1. Naturopathic Interventions
in the Holistic Treatment
of Autism
Glenn B. Gero, N.D., D.Sc., M.Sc., M.H., M.E.S., C.L.C.
Holistic Naturopathic Center
Clifton, NJ
© 2010
1

2. Glenn B. Gero, P.D.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
DETECTIVE
2

3. What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathic medicine is a system that
focuses on promoting and maintaining
health and wellness by the use of natural
means, without the use of toxic therapies.
Naturopathic doctors are trained
specialists in non-invasive natural
medicine utilizing holistic nutrition,
botanical medicine, homeopathy, exercise
therapy, biofeedback and life coaching.
3

4. Check Engine Light
Should We Treat the Symptom or Find
the Cause?
4

5. Take Home Points
Autism is a multifactorial disease associated with a
number of genetic, pre-conceptual, nutritional,
neurotoxic, environmental, gastrointestinal,
infectious and autoimmune conditions, requiring
an individualized multi-faceted therapeutic
approach.
There are a number of safe and non-invasive
nutritionally-based treatments which may provide
significant benefits.
5

6. Multifactorial?
6

7. Autism Prevalence Rises to
1 in 110 Children
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recently released
a new study stating that autism now
affects 1 in every 110 American
children and 1 in 70 boys. Until
recently, the CDC had been saying
autism occurred in 1 in 150
children. This new research
confirms that autism is a real crisis
and that early intervention services
and state-of-the-art training and
supports are more important than
ever.
7
Source: CDC, January 19, 2010

8. c
8

9. Is There an Autism Epidemic?
A seven-fold increase in autism rates over the
last 15 years.
The University of California study suggested
that there must be something that fetuses and
children are exposed to at an early age that
triggers the onset of autism. Potential
environmental causes may include pesticides,
viruses, chemical and household cleaners.
9
Source: University of California Study March, 2010

10. Genetics
 The biochemical basis of the disorder is not
known. It is believed that a variety of
heritable and non-heritable factors affecting
the nervous system may be the cause
 Available evidence strongly suggests that
genetic factors may play a major role
Epidemiological Review, June 2002.
10

11. Genetics
Both identical and fraternal twin studies
suggest a concordance rate of 90% and
30%, respectively
A 75-fold increase in probability among
siblings
Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, April 2009.
11

12. Polymorphisms
 Polymorphism – a large-scale error in
transcription (copying) of the DNA
configuration leading to a genetic deviation
(mutation)
 A variant of a gene called MET doubles the
risk of autism causing nervous system,
digestive and immune system dysfunction
(Vanderbilt Kennedy Research Center)
12

13. Pre-conceptual Factors in
Transcription Errors
 Unhealthful consumptive habits of both parents (diet,
tobacco, alcohol, recreational or prescription drugs)
 Household contaminants
 Environmental toxins – pesticides, herbicides,
industrial/atmospheric pollutants
 Emotional or stress factors – household disharmony
13

14. 14

15. Affects of Faulty Sulfation
15

16. Phenol Sulfotransferase
Pathway (PST)
The PST sulfation pathway is necessary
for the breakdown and removal of certain
toxins in the body. This includes the
processing of a type of chemical called a
phenol.
Phenols are a regular and necessary part
of life.
16

17. Phenols & Salicylates
All foods contain some phenolic compounds.
Some foods have a much higher content than others.
If the sulfation pathway is not functioning well, as
with many children with autism, a person may not be
able to process out the phenolic compounds as fast as
they consume them. There is a cumulative effect.
When the phenols start backing up in the system, it can
cause a myriad of negative reactions.
17

18. Faulty Sulfation & Detoxification
The detoxification pathway processes other
phenolic compounds including salicylates (a
subset of phenols), artificial food colorings,
artificial flavorings, and some preservatives.
Besides requiring PST, research has found the
salicylates further suppress the activity of any
PST enzyme present, making matters worse.
Food dyes also have been shown to inhibit the
PST enzyme.
18

