Autism

AUTISM

By Wafa Al-Ahmed Laboratory Manager

Central United Medical Laboratory

Definition

Autism is brain disorder marked by:

1. Extreme difficulty communicating

2. Anti-social behavior e.g. - Screaming - Obsessive repetition of

actions - Lack of concentration

Causes

Genetic

Environmental

Gastrointestinal (antibiotics in 1st year) -bowel disturbances, diarrhea or

constipation

Inability to digest protein (gluten) or (casein) completely.

Effect of Gluten & Casein

Not digested Narcotics effect

Casein Casomorphines Increase Urinary

Peptides

Gluten Exorphins & Brain Damage Gliadorphin

Long-Term Effect of Gluten & Casein peptides (Narcotics)

1. Affect brain maturation2. Poor Socialization - Repetitive behaviors - Lack of concentration - No eye contact

Food Sources• Gluten: Wheat Rye Barley Commercially available oats• Casein: Dairy products (milk, butter or

cheese) Vegetarian cheese

Whipped cream topping

Nutritional Therapy

Check for brain-polluting heavy metals Exclude food additives Identify nutrient deficiencies (Vitamins A,C, B6, Mg) Intake of essential fats (omega 3) Balance blood sugar Identify food intolerance (Food Print)

Most Autistic patient are sensitive to Food containing Gluten & Casein

Nutritional Therapy

Gluten-free & Casein-free diet

Effect of Gluten-free & Casein-free diet

Increases eye contact & attention Decreasing behavior problems e.g. - hand-flapping & rocking

- aggression, hyperactivity Improve daily living skills e.g. – dressing - using toilet Improve coordination Imaginative play activities

Duration for this diet

Six months for gluten to clear

One month for casein to clear

Recommend for at least a year

Action of this diet

Make changes at a cellular level

Promote healing of stomach and intestinal lining

Side effect of Gluten-free & Casein-free diet

Autistic children will have withdrawal symptoms similar to addicts experiencing withdrawal from narcotic drugs.

Food alternative for Gluten-free & Casein-free diet

Rice bread with calcium

What other alternatives you can suggest?

Thank you