Alternative Treatments for Autism

Many parents, physicians and researchers continue to look for alternative treatments for autism.

Autism continues to be a disorder that baffles parents, physicians and anyone else affected in some way by the condition. Because there isn't a definitive cause or a specific treatment, alternative treatments for autism are often tried…some with a measure of success. There are websites, blogs, and discussion boards that are devoted wholly to the use of these alternative treatments, and you can often read what others have to say about their experiences with each of these suggested methods for handling and treating the symptoms of autism. Before you dive into a new method, however, educate yourself and discuss the treatment with your child's physician.

Secretin is a hormone, produced by the small intestine, that stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes which aid in normal digestion. There has been some documented success in the use of secretin given orally to children with autism. The most positive behavioral changes have included an increase in appetite, improved bowel function, and improved social skills, including increased eye contact, verbal skills, and social interaction.

The most common method of treatment is to give secretin orally three times a day either 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after eating. Along with the secretin, a vitamin compound consisting of vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, magnesium, zinc, chromium, calcium, and lecithin should be given. This secretin/vitamin regimen is typically given for three weeks and the the patient abstain from it for three weeks before starting the regimen again.

Caution: Before attempting this treatment, however, you should discuss it with your physician.

Some researchers believe that the presence of a yeast-like fungus, known as Candida, can exacerbate many autism symptoms. Researchers also recognize that poor bowel function can increase the growth of this fungus. Hormonal treatments, chemical exposure, antibiotics, and even some foods can contribute to the growth of Candida, and this treatment focuses on a diet that limits yeast growth. Foods that are high in sugar are typically avoided in this treatment, and anti-fungal supplements may be used as well.

Behavioral changes associated with this treatment often include improved eye contact and social interaction and a decrease in inappropriate behavior, including hyperactivity and aggressiveness.

Another alternative treatment that is often explored in relation to autism is the use of detoxification for heavy metals. These heavy metals are often associated with vaccines containing mercury. In many cases, a test can be administered which checks for the presence of heavy metals in the body. If the presence of heavy metals is found, a regimen of DMSA, which is dimercaptosuccinic acid, is often given. DMSA has been approved by the FDA for removing lead from the brains of children who have been diagnosed with lead-poisoning.

Caution: Again, you should not attempt any type of treatment without consulting your physician.

There are numerous other alternative treatments for autism, including various nutritional therapies. These include the following:

• Vitamin B-12-Vitamin B-12 shots are often given in conjunction with a folic acid supplement. Initially, the vitamin is given several times in the first week, weekly for the next month or so, and then monthly for approximately three months. Improvements are usually gradual in nature.
• Gluten and Casein Free Diet-A gluten free diet involves avoiding grain products, including wheat, rye, and barley, which can reduce the presence of secretin.
• Dimethylglycine (DMG)-DMG is generally classified as a food although it resembles a vitamin in appearance. DMG can be bought in capsule or tablet form at health food stores. The results of introducing DMG into an autistic child's diet have included speech enhancement, better eye contact, and improved overall behavior.

The individual successes of many of these alternative treatments have given parents and clinicians hope for the future. However, before beginning any type of alternative treatment for a child with autism, contact your doctor..

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