Natural Remedies for Autism

Hello, I've started doing Ted's protocol for Autism for my 4 year old daughter. Just wanted to get feedback on someone that has tried. What to expect and what results did you get.

Thanks

Has anyone else heard of Donna Gates? She found some interesting conclusions similar to what you were talking about. She is the founder of the Body Ecology diet. I have been following her for about a year now. I tried young coconut kefir and cold pressed flax seed oil on my son for about 2 weeks and saw tremendous results! It's expensive so if you can find the instructions on her site to make the coconut kefir, then I recomend doing that. If anyone else has any information on Autism cures please post!

Angie, my son is 4, has developmental delays including speech. I had great success with Vitamin C. It can chelate the heavy metals including flouride from the body. He went from singing one or two words in a song to singing the whole song (trying anyway) after about 2-3 weeks of having Vitamin C every day... About 3-4 grams per day). His speech also seems improved.

Also cilantro (corriander), garlic, tumeric all chelate heavy metals from the body so all our food has them in it.

I am also trying Evening Primrose Oil & Cod Liver Oil both have had great results in getting EFA into them... good speech results good concentration.

He also has a probiotics and digestive enzymes every day which helps digestion.

We went GFCF as from yesterday to see if that helps him. He has always had digestive issues and I think it is related. I have heard of Donna Gates.... We are looking at her diet and the GAPS diets from Dr. Natasha McBride as well.

He had a blood test recently which showed high folate and high B12 levels .... anyone know what that means? I did read it may mean high level of bacteria in stomach but need to investigate further.

Debbie-

The GAPS diet sounds amazing. I went to Natasha Campbell-McBride's web site and spent a good couple of hours reading and taking notes. We're introducing the diet to our son right now.

Thank you for your comments and for listing the things you've tried. I'll be asking his Dr. If we can do some tests to check vitamin B levels and high peptide levels. A friend told me the same thing so I'm really wanting to do this.

I don't understand the science behind it all. I am searching for more information on why bad bacteria causes such an imbalance. I do understand that foods that are low on the glycemic index are the best since bad carbohydrates convert into sugar and sugar is bad for autism.

I have so much to learn and would love to hear any other ideas or information anyone has to offer.

Looking forward to hearing how your sons progress is going.

Hi Angie, my son is 6 years old (PPD-NOS, ADHD diagnosis along with developmental delay and speech delay). We just started the GFCF diet and supplementation. We are going to have heavy metal test and yeast test in October. We are seeing a new DAN! Doctor in Cool Springs. Very excited and praying for recovery as so many people have had success with the biomedical approach. Thanks for the info regarding Vitamin C and coconut kefir. I will definitely look into those as well.

Hello Debbie from Melbourne:

I saw where you are using garlic, turmeric and cilantro. I'm using that with my son. He's 9 with aspergers. I'm also adding raw cheese (both cow & goat). I can't buy raw milk in my state because it's illegal, so I'm settling for the cheese. I have notice some changes for the better, which makes me think that he may have some heavy metals in his blood.

I would like to get a blood test for him, but most doctors really don't know what to look for and will order a regular blood test, which won't tell me anything. Does anyone know what I need to tell them to look for in the blood test?

In Yeshua's arms,

Warvoj

Hi Warvoj, have you read the book Gut & Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha McBride. She cured her son of autism by following a special diet. I have still to read it but it may be worthwhile for you to read it to see what she says about blood tests. She is also a neurologist.

Also I am reading "Excitotoxins, the Taste that Kills" by Dr. Russell Blaylock who says that MSG and Aspartame are responsible for many disorders and learning problems (they cause cell death). There are some foods you can take that are "glutamate blockers" and tumeric is one of them. Also people are in danger if their magnesium levels are low. Everyone should read this book. I first few pages are enough to scare the daylights out of you.

