CHILDHOOD AUTISM

CHILDHOOD AUTISM

The classic definition of Autism is that it is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired interaction and communication and restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before 3 years of age. What complicates the issue is that there are other variants of the disease so that now we refer to this as a complex (or spectrum depending upon the groups discussing the situation).

So we now refer to this as the Autism Spectrum Disorders which includes the following conditions:
1. Classical Autism leads the group;
2. Asperger Syndrome – those affected have difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotypic patterns of social behavior and interests BUT no general delay in language or cognitive development (as contrasted to classical Autism);
3. Rett Syndrome – characterized by normal development followed by loss of purposeful use of hand movements, slowed brain and head growth, gait abnormalities, seizures, and mental retardation – and almost exclusively in females;
4. Childhood disintegrative disorder; and
5. Pervasive development disorder: PDD; sometimes referred to as “not otherwise specified” or PDD-NOS.

Some are now wishing to classify the entire group as PDD and all the other conditions as sub-variants of the group.

IS THIS ALL SO CONFUSING? I consider myself somewhat of an authority in this subject and it is very confusing to me!

I do not wish to get bogged down on terminology because I DO NOT BELIEVE THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ARE A DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEM.

To be developmental connotes a physical abnormality. I believe these problems are FUNCTIONAL disorders, not physical.

As we pursue this discussion I hope to convince you of the reality of my position (theory.)

My theory is quite simple. Autism is a condition related to either development (physical) or functional (physiological/biochemical) as these processes relate to brain/mind functionality and as these relate to cerebral allergy. Now introduced we believe the entire Autism Spectrum Disorders are reflections of physiologic/biochemical expressions of cerebral allergy with the brain being the SHOCK organ.

I will leave for another time the facts as I see them which supports my theory, but will jump to treatment of this disorder complex. It is believed that there is no known treatment for the Autism Complex of diseases. In some cases medications are used to control some of the behavioral elements of the diseases.

My theory supposes that Autism CAN be treated successfully. If altered brain chemistry is causing Autism, and if the altered brain chemistry is caused by either:
1. Food allergy, sensitivity, or toxicity, and/or
2. Vitamin or supplement deficiency, THEN
Autism can be treated.

Our program begins with a
1. A severe ( and severe it is) elimination diet to determine the source of the food allergies or sensitivities;
2. Vitamin B-Complex therapy;
3. Other supplements known to affect brain and nerve chemistry; and
4. Relaxation (meditation), visual imagery, and positive attitude techniques, designed to sort of “reprogram” the Mind/Brain Complex to begin to function correctly.

We will discuss the background backing up our theory later.

nicola michael c. Tauraso, M.D.)
Director, Tauraso Medical Clinic
7051 Poole Jones Road
Frederick, MD 21702
301-682-8717
Web site: www.drtauraso.com
Blog site: http://www.drtauraso.com/blog/index.htm
Email: drtauraso@drtauraso.com

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD), AUTISM, BIPOLAR DISEASE AND TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD), AUTISM, BIPOLAR DISEASE AND TOURETTE’S SYNDROME by nicola michael c. Tauraso, M.D>



About two years ago I attended a lecture given by a National Institutes of Health physician who spouted his research on Bipolar Disease in children. I asked the question whether he was aware of individuals performing studies on the role of nutrition as one of the potential influencing causes and as possible method of treatment of bipolar disease. After listening to his lecture for over one and a quarter hours, I was not surprised when he answered that, although he was aware that perhaps others were involved in these pursuits, his research involved another approach. Of course, his approach involved the use of prescription medications.

During his talk he described some differences between bipolar disease and other manifestations of childhood aberrant behavior, such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADD) which is now being referred to as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It seems that with the passage of time physicians keep changing the names of these diseases to accommodate both changes in reclassification and to be more politically correct. Evidence for the latter is when the term "minimal brain dysfunction" (MBD) was being used. When individuals decided that no one wanted to be labeled as "minimally brain dysfunctioned," we quickly changed the name to a less emotionally charge term.

Also during his talk, this NIH researcher stated that one of the symptoms which separates the bipolar child from the ADD child was that the bipolar child exhibited mood changes. To me this was a typical way of fitting the definition to a set of criteria. By definition, the bipolar child exhibits mood changes because the researcher says it does.

Over the years, I have observed children who were labeled Hyperactive, ADD (now ADHD), Autistic, and Bipolar. Years ago I believed that each one of these so-defined conditions were external manifestations of impaired brain chemistry (for-want-of-a-better-term). What, perhaps, distinguished the different outward clinical manifestations were: 1) what particular part or region of the brain was affected, 2) the exact chemical nature (either some brain chemical deficiency or some toxic element) of the process, and 3) the degree of involvement, either more than one part or region involved simultaneously or more than one chemical deficiency or toxic element).

