Scientists are beginning to understand how some gene defects and metabolic problems can lead to autism symptoms.
Metabolic problems are defects in specific proteins or enzymes that make energy from food in the body. The author describes how these defects may cause brain problems in two ways. One way of causing problems is by changing specific steps of normal functions as the brain does its job every moment of every day. The second way of causing problems is by changing brain development, causing lifelong changes in how the brain works. The first type of problem may be quickly fixed with a metabolic therapy such as diet or vitamin therapy. The second type of problem may be difficult to correct if the stage of development has already passed and the brain is mature.
Autism Therapy: energy
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- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Johnston, MV, published in 2000, summarized Oct 21, 2009
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Page, T., published in 2000, summarized Oct 20, 2009
Diet and vitamin therapy may help people who have metabolic problems and autism symptoms.
Metabolism is the way your body breaks down foods to make energy. Some people with autism have metabolic problems or disorders. They may lack certain proteins or enzymes that are important parts of the metabolism machinery. This article discussed some examples of metabolic syndromes such as phenylketonuria, histidinemia, and adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency. Diet therapy can be very helpful for people with metabolic syndromes, and a specific diet may be tailored to the specific metabolic problem. Vitamin therapy, including pyroxidine (vitamin B6) therapy, may also be helpful for some metabolic disorders.
- The Journal of Toxicological Sciences, by Ito, T., published in 2009, summarized Sep 25, 2009
Some people with autism may have metabolic disorders that can lead to severe reactions to an anti-cancer drug.
Some people with autism symptoms may lack certain proteins (enzymes) that are required by the body to use food as energy. These genetic deficiencies may also change the way their body uses medications. This study reported that people who have deficiencies in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) may have severe reactions to an anti-cancer drug called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The authors also talked about other metabolic disorders and other medications in this article.
- Archives of General Psychiatry, by King, BH, Hollander E., Sikich L., McCracken JT, Scahill L., Bregman JD, Donnelly CL, Anagnostou E., Dukes K., Sullivan L., et al., published in 2009, summarized Aug 31, 2009
Citalopram (Cilexa®) therapy may not be helpful for improving behaviors or skills in children with autism.
This article reports results of a large randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of citalopram with 149 children (5-17 years old). The children had autism, Asperger syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). All of the children had moderate to severe compulsive or repetitive behaviors. They received citalopram therapy (10-20 mg/day) or a placebo (sugar pill) for 12 weeks. Citalopram therapy did not reduce repetitive behaviors or improve any other behaviors more than the placebo did. The authors tested more than 11 behaviors and skills using 3 different standard tests. Side effects of the drug therapy included increased energy, impulsiveness, decreased concentration, hyperactivity, stereotypy, diarrhea, sleep problems, and dry skin. The authors said that higher doses of citalopram may improve behaviors, but would also lead to more side effects. A commentary by F.R. Volkmar in the same journal issue noted that this study was large and well-designed. He agreed that citalopram may not be helpful for children with autism.
Theme Park Caters to Children with Special Needs
Jul 19, 2011Morgan’s Wonderland, in San Antonio Texas, is designed so that everyone can play; inclusion is the byword. This article tells the story of Tommy, a youngster with autism, who had lots of energy and curiosity, but tended to wander off. Then his mom found Morgan’s Wonderland – 25 acres of fun, including a fishing pond, Pirate Island, a carousel, water play, and a gym full of therapy balls. To make sure every child has fun, there are different sensory areas around the park, including a music garden. Morgan’s Wonderland is the brainchild of Gordon Hartman, who created the park in honor of his daughter. Children with special needs are allowed free entrance, while accompanying family members pay a small fee. Everyone is issued a tracking bracelet so that no one gets lost in the park.
Read original article: Morgan's Wonderland: One Autistic Child's Dream World
Gym Specifically Designed for Kids with Autism
May 17, 2011Diana Connor, an occupational therapist, started Sensational Movement for kids with autism in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She found that even though children might not be verbal and may have other developmental delays, they may very well have lots of energy to expend. While Connor explains that her gym is not a substitute for therapy, one dad says about his son, “He can get good exercise and he comes out actually feeling calmer, less stress.” Equipment at Sensational Movement includes balance beams, trampolines, and sensory-based equipment.
Read original article: Plano Gym Development Aims to Help Children with Autism
Annette Musso wants a one-stop activity center resource for her son and for other children with autism. JUMPAhead Summer! is Musso’s near-term goal for kids’ activities to include art, science, and astronomy through-out the summer. Her long-term goal is Here We Grow!, a year-round program that will incorporate various therapies, such as speech, physical, and music for kids on the. “Having a centralized facility for therapy would be a great saver of transportation time and energy, Annette says.” Her ultimate goal is to have kids of all abilities in both programs so that the children can benefit from and teach each other.