19. Phenols & Salicylates
High phenol foods include: food dyes,
tomatoes, apples, peanuts, bananas, oranges,
cocoa, red grapes, colored fruits and milk.
Other items to consider are perfumes and
fragrances, nitrites and nitrates, monosodium
glutamate (MSG), hydrolized vegetable
protein (may contain MSG), sulfites/sulfiting
agents, benzoates and corn syrup.
19

20. The Feingold Diet
The Feingold list of highly phenolic/high salicylate foods
includes: artificial colors and flavors (FD&C colors),
vanillin, BHA, BHT, TBHQ and some naturals
flavorings, aspirin and products containing aspirin or
salicylic acid, salicylates, almonds, apples, apricots,
berries (all), cherries, chili powder, cider & cider vinegar
(apples), cloves, coffee, cucumbers & pickles, currants,
grapes & raisins, nectarines, oranges, paprika, peaches,
peppers (bell & chili), plums, prunes, tangerines, tea,
tomatoes, wine & wine vinegar (grapes), oil of
wintergreen (methyl salicylate).
20

21. Food Allergies and Sensitivities
 Autistic children have significantly higher levels of food
intolerances (especially gluten and casein)
 IgE testing – Type one sensitivities
 IgG testing – Type two sensitivities
 Marked behavioral improvement after eight weeks on
elimination diet
Journal of The American Dietetic Assn. Feb. 2010
21

22. Faulty Sulfation & Food
Sensitivities
Reduced sulphation has been associated with
inflammation, gut dysfunction and increased
permeability.
Sulphates help to hydrolate* toxins out of your body.
If the body builds up with toxins, the gut can become
permeable to indigested peptides from gluten and
casein, which then travel to the brain looking like
pseudo neurotransmitters, but actually acting as
opiods.
*surround toxins with extra water molecules 22

23. Top Seven Food Allergies
in Children
Over 90 percent of food allergies (or sensitivities), especially in young
children, are caused by seven foods:
 Dairy products
 Egg
 Soy
 wheat
 Peanut
 Tree nut
 Shellfish
Blood tests and skin prick tests are useful if food allergies are suspected,
but these will unfortunately not provide information about food chemical
sensitivities or intolerances. The gold standard method of identifying food
chemical sensitivities is through specific IGG food sensitivity tests through
a laboratory specializing in food sensitivity testing.
23
Source: Daniel More, MD, board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist

24. Sub-clinical Celiac Disease
Wheat
Spelt
Kamut
Rye
Barley
In my practice, if I did nothing more than tell all of
my patients to avoid gluten containing foods, 2/3
would notice a significant improvement in their
health. With my patients diagnosed with
autoimmunity, IBS, chronic fatigue, ADD, ADHD
and autism, that percentage may escalate to nearly
90%. 24

25. Symptoms Associated with Food
Sensitivities
Fatigue Hyperactivity/ADHD
Depression Atopic Dermatitis
Constipation Bloating/gastritis
Diarrhea Bowel disorders
Hypoglycemia Gastric reflux
Migraines Inflammation/pain
Weight gain Muscle stiffness
Brain fog/ ADD Cognitive decline
25

26. Casein Intolerance
One of the primary proteins in milk and
milk products
An inefficiency of the DPP4 enzyme
results in only a partial breakdown of
casein
26

27. Dietary Factors in Autism Therapy
Factor % Improved % Deteriorated % No Effect
Gluten-Free 65 3 32
Casein-Free
Dairy-Free 50 2 48
Wheat-Free 49 2 49
Anti-Yeast 54 3 43
Additive- 54 2 44
Free
Sugar-Free 48 2 50
27
Information compiled by the Autism Research Institute, Spring 2006

28. Supplementation Therapy
Diet Alone Isn’t Enough
28

29. Why Diet Alone Isn’t Enough
Autistic children are believed to require higher
levels of nutrients
Higher nutrient levels are not available
through diet alone
American food supply is nutritionally depleted
& devitalized
Transport, GMO, hybridization, irradiation,
pest control, fertilization, processing, chemical
additives, preservation, economics
29

