AUTISM (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by mild to severe delays in communication
and social skills. There is a broad range of symptoms and degree of severity
with autism, hence the medical name autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Signs and
symptoms usually appear before age three and continue throughout life. Some children
learn to cope with their unique needs while others need a lifetime of support.
In addition to problems with communication and general social interactions, children
with autism are often disengaged from the world around them and may develop
unusually focused interests. Intelligence also greatly varies with children with autism,
from below average to genius.
Autism is the most common neurological disorder affecting children and one of
the most common developmental disabilities affecting Canadians. Statistics suggest
that autism strikes one in every 150 children, and occurs three to four times more
often in boys than in girls.
The actual cause of autism is not known, but there appear to be abnormalities in
several regions of the brain that affect behaviour and communication. This may result
from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as toxins and heavy
metals, which cause infl ammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Researchers are also looking into the gut-brain link. Many children with autism
have digestive problems (diarrhea and constipation) and there are reports showing
that symptoms of autism are worsened by certain dietary factors, particularly milk
or wheat products. It is thought that food sensitivities may cause alterations in the
normal gut fl ora (bacteria), which impair the absorption of essential nutrients, thus
affecting normal development.
Another possible factor involved in ASD is the use of vaccines, particularly those
containing thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury. The measles-mumpsrubella
(MMR) vaccine has been implicated in many cases. Overall, the issue of
vaccination has been a subject of great debate, with studies both supporting and
denying the connection.
There is no cure for autism, but early diagnosis and treatment can help improve
quality of life for children with an ASD. There are a variety of specialists that can help
children with learning and communication disabilities. Proper nutritional support is
essential, and supplements can also be helpful.
The signs and symptoms of autism vary widely and are grouped into three different
areas: behaviour, language, and social skills.
Behaviour
• Inability to cope with changes in routines or unexpected situations
• May fi dget or exhibit repetitive movements, such as head banging or rocking
• May become inconsolable or explosive
• May develop strict patterns of behaviour and become upset if they can’t be followed
precisely

Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorders)
• May develop narrow interests that exclude them from others
• May be unusually fi xated on or highly sensitive to noise, light, movement, sound,
touch, and textures
• May use toys, books, and games in unusual ways
• May have picky eating habits
• May suffer from digestive problems such as upset stomach and diarrhea
Language
• Abnormal tone or rhythm (may speak in a robotic way)
• Cannot participate in a conversations; most expression is one-way
• Delayed or non-existent use of language
• Inappropriate language and expressions; makes odd noises
• Loss of previously acquired words
• Unusual speech patterns, repeated words or phrases
Social Skills
• Cannot maintain eye contact
• Diffi culty making and keeping friends
• May be inattentive or appear to not be listening
• May prefer to be alone, engaged in solo play longer than is age appropriate
• May react negatively to being in large group settings, or being touched or bumped
• May not understand or be able to correctly interpret non-verbal communications such
as facial expressions
• May blurt out inappropriate comments; appears thoughtless, insensitive
• Rigid; may have strict rules of conduct and react negatively when parents, siblings, or
others “break the rules”
SIGNS OF AUTISM IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Be on the lookout for the following signs. If your infant or toddler does the following,
see your doctor:
• Does not make eye contact and/or interact as expected with parents, family, pets, or
surroundings
• Does not make baby noises by the fi rst year
• Does not make hand gestures, point, or wave by the fi rst year
• Does not say single words by 16 months
• Does not make two-word phrases by two years of age
RISK FACTORS

Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorders)
• If your child experiences loss of language or social skills at any time
• If your child reacts in an unusual way or negatively to touch, sounds, movement, or
light
• Diffi culty or trauma during pregnancy or childbirth (breech position); premature birth
• Digestive system problems
• Environmental exposure: Heavy metals such as lead and other toxins
• Heredity: Those who have a child with ASD have a one in 20 chance of having a second
child with the disorder
• Low Apgar score after birth (a test done right after birth that measures a baby’s heart
rate, breathing, activity and muscle tone, grimace response, and appearance)
• Parental history of schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder
• Vaccination (not a proven risk factor, but several reports have linked the measlesmumps-
rubella vaccine to autism)
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Currently, there is no defi nitive way to diagnose autism. If signs and symptoms exist,
a doctor will do a complete examination and medical history of the child and family.
If no other condition is found, the child is usually sent to a developmental specialist
or team of specialists that include doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech
and language therapists, and occupational therapists. Usually the child is screened
over the series of appointments, and parents, caregivers, and teachers are asked to fi ll
out a variety of questionnaires regarding language and social interactions.
Treatments for autism may include special schools or programs tailored for children
with autism; behavioural therapy and social skills training; speech, occupational,
and physical therapy; and prescription medications that address symptoms such as
anxiety, anger management, and repetitive movements.
Intervention at a young age can help a child with autism to break out of his or her inner
world and participate in social interactions. Nutrition and supplements can also offer support.
Dietary Recommendations
Children with autism vary so greatly that broad dietary recommendations are not possible.
However, it is critical to try to get these children to eat a healthy diet with as much nutrition
and variety as possible. This is easier said than done because they can be highly sensitive
to taste and texture and eat only a handful of foods. Be patient and prepared for a lot of
experimenting. Exposing children to different foods and encouraging trying new foods is an
important social skill for them to learn.

