Health Letter - Volume 1, Issue 2

The Oprah show reveals 1 in 125 children are born with Autism.

Why? What can be done to silence this growing epidemic!

As the parents shared their experience with raising an Autistic child and the stressful challenges it brings to the homes of thousands of families each year, it struck a chord in the Healing*Edge Sciences team to elaborate on this issue. Our intention is to be responsible when presenting information on this subject and to get additional information out that could have a positive impact on the future of our children.

The main point emphasized on the Oprah segment was that the so called "Experts" agreed that the cause of Autism is still a mystery. There are theories as to why Autism exists; fortunately for the world, censorship did not prevail, and the parents of autistic children were bold enough to bring some of these controversial theories to the public. This segment brought hope to many in need for sound solutions and gave us a better understanding of what we can do as a society to improve the situation.

We will briefly touch on the theories listed below in hopes to help you make educated choices as to which approach may be best for you and those you love. Each theory has substantial data and research.

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all exhibited before a child is three years old. Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. It has been established that in the first few years there may be no signs of an Autistic nature but something is obviously triggering its development. Early intervention may help children gain self-care and social skills. With severe autism, independent living is unlikely; with milder autism, there are some success stories. The emotional, physical and financial cost of Autism is a cultural issue and we, as a collective, must take steps in evaluating all possibilities that may reduce the number of children plagued with this condition.

Symptoms of Autism

The severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals; however, all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas listed below.
  • Weak social skills
  • 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 may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow.
  • Poor verbal and nonverbal communication skills
  • Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 50% of people with autism never speak.
  • Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation once it has begun.
  • Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia).
  • Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning.
  • Limited interests in activities or play
  • An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy.
  • Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by train schedules, weather patterns, or license plates.
  • A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school.
  • stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping.

Pre-Natal Care

One of the best books we can recommend to anyone considering conceiving a child is "Education Begins Before Birth" by Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov. The main principal of the book is to prepare the terrain in which the baby's development is crucial. Just as a farmer tends to the need of the soil to create a nutritious crop so must we, as responsible human beings, make preparations prior to conception. Both men and women play a vital role in the development of creating a healthy, happy child. There are simple steps that each one can do that will increase the odds favorably as to the type of child they create. Detoxification is highly recommended before trying to conceive.

During pregnancy women are faced with the choice of specific tests, which may relieve their concerns of the baby s health. What true impact they have on the outcome of the well being of the child is controversial and they do have possible side effects. Ultrasounds should be kept to a minimum. Our stance is three at most and should never be done prior to 3 months of gestation. As for amniocentesis (the use of a needle to withdraw amniotic fluids) this is something that must be considered only if termination is a consideration. Any time you insert a needle into any part of your body there is always a chance of infection to the unborn child. We have learned that terminations of pregnancies have occurred due to this very procedure. Seriously consider the consequences prior to consenting to such a test.

Nutritional Deficiencies

The first 3 months of a fetus's life is critical. It is unfortunate that the majority of women do not prepare their bodies several years prior to conception. It is also a reality that most women do not even know they are pregnant until the second month. The idea of taking a prenatal food source supplement prior to pregnancy is not a common practice in this country but it is a practice we advocate.

There are pre-natal vitamins in staggering numbers by various brands sitting on retail shelves waiting for the uneducated consumer. How does a person choose one over another? The prices vary greatly and for good reason.

Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid (Foliate) are now recognized for the valuable role they play in the proper development of a child s neurological system. There are many over the counter medications and prescription drugs depleting you or your child of vital nutrients.

Medications: What To Use?

The use of pain medications during delivery is a personal choice which should be taken very seriously. Many of these medications are sedatives and do cross the brain barrier, which effect neurological functions from the beginning of life outside of the womb. Not only is the baby s central nervous system challenged but there is a recorded number of women who have experienced long term side effects of headaches and back pain from their use. This method of delivery seems to be too high a price to pay for short term relief. Obviously there are times these methods are needed but all too often they are chosen out of fear and lack of preparation.

It is standard procedure for hospitals to administer two injections to your child prior to leaving the hospital; one is a vitamin K shot and the other is Hepatitis B vaccination.

You have every right to refuse any type of medication but we find the vitamin K shot to be beneficial, particularly in the case of boys who are going to be circumcised. Vitamin K is known for its coagulating effects on the blood and has proven to prevent excessive bleeding. With regards to the Hepatitis B shot, our stance is it makes no sense to administer such a potent neurotoxin to an under developed immune system. A child s immune system is not fully developed until age two and even then this shot should be challenged by every parent who is faced with this decision.

DNA Damage: Contributing Factors

In the past, we were not inundated with all the challenges we are facing today. It is now necessary for us to take additional steps in creating healthy children. Women and men are working excessive hours just to make ends meet, leaving little time for relaxation or rebuilding energy reserves. Stress is increased and oxidation is the result. Oxidation is the main reason for DNA damage and can be minimized by nutritional support.

The toxin levels in our food, air, and water supply are 100 times more than they were just thirty years ago. Electromagnetic disruptions are a thousand times higher with the use of cell phones, air travel, microwave ovens, power lines, transformers, and computer use. Heavy metals from the use of lead paints, and silver fillings are now being researched on their negative biological effect on human cells. In the 1980 s physicians were ridiculed for their arguments against vaccines, and silver fillings both now known to contain heavy metals and mercury. It is amusing, to say the least, that these same physicians are now being commended for their work and considered men ahead of their time.

Today, more women are choosing to have children in their forties. The eggs of older women are less vital and more prone to DNA damage than that of a twenty year old. It has been said for each year after forty the odds for pregnancy complications and birth defects increase an additional 10%. Don t let the numbers discourage you. Many women over forty are successful in giving birth to healthy children but from our findings most of them were proactive in making healthy choices before, during and after their pregnancies. There are homeopathic remedies used for the clearing of certain Inherited Miasms (DNA Coding) in a specific order to women considering having children.

Neurotoxins are poisons that have an effect on the nervous system. Heavy metals such as mercury are considered neurotoxins, which is why dentists are required to dispose mercury remnants in containers labeled hazardous waste. Here is a simple question to ponder. If a dentist is not able to discard this material in a normal waste basket why are we allowing people to put this substance in our mouths? Neurotoxins are also available in most household chemicals, perfumes, colognes and skin care products. Artificial sweeteners (in our opinion a major health threat) are offered at nearly every restaurant in America. Why is that? These synthetic substances are toxic; capable of crossing the brain barrier, yet we can reach across a table and ingest them as easily as sipping a cup of coffee. What are we thinking? We need to rid our bodies of these toxins by means of detoxification.

Vaccinations: A Short History of Vaccines

The term "vaccine" is derived from "vacca," the Latin word for cow. This is because the material of cowpox (a disease affecting the udders of cows), was injected into people to protect them against an attack of smallpox. (This information is from Black's Medical Dictionary.)

The idea of vaccinations to prevent disease dates back to 1796. In that year Edward Jenner, a British physician, noted that dairymaids who had caught cowpox (a minor disease), could not catch smallpox (a fatal disease). Jenner then took diseased matter from the hand of Sarah Nelmes, a local dairymaid who had become infected with cowpox, and inserted this matter into the cut arm of James Phipps, a healthy eight-year-old boy. The boy then caught cowpox. Forty-eight days later Jenner injected smallpox matter into the boy. It had no effect. This was the first recorded vaccination. (This information comes from World Book Encyclopedia.)

The list of mandatory vaccinations in the United States include: polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, and pertussis. Kids receive 21 vaccines before age 1. These vaccines have toxic metals such as mercury and have been linked to disrupting the central nervous system. Since Autism is a central nervous disorder it only reasonable to say vaccines could be a major link to the development of Autism.

Vaccinations are favored today, for we have become dependent consumers, always "wanting more" and manufacturers have well understood this dependency. Vaccinations reflect the concept of having the disease, the role of the doctor and the control of individual and collective health, a concept that leads to reliance on others as opposed to taking responsibility for oneself.