Read original article: Love for an Autistic Son Leads to Plans for Activities Center
Qigong Massage as Therapy for Autism
May 17, 2010Karen Erikson works to heal blind and abused ponies, but was unable to find a therapy that worked for her son with autism. After 2 years of Qiqong massage, some of that time as a participant in a research project led by Dr. Louisa Silva, her son, Jake, is a verbal and social youngster. Pam Tindall, of Possibilities Consulting, a Silva-trained qigong massage therapist, was assigned to work with Jake. Qigong massage is based on the thinking that the problem with autism is that sensory information is blocked, so the therapist works to unblock it. Tindall explains that, “the protocol is a type of patting motion more like a hands-on light touch session than a muscle-kneading massage...clearing out energy blockages along the body's 12 primary meridians, or energy pathways as identified in Chinese medicine.”
Read original article: Mom Says Qigong Massage Helps Autistic Son
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Nutrition and Essential Fatty Acids May Help Verbal Apraxia and Autism
Dec 2, 2009 by AnonymousCan nutrition help verbal skills in children with autism? A study reported the August 2009 issue of Alternative Therapies says yes, for some children. Combined vitamin E and omega 3 therapy may help a type of verbal apraxia (a type of speech problem) that may be linked to food allergies and nutritional problems.
Children with verbal apraxia have trouble pronouncing words and may have severe speech problems. Many scientists have thought that verbal apraxia is a brain disorder. This study suggests that verbal apraxia may also be related to metabolism differences and nutritional problems.
Metabolism is the process of making energy from food. Metabolism is a complex system of enzymes, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that work together to digest food and turn it into energy that the body can use. People likely have a wide range of metabolic differences. Some of those differences can be quite large for some individuals. In this study, they suggest that some children with autism may have metabolism differences that affect how they process foods, and how their brain works.
What did the study show? This study tested 187 children with verbal apraxia, and many of them also had autism. All of the children took 400-3,000 International Units of vitamin E daily. They also took 1-3 grams of polyunsaturated fats (including omega 3 fatty acids) per day.
Almost all of the families (97%) reported improvements in speech, imitation, coordination, eye contact, and other skills with vitamin E and omega-3 therapy. There were few side effects reported during the length of the study.
The authors also described blood test results for nutritional information about 26 of the children. They reported low carnitine levels, high anti-gluten antibodies (suggesting a gluten allergy), low vitamin D levels, and fat absorption problems in most of the children they tested. They described how nutrition and metabolism might be different in some children with autism.
What do these results mean for children with verbal apraxia and autism? The results are exciting because 97% of the children showed improvements, and there were few side effects. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But it’s not quite as perfect as it sounds.
There are some major limitations of this study. First of all, the researchers asked parents to give their subjective opinion of improvements. The parents knew they were in a study. Although they were given specific improvements to look for, there is a possibility of bias in favor of reporting a good result.
Secondly, they did not use placebo controls. All of the parents and children knew they were getting the supplements. There is the possibility of the “placebo effect” which is when people taking placebo (“sugar pills”) report feeling better or actually show improvements. Many think it is the power of the mind/body connection that somehow influences how they feel or even how their body physically responds. There is scientific evidence for brain connections to the immune and endocrine systems to support these observations. It is possible that, in this study, the children and/or parents were hopeful that the supplements would work, and that influenced the outcome. There was a placebo effect observed in a recent study of citalopram and autism in children.
Third, the supplements may be helpful for only a subset of children with verbal apraxia. The researchers chose children with verbal apraxia who also had metabolism differences….
What is the bottom line for omega-3 and vitamin E from this study? In spite of the shortcomings of this study, the results are very promising. Children with verbal apraxia may benefit from vitamin E and omega-3 supplements, which may get their metabolism on a better track. And researchers will continue to explore the nutrition/metabolism link with brain function. Good nutrition is likely to be important for many brain functions, not just verbal apraxia.
Glass half empty or half full?...
Jun 21, 2009 by AnonymousThere are times in your life when uncertainty can make you doubt yourself. Times when it is hard to tell whether your glass is half empty or half full. Perhaps you ran into someone, an old classmate, whose career path has taken them places you only dream about. Perhaps you ran into an old friend who shared with you some accomplishment their child has achieved, or some possession that you cannot possibly realistically hope to own. There are many times in our lives when someone else’s good fortune will make us question ourselves. I guess that in itself is just human nature and I am human…ok, wait…didn’t I promise to get off this soapbox last week? Yes, we know I am human. Yes, we have already covered the I felt guilt and then vowed to make a difference declaration. And yes, yes..yes we already touched on the I am fortunate to have a child as beautiful, healthy and special as Joshua even though it involves a lot of work, time and energy. Gotcha. So since I don’t have a lot of time to expound on my virtues as a tireless dedicated ASD mom and I am sure you’re bored by now let’s just get to it. Straight, no chaser.