One child might exhibit dyslexia because the particular region of the brain involved in spatially relating letters in a word or sentence is impaired. Another child may exhibit antisocial behavior in school because that particular region of the brain modulating such activity is impaired. What really complicates the entire interpretation is the situation of dyslexia may in itself cause the child to question his abilities, he may feel inadequate, and this entire situation may be a causative factor in his getting upset and lash out as antisocial behavior, regardless of any impaired brain chemistry which may or not exist.

Stated differently, any behavior results from a combination of activities from the brain (as a physical organ) and from the mind (as a functioning non-physical thinking entity). Impaired brain chemistry can cause the physical computer brain not to function normally. Additionally, the non-physical mind - the programmed and programming software - gets into the act. Do we call Dell who manufactured the computer box or call Microsoft who provided the software?

When viewed in this way, it becomes imperative to fix the brain problem early before more bad programming situations become increasingly difficult to correct. For unlike a Microsoft software problem, the human mind is self reprogramming, the software is constantly changing and updating.

HYPERACTIVITY (ADHD)

Hyperactivity or hyperkineses, as the name implies (hyper from the Greek, meaning over and above; active from the Latin to act; and kinesis from the Greek, meaning motion), is a condition of abnormal or excessive activity, such as that manifested in the manic, or up, phase of manic-depressive states. As a descriptive term, it may be a symptom of some disease states such as hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland); some medications and drugs, such as those commonly known as "uppers" (amphetamines); and other chemicals such as caffeine.

Earlier the term "hyperactivity" referred to a specific syndrome characterized by excessive motor (muscular and motion) activity, and the inability to sit still and/or keep the attention focused on one subject for very long. Recently, we have been using terms, such as "Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD).

Whatever the case may be, the terms hyperactivity and ADHD, whether used alone or with the word "syndrome" usually refer to a condition ascribed to children. However, it is our contention that the conditions also apply to individuals of all ages.

What distinguishes the hyperactive individual from the normally active? Unfortunately, there is no simple definition. In contrast to normally active children, hyperactive individuals exhibit purposeless activity. They usually cannot sit still. They cannot sit through a meal, watch an entire television program, listen to the end of a story, pay attention in school, complete a chore or assignment. They are always fidgeting, wiggling in their chairs, or moving about. They appear to be in perpetual motion.

Unlike an extremely active normal child, the activity of the hyperactive individual usually does not result in any meaningful accomplishments. Since they cannot sit still in school, they do not pay attention. Their attention span is poor. They fail in school or bring home poor grades. It is usually at this time that parents become really concerned when their child’s hyperactivity is translated to poor performance and grades in school.

The diagnosis can be either made most easily or be difficult to ascertain. Hyper kinetic children my exhibit the above-described performance. Additionally, they may be clumsy, cry, complain, seem depressed and unhappy, appear sullen at times or angry. They usually are disciplinary problems because they may act hostile and be into almost anything and everything. They never stop. They tend to drive their parents, teachers, and babysitters "up the wall." Mothers complain of constantly being exhausted and that they seem to get anything done because their Hyper kinetic children require constant attention.

Fathers, on the other hand, rarely see the problem, although the more perceptive may. Fathers usually get involved later when the child’s hyperactive behavior is translated into poor grades.

The, all of a sudden, things become different. The teachers are blamed and controversy arises from the lack of understanding of what is really happening.

Causative factors:A complex condition, such as hyperactivity, usually has many causative or aggravating factors, many of which may not be operative at the same time. Among the many related causes one should consider:

* Diet (sugar, food additives, flavors and dyes, caffeine-containing drinks and foods, milk, etc.);
* Food allergy and sensitivity;
* Environmental chemical sensitivities;
* Increased phosphate intake from usually from foods;
* Magnesium deficiency;
* Vitamin deficiencies, especially the B vitamins;
* Heavy metal toxicity (lead, cadmium): symptoms of impaired behavior and learning from even low level lead poisoning include: distract ability, daydreaming, impulsiveness, lack of persistence, constantly dependent and clinging, easily frustrated, failure to follow simple directions, failure to follow sequence of direction, less competent in areas of verbal performance and auditory processing, impaired ability to sustain attention, performance significantly poorer on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children;
* Lack of full spectrum light;
* Lack of appropriate discipline.

CONCLUSION
It is my contention that all the conditions stated thus far: ADHD, Hyperactivity, Autism, Bipolar Disease, Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome are all manifestations of Impaired Brain Chemistry. Additionally, I also believe that the major causes relate to food and chemical allergy and sensitivity. This will be the subject of tomorrow’s Blog.

nicola michael ©. Tauraso, M.D.)
Director, Tauraso Medical Clinic
Web site: www.drtauraso.com
Blog site: http://www.drtauraso.com/blog/index.htm
Email: drtauraso@drtauraso.com

MS AWARENESS WEEK – March 10-17

MS AWARENESS WEEK – March 10-17
This is MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Week from March 10 -17. Yesterday Janice Dean, Weather Forecaster for Fox News, went public with her struggle with this devastating disease – a noble thing for her to do. This being MS Awareness Week affords me the opportunity to share my thoughts about this disease.

