How Autism and ADD/ADHD have become more widespread, and what nutritional supplements can do to curb symptoms
A study from Cambridge University's famous Autism Research Centre shows that as many as one in 58 British children may have some form of the condition, a lifelong disorder that leads to many sufferers feeling isolated from the rest of society because they have trouble making social contacts and have certain habits and routines that can become obsessional. Previous figures put the number of children affected at only one in 100. Has autism become easier to spot with advanced methods, or is it really on the increase? Can taking vitamins and nutritional supplements do anything to help?
Early diagnosis helps
Another disorder becoming increasingly prevalent is Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) which is defined as age-inappropriate impulsiveness, lack of concentration, and sometimes excessive physical activity. ADHD has been associated with learning difficulties and lack of social skills and like autism, has only started to become regularly diagnosed in recent years. Doctors say that ADHD often goes undiagnosed if not caught at an early age and that there are currently many adults afflicted with the disorder while unaware.
The early diagnosis of autism has also been given a boost in the past few weeks. A study by the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland found that autism can be diagnosed at close to one year of age, which is the earliest the disorder has ever been diagnosed. Parents can watch out for some of the signs used in this study. Autistic children tend not to ask for help by interacting with others. For instance, rather than requesting help to open a jar of bubbles through gestures and vocalizations paired with eye contact, a child with ASD may struggle to open it themselves without looking at the nearby person. The diagnositc tools used in this early age study really help, as early developmental assistance will help make the most of a autistic child's potential.
New diseases -- fresh approaches
Nutritional supplements and vitamins may seem an unlikely reaction to these two disorders, but considering their status as newly discovered diseases in a world in which our nutritional behaviour and life stresses have made us increasingly imbalanced, taking vitamins could be a good antidote to mild displays of behavioural problems. Nutritional supplements are controversial in the case of autism. Many parents of autistic kids have been accusing medical practitioners of underplaying the dangers of the MMR vaccine, suspiciously taken at the time autism first appears at 12-14 months. Although there is still no proof of any link between the vaccine and autism, it is very risky to downgrade vaccines for extremely virulent diseases, and relying only on natural remedies. However, taken as supplements, vitamins can make a different to child behavioural problems.
Vitamins for ADHD
First, work with a dietician to eliminate food additives that make children agitated. Then, consider taking nutritional supplements especially designed for ADHD children. Often these supplements contain magnesium, zinc, evening primrose oil, iron and vitamin B6 among other ingredients. ADHD children need help get their bodies back in balance in order to calm down and face modern day stresses.
Vitamins for Autism
As with all approaches to treating autism it is important to remember that some will work with varying degrees of success in one person, while not have any effect at all for another. Experimenting with vitamins and supplements is unlikely to result in any serious side-effects, consultation with your doctor on any change of diet is advisable. Certain vitamins have received more interest than others. It appears that Vitamin B6 and magnesium are helpful in about 50% of cases. Vitamin C can help against depression and confusion, both of which are symptoms common in autistic people. Vitamin A may help people with autism, especially those with visual, language processing, and attention problems.
Prescriptions by Dr. Balch
