstream symptom of many upstream causes. Other researchers have found systemic inflammation,(ix) brain inflammation,(x) gut inflammation,(xi) elevated levels of toxins and metals, gluten and casein antibodies,(xii) nutrient deficiencies including omega-3 fats,(xiii) vitamin D,(xiv) zinc, and magnesium, and collections of metabolic dysfunction related to quirky genes that make it difficult to perform chemical reactions essential for health in the body such as methylation and sulfation.(xv)
The take home message here is that the answer to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders will not be found in one of these factors, but in all of them taken together in varying degrees in each individual. There is no such thing as “autism.” Rather there are “autisms”—different patterns of biological dysfunction unique to each child that result in multiple insults to the brain that all manifest with symptoms we call autism.
Future research must synthesize current data and design relevant whole systems research studies that don’t focus on a single factor but examine all the factors together. Then we must apply these findings in a comprehensive fashion, as is being done by many practitioners today who work in parallel—rather than in collaboration with—conventional approaches and often achieve remarkable results.
To close, I’d like to share Jackson’s story, as told by his father. I have documented this case report in peer reviewed published paper which you can read if you are interested in the details of the case.(xvi) It is called “Autism: Is it All in the Head?”
But more important than my paper is Jackson’s story and his beautiful smile.
What do you think about a comprehensive approach to autism treatment?
Do you think autism is “all in the head” or a systemic disorder that can be reversed?
Do you have an autism story to share yourself?
Please leave your thoughts or your story by adding a comment below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
References
(i) Giulivi, C., Zhang, Y.F., Omanska-Klusek, A., et al. 2010. Mitochondrial dysfunction in autism. JAMA. 304(21):2389–96.
(ii) Haas, R.H. 2010. Autism and mitochondrial disease. Dev Disabil Res Rev. 16(2):144–53.
(iii) Herbert, M. 2005. Autism: A brain disorder or a disorder that affects the brain. Clinical Neuropsychiatry 2(6): 354–379
(iv) Landrigan, P.J. 2010. What causes autism? Exploring the environmental contribution. Curr Opin Pediatr. 22(2): 219–25. Review.
(v) Kern, J.K., Geier, D.A., Adams, J.B., et al. 2010. Toxicity biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: A blinded study of urinary porphyrins. Pediatr Int. Jul 4 Epub ahead of print.
(vi) Feillet-Coudray, C., Sutra, T., Fouret, G., et al. 2009. Oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet and preventive effect of polyphenols: Involvement of mitochondrial and NAD(P)H oxidase systems. Free Radic Biol Med. 46(5): 624–32.
(vii) Dufault, R., Schnoll, R., Lukiw, W.J., et al. 2009. Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children. Behav Brain Funct. 27(5): 44.
(viii) Ames, B.N. 2004. A role for supplements in optimizing health: the metabolic tune-up. Arch Biochem Biophys. 423(1): 227–34. Review.
(ix) Careaga, M., Van de Water, J., and P. Ashwood. 2010. Immune dysfunction in autism: a pathway to treatment. Neurotherapeutics. 7(3): 283–92. Review.
(x) Li X., Chauhan, A., Sheikh, A.M., Patil, S., et al. 2009. Elevated immune response in the brain of autistic patients. J Neuroimmunol. 207(1-2): 111–6. Jan 20 Epub ahead of print.
(xi) Ashwood, P., Anthony, A., Torrente, F., and A.J. Wakefield. 2004. Spontaneous mucosal lymphocyte cytokine profiles in children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms: mucosal immune activation and reduced counter regulatory interleukin-10. J Clin Immunol. 24(6): 664–73.
(xii) Jyonouchi, H., Sun, S., and N. Itokazu. 2002. Innate immunity associated with inflammatory responses and cytokine production against common dietary proteins in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Neuropsychobiology. 46(2): 76–84.
(xiii) Bell, J.G., MacKinlay, E.E., Dick, J.R., et al. 2004. Essential fatty acids and phospholipase A2 in autistic spectrum disorders. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 71(4): 201–4.
(xiv) Cannell, J.J. 2008. Autism and vitamin D. Med Hypotheses. 70(4): 750–9.
(xv) James, S.J., Melnyk, S., Jernigan, S., et al. 2006. Metabolic endophenotype and related genotypes are associated with oxidative stress in children with autism. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 141B(8): 947–56.
(xvi) Hyman, M.A. 2008. Autism: is it all in the head? Altern Ther Health Med. 14(6): 12–5.
“Now one in five—or 20 percent—of children have some neurodevelopmental disorder.”
That is such an incredibly unfortunate and surprisingly high statistic! What’s so sad is how few parents of children with autism are kept in the dark about comprehensive approaches like the one or cannot afford to implement them.
My 7 year old is severely autistic. This sounds a lot like alternative medicines and other things that have no real proof – or the child was misdiagnosed and was in reality PDD so he just grew out if it. That being said can you do anything for my boy?