Many in the medical research community believe that MS is partly an auto immune process, where the body makes antibodies against its own tissues – in this case antibodies are being made against brain tissue. As with most autoimmune diseases, this would explain why this disease becomes active and remissions are quite common. Although the allergic process is complex, some are beginning to understand and are proposing new concepts and ways of solving the problem. Unfortunately, the new thinking goes counter to some long held beliefs by the conventional community which make acceptance of these concepts difficult. I will do my best in describing these new approaches and hope someone is listening.

When I look at autoimmune diseases I always think about the CONCEPT OF THE TOTAL LOAD – SEE Blogs written on 9/19 & 21, 2007 for more details. Considering this concept, it may not be necessary initially to determine what might be the allergic culprit triggering the autoimmune reaction. If the body is making antibodies against it own tissues, we know the culprit – the body’s own tissue. But knowing this and knowing that we cannot remove one’s own tissue from the equation, considering the Concept of the Total Load, we can approach a cure from a different angle.

In the Concept of the Total Load, it is the totality of the allergic culprits which contribute to the body reaching the level above which symptoms occur. It would not be necessary to remove all of the culprits. Removing only a few culprit allergens might be sufficient to prevent the expression of allergic symptoms because it may take the removal of only a few to lower the totality of the body’s allergic response so that it is below the threshold level above which symptoms occur.

There is much in our environment which can impact the allergic reaction and hence influence the expression of an autoimmune disease. We have the constant exposure to hydrocarbons from the fumes of deodorants, soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, etc. to the more subtle exposure to the ever present fumes emanating from one of my pet peeves, asphalt-paved roads. These hydrocarbons interfere with the body’s healthy production of good antibodies and the production of detrimental antibodies. Although I admit to having little proof for this statement, exposure to such toxic fumes cannot be good for the body. We are now beginning to appreciate the detrimental effects of an individual’s exposure to the many cosmetic preparations being put upon the body. It may not be so much a single substance producing a volatile odor, it is the totality of the exposure to many toxic odorous substances which causes the harm. Look at the myriad of organic chemicals in lipstick, many of which are not known because of proprietary issues. One just has to think of Janice Dean’s exposure to such chemicals in the Green Room as she prepares to go before the TV cameras.

Another toxic chemical which is ubiquitous is our exposure to phthalates, the chemical used in the extraction of plastics to make it soft. I mentioned in an earlier Blog last week my visit to a local supermarket wanting to buy food items not packaged in plastic. Forget it. From breads and cheeses to sauces and milk, everything in plastic. Wine and beer are still in glass bottles made from inert silica. But, there is only so much beer and wine one can drink and stay healthy! Even the Old Fashioned Quaker Oats cardboard box now has a plastic top. I went away from the grocery store depressed thinking about the fact that avoiding phthalates was an impossibility. The meat and fish were wrapped in plastic wrap, then in paper. As soon as I got back to my apartment, I removed the plastic from everything to decrease my exposure. I used to drink diet soda, but no more. It is not so much the artificial sweetener in the soda which is also bad but the fact that the soda is in a plastic bottle. The phthalates are constantly leaching into the soda. Forget about canned soda for the acid nature of most drinks allows for the leaching of aluminum from the cans. The fact the aluminum is found in high concentrations in the brains of people dead from Alzheimer’s Disease seems to be eluding many, even in the medical profession.

Unfortunately, we live in a chemical world. Does anyone remember the ad from Dow Chemical: “Better Living through Chemistry?” It still rings in my ear. Chemistry brought “Better Living to Dow” who makes great profits from their sales of chemical products!

It is almost impossible to avoid exposure to noxious chemicals. The best we can do is to decrease our exposure. Cease buying things in plastic, cease your exposure to noxious chemicals, especially those you put on your skin. If you stop breathing, all your problems will be solved! But I am not suggesting that – YET!

There is one area where we can make a significant impact, and this is with the food we consume. In my clinical practice, I am discovering that increasing numbers of people are allergic to foods or the components of foods. Foods are not simple any more. Not even the fruit we eat is devoid of chemicals. Do you wash your fruit? It may take washing fruit in 10% Clorox and rinsing thoroughly to remove the pesticides on the surface of the fruit. In this case bananas and oranges are good for the external peel can be discarded. But what about the herbicides and pesticides which are absorbed by the plant and enter the fruit. All the Clorox in the world cannot eliminate the chemicals within the pulp of the fruit. I still like bananas and another of my favorites, papaya, for the former is still grown almost in the wild and I do not see anyone spraying papaya trees here in Panama where much of the fruit is still brought to local farmer’s markets from small independent growers.

