Autism is disorder of the brain that often interferes with a person's ability to communicate with and relate to others.

In most cases, signs of autism begin to surface and develop before age 3, although sometimes, the condition is not diagnosed until later. A level of concern among parents usually comes about when their toddler does not begin to talk or respond and interact like other children that are around the same age. Autism also affects how a child perceives and processes sensory information.

The severity of autism varies from person to person. In some people, assistance is required in almost every aspect of their life, while others can function normally at a very high level. Even though Autism is a lifelong condition, increasing numbers of people with the condition have been able to live independently as adults as a result of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

Core symptoms of Autism include:

Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture.

Failure to establish friendships with children the same age.

Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.

Lack of empathy – People with autism often don't understand someone else’s pain or sorrow.

Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk - As many as 50% of people with autism never speak.

Problems initiating or carrying on a conversation.

Stereotyped and repetitive use of language.

Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective - For example, a person with Autism may not understand a joke or point of humor.

An unusual focus on pieces – In young children with autism, the focus of play is often a part of a toy such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy.

A need for sameness and routine following.

Stereotyped behaviors such as body rocking and hand flapping.

There is no single, identifiable cause of autism. It seems as though the disorder is related to abnormalities in several regions of the brain as well as a number of gene defects.

In families with one autistic child there is a one in 20 chance of having a second child with the disorder.

Children that show symptoms of autism also have a higher risk of also having:

• Fragile X syndrome - Which causes mental retardation
  
  
• Tuberous sclerosis - Where tumors grow in the brain
  
  
• Tourette's syndrome
  
  
• Epilepsy

According to the medical community, there currently is no cure for autism. However, with treatment, some symptoms may lesson over time and possibly banish all together. Allergies and sensitivities to certain foods may cause autistic behavior to intensify. Research has also found abnormal protein levels in the urine of autistic individuals, which indicates an inability to break down certain proteins into amino acids. Such proteins include gluten (found in wheat, barley, oats and other foods) and casein (found in human and cow's milk). Positive changes in health and behavior have been seen by parents when these foods were removed from the diet.

Much research also suggests a sensitivity to dairy products and certain fruits, such as strawberries and citrus fruits, which can affect the immune system exists among autistic people.

Based on this knowledge, the regimen outlined below may be helpful in treating autism:

To reduce allergy symptoms, increasing the amount of vitamins, such as vitamin C, may help as well as consuming a diet high in fiber.

Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, canned and packaged foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, refined and processed foods, wheat, salt, sugar, sweets, saturated fats, soft drinks and white flour products.

The following supplements may be beneficial as well:

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) and Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) - Essential for normal brain function.

Choline (500 - 2,000 mg daily) - Helps improve brain function. It is recommended that Choline be used under supervision from a professional healthcare practitioner.

Coenzyme Q10 (take as directed on label) - Helps improve brain function.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) (100 mg daily) - Carries oxygen to the brain and is important to normal brain and nerve function.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) (take as directed on label) - Critical to the proper manufacturing of brain chemicals and acts as a natural antidepressant. Not to be used if taking a prescription antidepressant or if you have a manic depressive disorder.

Vitamin B Complex (50 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily) - Essential for normal brain and nervous system function.

Vitamin B6 (50 mg 3 times daily) - Restores deficiencies that have been linked to autism.

Vitamin C (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in divided doses) - An excellent general antioxidant and free radical destroyer.

Melatonin (2-3 mg daily for adults, 1 mg or less for children) - May help if symptoms include insomnia.

Gingko Biloba (take as directed on label) - Has been found to improve brain function by increasing circulation to the brain and is a powerful free radical destroyer.

Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Supplies necessary nutrients.

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