Thank you, Daniel, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I am thankful for your research and willingness to make this information available. I’m wondering if your conclusions could also apply to other so called neurological diagnoses as well such as Tourette’s syndrome or OCD? I have a son now 24 who has struggled with a label of TS for years, but didn’t really fit the description. After struggling with traditional medical treatments, what finally helped him the most was addressing the mitochondrial issue through diet and supplements with the help of an alternative health practitioner. Mainstream medicine is too quick to throw powerful drugs at kids and then deal with the fallout. Sadly, a casualty of all the stress was my marriage but I’m happy to report that now my son is a high functioning adult, taking college classes and doing well. Are there any statistics that identify how many marriages implode from the stress of living with these kids? Thanks
O.K. Doc.
You’ve cured this lucky child, Jackson – I can’t imagine the relief and joy his parents must feel.
But what about our son? We have health insurance, we’re willing to try anything and we have the empty bank and retirement accounts to prove it.
If we call your office to try and get help for our son – you’re too busy.
I remember the 18-month wait to get a slot at Boston Children’s Hospital when we needed an initial diagnosis. You had to be famous or a friend of Warren Buffet to get any kind of attention from anybody who actually knew anything.
That was 10 years ago – nothing has changed – our son is still in need of help from someone who actually knows something about his disease and there’s no access.
I dare you to help my son – you could, apparently, if you wanted to.
You have my email address.
Thank you, Mark, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I’m so tired of all the genetic studies! I have identical twins – one with autism and one not – so it can’t be purely genetic. Pre-disposition – I’ll agree. Thanks for the information. Any more studies? I’d love to see the differences between my two. The testing I’ve done (on my own dime) – have shown drastic differences.
Dr. Hyman: This past May, upon request of Dr. Randi Hagerman, medical director of The Mind Institute at U.C. Davis, I made a trip to California with my thirty-eight year old son with autism. My son, Jamie, is a longtime patient of Dr, Hagerman’s, and was seeing her at Children’s Hospital in Denver at the same time she conducted her research and identified Fragile X Syndrome. Dr. Hagerman is held in extremely high regard worldwide, and when she asked that Jamie take part in her current research (i.e. stem cell, blood workups, etc.) into the cause(s) of autism and potential treatment(s), I agreed immediately.
The fact that this research is excellent and then some, and is going on now at U.D. Davis, tells me that critical thinking demands that we jump to no conclusions whatsoever re. autism and its cause(s). We here in the U.S. are very inclined toward faddism – one year it’s vaccines causes austism, then the following year it’s all the cause of nutrition, etc. In reality, the great researchers at U.C. Davis are looking into genetic factors, both through the stem cell aspect and through control group studies. It seems that many of the parents, particularly fathers, of those diagnosed as being autistic have certain similarities (i.e. very advanced in areas of mathematics and science, while much lower functioning in communication skills). Undiagnosed Asbergher’s Syndrome is being considered with the aforementioned parents, as is the combining of certain sets of genes from both parents.
In addition, I am hopeful that the Mind Institute will research and rule in or out the possibility of exposure to Chicken Pox while inter uterine as a cause. In the late seventies, I was amazed at a meeting of many parents of offspring with autism to see only a couple of hands being raised (turns out those were the hands of parents of Fragile X offspring) out of the entire crowd when asked how many of the autistic offspring had ever had Chicken Pox. Nearly all hands were raised when the question was asked how many of their other children, those without autism, had had Chicken Pox. Certainly worth exploring fully.
So, please, Dr. Hyman, do not sound so certain of the cause(s) when excellent research is still, today, ongoing regarding autism and its causes.
An additional
This is tremendous work, Dr. Hyman. Congratulations on your success with Jackson. Your post references some of the work of my cousin Dr. Janet Kern and her research team on porphyrins as biomarkers in autism, an important advance, and the role of polyphenols in prevention and reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction, an underappreciated yet vital component.
There are many breakthroughs here: your apparent cure of an incurable condition, certainly, but also its implications, first in ASD, then in every other condition in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role- including aging itself.
In autism, much of the focus is on what caused the dysregulation in the first place, and how to avoid this in other children. These are crucial questions, but leave little hope for Jackson and millions of other children already diagnosed. The larger advance, it seems to me, is in breaking through the “incurable” mentality. I applaud and rejoice in your success with Jackson. I know from my own work that this therapeutic approach is sound, based in the practical application of the latest advances in nutritional and antiaging science.
Yet no matter how sound the research, there is both art and science in successfully combining and applying it in patient treatment. What you’ve accomplished in Jackson is a miracle. This is not hyperbole- just ask any parent with an autistic child.
