Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a generic term for multiple conditions, which are collaboratively called Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are three main sub-categories of autism: Autistic Disorder (classic autism), Asperger disorder, and Pervasive developmental disorder (National Institute of Health, 2010).
People living with the disorder have trouble with social interactions in common settings because they have difficulty expressing their feelings. Their verbal and nonverbal communication skills are severely limited if not absent. They often become repetitive and deeply rely on routine tasks (National Institute of Health, 2010).
Traditional Medicine
Usually, the symptoms of autism can be recognized by the age of 18 months and unfortunately, there is no discovered cure for the disease or even a medical management plan that is effective in controlling the symptoms within traditional medicine (National Institute of Health, 2010).
Some doctors will prescribe medications such as anti-anxiety, antipsychotics, and tricyclic prescriptions to name a few, but they have not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of autism (National Institute of Health, 2010). It is this absence of established forms of western medicine that makes it necessary for families to seek out complementary alternative therapies for those suffering from this disease (Arnold, Hyman, Kirby & Mooney, 2003.)
Complementary Alternative Therapies
Diet
One therapy used by people suffering from autism is through diet. Human beings require certain important nutrients for the suitable operation of the body functions. A balanced diet comprises greens, amino acids, and fruit. There has been a link between autism and food allergens. Gluten and casein are two such food allergens. It is, therefore, recommended that foods containing these ingredients be removed from the diet. Gluten can be found in wheat and barley products while casein can be found in milk. It is said that these ingredients bind to the receptors in the brain, negatively affecting body functions.
Exploration studies have been conducted to determine the value of gluten/casein-free diets and the effects it has on the symptoms of autism. The literature revealed that this therapy helped some but not all patients with autism. Medical assistance goes a long way in making life comfortable for patients as others may experience a worsening of symptoms before they can see the benefits and improvement in the disease process (Bellows & Potts, ND). Marcason (2009) suggests that the effectiveness of this diet be evaluated before recommending it to patients to ensure the benefits are worth the added cost of buying foods that are gluten and casein free.
Relaxation
Autism is a composite condition characterized by the individual’s lack of understanding of what society expects from them. This confusion results in anxiety, stress, and depression as they cannot maintain meaningful relationships with their peers. This emotional state does not allow them to think and behave logically, thus the need for relaxation therapy.
Relaxation has several benefits ranging from observable advantages like reducing anxiety and clearing the mind to ensure positive thoughts, to complex tasks like lowering the blood pressure and heart rate (Adams, Edelson, Grandin & Rimland, 2004). Relaxation therapy increases the ability to think, improves energy levels, and consequently fosters the individual’s creative nature. Composure in personality and improved health is the accompanying result.
Conclusion
The two therapies discussed have been valuable in the lives of several autistic patients. However, their combination with modern medicine will ensure a smoother healing process and has the potential to produce substantial benefits. Because autism is a complex disorder, the treatment involved cannot be guaranteed to all patients. There is a lot to be considered when treating these patients and continued research is critical to ascertain the etiology of this disease, as well as more successful and uniformed treatment of these patients.
References
Adams, J., Edelson, S., Grandin, T., & Rimland, B. (2004). Advice for parents of young autistic Children (2004): working paper. Autism today. Web.
Arnold, G., Hyman, S., Kirby, R. & Mooney, R. (2003). plasma amino acids profile in children With autism: potential risks of nutritional deficiencies. Springer link: journal of autism and development disorders. Web.
Baron, G. (2006). Stress and coping in autism. New York: Oxford University Press.
Bellows, B. & Potts, M. (ND). Autism and diet. Speaker’s corner. Web.
Calver, S., Connell-Jones, G., Ferriter, M. Millward, C. (2004). Gluten- and casein-free diets for Autistic spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 2. Art.
No.: CD003498. DOI: 10.1002/14651858 CD003498.pub2. Web.
Marcason, W. (2009) What is the current status of research the concerning use of a gluten-free, casein-free diet for children diagnosed with autism? Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 109(3), 572.