Vitamin C also chelates heavy metals. Also there are some good youtube videos if you google "gaps diet" or Natasha McBride where there are some real cases of kids totally turning around and they have some valuable information.

I am still having problems with my son, his speech is still very delayed. He is a bit better but way below what it should be for a 4 1/2 year old. I am going to take him to the mineral baths to get some minerals into his body and I have just bought some iodine (important for IQ) and magnesium chloride to put in the bath water to get his magnesium levels up.

I notice that wholistic doctors are able to test for such metals and toxins. You would need to google and find one in your area.

I ran across this website thanks to my father and it is such a wonderful resource! I just wanted to reach out to all of you asking questions about autism. I host a weekly Internet radio talk show about autism called The Mother Cub Show where I interview many of the experts (including people like Donna Gates). I am also the mother to an 8 year old son with autism who is making tremendous progress every day! GAPs diet, flax oil, coconut kefir, probiotics & enzymes are key! Please check out website (www.mothercub.com) for blogs and archived shows. Best of luck to all

That's so awesome, I'm checking it out right now! Thanks so much Susan.

Angie

Debbie - how do you give the iodine? Do you use Lugol's in a drink or do you put it on topically? I've been reading a lot about it lately and am very curious. Thanks, Susan

Here is an excellent article on autism and magnesium. I give my son magnesium chloride baths as well as epsom salt baths regularly. This is called transdermal magnesium (through the skin) and is better absorbed than in supplement form. I have also just ordered magnesium citrate in powder form as well to give him (and myself). That type of magnesium was recommended in a book I was reading on magnesium.

My son definitely had lots of antibiotics in his first year (being a 26 week prem) and other medications which would have caused the gut problems.

http://lampoflife1.blogspot.com/2010/09/autism-and-magnesium.html

A good website on transdermal magnesium is magnesiumforlife.com

Also a good way to get magnesium into you transdermally is to swim in the ocean. If you live near the ocean swim/paddle in the water at least 30 minutes each time.

Where can you get oxygen treatment or what exactly is it titled under? I'm in Florida and am interested in finding this treatment for my family.

I wonder if ozone will help then as a bath and drinking, I got a pink and white ozone machine for $20 with free shipping to new zealand and I got in room plug in ozone generators and you smell the oxygen in the room. Asians use ozone to clean all their fruits and veges of pestesides..... can't remember now originally why I got on here to post a comment as got distracted by the oxygen thing....

Ah senior moment now I remember, my parents buy 25kg magnesium salts from the dead sea as farmers use it for salt lick and is cheapest to buy from farming shops, in New zealand its marketed under the name of prill and they bath in it three times a week as dad researched it is much better to take transdermally as can't OD either.......it is a safe way to take it and a safe product and can put 2 litres of the salts in a bath for adults, , , , , , but would have to reasearch dose for kids as dad didnt bath my kids in it saying something along the lines of it can leach something else from you (maybe calcium??????) it has feed mum and dad of osteo arthritis and gives them energy etc but have not tried on my autistic kids, I'm doing coconut keifer at the moment.

If anyone is interested, in Marrero, Louisiana there is a doctor who runs a hyperbaric oxygen therapy center - Dr. Paul Harch.

http://www.hbot.com

My daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with autism in 2008. Since then, I've implemented the gluten-free casein free diet and it has made a remarkable difference in her life. I know that several autism parents shy away from this lifestyle because it seems like such a tremendous undertaking. The truth, however, is that it's not that hard to do! You learn to read the labels carefully, you learn what your child loves and hates and most of all, you see the difference. Ava and I, together, have made some of the most inedible cake you could imagine but we've also made some amazing chocolate chip cookies using tapioca and sorghum flours.