Ok, my story may be too long for this forum…I have a 19 year old daughter, ‘B’, who has had problems since early in her life. She had speech and other developmental delays, which were not diagnosed soon enough. When she was 1 ½ years old and still not talking as well as her peers and some younger than her, I found that she was literally ‘Tongue-Tied’…she had full ankyloglossia. Her frenulum was short and reached to the under tip of her tongue. That is why I had such a hard time nursing her and early spoon feeding. She finally had surgery to correct that when she was 2 ½. Next up, she was not very coordinated and could not catch a ball. The pediatricians I took her to over the years didn’t seem overly concerned. By the time she was in pre-school, the real problems started. She was a very loving child and initially, happy and very sharing with her peers. After that time things changed. By the time she was 4 we would get calls and complaints from day-care providers that B was a problem. Her teachers said she was ADHD. I argued that as I had worked with ADHD children before I became a mother and B did not fit the symptoms. We took B to a child psychologist who did certain ‘tests’ and he even said he had some concerns but that she did not fit the mode of ADHD. Her entry into Kindergarten became the main battle ground. Her teachers just insisted that she had ADHD again! Finally, the psychologist said we could ‘try her out’ on Ritalin. We were so against this but we were also up against a wall and relented. We saw no real changes in her behavior at home but the teachers were calmer knowing she was on the medication. We moved and she started 1st grade in a different location. Then we started getting calls from the school nearly daily saying she was being disruptive in class…back to another pediatrician and Child Psychologist…more tests…and back on the Ritalin, later changed to Concerta. She entered 2nd grade and in November that year, there were more issues at school and they put her back in 1st Grade. That was still a problem and we were called one day when she crawled under her desk and the teacher had a meltdown. Ok, this is too long for here…much more happened. She hated school and I had to fight her every single night to do homework and not completed class work…3 to 4 hours every single night…it was taking a toll on me as well. I even broke down and would do some of her homework for her and just make her copy it…and she still fought that…then she started fixating on other things….her two big fixations were video games and Japanese Anime. She became a subject matter expert in BOTH. Her big love became the Anime. She can answer any question posed to her on any aspect of Japanese Anime. It is amazing to us actually. Her early teachers gave us their concerns over her early drawing ability – not anywhere to the level of her peers in early elementary school…but when she discovered Anime that changed. She started tracing images and eventually could freehand draw ANY of the Anime characters she loved. Then she started creating her own ‘characters’ and writing Anime centered storylines of her own. She was at her happiest when doing that. My husband was in the Military and we moved again by the time she was going into the 5th Grade – across country. That did not sit well with her and she became very depressed. Even more problems at her new school came up. We had taken her off the Concerta as it really did not make a difference in her behavior at all. After a while at the new school, and again with the teachers clamoring that she has ADHD, we relented and had the doctor put her back on the Concerta. B also had problems with incontinence and Encopresis which causes further issues. Sorry, there is really a lot more that happened but I am really shooting for the Readers Digest version here. So many battles with the different schools who actually did not call us all the time if they thought she was on Concerta…but I took her off again as it just was not the right med for her. The last year of middle school was very traumatic for everyone. B retreated to what I call a ‘dark place’…Teachers reported that she would be standing off alone in the hall and talking to herself and she constantly twiddled her fingers when she was put in a stressful situation. She had a few friends, who did care about her, but most of her peers were mean to her and that affected her emotional state even more. She would come home in tears much of the time. She had a lot of social interaction issues. She would avoid eye contact and yet, if we were at an amusement park, she would get right up next to someone in a ride line and invade their personal space. B did not realize what she was doing. Sometimes B would be very isolated and withdrawn, but when a discussion topic came up that interested her (like Anime or certain Video Games), she would totally light up and be intellectually conversant. Amazing. Kids would knock at our door to get game hints from her. At the end of 8th grade, one of the school counselors said she thought B might have Asperger Syndrome – a mild form of Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder. This interested me once I realized the signs. I never believed B was ADHD at all! The symptoms of Asperger fit her situation. We took her to another Child Psychologist over the summer who had a 4 hour test done that definitely showed she had Asperger Syndrome. He said it was unusual in girls. So at last we had something more to work with. She started High School on an IEP but that still did not go as well as I would have expected for her throughout her HS years. It has been horrible. None of the school systems really knew how to deal with ADHD and even less with children who had Asperger/ASD. All it really takes is TLC and a relatively firm approach to get their attention. However, when classrooms are too full, one teacher just doesn’t have the time to handle special situations. We did understand that, but we still felt they needed to do the right thing in working with B and other children like her. It is all so wrong right now. B barely graduated from HS. She did a lot better her Senior Year, but earlier years took their toll on her GPA. She has always had trouble sleeping at night – some night terror episodes – and overall she just can’t sleep. She has been on a variety of medications, even since the Asperger diagnosis. She is currently taking Trazadone (HIGH DOSE) for sleep and another two meds for equalization. They do help somewhat when she remembers to take them. She is not yet driving and no job. She only wants to work at a Borders (SME on Anime!) or PetSmart (she loves animals). We have both within walking distance but neither of them have openings. We can’t start her out at College until she is driving. Then we have to buy another car too. We have thought about trying to get her in to Marshall University in West Virginia as they have a special program for AS students that will help them with their social interaction and basic skills at life. Can’t afford the tuition right now. We are so afraid of how she can fend for herself in this world. She is much too trusting and has already been taken advantage of – stolen from etc. Or she isolates herself – when someone really agitates her she is volatile about it and will not relent. Her current Psychiatrist only refills her medications and had NOT helped her situation at all. No help…Her HS only slid her through the system. She had such bad grades in core classes and no one even tried to help. They moved her forward to the next grade with Ds. THAT is NOT what the intent of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ idea was meant to be! At least the majority of the school systems in our country don’t even seem to really care about educating our young! Just slide them through and get extra money if possible. Asperger Children and even other ASD children can be geniuses and Subject Matter Experts in areas that could benefit humankind as a whole, but they are mostly just tossed aside because they are not normal and easy to work with. SO WRONG! We need HELP!
