Autism Treatment – A Holistic Approach

Autism Treatment – A Holistic Approach

In terms of treatment, currently there is no treatment for the core symptoms of ASD. In children with ASD, early intervention with modalities like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is crucial for improving functioning and minimizing the core symptoms of ASD. Treatment with psychiatric medicines for associated symptoms (depression, psychosis, aggression, anxiety, etc) is the mainstay of intervention in ASD. However, recent reviews have shown that psychiatric drugs have poor efficacy in treating the associated symptoms and are risky to use due to their many side effects (neurological side effects, metabolic syndrome, DM type 2; being the most burdensome of them all).

As psychiatric diagnoses are atheoretical and symptomatic diagnoses, we do not have an understanding of treatment of the underlying causes.

Hence, I have turned to Ayurveda, Integrative psychiatry and functional medicine, in my practice to understand and provide treatment for such a complex condition as ASD. When we view ASD through the wholistic lens, we begin to see that the brain is not the only organ affected in ASD. One needs to watch just a few episodes of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ or ‘Young Sheldon’ to know of gut issues, etc. in this population. Or, you may also read all the articles mentioned in the reference section below ?.

What we know is that children and adults with ASD have a higher incidence of immune disorders (autoimmunity, hyperglobulinemia, increased tendency for allergies and easy immune activation), gut disorders (constipation, diarrhea, poor digestive function, microbiome disruption, picky eating, etc.), metabolic problems (impaired metabolism of folate, cobalamin, mitochondrial, neurotransmitter metabolism, etc.) and genetic polymorphisms that in turn create individual biochemical needs (e.g.: MTHFR gene polymorphism and other genetic polymorphisms – stay tuned for more info on this in a later article).

So, the Ayurvedic (or Functional Medicine) approach would be to map out all the physiological systems that are involved and put in place strategies to help these systems function optimally. This way, there is the hope to even treat the “core” symptoms of ASD. Ayurvedic approach also helps us understand individuals based on their innate bio-energy constitution and imbalances (Dosha theory – Vata/Pitta/Kapha – imbalances). Through diet and extensive herbal pharmacology, we can create healing from the level of these bio-energies or Doshas that in turn create healing in the physiological systems mentioned above. This is an inward – outward approach of healing and health.

For instance, let’s start with healing the gut (because Ayurveda and FM state that all disease begins in the gut through impaired digestion and poor diet, and so healing needs to start in the gut). We address and repair the “leaky gut” through diet and specific supplements. Enhance digestion through Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Support the Immune system and reduce inflammation, also through Ayurvedic herbs. It’s interesting to note that in Ayurveda the herbs and medicines are not seen as either increasing or decreasing any particular activity in the system. Rather, they are seen as enhancing ‘balance’ in the system – thereby allowing our body’s innate healing and homeostatic mechanisms to take over.

Does this work? So far, I have seen moderate success with my adult patients with autism, in terms of improved quality of life for patients and their care givers, reduced associated symptoms (aggression, depression, psychosis, insomnia, mood instability) and reduced reliance on psychiatric medicines (antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, etc.). In one patient, successful transition back to home from a supported housing situation and enhanced everyday functioning is also noted. In another patient, improvement in cognitive function was noted in the form of improved focus, concentration and reading abilities; despite coming off of the stimulants.

Just recently, I started to work with a young 4-year-old child with recent history of autism, but with Level 3 severity. I got this opportunity about 3.5 weeks ago now. I was very hopeful for this child as the duration of illness seemed to be about 2.5 years long. We started this child on the same broad principles of intervention. In 1 week, I received this excited email from his mom, who was pretty sad and hopeless just a week before:

“I am finding it extremely hard to get all the supplements in. I am working very hard to make sure he gets them but the amount is a lot!! I will have to say though.. they are working!!! He has eaten baked chicken and rice which he hasn’t eaten for over a year now. He has a lot more eye contact, listens to you when you talk or understands when you ask him to do something. The whole family couldn’t believe this change! We are very happy with this and we are all working hard to make this change lifelong. Thank you for your help!! I am so excited for this new beginning.”

Watch this client testimonial video, to learn how my integrative psychiatry approach has helped one of my clients, Katie, with her PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), which is part of the autism spectrum.

In conclusion, there is more to mental health (illness) than what we have been led to believe. Mental illness is not a result of the simplistic theory of chemical imbalances in the brain. We have to evaluate the brain in connection with all the other physiological systems in the body to be able to create the potential for healing and recovery.

As physicist, Fritjof Capra said, “The great shock of the 20th century science is that systems can’t be understood by analysis. The properties of the parts can only be understood by the whole.”

More patient videos and testimonials are available at www.trinergyhealth.com.

Thank you,

Aruna Tummala, MD, ABIHM