Doctor explores question of ‘autism epidemic’

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By Dr. Gary Erkfritz Special to the Acorn 7 e4 G' j6 l& F: T  n1 W9 |
Before 1986, autism was diagnosed for 1 in 10,000 children. Today, depending on which statistics are used, it is 1 in 91 to 1 in 110 children nationwide and 1 in 67 in California. The numbers continue to rise on a worldwide basis. ( Z# I* }/ t2 ?6 C' d7 T8 X

, B8 _& L3 u. F& ZWhat could possibly cause this incredible rise of autism spectrum disorders? The answer is genetic, epigenetic and environmental forces. Unfortunately, there is not one “smoking gun” when it comes to autism.
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Genetics
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# }, T; ~. B6 J9 gA number of probable genetic variations have been discovered, especially chromosomes 5 and 16. However, if autism were purely a genetic disorder, we would not continue to see an escalation in this problem. 7 A& ~8 v" ]- p$ D5 G

6 a  {6 v8 z, f* MDiagnostic criteria
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% C! c4 c. P% _, h/ JA recent UC Davis study indicates about 40 percent is due to diagnostic criteria change. The remaining 60 percent increase continues.
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, S0 s# o) V' S/ X: h9 wEpigenetics
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: x+ h3 e$ y, {$ b  P! w+ I, pEpigenetics refers to external environmental factors that alter the expression of the genes. The purpose of epigenetics is to alter genetic expression to maximize survival outside the womb.
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There are a number of epigenetic factors known to influence the development of autism, such as increased parental age in both mother and father, stress, postnatal influences, digestive difficulties and food sensitivities, and detoxification issues
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The end result of these genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors is called a functional disconnection syndrome.
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* w; f+ {# @8 e' `This syndrome is de-synchronization and ineffective communication between the hemispheres of the brain, where one hemisphere overworks and dominates function while the other hemisphere remains immature and underfunctioning. While both hemispheres can underfunction in some areas, in autism the right hemisphere is underfunctioning even more so.
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What is the best approach in treating a child with autism? First, early diagnosis is critical. Some signs will appear as early as 6 months old.
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The following symptoms can indicate the need to consider further investigation: Does not babble, point or make meaningful gestures by 1 year old. Does not speak one word by 16 months. Does not combine two words by 2 years. Does not respond to name. Loses language or social skills. Makes poor eye contact. Doesn’t seem to know how to play with toys. Excessively lines up toys or other objects. Is attached to one particular toy or object. Doesn’t smile. At times seems to be hearing impaired.
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It is critical to consult with a doctor who specializes in evaluating and working with autistic children—those trained in the Defeat Autism Now protocol are among them. 1 z, g& A* v. T+ |. R. S+ ~
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Often brain inflammation is present, which is the foremost problem. By using nutritional and other protocols the inflammation can come under control. 0 a' r: Q! I$ v; `4 `1 K( f

$ j  Q$ e. q: i% UOnce the inflammation is under control, it’s important to stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, especially in the underfunctioning hemisphere, using a multimodal approach that is found at Brain Balance Centers across the U.S.
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" N2 P1 H9 f; y& s7 C( s* yThe company works with children who suffer from developmental disorders such as the autism spectrum, Asperger’s, ADD/ ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s and other neurological disorders. The California headquarters are in Westlake Village.
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1 ]# t7 b# Z$ H* jNeurophysiologist Michael Merzenich offers a formula for regaining normal circuitry through the process of neuroplasticity.
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“Research has shown that engaging the brain’s plasticity to drive beneficial changes requires exact stimuli delivered in the appropriate sequence with precise timing,” Merzenich said. “The training must be intensive, repetitive and progressively challenging. Individuals must be strongly engaged in the training, paying close attention.”
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Brain Balance officials say that as this type of reorganization progresses, many of the symptoms of autism diminish and more typical function is restored.