Thank you, Corine, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
OMG so good to hear someone else that went through the same problems they are even a lot worse than you have descibed as we know. My son is still misdiagnosed and in denial at 29 yrs old because of the ignoring of the schools, DR’s etc. and unfortanatly when he became of age and I finally figuired it out on my own when I became computor savy he will not listen to me. I’m still living in hell cause of this and have great empathy for you and everyone else but at least now people are aware of it so it cannot be ignored as much as back in my day. It will get better but we need to find the cause. more and more are born with it. It’s an epidemic from what I can see. take care and good luck. My son is now in a vocational school and so far he is making it will keep you posted.
My daugher is now 19 and was initally thought to have ADHD when she was in pre-school. After unsuccessful attempts at Ritalin related medications, she was finally tested for and diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome after 8th Grade. There were problems with the various schools since she was in pre-school. It has been a very stressful bunch of years for all of us. Now she still is not driving and we can’t get her into any local community college until she can drive and we can afford to buy a 3rd vehicle. After that we are so worried for her…she is still not socially equipped to survive on her own…we need help!
I am an Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics, and certified in sensory integration. I work for many years with children with Autism. I found your article very informative, and I feel very exited about the findings. I live and practice in Fresno CA, and am proud to see this research is coming from CA.
I do get real good functional results, especially regarding speech development and pottty training with children on the spectrum. It is just a scratch on the surface though.
My question: What can I do to help my clients to get your suggested treatment? If there is really help for these children, how can I get it to them?
I believe all this to be true, I believe it is entirely possiible to reverse Austism. I have two teenage boys with an Autism diagnosis. They both attend Easter Seals Theraputic Day School in Tinely Park, Il.Six years ago, when we were still living in the horrible state of Mississippi, I was awakened to all these truths after turning to God, through the spirit inside me. I began to suddenly understand all these things. To quote Albert Einstein ” look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better”. That is exactly what I did by turning to the spirit of truth inside all of us. Up until that point I had believed all the lies and cover-ups of the conventional medical establishment. The insight for me began with the discovery of the envirornmental mold and toxins that surrounded us both in our home and all around us in the natural and unnatural environment that we lived in.
My boys had lived there since they were two and three years of age. And I did not realize that this was the worst environment for people with auto-immune predispostion, by both genetic and environmental toxins. Boy did we have all that going on. They both were vaccinated by thimerasol containing innoculations. And we were surrounded by farm land for miles around, which constantly crop dusted with God Knows what?
At these frightening revalations, as well as my own poor mental health at that point, from all this distress in addition to the discrimination we were experiencing after Sept. 11, in this most racist and ungodly place on earth. I finally had lost it with the doctors and began, to my later regret, to blast them for what I had finally understood as Autism being entirely the fault of conventional medicine and the greed they and the pharmacutical companies created.
They of course won, they shut me up by taking my boys away from me for eighteen months, and claiming I was not capable of caring for them. They managed to disarm me by ripping my children from me. Since I had no one to help me, nor the financial ability to fight them, outside of a public defender, they won. They made me jump through every hoop they could, which of course I did and I got my poor boys out of the discusting system, know as foster care.Within that period they placed my boys in four different homes. Each worse than the one before. They suffered horrible atrocities at the hands of the peopl they deemed more fit than I. One placement was so bad they had to remove my boys at once because of what they discovered was done to them on their own.
The point of my telling this story is that if you do not have the financial resources to access the altrnative treaments mentioned by Dr. Hyman, the state can and will make your life a living hell if you speak out against them. I hope my story can help others avoid this horror.
I only wish we still had private insurance and the financial ability to seek this type of treatment, as I believe in it with all my heart and soul. I am all alone in this struggle and I have no way at the moment of obtaining it. I would do anything if I could and I encourage all who can to do so. I hate that I am stuck with conventional medical system, I just don’t have the strength or capability to do all the things I know are right, especially at this late date, when my boys are so set in their ways, and I am so overwhelmed. It just takes so much work and people to support you, which I lack.
Do whatever you can, as early as you can for your child, these natural, preventative, alternative treatments are your only hope. Anything else is just maintaining and masking symptoms and does not work, It only makes life unbearable and frustrating. Stay the hell away from conventional medicine if you can, it is only in their best interest for you to be stuck in the system.
Dr Hyman, my grandson Tyler has autism he is 4years old and speaks not at all.Very hyper and sleeping habits are very bad.Always something in the mouth.He goes to special school kramer learning center We really dont know the level of autism.Do you have any sight you can help us with his future.My heart breaks every day,and find myself crying all the time. Thank you .
Thank you, Susan, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
My guess is that the mitochondrial abnormality was one effect of the mercury and the autism was another. In other words the mitochondrial was not actually causal of the autism.
