Summarizing alternative treatments for autism and other developmental disorders. (EP On Autism).

The search for effective treatments can be difficult and exhausting for parents whose children suffer from autism and other developmental disorders. Successful, non-drug approaches that many parents may not realize can be among their options are examined by Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona. Throughout this report, "Alternative and Innovative Therapies for Developmental Disorders," which is available on line at http://www.eparent.com, the importance of basic and enjoyable acts of love, attention and enthusiastic high expectations is stressed.

Many observers believe drug therapies do not significantly improve the condition of the child, which has left parents searching elsewhere for any answer to what can be done to help. Dr. Mehl-Madrona has spent a great deal of time and research on providing these parents with possible answers to their dilemma and his report furnishes readers with a plethora of information.

As a preface to his list of possible alternative methods Dr. Mehl-Madrona explains that there has not yet been definitive evidence to support any single cause of autism, and that because of this no exact cure has been produced. However, he began his research and compilation after parents of children with autism brought several factors to his attention.

They included the observation that children with developmental disorders could be accessed through astonishingly simple actions such as:

* being paid attention to;

* being cared for;

* being massaged;

* being placed on special diets.

From this, he deduced that it was possible for these children to eventually become indistinguishable from those who did not have the disorder.

The therapies that Mehl-Madrona recommends range from simple behavioral changes such as increased enthusiasm and a higher level of expectations by parents and doctors regarding the child's potential, to more complex dietary approaches including a gluten/casein free diet that requires an elimination of all grains, soy and dairy from the child's meals. This particular dietary change as a treatment is based on the theory that autism might be caused by an elevated level of opiates, which are present in gluten/casein proteins. Most parents are simply not aware that something as common as the removal of milk from their child's everyday diet could eventually prove beneficial to improving their symptoms.

Dr. Mehl-Madrona also discusses the role that metabolic abnormalities have in autism, and the effect that nutritional therapies may play in the improvement of a child's condition. Once metabolic consequences of an enzyme defect are recognized and defined, the child's symptoms can be treated with specific dietary changes, drugs and/or nutritional supplements.

The author goes into great detail about the reasons for and benefits of particular vitamins and then recommends a basic supplement program including, "vitamin C, trace minerals (vanadium, germanium, selenium, tungsten, tin, etc.), common minerals (zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium), B vitamins (with extra thiamin, B6, and B12), vitamin A, evening primrose oil, marine lipids, OPC-3's and vitamin E."

Also discussed in depth are the effects that environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides, may have on genetically vulnerable individuals with autism. The suggestion is made that early exposure to synthetic chemicals, coupled with impaired liver detoxification, could be responsible for the increase in the incidence of autism that has recently developed.

Related to this theory is the impaired sulfate metabolism theory of autism, in which the impairment of the acid affects the detoxification process, causing degenerative neurological and immunological conditions. Environmentally acquired mercury is also thought to be a possible cause of autism based on the idea that it causes immune, sensory, neurological, motor and behavioral dysfunctions that are commonly associated with autism. This form of mercury can be contracted from vaccinations or simple casual contact. As treatment, Dr. Mehl -Madrona suggests the application of chelating agents to remove the toxic agents.

The hormone secretin is also proposed as an alternative therapy where dramatic improvement has been documented in some children who have received specific doses. Treatment of children with autism with anti-viral therapy can be beneficial when used to treat the signs of long term or chronic viral infection.

Children with autism may have defects in their immunity, so Dr. Mehl-Madrona also addresses the subject of immunotherapy, and the treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin G. Children with chronic viral infections and other immune deficiencies have are believed by some to benefit from the therapy where Vitamin C, oligoprocyanidins and anti-inflammatory fatty acids are also mentioned as possible cohabitants against the condition.

Homeopathy is a controversial treatment used in the treatment of the signs of autism, but one that Dr. Mehl-Madrona has found effective in his personal experience. In this approach small amounts of toxic substances are used in an attempt to stimulate the body to heal from these substances. Dietary modifications are recommended in order to facilitate the release of toxins, such as alkanizing agents like spinach, cucumber, carrot, beets and celery, and avoiding tomatoes, red meats and other acidic foods.

Another approach discussed is the effect of body therapy and manipulative therapies on children with autism A recent study compared children who received 15-minute massages prior to bedtime and children who were read Dr. Seuss stories by their parents at bedtime. Members of the massage therapy group exhibited less stereo-typical behavior and more on task and social relatedness behavior during observations at school.

Craniosacral therapy, where the bones of the skull and the spine are adjusted, and chiropractic manipulation are also mentioned as having positive outcomes. In addition, the simple and rewarding act of holding a child with autism is reported to improve social interaction and responsiveness.

Sensory integration therapy, in which the child receives multiple, simultaneous stimuli from different sensory modalities in an attempt to harmonize these miscellaneous inputs, is also discussed. Simultaneous communication and multisensory input aimed at alleviating the children's difficulties in information processing, organization of experience, and affect is also examined, but results in this area are preliminary at best.

The report concludes with a discussion of three forms of psychological and behavior therapies used in the treatment of children with autism.

The first is the technique of adult imitative behavior as an early intervention.

Next is the use of music as a therapy, which has been shown to have an easing and therapeutic effect with some children.

Finally, naturalistic behavior therapy, in which the child is taught specific skills through interaction in particular trials where the correct response is rewarded, is discussed. The key aspect of this approach, as described by Dr. Mehl-Madrona, is that the child should be placed in natural situations where there will be the opportunity to be rewarded for what he or she already enjoys taking part in.

Doctor Mehl-Madrona addresses notes that, although drug therapies can be helpful, his intent is to present to parents who are dissatisfied with medications, alternative therapies that can aid in the treatment of a child with autism Throughout the discussion of the many methods that can be utilized, the report repeatedly emphasizes the simplicity involved in some basic and effective fundamentals of childcare, that may be trivialized by even the most informed of parents.