Vaccination was practiced at a time when nothing was known about microbes, viruses or the immune system. Nevertheless, it was soon promoted to the first rank of general medical practice, routinely applied and unquestioned. It took on the aspects of a faith rather than of a science.

In late 2006, the US government mandated that mercury (Thimerosal) be removed from all childhood vaccinations. Why? There are obviously some discoveries about their use that may not be available to the general public for years to come. The good thing is that steps are being taken in the right direction. By the way, ever wonder what happened to the famous young man who was the guinea pig that started the vaccination rage. James Phipps, the eight-year-old boy initially vaccinated by Jenner in 1796, was revaccinated 20 times, and died at the age of twenty. Jenner's own son, who was also vaccinated more than once, died at twenty-one. Both succumbed to tuberculosis, a condition that some researchers have linked to the smallpox vaccine.

Neurons: Connecting the Dots

Neurons come in many sizes. For example, a single sensory neuron from your fingertip has an axon that extends the length of your arm, while neurons within the brain may extend only a few millimeters. Neurons have different shapes depending on what they do. Motor neurons that control muscle contractions have a cell body on one end, a long axon in the middle and dendrites on the other end; sensory neurons have dendrites on both ends, connected by a long axon with a cell body in the middle.

Neurons Vary With Respect to Their Functions:

  • Sensory Neurons carry signals from the outer parts of your body (periphery) into the central nervous system.
  • Motor Neurons (motoneurons) carry signals from the central nervous system to the outer parts (muscles, skin, glands) of your body.
  • Receptors sense the environment (chemicals, light, sound, touch) and encode this information into electrochemical messages that are transmitted by sensory neurons.
  • Interneurons connect various neurons within the brain and spinal cord.

Several Areas of the Cerebrum Have Specialized Functions:

  • Parietal Lobe - The parietal lobe receives and processes all somatosensory input from the body (touch, pain).
  • Frontal Lobe - The frontal lobe is involved in motor skills (including speech) and cognitive functions.

The motor center of the brain (pre-central gyrus) is located in the rear of the frontal lobe, just in front of the parietal lobe. It receives connections from the somatosensory portion in the parietal lobe and processes and initiates motor functions. Like the homunculus in the parietal lobe, the pre-central gyrus has a motor map of the brain.

An area on the left side of the frontal lobe, called Broca's area, processes language by controlling the muscles that make sounds (mouth, lips and larynx). When the Broca's area becomes damage or dysfunctional motor aphasia can take place. Patients can understand language but cannot produce meaningful or appropriate sounds.

  • Remaining areas of the frontal lobe perform associative processes (thought, learning, memory).
  • Limbic System - The limbic system is important in emotional behavior and controlling movements of visceral muscles (muscles of the digestive tract and body cavities).

Acetylcholine

One of the most known neurotransmitters to control brain function is Acetylcholine- precursor CDP Choline. The chemical compound acetylcholine, often abbreviated as ACh, was the first neurotransmitter to be identified. It is a chemical transmitter in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) in many organisms including humans. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter in all autonomic ganglia. In other words, it is a chemical that allows neurons to communicate with each other within humans and other organisms. CDP-Choline would have to be discussed with your practitioner or one on our staff before giving this to your child.

Tests and Therapeutic Approaches (Integrative/Medical)

Amen Clinic provides a brain SPECT image gallery. View actual SPECT images in full color 3-D animation. See for yourself the brain of a mentally disturbed individual and the effects of depression, substance abuse, toxic exposure and more. Compare them to a healthy brain.This Amen Clinic test also shows over activity, under activity or no activity of parts of the brain. We can t tell you that finding out this information will be of any help in a solution to your situation.

Sanesco also provides tests showing neurotransmitter levels. This test may give you more information that may help you with more detailed answers.

Quest Diagnostics has a test that will show you all the building blocks of the body, which many of them are related to neurotransmitter function. This test may give you more information that may help you find more detailed answers. You can supplement your child with the proper amino acids, available at Healing*Edge Sciences, to balance their brain.

