what about detoxing? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

gram c · 01-18-2007, 09:20 AM

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this site but, not to autism. My grandson is nearly 5 and I care for him on a daily basis. He was diagnosed with autism at eighteen months and is as yet non verbal except for constant sounds of every sort.
I've read about detoxing but wonder if any of you have had any success with it. He's in a wonderful aba class and has very dedicated teachers but they don't know much about physical things.
I'ver never tried one of these boards before and I found your postings so interesting that I decided to try it.

elmhar · 01-18-2007, 11:18 AM

Hi Gram C,

Detoxing is one part of the biomedical approach to treating autism. There are various methods that can be used for detoxification, however, it is recommended to find knowledgeable medical assistance to supervise detoxification. Psychiatrists, general pediatricians & GPs are usually not familiar with this approach, and may deride it as unscientific. There is a lot of science behind biomedical, but it does not have big pharma millions & big pharma continuing ed credits as incentives for physicians to learn.

The specialists who are up on research & treatment, biomedically, are the DAN! doctors. DAN! starts for Defeat Autism Now! To find a DAN! doctor, contact autism support groups in your community, or contact the Autism Research Institute (a public library reference/information librarian can help if you strike out).

The biomedical approach to treating autism is highly individualized & fairly technical. It's not usually just a matter of giving a pill twice a day for 2 weeks. Most biomedical docs feel that the gut-brain connection is at the heart of treating autism, and that the first issues that must be tested & usually treated, are gut issues. Once gut issues (dietary needs & dysbioses) are addressed, then detoxification, if needed, has a greater chance of success.

The best resource I can recommend for you to read about detoxing, etc., is the book, Autism: Effective Biomedical Treatments: Have we done everything we can for this child? by Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. and Sidney Baker, M.D.

Your grandson is blessed to have you as a grand. Best wishes on your journey.

BetsyAnn · 01-18-2007, 08:55 PM

Hi Gram C. Welcome to the boards. You will find alot of support and information here. I first want to say I agree with everything Elmhar wrote.

We have been doing chelation with our son and have seen alot of progress. It has really helped his speech and socialization. But as Elmhar discussed we did follow the DAN protocal for gut healing first. In fact our doctor will not prescribe the chelating agent for patients who have not followed the DAN protocal first.

The biomedical approach is very controversial and it does not work for everyone. However, it has made a tremendous difference for our son. He stopped stimming, head banging, drooling, and obsessing about The Wiggles within a few days of being casein free. He also began sleeping soundly for the first time in his life. With some of the other biomedical interventions we have seen significant increases in congnition, speech, and socialization.

The biomedical interventions that have made the biggest difference for my son are (in order of impact):
1. removal of casein
2. low dose naltexone
3. omega 3 fish oil
4. chelation

We have been doing the biomedical interventions for almost 3 years now. My son is 5 1/2. If you have any questions about any of the interventions I will be happy to share our experience.

gram c · 01-19-2007, 04:31 PM

Thank you so much for the answers to my questions. We've tried the special diets. I made the special 24 hour yogurt that is needed to bake breads etc. and after much effort with cookies, bread, and many other things, Jacob wouldn't eat any of it. After he became almost pale, we let him eat regular food. He loves veggies and eats a great deal of them. Any idea how to introduce the other foods?
I just want to say how surprised and thankful I am that you took the time to answer me. It's a tough world out there for our kids.

BetsyAnn · 01-19-2007, 10:12 PM

My son did not like any of the "substitute" baked goods we tried so I quit seaching for "acceptable alternatives". Since he is on "the diet" he just does not have bread, cake, or cookies. The diet became much easier for me to manage once I decided to leave those items out. I no longer go to the health food store. I only buy "regular food" (with the exception of rice milk, corn spaggetti, and rice cream). He eats alot of fruits, vegtables, beans, meats, eggs, potatoes, rice, and nuts. His junk food selections include Cocoa Pebbles, potatoe chips, and corn chips. Dinty Moore Beef Stew has been a life safer for me. It is GF-CF-SF and my son loves it. I keep a can in my purse for emergencies.

Ketchup was a big help when we first started the diet. He would dip his eggs, meat, or vegatables in it.

What are the staple foods that your grandson currently eats?