Our Children and Autism

1. Our Special Garden Nutrition, Fitness & Natural Health Educating You Today for a Healthier Tomorrow www.ourspecialgarden.biz Dr. Julie A. Wilczynski, N.D., C.N.C., C.N.H., I., C.M., C.P.T., E.F.T. • Traditional Naturopath • Certified Nutritional Consultant • Counselor of Natural Health • Certified Iridologist • Certified Live Blood Technician • Certified Personal Trainer Our Children and Autism Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

2. Key Points on Autism and ASD • Autism cannot be solely genetic because in the last 10 years, disease incidence has increased tenfold from 1-3 per 10,000 births to 2-4 per 1000 births. • Autism Spectrum Disorders are five times as common as Downs Syndrome and ten times as common as Juvenile Diabetes. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

3. Key Points on Autism and ASD • Autism is best classified in a group of neurological dysfunctions including Asperger’s syndrome, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties / dyslexia, and chronic fatigue syndrome as they all have common biochemical abnormalities. • “Autism Spectrum Disorders” is an umbrella term used to describe many forms of Autism. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

4. Key Points on Autism and ASD • Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are known to accumulate in people with autism. • Secretin (a digestive hormone – burns both good and bad fats) can stimulate burning of these fats, however, its safety is in question. • Other, more natural "fat burners" (those which stimulate beta-oxidation of fatty acids) may be of help such as DMG - dimethyl glycinate. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

5. Key Points on Autism and ASD • Like ADD/ADHD, autism is characterized by decreased function in the "reward" center of the brain. This may explain some of the unusual behavior traits observed in autism (stimming - hand flapping, eye poking etc). • Vitamin B6 and herbs such as bacopa monniera may help by stimulating the reward center, and thus reduce the desire for such behavior. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

6. Key Points on Autism and ASD • Certain foods contain opioid-like compounds (gluten containing grains and dairy foods). • In autism, poor digestion causes these compounds to be absorbed straight into the bloodstream. • This may trigger the dreamy, "not there" qualities typifying autism. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

7. There are three main areas of disturbance found in autism: • Neurological system (brain and nerve tissue) • Gastro-intestinal system • Immune system Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

8. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Speech centers of the brain are found to be under-active in autism. • At the time of birth, the brain is composed of 60% fat (lipids). Fatty acids (FAs) come in differing lengths (short chain fatty acids through to very long chain fatty acids). FAs allow the flow of chemicals into and out of the cells. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

9. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Our brains have equal amounts of Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. • The dietary ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 should be 4:1 (Western diets are often too high in Omega 6 and deficient in Omega 3). Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

10. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Imbalance of essential fatty acids is associated with deficits in brain activity. • Improvements have been observed when autistic children are supplemented with the correct ratio of fatty acids. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

11. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Accumulation of toxic metals such as aluminum and mercury can impair neurological function. • These are commonly in excess quantities in autism. • Many believe the preservatives used in vaccines are responsible for this since they contain these toxic metals. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

12. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • The left temporal lobe of autistic children (the left hemisphere is associated with language and communication skills) shows deficient activity on imaging of the brain activity. • This lowered brain activity is associated with a deficiency of common brain "messenger compounds" including: dopamine, noradrenalin, acetylcholine and serotonin. • Gut bacteria manufacture 95% of the total serotonin in the body. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

13. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Vitamin E and other fat-soluble anti-oxidants slow the beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acids and, in high doses, can exacerbate Autism. • Oils rich in VLCFAs need to be limited and/or avoided. These include olive, canola, peanut, and mustard oils. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

14. NEUROLOGICAL FACTORS • Autistic children tend to accumulate high levels of trans-fatty acids. These substances coat the cell walls like plastic, preventing the cells from metabolizing and removing waste products. • Sources of trans-fatty acids include: margarine, fried foods, fast food, junk food, cakes, cookies, pastries and most processed food containing oils. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

15. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Autistic children often have low stomach hydrochloric acid levels. This lowers pancreatic function, and thus the production of bicarbonates, digestive enzymes and secretin. • A lack of bicarbonates can cause an accumulation of ammonia (fuzzy head sensation), and can contribute to sub-clinical acidosis, which is a common finding in Autistic children. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

16. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • A lack of digestive enzymes (combined with the lack of stomach hydrochloric acid) leads to incomplete digestion of food. • This contributes to dairy and gluten intolerances. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

17. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Dairy and gluten maldigestion creates opiate compounds (gliadinomorphine/caseinomorphine). • Although rarely found in most people, these opiates are found in 80-90% of autistics (determined by urine samples). Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

18. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Opiates interfere with normal cell growth, and can impede normal development. • Opiates also block pain sensitivity. • Significant improvements have been noted when these foods are avoided. (GF/CF Diets) Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

19. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Chronic candidiasis is very common amongst Autistic children. • Candida overgrowth can be triggered by antibiotics. • Candidiasis causes a release of arabitol compounds into the blood stream, which may then be converted into arabinose, which is found in excessive quantities in urine samples of autistics. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

20. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • This compound can impair brain function, and stimulate the formation of plaques in brain tissue similar to that found in Alzhiemer’s. • Arabinose can trigger a chain reaction that results in demyelination, which is a common finding in Autism. • Apart from anti-fungal measures to treat candidiasis, vitamin B6 and lipoic acid can prevent the arabinose compounds from doing damage. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

21. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, and other gut flora abnormalities (eg. candidiasis) are commonly seen. • Excessive use of antibiotics is common in the history of autistic children. • Antibiotics will not kill harmful gut bugs, such as candida and clostridium species. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

22. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • After repeated antibiotic use, these bugs can take over and release toxins, which interfere with brain function. • Anecdotal evidence shows a reduction of Autistic symptoms upon treatments to remove candida overgrowth. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

23. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • The function of the gut and the brain appears to be linked. • For instance, the digestive system as well as the brain releases the hormone secretin. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

24. GASTRO-INTESTINAL FACTORS • Increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut syndrome, is commonly found in autistics. • This leads to toxins interfering with brain tissue. • This causes an inflammatory response in the brain, with resultant free radical damage. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

25. IMMUNE FUNCTION • Chronic fungal and viral infections are very common. • Certain viruses cause irritation to brain tissue (common sign is light sensitivity). • Common viruses include HHV6 and other herpes viruses, EBV (Epstein Barr virus), CMV (cytomegalovirus) and stealth virus. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

26. IMMUNE FUNCTION • Viruses can disrupt fatty acid metabolism. • Dr Michael Goldberg has observed a significant improvement (better eye contact, improved vocabulary) when chronic viral and fungal infections are treated. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

27. OPTIONS • Diets –GF/CF, Specific Carbohydrate (SCD), Low Oxalate (LOD), Feingold, etc. • Supplements – wide variety • Immune support • Parasite, yeast, and bacterial infection treatments • Antiviral Therapy • Digestive support – Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

28. NO MAGIC BULLETS • There is no drug, supplement, or “magic bullet” therapy. • What works for one child may not work for yours. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

29. GETTING STARTED • Get Informed – read, listen, and research. • Be persistent in your approach. • Develop an open-mind. • Be open to all possibilities. • Have a plan. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

30. HOW QUICKLY BEFORE YOU KNOW Immediate Feedback 2 to 6 Weeks, on average 4 weeks: Medical Diets (GF/CF, anti-yeast, phenol reduced) Basic Nutritional Supplements Treating Yeast (and bacteria) Long-term Feedback 4 weeks to 2 to 4 months…or more. Heavy Metal Detoxification These are meant to be viewed as generalizations and NOT absolutes. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

31. TRACKING PROGRESS • Implementing one at a time, i.e. 4 to 6 week • Create Your Own List: • Less Hyper • Better Sleep • More Focused and Better Attention • Less Stimming • Less Aggression • Etc. Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

32. Processed Sugar White Flour Processed Grains Artificial Ingredients Chemical Additives Excess Caffeine Preservatives Hydrogenated Oils Rancid Oils Soft Drinks DETOX DIET - ELIMINATE Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

33. Organic Fruits & Vegetables Nuts & Seeds Cold-Pressed Oils, i.e. flax Beans Organic, Free-Range Protein Sources. Wild Fish Filtered Water Herbal Teas Fresh Vegetable Juices Increase Raw Foods to 60-70% of diet. Cook with coconut oil WHAT TO INCLUDE Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

34. Testing can be performed with nutrition counseling by contacting Julie A. Wilczynski, ND 724-407-8017 • OAT (Organic Acid Test) • Urinary Peptide • Porphyrin Profile • Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis • Hair Analysis • Fecal Metals**Minimal – OAT & CDSA Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism

35. REFERENCES • Goldberg, Michael. NIDS pamphlet, California, 1999 • Goldberg, Michael. Neuro-immune Deficiency Syndrome- A Disease Process, presentation at Mind of a Child seminar, Sydney, 1999 • Kane, Patricia. Red Blood Cell fatty acid abnormalities gastro-intestinal and immune dysfunction in Autistic Spectrum Disorders, presentation at Mind of a Child seminar, Sydney, 1999 • Metagenics. Practitioner Product Guide, Metagenic Publication, 2000:117 • Bone, Kerry. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs, Phytotherapy Press, 1996:101-2 • Paul Shattock. Presentation at "Mind of a Child" seminar, Sydney, 1999 • Reader’s Digest. ABC’s of the Human Mind, The Reader’s Digest Association Inc., New York, 1990:74. • Ryan, Jeannie. Dietary Management in Autistic Syndromes, The Mind of a Child Post Conference Workshop, Northern Beaches Care Centre, Sydney, 1999:6 • Cosford, Robyn. Mind of a Child Post Conference Workshop, Northern Beaches Care Centre, Sydney, 1999 • Metagenics. The role of neurotropic compounds for the management of neurovascular disease, Metagenics seminar booklet, Brisbane, 1999:107-10 • Ryan, Jeannie. Dietary Management in Autistic Syndromes, The Mind of a Child Post Conference Workshop, Northern Beaches Care Centre, Sydney, 1999:2-4 • Shaw, William. Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD, Shaw, USA, 1998:18-23 • Sternberg S. The Emerging Fungal Threat, Science 266:1832-34, 1994 • Shaw, William. Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD, Shaw, USA, 1998:51-62 • Wakefield AJ., et al. Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, nonspecific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children, Lancet 1998;351(9103):637-41 • Borody, Thomas. Presentation at Mind of a Child Seminar, Sydney, 1999 • D’Eufemia P et al. abnormal intestinal permeability in children with autism. Acta Paediatr 1996:1076-9 • Cosford Robyn. Northern Beaches Care Centre and ADD/ADHD and Autism Intervention, Northern Beaches Care Centre, 1999 • Martin, John. Brain Damage in Stealth Virus Infected Children, presentation at Mind of a Child Seminar, Sydney, 1999 • Cosford, Robyn. Risk Factors and Multisystem Abnormalities in ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mind of a Child Post Conference Workshop, Northern Beaches Care Centre, Sydney,1999:18 Our Special Garden Our Children & Autism