Just today it was reported that the residue of prescription drugs are being detected in the drinking water of many communities around the country. Albeit the concentrations are low, when one considers how much water we drink over long periods of time, the intake of these drugs may not be so low.

I always was amazed at how well the government tries to protect us from harmful chemicals by determining what the safe limits should be in our environment. I always quipped that perhaps the safe limits of a chemical which nature had never intended for us to consume is actually zero and not one part per million or what other standard the government may set. The body has mechanisms to detoxify many substances found in nature. Over time we can eliminate toxins such as lead and mercury if, of course, the toxic insult is not too great over time. But the body CANNOT detoxify chemicals, such as phthalates. During the evolution of the body and its chemical detoxifying mechanism, we have developed some ability to handle some toxic chemicals found in nature, but can we expect the body to develop mechanisms to handle the new chemicals being introduced by the likes of Dow Chemical?

To get back at the issue about our contaminated water, I see that many people are touting in their hands their bottles of natural water thinking they are doing a good thing drinking bottled water. Should you or I tell them that they are getting their daily dose of phthalates because their water is bottled in plastic? Sometimes one cannot win for losing, so to speak.

Another aspect of the complex foods we consume is that the foods are complex. They are not simple any more. We know that, if you eat a particular food frequently and every day, you most likely will develop an allergy to it. Read labels. If you do you will discover that almost every complex food, such as soups, cereals, sauces, etc. has similar components, such as milk solids, sugars in several forms as sugar, dextrose, corn sweeteners, etc., corn solids, and the myriad of chemicals to preserve freshness and prevent spoiling. Next time read the side of the Cheerios box. Now Cheerios is supposed to be made of oats. But, do you know that Cheerios also contains wheat? Just went to my cupboard. Old Fashioned Oats has “100% Rolled Oats.” There is still hope. But, remember I told you earlier, the cardboard box has a plastic top! It is difficult not to find a prepared complex food which does not contain milk, milk solids, corn, and corn derivatives. Milk is a food to which more people are allergic than any other food. Sorry about this, Milk Institute! We find so many people allergic to milk, corn, wheat, etc. These are staple foodstuffs. But to consume them everyday and in so many foods is extremely detrimental.


CAN ANYTHING BE DONE?

Yes, there is. Our approach to treating allergies and allergic-related disease is to begin by placing an individual on an extremely restrictive Elimination Diet. It is a very difficulty diet, but then the diseases we are attempting to cure are severe: MS, Autism, ADHD, etc., all common diseases. Were it not for the fact that the incidence of all these diseases and many more which may have an allergic component is ever increasing and the treatments thus far have been woefully discouraging.

I know, just as I sit here writing, that I will receive a few comments from my readers that I am a quack and I do not know about which I am writing. But I say to you: are you doing any better applying the same old, same old? Our approach requires determination, fortitude, and perseverance. And, it is non toxic.

After a period of almost total elimination of potential food culprits and practices, foods are reintroduced one by one. If one is allergic to a particular food item, provided it is not peanuts, shellfish, and very few others, one can usually eat that food if it is not eaten more than once every 3-4 days. But, the allergic cycle must be broken first.

Another interesting aspect about food allergies is that people tend to crave the very foods to which they are allergic. This is similar to one’s craving for alcohol or hard and prescription drugs. So one who craves a particular food, such as milk, that person might well be allergic to it. Knowing the foods one craves may be an indication of where we might start.


I welcome comments from my readers.

nicola michael c. Tauraso, M.D.
Director, Tauraso Medical Clinic
www.drtauraso.com

AUTISM AND ADHD

AUTISM AND ADHD

I do not know how many of our readers have a child suffering from Autism or ADHD or even have ADHD themselves, for many adults also have various depictions of ADHD, but for these people I have a challenge. We believe we can cure these ailments, and we would like to propose a challenge.

Contact us and agree to follow our therapeutic regimen and ONLY IF AND WHEN we cure you, you pay us according to the schedule outlined on our web site link to “Office Practices.” You have absolutely NOTHING to lose for we will guarantee that our program works. It is not an easy program, but we know it will work. Just contact us by email (drtauraso@drtauraso.com) wherever you are in the world so we can get started.

Our program involves placing you on a special diet and within 30 days to eventually get rid of entirely DEPENDENCY upon prescription drugs which mask the real problem and, in fact, make it worse.

You have nothing to lose because we guarantee that the program works. We are no nonsense therapists.

nicola michael c. Tauraso, M.D.
Director, Tauraso Medical Clinic
www.drtauraso.com