Genova Diagnostics has a comprehensive parasitology profile evaluates stool for presence of parasites and levels of beneficial flora, imbalanced flora, pathogenic bacteria, and yeast. Patients with abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and other GI-related symptoms.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has a powerful role with Autism. Hyperbaric is finally being recognized by UCLA, and many other major hospitals, as an effective treatment for many disorders. It may be difficult for children too young in handling this treatment unless they are able to clear their ears about every 15 seconds for the first 15 minutes of the treatment. You can also purchase a home unit.

The Integrative Approach will always depend on the practitioner's knowledge, the parent s research and active participation.

Autism Awareness

It is suspicious that the majority of autism cases arise within two weeks after vaccines are administered.

We have witnessed symptoms improve between 4 and 12 weeks (some as long as years) with implementation of all possible solutions we are presenting in this newsletter. As with any health issue, each case is unique, requiring specific adjustments to the individual needs.

Homeopathic supplementation is a great way to provide essential nutrients for healthy development. In our experience, the children that had a Liver Cleansing, Heavy Metal Detoxification, and Vaccination Symptoms Relief, were able to achieve great results in a short period of time.

Topical creams are showing great promise, one of which includes: Authia Cream.

The first probiotic specifically developed for autism and ADHD: HLC MindLinx.

Many parents choose to use homeopathic medicine to help balance the symptoms of neurological disorders while working on the underlining causes.

We have learned that the greatest therapeutic approach one can give to any child or adult, whether autistic or not, is love. We have seen its power in motion and know it for the miracle worker that it is. Autistic children need additional love, support and patience and so do their families. At times, it may seem as if your child does not hear you but in reality they hear and feel everything. How you communicate with them is major in their success in overcoming the challenges they face. Get down to their level on bended knees so that they do not feel threatened when you wish to talk with them. Touch is considered a universal language. When someone is kind enough to use the gift of touch with another, the results can be beneficial to all parties involved, children being the biggest benefactors.

Things to Avoid Whenever Possible

  • Medical procedures that can wait (This goes for 3 months prior to insemination)
  • Dental work, other then cleanings (This goes for 3 months prior to insemination)
  • Sugar, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, stimulants and keep dairy to a minimum.
  • Until further research is available soy and gluten products should be avoided.
  • Be cautious of all herbs, drugs and essential oils, due to the fact that some have excitatory effects on the central nervous system.
  • Household chemicals (especially cleaning ones), body cosmetics, and lotions that are not listed as hypoallergenic or chemical free.
  • Fears, stressors, anxiety, and negative thoughts.

Medication: The Western Approach

Anti-Depressents may be prescribed by doctors for depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and anxiety. These drugs often reduce the frequency and intensity of repetitive behavior, decrease irritability, tantrums, and aggression, and improve eye contact and responsiveness.

Side Effects often include headache, insomnia, dizziness, and drowsiness. Medications include the following:

  • Amitriptyline (Elavil®), Bupropion (Wellbutrin®), Clomipramine (Anafranil®)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox®), Fluoxetine (Prozac®).

Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium®), lorazepam (Ativan®), and alprazolam (Xanax®) may also be used to treat behavioral problems.

Side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, lack of muscle coordination (ataxia), and dizziness. Discontinuing these drugs after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms including: Abdominal and muscle pain, Convulsions and tremors, Insomnia, Sweating, Vomiting.

Antipsychotic Medications such as clozapine (Clozaril®), risperidone (Risperdal®), olanzapine (Zyprexa®), and quetiapine (Seroquel®) may decrease hyperactivity, behavioral problems, withdrawal, and aggression in autistic patients.

Side effects include the following: Agitation, Anxiety, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia, Sedation

Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), amphetamine (Adderall®), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedine®) may also be prescribed for autism. These drugs may increase focus and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity in high-functioning patients. Prolonged use of stimulants may lead to drug dependence.

Side effects are often dose-related and include the following: Abdominal pain, High blood pressure (hypertension), Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Nervousness, Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

If you find yourself needing help or would like additional information, please contact one of practitioners using our contact form.