ASD is best managed via a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach. The most efficient and effective approach is to assemble a team that works together in the best interest of the person and family of ASD. Not all of these need be done at once, but may be implemented on an as needed basis. These include a pediatrician with special training and expertise in ASD, an occupational therapist, behavioral therapist, speech therapist, physical therapists and a naturopathic physician.
ASD is one area where integrative medicine, particularly naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicines shine. The lenses with which these two systems of medicine view health and well-being enable all of the aforementioned co-morbidities to be address effectively. The types of testing that would be conducted by these types of physicians can be simple or complex, depending on the needs of the individual.
Naturopathic treatment options include diet modifications and removing any potential allergies and sensitivities. Lifestyle modifications as suggested by some of the aforementioned therapists. Nutritional and immune support is a must and the tools at our disposal are almost infinite. Homeopathy is an efficacious, non-invasive, non-contraindicated, non-medication interacting system of medicine that takes the person’s mental, physical and emotional pieces of the puzzles to match to a particular homeopathic remedy to treat all of the symptoms and issues at once.
Other naturopathic treatments would include treating the gastrointestinal dysbiosis and restoring the gastrointestinal tract to optimal digestion and health. Improving the person’s ability to detoxify as well as removing any potential heavy metals, as these are known neuroendocrine disruptors, can significantly improve health and behavioral outcomes. Physical medicine modalities may be employed such as hydrotherapy, soft tissue manipulation (massage), craniosacral therapy, spinal manipulation and/or acupuncture.
Biotherapeutic drainage can also be employed and is practiced extensively at our clinic. This is a process of detoxifying the body by opening the emunctories (organs of elimination; ex-liver, kidney, lung) and then excreting the toxic accumulations. Unlike “detoxing or metabolic cleansing,” biotherapeutic drainage works extracellularly and intracellularly, restoring optimal cellular function. They actually work not only by removing toxins from outside and inside of cells, but restore enzymatic and biochemical pathways to their optimal functioning. Essentially, it is a method of medicine that cleanses, purifies, corrects function and optimizes all cells, tissues and organs in the body, including the brain and central nervous system. We have been utilizing this system of medicine for about 5 years now to treat conditions of all types and have seen tremendous results.
Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to India that was established over 5,000 years ago and is still used today in all parts of the world. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda is comprised of āyus, meaning ‘life’ and veda,meaning ‘science.’ As the name suggests, Ayurvedais the science of life, encompassing all aspects of our being to address underlying disease to help relieve symptoms, prevent or eradicate disease and achieve optimal health in our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual planes. Ayurveda is a multi-faceted treatment approach that involves changes in nutrition and lifestyle.
In combination with a naturopathic approach to detoxification, Ayurveda has a 5,000 year-old treatment that is extremely effective, called PanchaKarma (PK). Thisis cleansing andrejuvenation program. It involvesfive major cleansing treatments and is divided into three phases:
- Poorva Karma -Preparation for Pancha Karma
- Pancha Karma –Main detox
- Pashchatya Karma -Post Pancha Karma
The purpose of this process is to stimulate the layers of toxins from the body and bring them to the places where they can be excreted. After PK treatments one will likely experience significant health improvements in a relatively short time.
Yoga as a form of exercise can be used in children with ASD by addressing their physical and sensory issues. The practice of yoga improves muscle strength, tone and helps children to become aware of their placement of arms, legs and feet in comparison to the rest of their body. The additional physicalstrength also helps to improve coordination. Many children with ASD may have sensitivities to lights, noise, smells, texture and taste causing them to become agitated. Yoga can help to decrease the amount of sensory stimulation they are experiencing by decreasing their anxiety, releasing energy and calming down their burdened system.
Breathing Exercise can also be very helpful. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma)is easy to use and employ at any time. This exercise affects your autonomic nervous system (the one we have no conscious control over). The mind is being used directly to regulate the breath, allowing the body to learn to self-regulate. Being centered has to do with balancing the energy on the left and right sides of the body, an important part of self-healing.
Below is how to practice:
- Use your right hand to close your right nostril with your thumb
- Inhale through the left nostril
- Hold the breath, closing both nostrils
- Exhale through the right nostril, while keeping the left nostril closed
- Inhale through the right nostril, while keeping the left nostril closed
- Hold the breath, closing both nostrils
- Repeat this exercise for up to 10 minutes, twice daily
Examples of traditional Ayurvedic herbs that have proven useful in ASD (along with many other conditions) areBacopa monniera, also known as Bacopa or “Brahmi,” has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. It has been traditionally used as a brain tonic to help enhance memory development, learning and concentration.A double-blind placebo-controlled investigation was carried out to study the effects of Bacopa extract after a 90-day trial.The results of this study showed that Bacopa significantly improved performance of the working memory, more specifically the spatial working memory. Our working memory is the ability to actively hold information in the mind to perform complex tasks such as reasoning, comprehension, and learning. Other potential useful herbs are calamus, gotu kola, rosemary and ginkgo.
All of the above may seem overwhelming and daunting. Autism spectrum disorder is a very complex and challenging condition that should not be underestimated. An example of the power that the above diagnostic and treatment strategies can yield comes from when Dr. Born was a medical student and precepting with a naturopath in Seattle, WA. Mom would always bring her two daughters in to see him, one of which was autistic. They were ages 5 and 8. What always stood out to Dr. Born was how the 5 year old looked and acted much more like the 8 year old, even physically she was taller. The 8 year old was essentially non-verbal and barely communicative. She would mostly just play with the same toy and push the car around the track. No eye contact, no engagement. She definitely did not like to be touched. The look in the mother’s eyes was devastating. After about 8 months of biotherapeutic drainage, treating the dysbiosis, healing the gastrointestinal inflammation and a well-chosen homeopathic remedy, the girl “woke up.” She was more engaged, made eye contact, didn’t mind being held by mom and was speaking in mostly full sentences. Dr. Born moved on from that preceptorship and from Seattle, but last time he spoke with that physician he said she is still making steady progress towards a more “normal” life. He has taken that experience, along with others, and implemented them into his practice and has seen tremendous results.
Dr. Born and Dr. Jones-Born are licensed naturopathic physicians in Alameda, CA, and are active members of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. They are owners of Born Naturopathic Associates,LLC, where they see patients of all ages and genders. More at www.bornnaturopathic.com