30. In terms of nutritional
abnormalities:
 Zinc deficiency exists in 90% of autistic children
 Copper excess exists in 90%
 Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are
common
 Omega-3 deficiency exists in nearly 100%
 Fiber deficiency exists in nearly 100%
 Antioxidant deficiency exists in nearly 100%
Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., dir. International Child Develop. Resource 30
Center, 2002

31. Common Nutrient Deficiencies and
Insufficiencies in Autistic Children
Calcium Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Magnesium Vitamin B-12
Selenium Vitamin B-6
Zinc Folic Acid
Iron Methionine
Cysteine Vitamin E
Sulfate Vitamin D
Taurine Vitamin A
31

32. Therapeutic Interventions
Rated by hierarchy
Therapy % Improved % Deteriorated % No Effect
Detoxification 75 3 22
Calcium 62 3 35
Dig. Enzymes 58 3 39
Vitamin C 56 2 42
Omega-3 54 2 44
Vitamin B-6 51 13 36
Zinc 48 3 49
Folic Acid 42 4 54
Prozac 37 33 30
Adderall 34 26 40
32
Source: Autism Research Institute, Spring 2006

33. Omega-3s and Autism
 Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), especially
DHA, almost universally recommended for
children with autism by integrative
practitioners
 Research indicates that children with autism
are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids
 Omega-3 fats nourish the nervous system and
brain and reduce inflammation throughout the
body
33

34. EPA/DHA and Autism
Studies have also found that fish oil can help with
behavior, reading and spelling in children with
developmental disorders. This current study was
designed to see if fish oil capsules (1.5 grams of
omega-3 fatty acids per day) could help children with
autism. The study had only 13 children who were
about 11 years old.
All children showed fewer signs of autism when
taking fish oil and the only side effects were some
mild stomach upset and diarrhea.
Biological Psychiatry, April 23, 2007 34

35. Vitamin D and Autism
“The dramatic increase in the prevalence
of autism over the last 20 years
corresponds to the deficiency of vitamin
D.”
Pregnant and nursing mothers as well as
infants need vitamin D, since it acts as a
neurohormone stimulating brain
development and may potentially reduce
the risk for autism.
Dr. John J. Cannell, executive director - Vitamin D Council and a forensic
35
psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in California

36. Benefits of Vitamin D
Regulates calcium & phosphorus
Modulates mood
Stimulates brain function
Regulates immune system
Provides chemoprotection
Promotes cellular differentiation
Provides anti-inflammatory effects
May offset dangers of mercury toxicity
Regulates blood pressure
Regulates blood sugar levels
36

37. Vitamin D & Dosage
Dose is commensurate with 25-hyroxyvitamin
D levels in blood
Safe levels for women during pregnancy is
1,000 to 2,000 i.u.
Initial one-time dose at birth has been as high
as 200,000 i.u.
37
Michael Holick, M.D., P.HD. Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at

38. Autism and Magnesium
Magnesium is needed for more than 300
biochemical reactions. It is essential for
proper brain and muscle function, as well as
normal growth and development.
The children with autism have been shown to
have significantly lower levels of magnesium
than children without autism.
Biological Trace Elements Research, December 2006
38

39. Magnesium or Ritalin?
“Magnesium and vitamin B-6 supplementation
has been shown to reduce central nervous
system hyper excitability in children*.”
Dosages of 200 to 300 mg of magnesium for
ASD or ADHD children have profoundly
demonstrated relief from anxiety,
nervousness, hyperactivity and learning
capacity.
39
*American College of Nutrition, August 2004

40. Folic Acid
 A mutation in the MTHFR gene may
contribute to neurological issues, Down’s
syndrome, memory issues, premature
aging and cardiovascular disease*.
 Folic acid must be converted to the active
form of methyl folate. A defect in the
MTHFR enzyme will inhibit this conversion
contributing to a deficiency in folic acid.
Amy Yasko, N.D., Garry Gordon, M.D. 40

41. Methylfolate
(5-methyltetrahydrofolate)
Low levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the active
form of folic acid, in the spinal fluid of children who
had normal neurodevelopment until age 4 to 6 months
was associated with subsequent neurological
regression.
The addition of methylfolate as a dietary supplement
corrected the symptoms. This observed favorable
response further supports its central role in at least
some developmental disorders.
41
Neuropediatrics, December 2002