“Research that integrates, synthesizes and examines all the data on causes and potential treatments is practically non-existent.”
I suggest that it’s not non-existent, just non-referred to…..www.autismcauses.info
Meanwhile the same FDA that endorses without any safety testing the use of the dental non-gamma-2 amalgam that has caused the autism catastrophe, is simultaneously prohibiting its victims from accessing the OSR#1 treatment they need to cure it. This mega-hypocritical combination must be the greatest crime in medical history.
God bless you. What you doing is nothing short of revolutionary. Please continue the education, awareness and your treatment approaches. I enjoy reading your articles on different topics on this web site.
I have a dear friend who’s son has Autism and I would really like to help him. How would I go about that?
Thank you, Jason, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Autism can be cured in about two months, a lot of the cause is all those injections that are given to pregnant women. Mercury and such. The flu shot is another one that is not good for humans, and causes grief.
Go to the website and read about all about the cures.
After years of listening to my mainstream pediatrician, we finally broke free and started the GF/CF diet for my son. This branched into going soy free, yellow corn free, and we had already been off refined sugars and dyes. Then adding in massive doses of vitamins and homeopathic “medicines” (under the supervision of a nutritionist). We are seeing great results. I cannot even dream about actually reversing his autism, it is too hard to imagine, but if we can make it BETTER, it is worth it! BETTER health, BETTER eye contact, BETTER ability to learn, focus and relate to others.
I am happy to see some research that might be respected by the masses who think that GF/CF is just a bunch of hokum. Maybe one less pediatrician will roll his eyes when a mother suggests this for her autistic child, and maybe one more child will get better.
The patients of autism and their immediate relatives suffer indescribable pain and misery every day. It is therefore both unfortunate and sad that the mainstream medicine has chosen to ignore the connection between autism and toxic elements and nutritional deficiencies for so long. Dr. Hyman’s contributions in this direction are praise-worthy.
I have MS, chronic fatigue syndrome and have had Lupus. This information concerning autism has helped me so much as I have methylation and sulfation problems and mercury and copper poisoning which I have not been able to shed in 30 years of illness. ( I know this from testing on my little Rayometer from Germany for those who may know what it is.) Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. However new problems have appeared. My 30 years of illness have devastated us financially and our mortgage servicer has put us through foreclosure seven times and now debt collectors are trying to garnish what little my husband earns and freeze our bank account which doesn’t have much in it to begin with. Soon I may not be able to even afford the supplements I need to be well. If you are a praying person please pray for us as the stress is killing me if the mercury and copper doesn’t first.
Thank you, Barbara, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman,
I have been following your posts and emails for quite some time now. I have used your Ultra Simple Diet and love it. I have a question about how far Functional Medicine can go. My son, two years ago at the age of 19, had a psychotic break. He has been diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, the mental health care system in this country is barbaric (that is the opinion of a long time forensic psychologist, as well as myself). I am searching for some way to help my now 21 year old son who is on such heavy meds. Is there a way to possibly bring more normal function to his brain? Thus bringing more life into his life?
Thank you for the work you are doing and the sharing of your work. This is so necessary.
Penny McGuire
If these results occur in children with autism, what about adults? There are thousands of adults dealing with autism would could be helped, including my own fiancee. Is there research describing these treatments in adult autistics?
Hello Dr. Hyman,
I’m interested in learning about the cost of treatment for a child like Jackson? I have several of these kids in my practice.
Thank you,
Rachel Katz, MD
First of all, thank you for “functional medicine”!.
As teacher and special educator of more than 20 years, and disillusioned with a system that never bothered to ask questions about the cause of the epidemic of learning and behavior problems that is changing the way we do business in education, I set out to ask the questions and uncover the answers myself.
In the process of that journey, I was stunned to learn about the role of heavy metals, lead in particular, but just as critically, mercury. With a colleague, we coined the term “lead babies”, and proceeded to write a book called,
“LEAD BABIES, How heavy metals are causing our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems.”
Your article supports what we uncovered when we read and cross-pollenated all of the research from toxicologists, neurologists, and the like.
I am committed to the belief that autism is optional, as are many learning and behavior problems that are related to the root cause of toxins. Parents and parents-to-be are just beginning to grasp how much they can do to bolster their own good health, and produce babies and children with brains that are neurologically intact, and bodies that are not ravaged by lead and mercury – two toxins that potentiate to wreak havok in the body.
Thank you for helping people to understand that there is really “no such thing as autism”, but rather a lack of understanding of what it is the result of.
Best regards.
Thank you for the work you are doing!
It is so important to get this information out to the public. I really appreciate your newsletters. I am reading your books and know inflammation is my major issue. I need a little more help from a functional medicine doctor. How can I find one in the Seattle area?
Thank you, Karen, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Possibly immunization given to babies is the main cause for autism.
Thank you for this. This is good news.