Foods to include:
• Cultured dairy, such as yogurt and kefi r, contains benefi cial bacteria that support intestinal
health, immune function, and aid in the elimination of toxins.
• Ensure adequate protein intake. Choose free-range poultry, wild fi sh, beans, and legumes.
• Include fresh organic fruits and vegetables as tolerated, and whole grains (brown rice,
whole oats, millet, amaranth, and quinoa).
• Include healthy fats such as extra-virgin olive oil, hemp oil, or fl axseed oil. Coconut oil is
suitable for cooking. Use ghee (clarifi ed butter) instead of regular butter or margarine.
• Medicinal food blends, such as Learning Factors (by Natural Factors), contain a blend of
essential nutrients, protein, and neutraceuticals to help support proper brain function and
overall health.
Foods to avoid:
• Processed, refi ned, and fast foods contain lots of sugar, starch, saturated and trans fats,
and are low in nutritional value.
• Read labels and avoid foods that contain ingredients such as additives, fl avour enhancers
(MSG), artifi cial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin), colourings, dyes, and preservatives
such as nitrates, sodium benzoate, sulphites, BHA, and BHT. These chemicals can be a
problem for those with autism. If you have trouble reading or pronouncing an ingredient,
chances are you should avoid that food.
• Food allergies may contribute to symptoms of autism. Common allergens include: gluten
(a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) and casein (found in dairy). Many children with
autism improve signifi cantly on a strict gluten and casein free diet. To rule out potential
sensitivities, try an elimination diet as outlined in Appendix D.
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Social skills training is imperative; visit your local Learning Disability Association for guidance.
• Social skills opportunities; fi nd daycares, schools, camps, and clubs for children with autism
spectrum disorders.
• Massage and acupuncture may be helpful.
• Regular exercise is important to developing gross and fi ne motor skills (though autistic
children may not cope well in a typical sports team, so look for individual sports such as
martial arts and swimming).
• Water therapy and the use of animals, under supervision, to draw out children are
encouraged.
• Music and art may be helpful.
• Exposure to new activities in safe settings (always prepare your child for a new activity and
advise the teacher or coach of your child’s needs).
• Family support—this cannot be overemphasized; families of children with autism need a
huge amount of emotional support.
• Seek out as many government support programs as your province has available.
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Top Recommended Supplements
Essential fatty acids: Essential for proper brain development and function; defi ciency is
common in children with autistic spectrum disorders. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
(from fi sh oil) are particularly important for brain development and function. Some studies
have also shown benefi ts with evening primrose or borage oil supplements, which provide
GLA (an omega-6 fatty acid). Typical dosages: 600 mg EPA and 175 mg DHA. If borage or
evening primrose oil are added, the daily dosage is enough to supply 60 mg of GLA.
Multivitamin and mineral formula: Children with autism may be defi cient in certain
nutrients, which can hamper proper brain and nervous system function. In particular, the
B-vitamins (especially B6), vitamin C, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are necessary for the
brain and nervous system and production of neurotransmitters. Choose a product that is
free of chemical additives and dyes.
Probiotics: Benefi cial bacteria that support intestinal health, aid digestion of nutrients and
elimination of toxins, and support immune function. Children with autism may be depleted
in benefi cial bacteria and have overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which can affect
behaviour and cognitive function. Dosage: For children over four, give a product that
provides at least one billion live cells daily. Use half that amount for those under age four.
Probiotic supplements are available in capsules, chewable tablets, and powders. Many
require refrigeration.
Complementary Supplements
Carnosine: A substance manufactured in the human body, it is composed of the amino
acids alanine and histidine. Carnosine is highly concentrated in the brain, nervous system,
eyes, and muscle tissue. On preliminary study found that supplements of 400 mg twice daily
signifi cantly improved symptoms of ASD.
Phosphatidylserine: An essential component of all cell membranes that is highly concentrated
in the brain and supports proper function of the brain and nervous system. Dosage:
300–500 mg daily.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To improve the management of ASDs, consider the following:
1. Encourage a healthful diet of organic vegetables and whole grains, free-range poultry,
wild fi sh, beans, healthy oils, and cultured dairy.
2. Avoid or minimize fast foods, processed foods, junk foods, preservatives, and other
chemicals.
3. Encourage regular exercise and try massage and acupuncture.
4. Counselling, social skills programs, and school support can be very helpful.
5. Consider supplements of essential fatty acids, multivitamin/minerals, and probiotics.
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorders)