Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Computer Game Engages Children with Autism

scottie — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:11:29 +0000

Teaser:

Paul O’Donoghue has written an article highlighting study on use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for kids with autism.

Body:

Paul O’Donoghue, an Irish clinical psychologist, has written an article highlighting a study on use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for kids with autism and other developmental delays. O’Donoghue first explains the difference between evidence-based therapy and alternative therapies. He then goes on to discuss a study using a computer game to teach evidence-based CBT to children who “otherwise find the usual therapeutic process boring or difficult.” Dr Gary O’Reilly of the School of Psychology at UCD led a team to develop a game that would provide feedback to behaviors in an attempt to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative ones. The game allows the children to visit a place called Gnattenborough’s Island where they are introduced to the main character, David Gnattenborough, who acts as a guide. The kids learn to recognize and deal with different emotions, for example, NATS (Negative Automatic Thoughts). The training is generic, but children keep a personalized diary on their progress. A CBT-trained therapist leads the game.

Malaysian Group Empowers Parents of Children with Autism

scottie — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:23:53 +0000

Teaser:

KL Biomed is a biomedical- and holistic-based support network for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder.

Body:

KL Biomed is a biomedical- and holistic-based support network for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. This Malaysian group focuses on complementary and alternative treatments (CAM) for autism as well as empowering families to research what works best for their children. While KL Biomed advocates checking with a DAN doctor before beginning treatment, some of the therapies they promote include: naturopathy, homeopathy, HBOT, cranial-sacral therapy, neurofeedback, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and dietary supplements. KL Biomed runs an online forum where parents can share information on what is working for their children. KL Biomed's belief is that relying on the collective knowledge of a lot of parents is better than using just one source for treatment information.

Read original article: Empowering Parents

Alternative therapy and medicine

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:47:36 +0000

It is even more important to "do no harm" when it comes to medicine because it often does more harm than alternative therapies. I am an RN who works in early intervention. Do whatever it takes to help your child, but be extremely careful with medicine. The side effects are often worse than the condition.

Mom Blogs About Pros and Cons of Alternative Medicine Use for Children with Autism

scottie — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:14:39 +0000

Teaser:

Kristina Chew, PhD is a Classics professor and mom/blogger of a child with autism.

Body:

Kristina Chew, PhD is a Classics professor and mom/blogger of a child with autism. Her recent blog focused on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for children with autism. While she has personal experience with the idea that “natural” is better, she reminds parents the focus of healing should be to “first, do no harm.” She describes the findings of a recent study published in the Archives of Childhood Disease, that reported on adverse events associated with CAM. She cautions parents that although they all want something that will make their child feel better faster, it is imperative to make sure the cure is not more dangerous than the disease.

Read original article: First Do No Harm: Alternative Medicine Can Be Lethal to Kids

Responding to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:29:54 +0000

I have been using nutritional therapies for several years now to help my grandson function better . I use the blood type diet which is very helpful. I use the omega 3 fatty acids, along with other things.

Nigerian Reporter Discusses Various Therapies for Autism Being Used in Her Country

scottie — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Ruth Olurounbi, a reporter in Nigeria, provides a broad overview of autism and autism therapies currently being used.

Body:

Ruth Olurounbi, a reporter in Nigeria, provides a broad overview of autism and autism therapies currently being used. She explains symptoms and diagnostic tools. Olurounbi discusses a number of treatments that have proved successful including “auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated communication, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory integration.” For the sake of categorization, she divides these therapies into three major groupings: behavioral and communiation, biomedical and dietary, and complementary.

Read original article: Is Autism Treatable?