42. Vitamin and Mineral Imbalances
 Most common vitamin deficiencies are folic acid,
vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12
 Most common mineral imbalances are magnesium
and a decreased zinc-to-copper ratio
 Vitamin and mineral imbalances are common and can
be corrected
 Encouraging scientific confirmations
42

43. Primary Nutritional Needs
DHA
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Probiotics
Zinc
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium
B Vitamins
43

44. Secondary Nutritional Needs
Digestive Enzymes Melatonin
Taurine Methyl B-12
Vitamin D Methyl folate
Selenium Iron
Chromium Milk thistle
Coenzyme Q10 Anti-oxidants
TMG N-acetyl cysteine
Taurine Colostrum
44

45. Tertiary Nutritional Needs
Partial List
Acetyl L-carnitine DMAE
5-HTP L-carnosine
Quercitin DMSA
Caprylic Acid L-glutamine
Garlic Molybdenum
Phosphatidylcholine Methionine
SAMe L-theanine
Activated charcoal Inositol
45

46. Comprehensive Protocols versus
“Single Bullet Cures”
Patient care in a holistically-oriented practice should
have a multi-factorial emphasis
Use a variety of functional assessments to determine the
real etiological factors contributing to the patient’s
imbalance
Select products and therapies that are therapeutically
inclusive
“Human health is more of an ecological function than a
single-bullet function” 46

47. Beware of Clinical Myopia
47

48. Biochemical Individuality
There is no such thing as the average person—we are
all genetically and biochemically unique (Roger
Williams, 1956)
For optimal function, we each have unique nutritional
needs and specific environmental requirements
(IBID)
Utilizing universal protocols may be inappropriate
unless we access an individual’s specific weaknesses
and requirements
48

49. Always look for the connections and
the underlying causes
Fill the Bucket
and
Stop the Leak
49

50. Digestive Insufficiency
 Studies confirm high propensity of GI
symptoms
 Dysbiosis – abnormal gut flora
 Pathological bacterial, fungal overgrowth
 Parasitic Infections
 Chronic gastritis
 Reflux esophagitis
 Chronic colitis or constipation
 Intestinal permeability (leaky gut
syndrome)
 Frequent antibiotic use
50

51. Neurotoxic Factors
Heavy metal toxicity – mercury, lead, cadmium
Pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, chemical toxins,
petrochemicals, food additives, exhausts
A July 2005 study found over 200 toxic chemicals
in umbilical cord blood
Vaccinations
51

52. Infectious Disease and Autism
The proven and suspected role of microbes
does not stop with physical ailments;
infections are increasingly being examined
as associated causes of, or possible
contributors to, a variety of serious, chronic
neuropsychiatric disorders and to
developmental problems, especially in
children
Institute of Medicine, June 15, 2004
52

53. Microbes
Chronic bacterial infections
Chronic viral infections
Toxic metals and microbes
Aluminum binds staphylococcus
aureus
Lyme Disease – Autism Connection
53

54. The Viral Infection Link
 Viral infections lead to the increased absorption
or retention of metals in the body
 Herpes has been implicated in seizure activity
 Retroviruses may be involved in triggering
asthma and there is an association between autism
and the presence of family members with asthma
54

55. What’s in Our Vaccines?
Ingredients found in some vaccines
Aluminum Polysorbate 20 & 80
Ethyl Mercury Sucrose
Formaldehyde Chicken Serum
MSG Cow Serum
Phenoxyethanol Sheep Cells
Antibiotics Mouse Protein
Source: National Vaccine Information Center 55

56. The DPT Vaccine
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus
 The DPT vaccine is made with toxoid, which is toxin
that has been inactivated
 Tetanus toxin has been shown to disrupt the
production of various neurotransmitters, possibly
contributing to an excitatory reaction
56

