Biomedical therapy in terms of Autism and related developmental disorders include (but is not limited to) special diets, supplements and Chelation therapy. Many of these treatments, when administered under the direction of a DAN! Doctor can be highly beneficial. However, there is much controversy surrounding the use of biomedical treatment in the Autism community. For many, the issue is believed to be a sense of false hope. Families who have not experienced success in using these treatments worry that other families will have their hopes and dreams of "fixing" their child crushed. It is true that biomedical treatment will not work for every child. Because genetic and environmental factors associated with Autism are still so abstract, there's no way to pinpoint what treatment will work for which child. But parents who approve of the controversial therapy say that sometimes hope is all you need to keep going. Why not try whatever you can to help heal your child as long as it's safe?
Biomedical therapy is based on the idea that some neurological disorders are actually SYMPTOMS of other physical ailments, particularly in the digestive system. Treatments such as the Gluten/Casein free diets, as well as supplementation with digestive enzymes, vitamins, and probiotics, are noted to be successful in a large number of families who have participated in this treatment. These type of treatments are said to help heal the digestive tract and immune system. Parents have reported speech improvements, better eating habits, and a higher awareness of their children's surroundings. These treatments can be used alone, or in combination with more traditional therapies such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. And not all biomedical treatments need to be used at once. Many parents see improvements in their Autistic children with diet change alone!
Whatever your feelings on biomedical therapies may be, it's always best to consult with your doctor beforehand. If you feel your Pediatrician is not as open to the idea as you'd like them to be, don't be afraid to look for a second opinion. Don't forget to do your research! There is a wealth of information on the net that can help you make an informed decision about what's best for your child, and your family as a whole.
Here's a quick video clip from a film created by Autism Yesterday showcasing a few families who have had success with biomedical treatment.
For more information on the Pro-Biomedical side of the issue check out this great fact page from Generation Rescue.
Comments
The avoidance of gluten and/or casein, or the GFCF Diet is but one dietary strategy for helping autism - there are several other diets that prove very effective.
It's important to understand that Diet for Autism comprises omitting known problematic foods/substances and adding necessary nutrients. Multiple studies indicate that nutrient deficiencies are common with autism. Being attentive to diet (what children eat) is 100% common sense.
To only RESTRICT foods without conscious attention to the purpose and intent of what's meant to be a healing intervention is unsafe and NOT the onus of autism diets. Rather, Autism Diets are a "Nutritional Intervention" - i.e. focus on healing the body through food choices.
This is ancient wisdom & modern learning.
A nutrition expert from California has synthesized the autism nutrition information in a book called Nourishing Hope for Autism. If you read it you will realize the depth of the scientific (and practical) rationale for autism d
We have found most results with fish oil daily and dmsa chelation. You can see the difference in his cooperation at speech classes when he is on a round of dmsa. We use cutlers protocol.
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