Last week was a crappy week. Maybe it had something to do with the nonstop rain, my over zealous self-medicating with the demon caffeine or maybe it was because I had looked at my once bouncy cheeked little boy and saw a young man standing nearly eye to eye with me and felt the beginnings of a panic attack coming on. Realization was not only hitting home, it was kicking my ass. Not only was my son facing the oncoming challenges of puberty, making friends, girls… (Ok, putting paper bag over mouth and nose and breathing deeply and slowly) but now my shield was gone as well. The reason why I could not go out with friends, join a specific social outing or go back to school to complete my degree. This realization came with the speed and impact of a skillfully placed combination of a prize fight. One minute I was feeling down about my life, next I was talking to another parent on Facebook (do not sit there and act as if I am the only Facebook addict out there) whom I had not seen since our sons were in kindergarten together. While I will not talk about her son’s condition here, needless to say after inquiring about him I felt like I had no right to complain though she admonished my saying so and said in her own kind hearted and generous way that as parents we have the right to complain and should not feel bad about it, nor should I pity her. I get tired of the things I struggle with; school, insurance issues, his difficulty with making friends. And then I am faced with the sobering fact that while I may have had to fight for services in school and through my insurance company there are those who cannot get an IEP, or who have no insurance or availability of services.
So, in short you may ask have I been humbled this week…maybe not the best word. Just a week when I saw my glass as half full as opposed to half empty and for once appreciated the glass more than the contents.
Epiphany
Jun 14, 2009 by AnonymousI started my blog earlier this week than usual. My first two entries were done in the relaxed hours of a Sunday afternoon minus the hectic energy of the weekday, and after time allowed on Saturday to decompress from the trials and stressors of the week. Today is Thursday and I am riding an unrelenting wave of energy brought on by a very productive and stimulating phone interview I had had this morning with a Mr. James Lisbon, editor of the Queen’s Light and Awareness Magazine. Ms. Lisbon, I believe, had picked up on my press release online and had expressed interest in my autism advocacy efforts, and children’s book series. When my publicist relayed this interest to me I at once was elated and again beset by my own personal demon, doubt. I struggle constantly second guessing myself in wondering if what I have to offer to the autism community would carry enough substance to be useful. Blah, blah, blah…I know.
In talking with Mr. Lisbon, and indeed it was more of a conversation of mutual interest, I was again overcome with the feeling that yes I can possibly make a difference here. Though our discussion touched on various points, the shared thread was that of a mother of a male child of color living with autism and a man of color hoping to bring information to communities that may not otherwise be exposed due to limited resources. In reflection, I realized that in today’s fiscal climate that describes just about everyone. I have and continue, in my community, to try to bring autism awareness and feel that if others did the same then in time my community and yours would become a global community undefined by social, ethnic or socioeconomic boarders. Autism does not discriminate on the bases of ethnicity, economic status, education, or geographical location. It is an equal opportunity disorder. Why do I care so much that it is understood in my community…because it is mine, with all of the dangers and challenges presented thereof. So much that other parents of children my son’s age take for granted has to be scrutinized under a high powered microscope to ascertain any threat that he may encounter because he does not possess that built in sense of danger. Are kids going to be kids…of course. Are they going to be mean at times, take advantage of him, manipulate him to get things from him or try to get him to do things, more than likely. Those are the little dangers that I watch out for everyday. Will other predators in the community take his deficits as an open door to hurt him, not if there is breath in my body. It is so difficult trying to explain to someone on the outside what they take so for granted. Living always on a heightened alert level. Wanting to let him grow and not smother him, but never wanting to let him be put in harms way. Have educating the people in my immediate family, and trying to educate those in his community helped…to some extent. Kind of like labor to me, reached that point of no return. Hurting like hell, but too far to turn around, and not far enough to have birthed…so just gotta keep pushing!
Summer is almost here, and with it new worries, discoveries and joys, I hope. I watched Joshua navigate the social waters of a family members graduation barbecue. There were a few quizzical looks but he went about introducing himself, helping himself to food, and when things became overwhelming for him, he excused himself to a quiet den to watch a Disney movie, of which the host was fine with. In retrospect it was I who spent the majority of the party watching out for him and watching others reactions to him. So maybe I am the one who is gaining awareness. My epiphany for the week is that I am also learning in this everyday. There are times when you have to put your head down and just push, and sometimes you have to let nature take its course. I guess I will just have to keep watching Joshua for cues on which course to take. Who knew he would teach me so much!