57. Autoimmunity and Autism
 Data supports the notion of local autoimmunity in the
gut leading to altered cognitive functioning by a
failure to detoxify neuroactive substances.
 There is also an increased prevalence of autoimmune
disorders in families of autistic children.
Molecular Psychiatry, vol. 7, 2002
57

58. Functional Assessments
 Blood Chemistry Analysis  Salivary Hormone Testing
 Quantitative Fluid  Blood Microscopy
Analysis  Tongue, Face, Nail, Pulse
 Hair Mineral Analysis Analysis
 Urine Provocation  Blood Pressure Testing
 Symptom Analysis  Bioimpedence
 Lifestyle Analysis
 Fitness Assessment
 Dietary Analysis
 Body Measurements
 Muscle Response Testing
 Structural/Postural
 Adrenal Response Testing
Assessment
 Food Sensitivity Testing
 Pulmonary Function Test
 Neurotransmitter Testing
 Heart Rate Variability  Iridology/Sclerology
 Amino Acid Profile  Genetic Testing
58

59. Then Connect the Dots
Look for
Continuity
and Patterns
of Imbalance
59

60. Protocols should be
both
Individualized
&
Condition Specific
60

61. Conventional vs. Nutritional
Approaches
 Drug therapies have been shown to be mostly
ineffective for use in the treatment of ASD
 Dietary therapies, while being controversial,
do not cause the often unpleasant and
sometimes very dangerous side effects
associated with drugs
61

62. Symptoms That May Improve
Through Diet Modification
 Inability to concentrate
 Eye contact difficulty
 Aggression and hyperactivity
 Digestive complaints
 Poor language skills
 Sleep difficulties
 Difficulties in ADLs
 Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, rosacea
 Aberrant behavior
62

63. Nutritional Screening
Simple hair, blood, urine, stool assessments
can determine levels of:
 Vitamins – A, folic acid, B-12
 Mineral levels – calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron
 Toxic metals – lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, etc.
 Other nutrients – EFAs, amino acids, protein, enzymes
63

64. Immune Dysregulation
Simple hair, blood, urine, stool assessments
can also determine levels of:
High yeast
Bacterial metabolites
High viral titers
Autoantibodies
NK cell activity
Immunoglobulins
64

65. Where to Begin?
4-Rs
Realize
Remove
Replenish
Repair
65

66. Realize
Request a Broad Range Functional Assessment
 CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, Thyroid, Vitamin D
 Premier Autism panel
 Urine, Hair, Fecal metal panel
 Plasma amino acids
 Plasma fatty acids
 Genetic testing
 Urine metabolic analysis/organic acids
 Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
 IgG/IgE food antibody testing
66

67. Remove
 Eliminate sugars, junk foods, preservatives,
artificial sweeteners, artificial colors,
preservatives, refined flours, sugared soft
drinks and food sensitivities
 Eliminate toxins in water supply, foods, home
(mold, dust mites, asbestos, lead paint, carpets,
etc.)
 Air purification system 67

68. Replenish
 Organic Whole Foods
 Beneficial Flora (Probiotics, Fermented
Foods)
 Enzymes
 Nutrients – vitamins/minerals
 Essential Fatty Acids
 Botanicals
 Fiber
68

69. Repair
Antimicrobials
Antifungals
Antivirals
Antibacterials
Immunotherapy
Detoxification
Functional Restoration (physical, neurological,
psychological and nutritional)
69

70. Summary
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex mutifaceted,
multifactorial disease
Each individual case must be assessed on the specific
imbalances and deficiencies
Functional testing should be comprehensive and
relevant
Single-bullet “cures” are not generally successful
ASD requires a holistic broad-spectrum approach
70

71. Summary
Dietary choices may be a critical component toward
improvement
Food allergens/sensitivities should be determined and
eliminated
Supplements should be chosen on the basis of need and
taken in the appropriate dosage and form in each case
Integrating consistent, conventional and holistic
approaches will yield the best possible opportunities for
improvement
71

72. Summary
A diagnosis of autism is a call to arms for
an entire family
The most effective treatment is creating a
consciousness of emotional, physical and
nutritional wellness for the entire family
72

73. Thank You
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