Autism is a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social skills and learning. It also frequently impacts a child's abilities to modulate sensory information. Children with autism and severe developmental delays are traditionally treated with behavioral techniques that reward desirable behaviors, such as pointing to a picture, speaking or using a toilet. Alternative treatments include use of vitamins and other nutritional supplements, detoxification, special diets, lighting, lenses, detoxification, sensory integration, hippotherapy and "The Listening Program."
Vitamins and other Nutritional Supplements
According to authors Tammi Reynolds, BA & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D., vitamin B complex is the most commonly used supplement to treat symptoms of autism. Vitamin B helps the brain create the enzymes that may help it function better, resulting in improved attention and behavior. Some studies have shown that vitamin C also improves eye contact and communication, and fish oils such as cod liver oil, which is high in vitamins A and D have long been reported to improve brain function. In addition, according Autismweb.com, children may not be getting adequate nutrition intake due to chronic diarrhea or constipation, gastrointestinal inflammation and lack of food variety. Enzyme supplements and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and probiotics (the healthy bacteria found in yogurt) may improve digestion and nutritional status.
Special Diets
Parents have reported improved behaviors when eliminating foods to which children may be allergic--most commonly, dairy and wheat products. According to AutismWeb.com, medical research has not confirmed this theory. However, anecdotal evidence indicates that many individuals with autism do not have the ability to digest the casein protein found in dairy projects and the gluten proteins found in oats, wheat, rye and barley projects. The theory is that these proteins activate neurotransmitter receptors in the brain that interfere with attention and learning. In addition, parents have reported decreased gastrointestinal problems when their children are on a casein and wheat-free diet.
Lighting and Lenses
Children with autism are frequently observed to avoid bright lights, tilt their heads and use peripheral vision (viewing from the side). According to the Irlen Method website, people with autism may have light sensitivity, behavior changes in bright light and look away from visual targets. They theorize that specially-tinted colored overlays (plastic sheets placed over reading materials) and filters (some worn like glasses) can correct many vision problems that impact behavior and abilities to read and write. It is also theorized that the flickering created by florescent lights is aversive to these children and that changing the lighting system may improve their functioning.
Removing Toxins
There has been much controversy over the possible toxic effects of heavy metals such as mercury found in children's immunizations. According to the Autism Research Institute, a number of physicians have reported good results when mercury was removed through a process of detoxification called "chelation therapy." However, according to the Mayo Clinic, there are no studies that link autism to mercury exposure, nor that chelation therapy can be associated with serious side effects including potentially fatal liver and kidney damage.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy, typically performed by occupational therapists involves specific types of sensory activities to promote brain organization. This therapy is actually commonly used in pediatric clinics and school systems, and a great deal of research supports its effectiveness. Nevertheless, some medical experts continue to question its validity. The theory behind sensory integration is that sensory activities, especially those involving touch and movement, stimulate the brain to work more efficiently, thus promoting optimal levels of alertness, focus and learning.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a treatment tool used by occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists to promote therapeutic objectives such as increasing speech or improving strength, balance and coordination. Riding a horse provides a great deal of stimulation that promotes sensory integration. The horse motivates the child to speak as the child gives directions such as "stop" and "go, " creating an emotional bond with an animal that gives unconditional love.
The Therapeutic Listening Program
According to the Incredible Horizons website, the musical portion of the brain may be unimpaired in an autistic child, and listening to filtered and gaited (rhythmic) musical sound patterns may improve his understanding of language sound patterns. A trademarked program called "The Listening Program" may improve body awareness, eye contact, engagement, sensory integration and the rate and accuracy of sound perception that may result in improved communication.
