ADHD and AUTISM ON THE RISE
Recent years has seen an unprecedented rise in autism and attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Although researchers speculate on the reason for this rise, many factors likely contribute, including more accurate diagnosis. However, overwhelming evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE KEY
Our brain and nerves are composed mostly of fat. The most important of these are called omega-3 fatty acids and are found primarily in fish or fish oil supplements. Also called EPA and DHA, they are absolutely necessary for human health, and their concentration in the brain makes them key players in neurological disorders such as autism and ADHD. Brain and nerve growth throughout childhood is extraordinarily rapid, and the need for omega-3 fatty acids remains critical all the way through adolescence and into adulthood. Overwhelming evidence implicates deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids for the rise in autism and ADHD. Research shows that children with low scores on behavioral assessment tests consistently have lower omega-3 fatty acids levels, and when supplemented with fish oils, the symptoms of ADHD in these children such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inability to pay attention - dramatically improve.
WHY MEASURE THE OMEGA-6 TO OMEGA-3 RATIO?
We are familiar with the expression that a child’s brain is like a sponge, ready to absorb information at an astounding rate. A truly appropriate analogy, it stems from the fact that our brains can actually create nerve pathways in response to new experiences and learning environments. Called “neuronal plasticity,” this phenomena is crucial for long-term memory and learning. Proper levels of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is important for membrane fluidity. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, which differ in structure and function, to omega-3 fatty acids affect neuronal plasticity as well. Scientists now agree that the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats is as important as the actual levels, especially in autism and ADHD. A lower ratio is better and when this ratio is improved, symptoms of autism and ADHD can improve as well.
ZINC – THE MOOD MINERAL
Zinc deficiency is often implicated in ADHD because it is an important co-factor to several neurotransmitters, which directly affect mood and learning ability. Specifically, zinc affects the production of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in our brains that is needed for learning and certain emotions like motivation and pleasure. In fact, studies show that zinc levels correlate with anxiety and behavioral problems, as well as have a significant effect on information processing in boys with ADHD. Since zinc levels are much lower in autistic and ADHD individuals, children with ADHD show positive behavioral and cognitive results after zinc supplementation.In addition, zinc is essential for proper elimination of the toxic metal mercury from our brain tissue, which has also been linked to autism and ADHD.
VITAMINS AND AUTISM
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with autism and in some cases of severe deficiency, high-dose vitamin D therapy actually reversed some of the autistic behaviors. Some research even suggests that the nutritional status of the mother during gestation can affect behavior in children. One study confirmed that low folate status in pregnancy was associated with hyperactivity in children. Other studies show that persons who carried a common gene that predisposes them to folate and vitamin B12 deficiency (called the MTHFR gene) were more likely to suffer from ADHD. Supplementation with thiamine (vitamin B1) has shown clinical benefit to some autistic children. Specifically, a deficiency in vitamin B1 has been associated with delayed language development in childhood.When deficient, biotin (vitamin B7) can potentially cause neurological problems associated with autism since the brain is quite vulnerable to biotin deficiency.
MAGNESIUM AND VITAMIN B6 – A WINNING COMBINATION
Like most nutrients, magnesium and vitamin B6 work together in improving clinical symptoms of autism and ADHD.
When a group of autistic children were supplemented with magnesium and vitamin B6, 70% of the children showed improvement in social interaction and communication. Interestingly, when the supplements were stopped, the clinical symptoms reappeared. In another study, physical aggression and inattention improved after supplementation with magnesium and vitamin B6 for a few months.
THE ROLE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Neurotransmitters are tiny chemicals that transmit information from the outside world to various parts of our brains and from our brains to the rest of our bodies. Although neurotransmitters, such as choline, glutamine, asparagine and inositol may not be recognized as household names, they profoundly affect emotions, thinking and social behavior. For example, levels of glutamine and asparagine are lower in autistic children and some adults with ADHD.
AN AMINO ACID THAT IMPROVES CARNITINE – BEHAVIOR
Carnitine is an amino acid whose primary function is to transport fatty acids, including the ever-so-important omega-3 fatty acids into cells so they can be used for energy. In autistic individuals, carnitine levels are significantly reduced, which then affects the patient’s ability to use the fatty acids that are so critical to their learning and social development.