Travelling with Special Needs Children
Dec 10, 2008 by AnonymousTEN TIPS TO EASE HOLIDAY TRAVELS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN:
Pediatric Therapist Aviva Weiss Tells How to Prepare for Good Times Together
Philadelphia, PA, December 8, 2008 - The chaos of packing, airport crowds and security, lengthy car rides and yes, even overexposure to family and friends is enough to erode any holiday traveler's festive spirit. Add traveling with children into the equation, especially when special needs are involved, and some parents might wish they could just stay home. But a few preparations, says Fun and Function LLC founder Aviva Weiss, can go a long way toward ensuring a good time for everyone.
Traveling disrupts routines and familiarity with the surrounding environment and can be difficult for children with special needs notes Weiss, a certified pediatric occupational therapist. A mother of four, including a daughter with sensory processing disorder, she says parents of special needs children can pave the way toward less stressful trips by observing these ten guidelines:
1. Prepare the child in advance as much as possible. Practice for the trip for a period leading up to the actual travels. Talk about the upcoming experience to help your child overcome anxiety. Act out or role play anticipated events in advance, from taking off shoes for airport security to applauding after a toast.
2. Redirect anxious energy into constructive activity. To take the edge off the potential anxiety of seeing many less familiar faces all at once, make the event a fun and educational by creating a special activity. Create a small photo album featuring people who will be at the event, and help your child play "Family Bingo," checking off each person he or she greets or sees across the room. Or, create a pictogram of your itinerary or agenda and help your child follow along.
3. Encourage creative expression. For those able to write or draw, a pocket journal or sketchbook for illustrating what they're experiencing can provide another useful outlet. Children who are more observers than participants may appreciate assignments such as taking pictures with a digital camera.
4. Don't expect perfection. Whenever you travel with children, it's best to "expect the unexpected," or at least leave room for something to pop up to divert you from your agenda.
5. Secure an extra set of hands. Try traveling with a friend, family member or caregiver to help keep things in order when you're on the move, provide manpower for carrying belongings and an extra set of eyes, and even make bathroom breaks with multiple children an easier task.
6. Manage expectations for you and your hosts. A pending visit from a special needs child may produce stress for the host as well as the child and the parent. Prepare everyone by communicating your child's needs in advance and asking for some general ground rules for inside the home, as a gesture toward making the visit as pleasant and peaceful as possible.
7. Bring along some "friends." Pack a bag of objects that are fun and familiar. Sensory gadgets/fidgets, noise reduction headphones, weighted vests, or favorite belongings from home will help filter out outside stimuli and provide a comforting connection to "home."
8. Minimize changes to eating habits. Try to keep your child's diet consistent to prevent constipation, indigestion, allergic reactions or other adverse developments. Feed your child something satisfying to comfort them before a long trip, and take along favorite utensils as a connection to more familiar situations. Don't expect your child to sit for an entire meal. Rather, prepare a spot where he or she can rest, play or calm down while the meal continues.
9. RX for safer travels. Ready a medicine kit with prescriptions, medical information and OTC products to confront fevers, allergies, cuts and other issues that may surface when you travel out of your home.
10. Preserve the moment but reserve time for breaks. The ingredients of posing for pictures - people huddled close together, bright flashes, noise and the need to stay still - can lead to overstimulation. Don't oblige your child to participate in all the photos, and be sure to take breaks in between.
"Traveling with a special needs child - or any child, for that matter - needn't be a stressful event," Weiss says. "In fact, it can be a great experience, offering lessons and fond memories for all. The keys are to prepare everyone in advance, include a few fun and familiar items and activities, and above all remember that it takes time and patience to learn how to manage change."
About Aviva Weiss and Fun and Function LLC
Aviva Weiss is founder of Fun and Function LLC, a Merion Station, Pa.-based provider of engaging, durable and functional play and therapy products at affordable prices, including an exclusive line of scooters and portable writing kits. A mother of a child with sensory processing disorder, she is also a certified pediatric occupational therapist with expertise in creating inclusive environments where all children can thrive together, and is currently working with developmental pediatrician Dr. Wendy Ross to guide children's museums toward improving experiences for children with special needs and their families. She previously worked at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Christopher's Hospital, and earned her B.S. in Psychology from Touro College and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from The Richard Stockton College, graduating summa cum laude from both programs.
Weiss launched Fun and Function in 2005 when she first identified her daughter's challenges and was frustrated by the lack of kid-friendly styling and high prices of existing special-needs products. She began designing products that elicit the potential of all children, help them feel good and achieve their best. Today, the company offers hundreds of innovative products marked by affordability and durability, scoring points with parents, pediatric therapists and educators. For more information or a free catalog, visit www.funandfunction.com or call 1-800-231-6329.