Regardless of how immediate or immense your child's results may be, I think the most important thing about this diet is the lesson that it teaches these children. I have read and spoken with so many adults on the spectrum who report the difference in how they feel after half a serving of dairy or wheat. This has struck me so profoundly because food choices are SO important for these children. One day, they will be making choices for themselves, so arming them with knowledge of why soda might make them feel funny, for example, is such a powerful gift to me. It's possible that gluten and casein may not be their sensitivities or may not be their ONLY sensitivity, but that opens the door to observe the effects of eggs, soy, etc. My daughter is now 5 and when someone offers her pizza (her FAVORITE!! ) she will politely hold her hand up and say, "No thank you. That is yucky for Ava! " :-)

The other lifesaver in our life has been cod liver oil. Not only does it serve as an excellent booster in her immune system (so many of these kids have such weak immunities), but it keeps her SO focused. I remember the first day I gave cod liver oil to Ava, I cried uncontrollably because she made willing eye contact with me! And I didn't even have to ask for it. It's pretty amazing stuff.

@Christie from Charlotte, NC. Do you put the cod liver oil in her food or just in a spoon?

Great article entitled Magnesium and Autism in Dr. Mark Sircus' latest newsletter:

http://magnesiumforlife.com/medical-application/magnesium-and-autism/

Where do I get this herb?

I just want to tell you that I so apprecite your post. I cried when I read it. My daughter is 5 now and was diagnosed with autism when she was 3. My journey with autism sounds remarkably similar to yours... I also gained 65 lbs in depression weight, or perhaps it's frustration weight. I have battled with her teachers, consulted with three different DAN! Doctors, and cried myself to sleep so many times. I am curious to give rhodiola a try. Bless you and your son. All will be well. :-)

My son aged 7 was diagnosed with autism at age 5. One of the side effects of his autism is that he eats a very limited selection of food. He eats no meat, potatoes for vegetables, apples, bananas, watermelon, strawberries, avaovados and pears for fruit. Cheese once a month, a small amount of yoghurt, no milk and chocolate everything. When he has a lack of appetite he only eats chocolate or starves. He has to be given a tonic every day to encourage him to eat just one small meal a day. For this reason it is very difficult to put him on an elimination diet. We have tried the failsafe diet, but he starved himself for 3 weeks. In the end he was screaming from hunger, but would still only eat his preferences. Does anyone have some advice as to how to break through this problem? The most nutritious food he ever gets in is avocado toast (not every day) or potato chips (hot) not every day either. Does anyone know whether there is a Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy centre in Perth, Australia.

Alfred

Alfred, I used to babysit an autistic child and I remember the difficulties of trying to get him to eat anything healthy. 7 Year olds are usually finicky anyways but being autistic just makes it more difficult to get them to understand the improtance of healthy eating.

There is a hazel nut chocolate butter in the US called Nutella that tastes just like chocolate but has a little protein too. It isn't exactly "health food" since it has lots of sugar but since your son is already eating chocolate most days it might help a little. I put it on pancakes, toast, sandwiches, crackers, apples, pears, etc... Though you might want to stear clear of gluten since there is evidence that it is bad for autism. It's worth a try.

It's wonderful that he eats avocado's though. They are very healthy. If he eats mashed potatoes you might try to sneak some blended steamed cauliflower into his taters. Also add some plain yogurt instead of milk and butter. If he likes anything mashed or blended you can try to add things that won't really change the taste but will enhance the nutritional value. There is a great cook book called "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld. In this book she shows how you can sneak healthy veggies and fruits into foods kids love. It might help you out. I know my kids don't have a clue that I add avocados to thier brownies or broccoli to thier spaghetti sauce:) I love it and have come up with many great recipe's of my own using the same idea.

Alfred, A Multi B-Vitamin alone at least once a day creates powerful hunger drive. But it is kinda stupid to use only vitamins when they need minerals as cofactors for enzyme production (which may be a major problem with this boy). Enzymes create and maintain the body's energy or metabolism, so any vit/min deficiency will reduce E. Find a good High potency with foods plus. At least 2 daily. If he is uncomfortable with pills, try some VitaminWater or any other nutritional "drink" or "fortified" foods or drink. When I was an adolescent, I got good lasting energy from the fortified cereal Total.

