Autism is a developmental disorder usually diagnosed in early childhood that can manifest in a diverse set of symptoms that range from social and language communication problems, including chronic isolation and lack of verbal response, to mood and behavior disorders that result in aggression, irritability and self-injury.

Autism is more prevalent than previously thought. A recent editorial in the Journal of Pediatrics reported that the condition "appears to be undergoing an almost epidemic increase." Formerly conceived as a "rare condition" that affected only 4 out of every 10,000 children, in recent times the rate has been estimated at nearly 100-fold greater, approaching 1 in100 children or even higher.¹

Although the precise cause of autism not known, many theories now link the condition to early neurocognitive damage in the brain. Immune dysfunction, toxic exposure, gastrointestinal abnormalities, dietary habits and other factors could interact with various environmental and genetic influences to play a role in autism pathogenesis. Yet because there are many types of autism, ranging widely in their characteristic patterns, each specific case may have a unique set of biochemical factors contributing to the onset and severity of symptoms.

The following functional assessments can provide important clues for developing effective customized treatment strategies for each individual.

Autism and Element Imbalances: Exposure to heavy metal toxins, especially when combined with nutrient mineral deficiencies, pose a threat to the healthy neurological development of children.

Autism and Amino Acids: These basic building blocks of proteins form neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and behavior.

Autism and Digestive Function: Autistic children often exhibit chronic digestive problems that are linked to changes in mood and behavior.

Autism and Intestinal Permeability: Many autistic children have "leaky gut," a condition which may increase their body's toxic burden and make them more prone to antibody responses to various environmental antigens.

Autism and Detoxification: An inability to properly detoxify harmful environmental substances could play an important role in autism.

Autism and Food Sensitivities: Many caregivers of autistic children report a worsening in symptoms after the children eat certain foods.

Autism and Melatonin: Autistic individuals with chronic sleep problems may have a circadian hormone imbalance.

References:
1 Accardo P. Zebras in the living room: The changing faces of autism [Editorial]. J Pediatr 1999;135(5):533-535.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

Click on area of interest on the right for more information. Call our office for details. 800-956-7083 OR 818-707-3126.

If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and go you may have hidden allergies. Find out today call for a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli, PhD in Nutrition for over 25 years. Your happiness is a reflection of your health call today (800) 956-7083.

We also offer Functional Laboratory tests that can be done through the mail in the privacy of your home to help determine why you are having these symptoms. For more information on these click on lab tests.