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Chuck Fulmer, R.Ph., FIACP 672 Lanier Park Dr.
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-536-CARE (2273)
Fax: 770-536-2635
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Autism Spectrum Disorder |
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and includes conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome. This complex neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by deficits in social interaction, language development, and a restricted or stereotypical pattern of interests and activities. The prevalence of autism has increased more than tenfold in the past 20 years, and recent reports indicate the incidence is 65 per 10,000 children.
A 2006 study showed that 74% of families of children with ASD were using some type of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy. The highest frequency of CAM use involves "biologically based" therapies, including modified diets, vitamins and minerals, and other nutritional supplements. The basis of a biomedical approach is that autism is a genetically-based disorder triggered by certain fetal, neonatal, and early childhood stimuli, and that this syndrome is associated with a variety of nutritional, gastrointestional, metabolic, and autoimmune abnormalities that can be partially or fully corrected.
Dysbiosis, or imbalance of the normal bacteria (gastrointestinal microflora) that is essential for normal digestion and bowel function, is a common problem in children with autism. Studies have found that treatment with a non-absorbable antibiotic normalized the flora and that GI symptoms and autistic behaviors decreased significantly. Many children with ASD improve on specific diets and gut therapy. The Autism Research Institute reported that 63% of 1109 children improved on a casein-free/gluten-free diet, according to parent rating scales. Another GI abnormality commonly attributed to children who have autism is called the "leaky gut" phenomena, related to a theorized increased intestinal permeability. An overgrowth of yeast is widely believed part of dysbiosis and responsible for many GI and behavioral symptoms of autism, and many children are treated with antifungal agents as part of their "bowel detoxification" protocol.
Studies have demonstrated abnormalities in the metabolic functioning of autistic children. Metabolic interventions are based on the theory that autistic children have defects in methylation and sulfation and include the use of methylcobolamin, folic acid derivatives (eg, folinic acid), and trimethylglycine or dimethylglycine and other methylating agents.
"Naltrexone has been ... found to be predominantly effective in decreasing self-injurious behavior. Naltrexone may also attenuate hyperactivity, agitation, irritability, temper tantrums, social withdrawal, and stereotyped behaviors. Patients may also exhibit improved attention and eye contact. Transient sedation was the most commonly reported adverse event." 1 It has been suggested that low-dose naltrexone, at about 3-5 mg/day, may be beneficial for children with autism and may improve the regulation of their immune system.
The Autism Research Institute is a nonprofit organization of parents and professionals that supports dissemination of information about causes and treatment of ASD, and sponsors workshops and conferences. A series of treatments has been proposed by a group of practitioners who have joined together as Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!™). Much of the support for these treatments is predicated on subjective data from practitioners and has not been substantiated by data published in peer-reviewed literature.
References:
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Customized Medications |
Many physicians follow DAN! Protocols and work with compounding pharmacists to meet the unique needs of autistic children.
Our compounding pharmacists can customize medications to help solve problems associated with autism.
· Medications free of casein (dairy protein), gluten (wheat protein), corn, egg, and soy
· Sugar-free medications, to reduce the growth of yeast
· Non-oral dosage forms (transdermal, rectal, nasal, injectable) for patients who have poor gut absorption secondary to inflammation, oxidative stress, and infections
· Dose and flavor specific for each patient
Examples of requested compounded prescription medications include:
· Oral liquids or capsules of antifungals such as amphotericin B, diflucan, and ketoconazole
· Oral liquids or capsules of "nonabsorbable" antibiotics, such as vancomycin, to regulate gut microflora
· Detoxifiers and chelators such as DMSA, CaEDTA, and TTFD
· Antioxidants in oral, transdermal, and nebulized forms, such as GSH, NAC, and ALA
· Transdermal Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
· Vitamin formulations such as transdermal, nasal, and SC forms of methylated B12 and hydroxyl B12; transdermal B complex, and transdermal Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate
We welcome your questions.
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As compounding pharmacists, we are
problem solvers. If you have friends with problems (hormones, chronic
pain, foot, nail, gynecologic, etc.) that are not being solved with
conventional therapy, forward this email to them for FREE confidential
consultations on their problems. If we can help, they will each
receive $15.00 off their first prescription and you will receive a
$15.00 credit on your next refill.
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We offer private consultations in Pain Management and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Please call to schedule an appointment.
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Order your prescription refills online 24 hours per day at http://picrx.com/refillrequest.htm! |
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