Also the vitamin-like nutrient DimethylGlycine (DMG) boost energy production as well as immunity and has been used successfully in the treatment of Autism for many decades. It may be necessary to have a health care professional monitor the DMG for dosage purposes but otherwise DMG is quite safe with anything under 2 grms daily; I traditionally use 500 mg daily.

Hope this helps and good luck.

To Alfred from Perth, here is a chocolate flavored smoothie that your child may like. It's much better than chocolate and packs much needed nutrients:

1 banana

1 apple

honey to taste

1/2 cup of chocolate soymilk (I use Silk brand) & 1/2 cup of unsweetened regular soymilk

Blend everything with a little bit of ice. It tastes just like a chocolate ice cream smoothy!! Hope he likes!

Hi Ted... If you have a moment, I would like to discuss with you the 85% incidence rate of pyroluria/kryptopyrrole/mauve factor in autistic individuals. Your intutive recommendations for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders, as well as for hair loss, all tie into the "big picture". My questions have to do with the order of treatment, as heavy metal toxicity, autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal problems all feed off of each other.

Please also note that the treatment for pyroluria automatically results in metal purging (most notably copper). Your input would be invaluable, to both my son and the millions of autistic children in the world today.

It should be made clear however that piracetam is very much not a natural substance, and is as much a drug as related racetams such as keppra, and further departures down the racetam family tree like tylenol. Piracetam is, as far as we know, a pretty safe drug - I myself have consumed upward of 10g of piracetam in a single setting with nothing except maybe some very mild stimulant effect - but for those interested in exclusively natural solutions, piracetam is NOT it.

Piracetam increases communication across the corpus callosum (between the left and right hemispheres of the brain) and has been shown to be effective in treating a range of neurological disorders.

From Wikipedia:

There is very little data on piracetam's effect on healthy people, with most studies focusing on people with seizures, dementia, concussions, or other neurological problems. However, a two week regimen of piracetam was found to enhance verbal memory in healthy college students in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Article cont'd.

Hi, my son is ADHD and asperger's too. Could you tell me how yr daughter has changed?

Hi - I have a 23 yr. old son who has grown up with high functioning autism. I understand that Vit. D and Fish Oil would benefit him. Can anyone tell me the recommended dosage for each? Thank you.

Thanks for your information. My son has autism severe learning disabilities, and has terrible meltdowns He has Fish oils, but now going to try the evening primrose oil.

Although some children with autism may have high levels of merucry no such thing has ever been proven. Even more importantly, my own children have autism and neither one of them had a shot with mercury in it. For them, it is clearly genetic as their father and his father are clearly on the spectrum. In addition, we have tried all of the diets, supplements ect and found no help. Therapies helped. I believe there are "autisms" just like there are "cancers." They may have features in common (think lung cancer vs. skin cancer)but the treatments and outcomes can be totally different. So children with autism need to be looked at individually and not as a cohesive group.

Thank you for the information about vitamin B3. My brother is Schizophrenic, and yes nicotine is a must for him. Also, he too suffers from toe nail fungal infection. I will look into getting some b3 for him.

Thank you for posting all of these rays of hope. My 3 year old son was diagnosed with high functioning autism 6 months ago. It has been such a new world for us that has led us to feel overwhelmed and hopeless.

I heard about the gluten/casein free diet, and didn't understand how this could help Autism. In addition, the vitamins/minerals make sense. This site has helped me understand more and given me hope and motivation to do it. I am willing to try anything that is not prescription drug for my son's well being. Thanks!

Hi Hopeful in Pasadena,

You may want want to visit the autism-related Yahoo groups online, particularly the Autism Bio Medical Discussion (abmd) group. There are parents and ASD adults posting on that 'board about diet changes, medicated therapies, as well as natural ones.

