Norman Natural Health

What is ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental disability typically appearing by age two. It is defined in mainstream medicine as a result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in multiple areas of development. Each individual is affected differently and at varying degrees. ASD is typically grouped under the larger umbrella of PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disability):

Autistic Disorder (ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Asperger's Disorder (Syndrome)
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
Rett's Disorder
PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Clinical observations often include a myriad of symptoms including, but not limited to:

Delayed/Dysfunctional speech
Abnormal social integration
Sensory dysfunction
Poor immune function
Increased incidence of illness
Sleep disorders
Abnormal stool patterns
Repetitive behaviors
Neurological dysfunction

No one knows the cause of any of the PDD conditions but they are believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Some popular theories include:

Inherited condition, strong genetic component
Neurological: transmitter imbalance, developmental
Vaccination (controversial)
Heavy Metal Toxicity (controversial)
Immune deficiency (controversial)
Diet: food allergies (controversial)

Causes of Autism: Naturopathic perspective

Naturopathic Doctors also do not claim to know "THE" cause but looking at clinical data from around the world, it appears that many clinicians have identified triggers:

Vaccination
Infections with excessive antibiotic use
Depressed/Abnormal immune system function
Heavy metal toxicity
Genetic predisposition (family history)
Combination of multiple factors listed above

Approximately 48 million people diagnosed with autism world-wide and hundreds of scientists and doctors have yet to find a single common thread among all individuals studied. However, a very common story we hear as clinicians includes the following statement: “my child’s development was normal until they received the MMR vaccine”. Often, symptoms are reported to have begun developing as early as 24 hours after receiving the vaccine and include the full myriad of “autistic” symptoms. Other vaccinations are also implicated.

Vaccinations do appear to be a trigger, at least based on clinical observation. But why? Some popular theories suggest that the multi-ingredient vaccinations overwhelm the developing immune system. The lack of ability to mount a response leads to virus’ being sequestered in body which in turn may decrease the body’s ability to interact with other organisms. Others theorize that it is the accumulation of heavy metals that causes the damage.

We also know that metabolic pathways become damaged as a result of bacterial and viral overloads, secretory IgA levels drop and subsequent vaccinations induce additional damage which can be supported by the increase in clinical symptoms and/or the regression of improvements that had been present.

This is not to say that abstaining from vaccination is the way to go. Vaccination has saved numerous lives and prevented serious illness. But, be smart about it, get educated, know your rights. Just because the doctor says you have to do something in a particular way does not mean you do. There are many legitimate, highly educated people who have issued guidelines to help you safely vaccinate your children.

Some key points of smart vaccination include waiting until the child is a little older, thereby allowing the immune system to develop more fully andto allow maternal antibodies to diminish. Provide immune support pre and post. Do single vaccinations at a time. Wait 1-3 months between vaccinations. Reduce overall number of vaccinations (33 are currently what children get before entering school!). Do not vaccinate if the child has been on antibiotic treatment with 6 months of vaccination date and not without probiotic treatment following antibiotic treatment. Be sure they are mercury and thimerisol free.

So, is the main trigger the vaccinations? Most official organizations deny that vaccinations are to blame, even partially. This will continue to be an area of fierce debate for many years to come.

What do we know?

While we may not know exactly what is going on with vaccinations, we do know many things about people who suffer from the symptoms of ASD. One of the most important things to emphasize here is that there is always an individualized story and not everyone suffers from the same imbalances. Having said that, the following dysfunctions are commonly found:

Impaired immune function
Impaired GI function
Impaired neurological and cognitive function
Impaired methylation function
Bacterial and viral overgrowth
Metabolic pathway dysfunction
Multiple food, substance and environmental sensitivities
Impaired detoxification pathways
Heavy metal toxicity
Nutrient imbalances
Systemic inflammation

Is Autism Treatable?

Absolutely!!! In every case, unless it is contraindicated, Dr. Camp approaches this imbalance with homeopathy. Please visit our page with more information about homeopathy.

We also investigate the individualized systems in each patient to guide the creation and implementation of an individualized plan with a goal of restoring and balancing those systems that are malfunctioning.

Blanket treatments may offer improvement of symptoms but unless they inadvertently address an existing imbalance the result may not be long-term or even bring about improvement. The following overview of treatments are not suggestions but examples of what might be used depending on the individual situation:

Dietary changes
Nutrients and supplements
Metabolic pathway support
Heavy metal detoxification
Immune support
Gastrointestinal support
Address inflammation
Address bacterial and viral loads

We offer a 15-minute complimentary consult which gives you a chance to describe your particular situation with Dr. Camp. Please contact the office today if you have any questions or would like to schedule this consult.