This treatment should only be performed by a skilled doctor trained in drainage protocol, but the results can be magical. The human brain develops in stages. For the most part, these stages are complete by about age 25. If there is some interruption or disturbance in this process at any point, future stages of development are compromised. Some forms of "drainage" address these disturbances by restimulating the areas of the brain necessary to allow each stage to be completed in sequence.

2. Evaluate the Diet

Most often we hear of gluten and casein-free diets in the treatment of autism. This is because molecules found in these two types of food increases the leakiness of the gut substantially. Protein molecules can pass through the gut and travel to the brain where they have the potential to cause harm. I have found greater results from a diet that not only prevents leaky gut syndrome, but also helps regulate the immune system and provide "brain food." (I strongly recommend that only organically grown foods be consumed.)

Foods to avoid for the time being include:

• all dairy products including milk and cheese
• wheat products including breads, pastas and couscous
• citrus fruits
• potatoes
• corn products including anything with corn syrup
• peanuts and peanut butter
• caffeinated teas
• coffee–regular and decaffeinated
• alcohol
• red meat–especially pork and pork products
• sugar, Nutrasweet and all sweeteners except maple syrup and honey
• fried foods
• all processed foods.

3. Improve Intestinal Health

Our goal here is to reduce any inflammation in the digestive tract and to establish normal gut flora.

L-Glutamine: This amino acid is the preferred source of energy and food for the cells that line the digestive tract. It is critical for the repair of intestinal tissue, especially with respect to permeability. It is also an ideal source of energy for the brain. I start out by recommending one gram per day.

Friendly Bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus are bacterial floras normally located in the digestive tract. Autistic children often have an imbalance in gut flora, thus making supplementation imperative. Twelve billion organisms per day are recommended.

Helpful Supplements

Dimethylglycine (DMG): Supplementation with this compound has been shown to improve behaviour, concentration and speech. DMG has been reported to increase interest in speaking, eye contact, frustration tolerance, immune response to infection and physical performance. I recommend 125 milligrams of DMG per day.

DHA and EPA: These are essential fatty acids from cold water fish that have been shown to exhibit numerous beneficial effects on the body. DHA is the main essential fatty acid of the brain and helps considerably with brain health. The foods that naturally contain these fatty acids are cod liver oil, salmon, Atlantic cod and rainbow trout.

All children born to this beautiful planet have obstacles to overcome. For children with autism, these hurdles may appear more difficult. These gentle and beautiful children require tender coaxing back into the world so that they might have the opportunity to experience all of the splendour that life has to offer.

Useful Contacts

• Autism Society Canada: 519.952.8720 or autismsocietycanada.ca
• Autism Today: autismtoday.com
• Autism Treatment Services of Canada: 403.253.6961 or autism.ca
• Geneva Centre for Autism: 416.322.7877 or autism.net

A graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Dr Andrews’ specialties include autism, digestive disorders, allergies, fibromyalgia and women’s health. She can be reached in Calgary at 403-508-2886.

Source: alive #234, April 2002