Evidence increases of environmental and physiologic influences on autism.

[pnwmom]

Dr. Martha Herbert at Harvard and the Transcend Program at Mass General, is one of the researchers who is studying the interaction of environmental influences (including air pollution, heavy metals, and food contaminents) and individual physiology in the development of autism syndrome. Below is an abstract of some of her recent work.

One hopeful point she makes: "Improvement and loss of diagnosis in some with ASD suggest brain circuitry amenable to environmental modulation."

Identifying these factors -- and reducing or eliminating children's exposure to them -- could also reduce the number of cases that occur.



http://journals.lww.com/co-neurology/Abstract/2010/04000/Contributions_of_the_environment_and.4.aspx

Contributions of the environment and environmentally vulnerable physiology to autism spectrum disorders
Herbert, Martha R

Abstract
Purpose of review: This review presents a rationale and evidence for contributions of environmental influences and environmentally vulnerable physiology to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Recent findings: Recent studies suggest a substantial increase in ASD prevalence above earlier Centers for Disease Control figures of one in 150, only partly explicable by data artifacts, underscoring the possibility of environmental contributors to increased prevalence. Some gene variants in ASD confer altered vulnerability to environmental stressors and exposures. De-novo mutations and advanced parental age as a risk factor for ASD also suggest a role for environment. Systemic and central nervous system pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction can be consistent with a role for environmental influence (e.g. from air pollution, organophosphates, heavy metals) in ASD, and some of the underlying biochemical disturbances (such as abnormalities in glutathione, a critical antioxidant and detoxifier) can be reversed by targeted nutritional interventions. Dietary factors and food contaminants may contribute risk. Improvement and loss of diagnosis in some with ASD suggest brain circuitry amenable to environmental modulation.

Summary: Prevalence, genetic, exposure, and pathophysiological evidence all suggest a role for environmental factors in the inception and lifelong modulation of ASD. This supports the need for seeking targets for early and ongoing medical prevention and treatment of ASD.

[Ilsa]

1. What, as a parent, can I target in the diet?

What supplement? We did gluten-free, casein-free diet. No help. What vitamins and minerals are needed?

Thank you for posting.

[pnwmom]

2. I think the best way to find an answer for your questions

would be to contact a major autism research group, such as the Transcend Center at Harvard/Mass General.

Unfortunately, I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer -- the research seems to be showing a multitude of causes/contributers to autism, interacting with the child's own physiology.

Here is a link to the Harvard/Mass General center. It lists other centers across the country.

http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/research/researchlab.aspx?id=1260

More on the Transcend Center:

Mission

TRANSCEND’s mission is to improve outcomes in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) by using sophisticated and coordinated objective measures to characterize what can be changed in these conditions.
By looking at brain problems at several integrated levels and in a whole body systems context, we aim to maximize understanding and maximize our ability to find ways to help.
By applying cutting-edge science, measurement technologies and informatics to treatment research and clinical-behavioral practice, TRANSCEND aims to minimize suffering, optimize quality of life for individuals and families, and maximize chances for individuals to reach their full potential - now.

Unique, Whole Body Approach
TRANSCEND’s partners work from a model of autism that describes a complex whole body condition with many treatable facets.

Brain as part of the body
We look at the brain not just as an information-processing computer but also as a physical organ that is part of the body.
We think that the way the brain processes sensory, emotional and social information is related to the health of the cells of the brain, which can be related to the health of cells in the body.
We think that changes in the way the brain processes sensory, emotional and social information might come from physical changes in the cells of the brain related to some kinds of physical illness in the body (especially immune problems), and not just from the brain developing differently before a baby is born.
Brain and body problems in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and how they develop

We suspect that the relationship of health problems and brain/behavior problems may develop in close relationship to each other.
Therefore we look at how brain and body problems develop early in autism and how these brain and body problems may relate to each other early on

[KT2000]

5. beyond diet -

stay away from pesticides - IMHO.
reduce their exposure to formaldehyde which is found in many household and personal products. learn the alternate names for formaldehyde and the chemicals that release formaldehyde at body temperature. pressed wood products, paints, personal care products such as soaps and shampoos and makeup have formaldehyde, sheets, upholstery and draperies have formaldehyde, products that use glues generally have formaldehyde - IMHO
keep them away from car exhaust - IMHO
use laundry soaps that do not contain brighteners - IMHO
stay away from phenol based cleaners - stick with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, washing soda - IMHO
avoid exposure to fire retardants - IMHO

Philip Landrign and Herbert Needleman, MDs wrote a book - How to Raise a Health Child

[defendandprotect]

3. Just use your own common sense ... we're in a period of corruption of our government agencies ...

and corporatization of our universities/science --

and that includes Harvard --

Medicine for profit cannot be trusted --

Nor can corporate government or corporate science be trusted --

We would all do well to remember the EPA telling New Yorkers the environment

was safe after 9/11!!

Common sense, folks!

[mzmolly]

4. K

and R. :kick:

[Odin2005]

6. Unrec for junk science.