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Children and autism

Children and Autism - part 2

Full article in pdf format at:

http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/ 200710/19850

The article is written by Manya Angley, a professor at the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences Australia

It is neither for nor against alternative approaches to treatment of autism, but an update of research conducted (date of article October 2007).

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs)) and diets are widely used in children with autism, by approximately 50% of families (in the U.S. and Australia) because the treatments offered by pharmaceutical traditional medicine are limited and often accompanied by significant adverse effects.

She made a point not exhaustive of the different approaches and the few scientific studies on them.

B6 and magnesium
Study of Kuriyama et al (for each study is given in the bibliography section) comparing pyridoxine against a placebo showed an improvement in verbal IQ in the treated group, whereas other studies (Findling et al and Tolbert et al) n have not found significant differences. Vitamin C


A small double-blind study showed a decrease of stereotyped behaviors in children receiving vitamin C.

DMG
Two double-blind studies showed no difference between the group taking the DMG and it did not.

Omega 3 and omega 6
Study and case control comparative study showed no benefit from the use of fatty acids in children with autism. Melatonin


Paavonen et al found a significant reduction of time required to sleep in children taking melatonin (study on 15 children with autism)

Probiotics
Although no study has been published on the use of probiotics in autistic children, they can be used to restore the balance of intestinal flora and reduce bacteria produce toxins that can contribute to their problems bowel. Vitamin B12


James et al conducted a study in which they were administered intravenous doses of vitamin B12 in 8 children with autism had abnormal levels of metabolites in the methionine cycle. This
supplementation, cut to a folic acid and betaine restored the normal level of these metabolites in these children.

Diets
Two studies on diet without gluten and casein have been made, with conflicting results. Knivsberg et al found significant improvements while Elder et al found no improvement.
Other systems are used, but studies have yet been made. More controversial treatments


A single study on the use of TTFD was performed with a low number of children, indicating an improvement. Other forms of chelation have not been studied scientifically.
Studies have been made showing evidence of zinc deficiency in some children with autism. Yorbik et al have found zinc levels significantly lower than in healthy controls. Zinc has a role in the immune system, production of neurotransmitters and antioxidant properties.



Conclusions The conclusions of the author of the article is that autism is a chronic disorder for which there is currently no cure and it became the target of non-conventional treatments. Often disenchanted with traditional medicine that seems to do little to help their child, parents are turning to alternative medicines and diets. It is important to discuss these alternative therapies with them openly and with compassion (my comment: if the French doctors could do in their majority ... at least that). Although must take into account the emotional, financial and time of intervention if they do no harm to the child, there may be benefits, particularly if interventions are implemented with educational support or other structured behavioral and educational interventions. However large double blind studies are still lacking to assess the effectiveness of most of these interventions.