Autism Spectrum Disorders have been named The “Autisms” by Dr. Martha Herbert from Massachusetts
                                           General Hospital, since in Autism there are clusters of patients who may have similar genetic and
                                           environmental exposures, each cluster of patients may have similar metabolomics (chemistry profiles
                                           on blood and urine testing). The majority of children and adults diagnosed with one of the Autisms have
                                           may have a pure genetic disorder, a pure metabolic disorder or more commonly, genetic predispositions
                                           (for immune dysregulation and/or detoxification weakness[es]) and exposure to environmental agents.
                                           Environmental agents can include  allergens, infections, toxicants and biotoxins). Heavy metal detoxification
                                           improved the condition of  80% of the children  (Rimland, 2006, ARI Publ. 34 Feb.) and Borrelia Related
                                           Complex (Borreliosis and the co-infections AKA Lyme  disease or Vector borne disease (infections carried
                                           by insects) contributes to approximate 25% of the Autism cases in East and West coast studies (Bransfield,
                                           2008 and by experience of this author ). The Physicians of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics Special
                                           Needs (MAPS) state that 25% of children,  when treated early, are treatable/recoverable. I have found
                                           that a much higher percentage have improvement, in some aspect of their health, when a biomedical
                                           treatment program is begun.

                                               Diagnosis and Management of the underlying medical problems associated with the  Autisms, as a
                                   appropriate, may include evaluation for, and treatment, when found:

  •       Allergies and delayed hypersensitivities to food and environmental antigens (include blood IgA,  IgE, and  IgG  titer testing   
          and screening for Celiac disease)
  •       Autoimmune Disease
  •       Genetic testing (chromosomal microarray, Autism panel, intellectual delay panel, mitochondrial DNA panel, or if necessary, whole
                                                                                                                   genome exome testing)
  •       Genomic testing
  •       Heavy metal poisoning testing and treatment
  •       Hormone level abnormalities
  •       Insomnia (factors which contribute to insomnia include airway obstruction, fungal infection, hypothyroidism, magnesium deficiency,
          melatonin deficiency, pain, and seizure).
  •       Infections (bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral)  
  •       Neonatal brain injury (head MRI)      
  •       Neuroimmune Disorders (neuroimmune disease associated with Borreliosis PANDAS/PANS and other infections).
  •       Nutritional deficiencies (amino acids, carnitine,  essential  fatty acids,  minerals, and  vitamins)
  •       Stool (screen  for inflammation, infection,  maldigestion, lack of digestive enzymes and/or beneficial bacteria.
  •       Seizures (video EEG, MEG (magnetoencephalogram), QEEG
  •       Sleep Disorders (sleep study or polysomnogram)

                                   Therapies includes:

  •        Antimicrobials (antibiotics, herbs, homeopathic therapy)
  •        Detoxification of heavy metals,  and other toxicants by identifying and by stopping exposure, and treating  with amino acids,
         antioxidants, minerals, Epsom salt baths, infrared saunas, and increased stooling frequency.
  •        Diets (GFCF, Feingold, PST, SCD, antifungal, Paleolithic, and low glycemic diet).
  •        Environmental clean up
  •        Genetic and genomic counseling and optimization with diet /nutritional supplements or sometimes prescription of  medications.
  •        Hormonal replacement, bioidentical
  •        Case management
  •        Coordination of Care/triage
  •        Conference with other physician specialists as needed, other  medical specialists such as naturopaths, nutritionists,  
  •      Neuropsychologists, psychologists  and therapists.  
  •        Therapies (cognitive rehabilitation, Feldenkrais, music, Neurofeedback occupational, physical, speech and vision therapy)

                                   General information about therapies and underlying medical problems

  •        Many children come off the spectrum or improve cognition and neurodevelopment if treatment is started early enough. Older patients       
          have improved whole body health, including improved brain, immune, and gut health.
  •        MTHFR gene mutation is associated with an inability to rid the body of heavy metals (correcting methylation weakness can be                        
         essential) to detoxify heavy metals,  improve attention, and gain brain and body energy.
  •        Nutritional supplements, especially amino acids, and mmi/mvi can be tailor made into powder or capsules.
  •        Gut infections (fungal, bacterial, parasitic) and lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut lead to:
    1.        suboptimal production of vitamins
    2.        increased  inflammation in the gut.
    3.        Increased propensity for food allergies.

  •        Possible treatment plan, depending on the patient’s presentation
    1.        ABA
    2.        Detoxify heavy metals.
    3.        Nutritional supplementation optimizing nutrition.
    4.        OT, PT, and ST as indicated.
    5.        Rid the body of gut infections and inflammation.
    6.        Treat for cysteine, sulfate and glutathione deficiencies.
    7.        Trial of casein and gluten free diet or other diets as indicated.

  •      Seizures, epileptiform activity- may be secondary to underlying other medical problems, which may be alleviated or lessened
           with treatment

  •        Differential diagnoses of possible modifiable conditions include:
    1.        anemia
    2.        mercury poisoning
    3.        gluten removal in Celiac disease
    4.        Nutritional deficiencies/ suboptimal levels of vitamin B6, omega 3 fatty acids, and/or glutathione

  •        Methylcobolamine shots only if oral is not well absorbed or is not effective.


                                               Disclaimer: Any therapies must be evaluated by a physician to see if appropriate for each
                                   individual patient. Please discuss with patient’s doctor before instituting.
Neuro
Autism Spectrum Disorders

Integrative neurology incorporates
western allopathic medicine
(history, physical, lab tests,
neuroimaging, medications and
and neurophysiologic studies) with
the benefits of additional treatment
tools including, bioidentical hormone
replacement therapy, essential oils,
herbs, homeopathy and nutrition.

CONDITIONS

  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Attention Deficit
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Behavioral Disorders
  • Conduct Disorders/ Delinquency
  • Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Developmental Delay
  • Epilepsy
  • Fatigue
  • Food & Environmental allergies/
    delayed hypersensitivity
  • Genetic disorders
  • Headaches
  • Hearing loss
           Sensorineural and/or conductive
  • Hypotonia
  • Inflammation
  • Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, Right
    Hemisphere Syndrome, Nonverbal
    Learning Disorders
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Neurodevelopmental delay
  • Neuroimmune disease
  • Pain
  • Seizures
  • Sinusitis (bacterial and fungal)
  • Toxicant exposure (heavy metal,
    pesticides, solvents etc).
  • Traumatic Brain injury and post
    concussive syndrome
  • Weakness

Julie A. Griffith,M.D., M.S., CMT, MIM®, B.C.I.P.
Preventive Medicine Physician
BBB
A+
As of Jan. 2019