I'm a member of the abmd group as well as several others, a couple specific to CA, and I do not use prescription drugs to help my son. He is high functioning and his symptoms are considered 'mild' by the psychiatrist who diagnosed it.

HTH, Sheila

Perhaps if B3 cant get to the brain due to some chemical abnormality in the digestive system.. The need to ingest the nicotine through cigarette smoke, might be some cell survival response. It might be worth finding the type of B3 they administered in the trial. If you google B3 and Schizophrenia you might find it.

Im just wondering there has been a big push to link autism with vacinations but discovered some information on the net on various studies where there was a suggestion that children born through IVF are more likely to suffer autism, gastro intestinal disorders, childhood allergies, increased sickness and hospital stays and developmental delays compared to children concieved naturally. Seeing the comments regarding milk and dairy allergies and then improvements in children when reduced, and comments made about gastro problems. Has the autism and IVF link been made by autism charities or a study done to see how many children who have autism or autism spector disorders where born through ivf?

Kaz, according to a Dutch research babies born from IVF have 50% more chance of birth deffects. They have also discovered recently that babies born from frozen embrios are heavier and bigger than other babies. I don't agree with these ways of procriation but well, I suppose everybody has to know for themselves! I don't agree with a lot of things in this world, which doesn't mean people shouldn't do them! Other problems with IVF is that we are creating a generation of infertile people. They now know that boys born from infertile fathers have a lot of chance of being infertile themselves. And the first IVF baby in Britain is a girl who needed IVF herself in order to have her child. I am not sure whether we are solving problems or making more problems..... Just think that it used to be greatly the survival of the fittest, now is everybody's survival but won't we end up creating a very weak society? And it is not only IVF........ I find it rather worrying!

Hi Kaz, There is not a lot of evidence re studies done on this subject, but it is now a big business so I don't think we will see many independent studies done on this. There are many IVF children being treated by natural therapists so I suspect there are more problems than we will ever know about. I started to take more notice after a relatives (IVF) child was diagnosed with autism. There are a lot more mild (for want of a better description) cases of autism but parents have found success with very early intervention. In Australia there is (or was, I'm not sure if it is still available) help of about $12k for continuing therapies but only for young children. This is because the earlier the intervention the better the results. Unfortunately my relative found out about this after their child was just past the cut off age. If people do go ahead with IVF they need to take as best care as they possibly can with their diet, supplements etc. Plus extra care for their baby/child particularly their gut health. There is a fantastic book called 'The NATURAL WAY TO BETTER BABIES by Francesca Naish' it is nothing short of fantastic. She also has other books and she is in Sydney.

A very simple way to get the answer would be if there was a study done where the Dr that diagnosed the child with autism answered the questions was the child was vaccinated, IVF or not vaccinated. We would then see if there were true links. A very simple study to do but one I don't think will ever happen. All the best, Maria

@Shiva.. Can you please tell me what probiotics you are giving to your son... I am searching for probiotics in India.. It will be very helpful.. Also please let me know what anti fungal medicine you are using... Thank you for your help.

We've been talking about the relationship between diet and children with autism and ADD. It is entirely possible that a specific diet could help a child with these diseases (for lack of a better term), but it definitely won't compeltely cure them. I'm studying neuropsychology, and I hope to help find some help for the parents of children with autism in the future, but for now diet will only help so much.

Dear Karyn Seroussi I am very excited to read all about your son's progress. I am starting my son's dairy & gluten free diet from today. I will let you know if hopfully I see any progress. I would be thankful to my sister who told about your letter & you for describing us your experience

Hi Karyn, that was an amazing story and one with a happy ending, something we could use more of. I am seeing a girl that has a 4 yr old boy such a sweet little guy and she thinks he is showing signs of Autism. I am trying to read all I can and offer advice and support for her and Felix. I would do anything to be able to help him get well. Where can I get a copy of your book for his mom? Thank you so much. Chris