I have a son who has also recovered from autism after six years of treatment. We have finished chelating him and now are in the process of doing energy clearings along with drainage remedies. We have not checked his lymphocytes lately but have for years been extremely high. He is doing well but still cannot eat wheat or dairy and will develop food sensitivities from time to time despite being on a strict rotation diet. Was intrigued with Dr.’s reference to looking at the child lymphocytes for answers and was wondering if he could elaborate on that a little more.
Susan Sethi
Thank you, Susan, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Very good article, can I put it into my page ?
I teach an inclusive preschool class and have been encouraged at the effectiveness of individualized instruction and intervention. A diagnosis of Autism often ends a parent’s search for any cure as they’re told there is none. At the least, there have been various strategies aimed at minimizing the various symptoms but, I am often met with resistance at their mention. I would love for parents and caregivers to have access to this information. The spectrum of Autism characteristics’ severity leads me to intuit that specific and various sensitivities are behind the attack on each child’s unique chemistry.
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As we say, if you’ve met one child with Autism , you’ve met ONE child with Autism
Interesting article! What I would like to know regarding the autism cured stories is, are they cured completely? I’m wondering if the treatments applied when the child is young enough can actually cure the child completely, because they are young enough and the brain and entire system can heal and go back to normal, or if it’s only their low-functioning autism that is cured. In other words, are they now high-functioning autistics? If someone could follow them as they grow up, especially when they reach the teen years when problems show up to a greater degree with high-functioning autism, that would help determine if they are actually cured. Is anyone following these cured kids?
Hello Dr Hyman,
I am a subscriber to your newsletter. Also Dr Mercola etc.
my 5th child and youngest son was diagnosed autistic by a Paediatric Psychiatrist after years of hand flapping,head banging, anti-social behaviour etc. In 5th class he had no concept of his sisters, brother by name or sex or relationship to him. Couldn’t read or write above “age 5″ (spelling unintelligable), had no conecept of money, days of week, months of year, time of day etc. Wasn’t asked to class parties (fulltime teachers aid, special curriculum).
Now ,at 16, he is on age level curriculum (albeit his writing is still poor), has a group of friends, part time job, learning to drive and fly (has done landings and takeoffs) and is a terrific sibling and uncle.
How? Through God’s grace I never went down the ABA, Psych road but ,almost accidentally, got into the DAN protocols via a Neurofeedback Psych who gave me Karyn Serroussi’s book “Unravelling the Mystery of PDD and Autism” and introduced me to her friend, a Pfeiffer (DAN) MD ,who put him on GF/CF diet……….there followed chelation, sensory integration therapies (Samonas , HANDLE, proprioception exercises etc)……….NO Behavioural therapies. I attended every lecture, read every book I could lay my hands on………and totally changed to Organic food, home cooked, chucked out harsh chemicals, plastic containers etc
and overcame my sons vaccine damage, toxic ,inflammation ravaged brain and gut and boosted his Methylation cycle (by giving him a bucket of supplements every day).
I try to tell other mothers ,but many still believe the lies of BigPharma and think processed food is OK (!!!). It frustrates me , but I think the truth will come out and then Heroes ,like Dr Andy Wakefield will be vindicated.
I totally agree that autism is treatable. I have a son who suffered from anxiety, and the only treatment suggested by conventional medicine was counseling and drug therapy. We eventually found a doctor who treats kids on the spectrum, who used the approach you discuss. Our story is at: http://www.foodsensitivityjournal.com/p/my-story.html
Removal of inflammatory foods was the most important factor for him, but certainly, restoring a healthy mix of bacteria in the gut, and providing adrenal and thyroid support was part of the picture as well.
What caught my eye about this article was your reference to methylation issues. Do you have any opinions about treating undermethylation with supplements like Creatine and Acetyl L-Carnitine?
This statistic of one in five just blows my mind! Thank you Dr. Hyman for another insightful article displaying whole body health and treating root causes instead of just the symptoms. If science and doctors would work in tandem using this approach, I cannot imagine how quickly we would reverse the devastating tide of disease that is undermining people’s health. We need to be proactive and put money to use finding cures and healing rather than waiting for the next pharmaceutical to come along as a band aid approach. The art of healing is a concept that bears remembering.
Hello, I am a nurse and my husband is a physical therapist, and we have a two yo son who falls on the spectrum . We see a DAN doc and a mito specialist. Getting to this point has been emotionally and financially draining, but we are now in good hands with these docs. As health professionals ourselves, we now can see things so much clearer and can’t believe how blind we use to be!!!! We believe totally in looking at the whole body and that it is so important what we nourish it with and expose it to!!! My son’s story is VERY long and maybe someday I will gather up my energy to write it down!!! We are seeing progress and are thankful everyday for little improvements!!!!
Here in the u.k. doctors do not accept that sugar -free and gluten -free diets are necessary for autistic people. My daughter is now 39years old and although I have found that her aggressive behaviour can be better managed when her diet is sugar-free and gluten-free by my own experience with looking after her in my home despite my repeated statements to her doctors, they say that diet does not affect autism!! When will the doctors in the NHS in Britain be educated on the fact that diet does affect autistic people?
Glyconutrients found in Aloe Vera and other sources have had incredible, not simply significant effects on all sorts of auto-immune and other diseases.