A recent study demonstrated that carnitine can reduce hyperactivity and improve social behavior in boys diagnosed with ADHD, and may actually represent a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs for the treatment of ADHD in children.
ADHD AND AUTISM – AN OXIDATIVE STRESS DISORDER?
Oxidative stress is a term used to describe damage to our cells that occurs on a daily basis throughout our bodies. Fortunately, our bodies have built-in defenses against the onslaught of internal and external toxins causing oxidative stress in our tissues. Interestingly, several studies show an increase in oxidative stress in both autism and ADHD, resulting in an impaired ability to eliminate toxins. Specifically, adults with ADHD have extremely low levels of some of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. One study linked damage in fatty tissue surrounding our cells to symptoms of autism and ADHD. Minerals such as selenium and copper, antioxidants such as cysteine and vitamin E and several other nutrients ensure the body’s powerful defense systems work optimally.
A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH
Since so many nutrients are needed to keep our amazingly complex brain and nervous system functioning properly, a comprehensive assessment of your nutritional status is key. In disorders like autism and ADHD, the potential improvement of symptoms when even a single deficiency is corrected can often be quite dramatic.
One great way to find out if you, or your child have nutritional deficiencies is with the SpectraCell Micronutrient Testing. This specialized blood test can help Dr. Johnson determine specific nutrients missing from you and/or your child's diet.
This blog post is courtesy of SpectraCell Laboratories and is used with permission.
Ever since the mid nineties when I received additional certification in pediatric chiropractic, I've continued to work on improving my treatment for children with neurobehavioral disorders. I've seen too many children with ADD, ADHD and Autism put on too many brain and body damaging drugs over the years and I just had to do something about it...at least in my geographic area.
I have been treating kids using typical chiropractic treatments with developmental and behavior concerns since the mid ‘1990s’ after I earned fellowship status from The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Some success was obvious (less fidgeting and better focus) but the improvements were not predictable. Many parents were desperately trying to help their child perform without putting them on medications. I offered the clinical skills I had at the time.
I have a "never stop learning and growing" attitude.
I knew there was more that could be accomplished for these kids. A new strategy was needed. Along came functional neurology based on the work of Dr. Ted Carrick and developed further by Dr. Robert Melillo. Both are pioneers in the field of chiropractic and functional neurology.
It wasn’t until I began using a functional neurology and functional metabolic approach in 2007 that I was able to bring about monumental changes in children with neurobehavioral disorders such as, ADD, ADHD and Autism, and confidently tell parents what was truly possible for their child.
By blending neurologic, structural and metabolic diagnosis and treatment the children under our care began progressing dramatically. Improved behavior in the classroom, better grades, laser-like focus, happier children and parents alike. Teachers began writing to parents about how their child was improving and to keep it up.
The premise of our program involves several underlying principles. Addressing neurologic developmental immaturity, timing and communication in the nervous system, behavioral development, cognitive development, hidden and overt allergies using Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques and addressing metabolic issues through functional analysis of laboratory work...allows us to see the whole child and treat them as an individual. You can learn more about these concepts by reading - Disconnected Kids and Reconnected Kids by Dr. Robert Melillo or by going to www.carrickinstitute.org for more information regarding functional neurology and www.NAET.com for more information regarding Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques.
In collaboration with Dr. Joseph Serpe, DC I revised and published a white paper entitled; "Successful Drug-Free Treatment for ADD, ADHD, PDD-NOS, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, OCD, Tourette Syndrome and other Neurobehavioral Disorders in Children" You can read it by clicking on the button at the bottom of this blog post.
In this whitepaper you will discover the successful non-drug treatment strategy that has the potential to give your child a better life! One filled with the ability to quietly focus, make and maintain enriching relationships, achieve grade appropriate reading levels and beyond, excel academically, gain inner peace and confidence, and develop emotionally and physically...in essence...become the child they were born to be.
This strategy, that I call Johnson Neuro-Metabolic Therapy, involves blending functional neurologic, structural, metabolic and allergy/stressor reduction care into an individual prescription for care so that we are able to obtain the best possible outcomes in the shortest time.
One particularly heart warming example of the power of this strategy caused all the staff and patients that were in earshot to burst into tears when a 14 year old Autistic boy named Joey said his first words ever...I LOVE YOU MOM!