Efficacy of Methylcobalamin and Folinic Acid Treatment on Glutathione Redox Status in Children with Autism

scottie — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Title	Efficacy of Methylcobalamin and Folinic Acid Treatment on Glutathione Redox Status in Children with Autism
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	James SJ, Melnyk S, Fuchs G, Reid T, Jernigan S, Pavliv O, Hubanks A, Gaylor DW
Journal Title	Am J Clin Nutr
Year of Publication	2009
Volume	89
Issue	1
Pages	1-6
URL for Abstract	http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/89/1/425
Teaser	Vitamin B12 and folic acid may help to normalize the metabolism of children with autism.
Full Text	Vitamin B12 and folic acid may help to normalize the metabolism of children with autism. Around 74% of parents use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their children with autism. The goal of this study was to show whether or not vitamin B12 and folic acid could improve markers in the blood of children with autism. The authors measured SAM:SAH and GSH:GSSG in the blood of 40 children aged 2 to 7 years who had autism. The children were given 75 µg/kg of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) 2 times/week and 400 µg folinic acid 2 times/day for 3 months. The vitamins improved the blood results in the children, but did not bring the blood results to normal levels.

Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Fish Oils and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

scottie — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Title	Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Fish Oils and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Brulotte J, Bukutu C, Vohra S
Journal Title	Pediatric Review
Year of Publication	2009
Volume	30
Issue	4
Pages	e29-e33
URL for Abstract	http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339384
Teaser	Fish oil therapy may help learning and behavior in some children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
Full Text	Fish oil therapy may help learning and behavior in some children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. This review describes the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the course and outcome of problems with the brain. The authors note that studies have been mixed as to whether or not children with autism have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. There have been only a few studies that have looked at the use of omega-3 fatty acids as treatment for autism and these studies have been small and lasted only a short amount of time. Omega-3 fatty acids have a good safety profile, but they may cause nausea, nose bleeds, and a fishy burp. While doses of 3 grams of fish oil per day are considered safe for adults, parents should talk with their child’s doctor about the best dose for a child.

Responding to high-functioning autism

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:27:00 +0000

safe alternatives- BUT WE CANT HAVE EM?

While there is not a cure for Autism, there are safer alternatives to the chemicals we feed our children. I do think the Gov't and Big Pharmas have dropped the ball on this one! Our children are being poisoned, all for the sake of some improvements? Safe, all natural, alternatives to these meds are available, but in most cases are with held due the lack of making profits?

Cannabis is being used SUCCESSFULLY for a very few who have been lucky enough to explore this treatment legally. Cannabis can easily be ingested orally in the form of an edible for children. Cannabis is a SAFE, ALL NATURAL, Alternative medicine that is making improvements in children with everything from behavioral issues, to feeding issues. They are being treated successfully, and the children are NOT suffering, or dealing with any life long side effects that is being seen in children today. It is NOT FAIR that only a select few get to explore this SAFE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT, All While MY SON SUFFERS? It doesnt make any sense- Not TODAY, Not in the USA? What is this world coming too when big pharmas and the govt would rather MAKE PROFITS than to find effective treatments and cures?

Please find some compassion, and DO SOME RESEARCH!

MY SON IS STARVING TO DEATH!

Hopeful Mother of 2

Complementary Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism: A Physician Survey

scottie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Title	Complementary Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism: A Physician Survey
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Golnik AE, Ireland M
Journal Title	Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Year of Publication	2009
Volume	39
Issue	7
Pages	996-1005
URL for Abstract	http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19280328
Teaser	Some physicians may recommend complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for children with autism.
Full Text	Some physicians may recommend complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for children with autism. A survey was offered to 3,100 pediatricians and family medicine practitioners, and about 1 out of 5 responded to the survey (539 physicians). The survey showed that 49% of the doctors encouraged multi-vitamin therapy for children with autism. And 19 to 25% of them encouraged essential fatty acids (EFAs), melatonin, and probiotics as therapy for autism. Physicians discouraged parents from using some therapies. Therapies that were discouraged include chelation (61%), anti-infection treatments (57%), and secretin (43%). Many of the doctors (76%) also urged immunizations according to the recommended schedule. The authors said that doctors may want to ask families about therapies that families might be using, even if the parents do not bring up the topic.