Wow You cited alot of the research I compiled to prove to my insurance company what happened to my daughter on a biochemical level. I won my case as a result. I am convinced that my daughter regressed into autism after her Dtap and hib vaccine shortly after she turned two. Within 3 weeks we went to the July 4th fireworks and she screamed the entire time. We had been to previous fireworks and she had no problems with the noise. Oh yes I forgot to mention that the night of the vaccines she developed a very high fever. She slowly experienced what I now know were developmental delays…..always wanting to be carried, refusing to go down elevators and escalators, difficulty holding her pencil correctly and with writing, difficulty learning to ride a bike and tie her shoes. When she started puberty things got alot worse and she became extremely violent at the slightest sign things were not going the way she wanted. After numerous Dr.’s we found out she was off the charts in copper, magnesium and very high in manganese. Once I realized this was heavy metal toxicity and not ADHD (diagnosis in 2nd grade) or PDD-NOS (diagnosis in 6th grade) we started making progress. She now takes a supplement that raises her glutathione levels and enables her to function in school. Prior to this, I could not wake her up to go to school and she would fall asleep in class. We are not out of the woods yet. She is in high school now and still takes 3 hour naps after school. I suspect a mitochondrial disorder because of the oxidative stress. I’m not really sure where to go from here. I need to figure out how to increase her energy levels. I have since found out my daughter is a very high visual learner and a low auditory learner. When these two systems are not integrated properly and are so out of balance, it can effect the verbal system. This could effect why she is so tired after school, because her brain has to work so hard. Also, her
salivary test showed her hormones were so abnormal that the lab could not
understand the results. This also remains untreated to date. If you have any suggestions on what more I can do to help my daughter I would be most appreciative. My daughter is gifted musically and theatrically. She is also very smart even though her grades at times do not display this. At this time she takes maxone, child essence, vitamin D and sometimes a 70 billion probiotic. We have made alot of progress but her energy issues are a concern. She also will not agree to any tests except for urine and stool. She has never had a blood test. Her skin is very sensitive.
This gives me hope! My son is only 14 months old and is at risk for autism. He is our fourth child. I knew something wasn’t right around 7 mo. old. We have been doing LOTS of floortime with him and trying to make as much eye contact as possible. I am trying to learn as much as I can.
I have a 30 yr old son who was diagnosed as having autism. He was initially ok when at 7 mos yr of age, before the scheduled measles vaccine, he got the illness. He was managed as measles enceph and later showed signs and symptoms of autism. He understands things but is still way, way behind and at his chronological age now, has the mentality of an 8th yr old.
I am a pediatrician and am hurting and frustrated for so long. I live in the Philippines and would like to apply the comprehensive approach you mentioned to my son. How to go about it?
Thank you for letting in some light in this condition.
This is so exciting to me.
I am the only one(throughout our extended family as well) in our family that will own that we have at least some, if not all, of the following diseases lingering at bay: Autism, heart disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, and all of the resulting side effects. A.D.D., IBS, allergies, The list goes on. Fortunate to have found amazing people to converse with, I have known this since an early age. I appreciate knowing I am not crazy.
The two symptoms, that I wish to conquer first, scare me. Heart disease and Peripheral Neuropathy. not only some of my family may have this (quite a few I think) but others I know. I want to help so bad.
Can you give me ideas?
I am going to start with the whole foods, to include the ones you have mentioned.
What about B12? I have read the link between this and the nerve protective properties, as well as the body’s inability to synthesize without it.
I may have no intrinsic matter, and am trying to find a way to absorb B12.
(I have a good doctor who encourages me to research and to listen to my body’s responses.
I am hopeful that my diet change may help facilitate the healing process.
I believe my brother (who was an appearing healthy 43 year old) who had a ‘spinal stroke” ( I know he did not) can walk again if his body’s system is repaired. I have similar stories for my mothers nerves and bones as well as many in our family.
Can you help with ideas? I feel so close to a plan that will work!!
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I want a layman,s book. Can you recommend one. Is there a reason,physically, why I cannot quit smoking? I have tried everything out there available to aid in stopping. Yet, even though I have emphysema, I do not seem to be able to live without them. I am also on a myriad of pills. Five different pills to deal with my depression and two for pain(one is a heavy duty narcotic) even though the pain never goes away no matter what I take. I also am getting cortisone injections. Sometimes my children are the only reason I stay alive. I have been house bound for more than eleven months. I would love to learn more about functional methods and try putting it to use so that I once again have a reason to go on other than not breaking the hearts of my children.
I want a layman,s book. Can you recommend one. Is there a reason,physically, why I cannot quit smoking? I have tried everything out there available to aid in stopping. Yet, even though I have emphysema, I do not seem to be able to live without them.
Thank you, Laurel, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I want a layman,s book. Can you recommend one?
