In order to make a formal diagnosis of Autism, the following symptoms must be present (DSM lV-TR)

Impairment in social interaction

1. Lack of eye contact, facial expression and social gestures
2. Failure to develop peer relationships
3. Does not seek out social interaction
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Impairment in communication skills

Restricted, stereotyped and repetitive behavior, interests and activities

To make the diagnosis at least 6 of the above must be noted, as well as developmental delays in at least ONE of the following areas:

The delays or impairment described above can vary from mild to severe. Remember that many healthy children will display some of the above symptoms. This does not make them autistic!

It is important that the full cluster of symptoms described above be present. Some of these symptoms may be present from early infancy, but usually become more obvious by 2 - 4 years of age.

What causes Autism?

There is no known single cause of autism. It is known that autism is a neurological disorder and that there may be differences in the shape and the structure of the brain of autistic children as opposed to non-autistic children.

It is thought that, in certain cases, there might be a genetic predisposition to autism, which may run in families. Whether the predisposition to autism is genetic or not, there may be several 'triggers' which can precipitate the disorder.

These could include problems in pregnancy and birth, viral infections, exposure to certain environmental chemicals or pollutants, digestive abnormalities or even allergies to certain foods (e.g. milk and dairy products).

There are also suggestions that autism may be caused by a reaction to childhood vaccines. Obviously more research is needed in this area.

It is important for parents to note that autism is not a mental illness and is not caused by bad parenting or problems in the home. All too often parents are made to feel guilty and as if they have done something wrong, which is not the case.

Parents of autistic children need as much support and help as possible and should not be made to feel that they are the cause of their child's problem.

What are the natural treatment options?

While there are many different theories about the best course of treatment for autism, most professionals agree that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances are that the child will be helped.

Educational and therapeutic approaches

These include specialized education as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, sensory integration, behavior modification and speech therapy. Depending on the symptoms and the areas of developmental delay, these therapies can be extremely effective and can be combined into the overall treatment plan.The earlier they are begun the better the chances of improvement. It is important to realize that none of these therapies are 'quick fixes' and need perseverance over a long period of time.

Dietary intervention

There are indications that certain vitamins and mineral supplements may improve functioning in autistic people. While there is some disagreement regarding this amongst medical professionals, many parents have reported marked improvements after a program of nutritional supplements. There are also a number of clinical studies which strongly support the use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in the treatment of autism and have demonstrated significant improvement.

As nutrition is such a vital ingredient in brain development, it stands to reason that supplementation may have a positive benefit, although this would vary from individual to individual. Some experts have gone as far as to suggest that certain cases of autism could be a result of nutritional deficiencies or mal absorption of nutrients from the diet. The subject is a very complex one and outside the scope of this discussion.

There are also suggestions that autistic symptoms can be caused as a result of mal absorption and intolerances to certain foodstuffs, especially dairy products and gluten contained in wheat and grain products. Some parents have reported remarkable changes after the elimination of these foodstuffs from the diets of their autistic children.

Natural alternatives

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to the synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, Native Remedies recommends the following remedies to assist in an overall treatment plan.

Remedies may be used independently or in combination. See bottom of page for discount combination packages.

Herbal remedy for depression, mood swings,
repetitive behaviors, irritability, and
aggression

These may all be symptoms of serotonin imbalance and may show improvement with the use of our100% herbal MindSoothe Jr. formula (available in capsules for adults and drops for children).

The ingredients of MindSoothe Jr. have been clinically proven to assist in balancing serotonin levels and act as SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) in much the same way as the synthetic SSRI's do.

Herbal remedy for anxiety (calm and soothe)

Tranquilizing drugs may be very effective in calming autistic children and adults, who can easily become highly distressed and volatile over seemingly small changes in their environment. However, many tranquilizing drugs are also addictive and individuals may build up tolerance, resulting in the need for increasingly higher doses.

PureCalm is an herbal formula which has been specially formulated to calm and soothe children and adults without the risk of side effects and potential addiction.

Available in easy to administer drop form, the dosage may be adjusted to suit children or adults. PureCalm may be taken on its own when needed for quick symptomatic relief, and is also safe to use with most prescription and herbal medicines.

Herbal remedies for ADHD, hyperactivity and concentration

Like the benzodiazepines and tranquilizing drugs, the psycho-stimulants come with documented side effects and potential for dependency.

Yet many parents find it very difficult to deal with Autistic children who also have symptoms of ADHD, hyperactivity and concentration problems.

For the treatment of hyperactivity, restlessness and lack of concentration, Native Remedies has developed two highly effective remedies:

Focus ADHD Formula is a 100% herbal remedy which has been specially formulated to treat the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults alike. Focus ADHD comes in a tincture and is easily administered as drops in some juice or water.

Native Remedies also offers BrightSpark, a safe and effective homeopathic formula.

BrightSpark can be effectively used on its own or it can be combined with Focus ADHD Formula for severe or stubborn cases or for children with defiance and anger problems.

Herbal remedy for tantrums

Many Autism children have violent tantrums, sometimes seemingly without cause. Tantrums may often be a result of the child's frustration at being unable to communicate or understand, and may also be a response to changes in routine or environment.

Tantrum Tamer is a specially formulated homeopathic remedy that uses proven homeopathic ingredients which can greatly reduce or eliminate distressing and hard to handle tantrums.

Tantrum Tamer dissolves easily in the mouth and is pleasant tasting making it readily accepted by children.

The above remedies may be used independently or in combination. See bottom of page for discount combination packages.

How have these products helped other?