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet. Please take a look at Dr. Hyman’s books.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Our son, Benjamin, is now 14 yrs old and has been through the gamut of treatments for Autism. He was diagnosed at 2.5 yrs on the severe end of the spectrum and of all of the diets, supplements, chelation for heavy metals, etc. the one thing that worked the best for him was Applied Behaviour Analysis. He is now at near age appropriate levels in school (Math, English, etc.), but still has some “deficiences”. He’s a wonderful, caring, beautiful young man with great passion. My wife and I would still like to help him reach higher levels (socially he’s still lacking and in a few other areas). If there are any other dietary programs which would aid him with the root cause mentioned in Dr Hyman’s article, we would love to hear about them and their application, just to give Ben that extra edge he needs. Thanks and thanks for your concern, Dr Hyman and being an individual caring enough to address this condition which is so difficult for our children and such a challenge for them and their families.
Hi my son now 21 years old, “became autistic” after having his MMR injection Measles, mumps and rubella all in one at a time when he was under the weather and he stopped breathing after it, etc.Afterwards he was not the same boy. Test have shown that the signature of the injection could be found in his gut along with metal toxins. He had a leaky gut now and does not have gluten or casein in his diet at all as it makes him go immediately foggy headed and his motor neurone functions hand eye co-ordination goes haywire. Reading your article makes perfect sense and i see from what you are saying is that more can be done both as his Mum and an holistic therapist.Thank you will follow the thread carefully.
Thank you for writing this informative article. I just finished writing an entry on my blog titled, “nicotine therapy shows promise for autistic adult”. You may find this interesting.
I would enjoy very much talking with you about your research and the type of research you want to pursue. I have worked with over 2500 children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum since 1986, primarily providing the Tomatis Method and more recently the EnListen program that can be done in the home with delivery using computers. In 1983, I began toI work with Dr. Ricki Robinson in the Los Angeles area who wanted this program for her patients as part of the protocol she had learned from Dr. Stanley Greenspan. I observe from my own experience with this group of children with whom I worked that you are correct in your assessment that it is all of the factors you describe that must be considered in finding a way to overcome what is called autism. The sound stimulation programs we provided were one of the top three interventions the parents identified for Dr. Robinson as being of assistance to their children. I work from an educational perspective and now have developed an assessment that incorporates a lot of these features from an educational view. It is refreshing to see this breakthrough in a published article in an acclaimed journal such as JAMA, and it appears to indicate that so many chidlren are now affected that a solution must be found for autism prevention as well as resetting the whole bodymind emotion spirit of the child. Please let me know if there is an opportunity to meet and talk with you. Thank you for your contribution!
The concept of autism as being a whole body condition was extensively developed in the antiinnatia theory of autism (and iq and genius), which was published years ago and of which not a single fault of reasoning or evidence has been raised since (which is quite exceptional). An update review of the theory now explains why there has since been an increase and why mercury has become involved, and how it causes autism.
Mitochondrial malfunction and oxidative stress are very much characteristics of mercury toxicity, but only part of the story, and quite possibly mainly “side effects” rather than causal of the autistic effects.
As for the question of being “a systemic disorder that can be reversed”, the two do not necessarily have to go together. Autism was formerly a mainly genetic condition but that does not prevent environmental successful intervention such as helped with pku. Nowadays 70-90% of autism is mainly caused by mercury vapour from the modern non-gamma-2 amalgams (of mothers etc), and removal of that source combined with detox can therefore help and sometimes even cure, as the ARI has found. They also found dietary interventions can bring great improvement, which is likely because antiinnatia suppresses the “modern” innatons required for wheat digestion and consequent relief from allergic/oxidative stress enables the mercury to be effectively detoxed via the normal glutathione pathway.
I don’t agree with the concept of “many autisms”. All autism is united by the antiinnatia concept; it is like the trunk of a tree uniting many roots with many leaves.
It appears to me mind-bogglingly scandalous that the very same FDA that insists on telling everyone that the cause of the autism disaster, modern dental amalgam, is harmless, at the same time bans the victims from obtaining the ideal treatment that is the utterly harmless OSR#1 developed by the great Boyd Haley. The faster this health fascism charlatanism system collapses the better.
You can download the antiinnatia theory and read some update info at http://www.autismcauses.info.
Dr Hyman, I am an admirer of your work, may it continue and keep on developing. One thing upsets me though and that is that when people pour out their hearts about their autistic children on here, a standard reply pops up (and it sometimes doesn’t even fit the original message, as in “constellation of symptoms” when none have been mentioned.) and it seems so cold and unresponsive. Sorry to seem nit-picking but it jars every time. I do hope the people with autistic children can get some realistic help in the near future.
I read your article with interest as my first son died of rare genetically inherited mitochondria condition called Leighs Disease 12 years ago, aged 2 and a half. When I discovered that my second son had autism (he was then 4), I asked if there was a link between the mitochondrial condition and autism and was given a definite no! Since taking my now 8 year old son to a Bio-medical specialist here in the UK, we have been informed that it is very likely that he too is suffering from oxidative stress and may have an underlying mitochondria condition. We are seeing a metabolic specialist soon. My gut feeling four years ago was that there was a link and I wasn’t listened to. So I urge all you parents out there to go with your gut feelling and to become as well informed as possible. This article will hopefully go a long way in helping parents who have been knocking on professionals’ doors for too long now with now avail.