Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex condition of problematic communication and behavior. It can comprise a wide range of symptoms and skills. ASD can be a minor issue or a major disability that needs 24/7 care in a special environment.
People who have autism have trouble communicating. They find it problematic to understand what other people think and feel, making expression difficult for them through words, facial expressions, gestures, and touch. Moreover, in autism, people might have problems with learning and adapting. Their skills might develop unbalanced. For example, they could be bad at communicating but surprisingly good at music, art, math, and memory. Due to this, they might perform exceptionally well in assessing analysis or problem-solving.
Lately, more children are being diagnosed with autism than ever. But these numbers could be high because of the change in how the condition is diagnosed, not because more children have it now.
What Are the Symptoms of Autism?
Signs of low-dose naltrexone autism usually occur before a child turns three. In some cases, people show symptoms from when they are born. The common symptoms of autism include:
Lacking eye contact
Fewer interests or intense interest in particular topics
Repeatedly doing some things, like repeating words or phrases, flipping a lever, or rocking back and forth
Increased sensitivity to senses like touches, smells, sights, or sounds that seem normal to other people
Lacking interest in what the other person is showing or saying
Trouble adapting to changes in routine
Lacking interest in being loved or cuddled
Lacking comprehension
Unable to use speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice to communicate
Talking weirdly, for example, in a flat, rhythmic, or robotic voice
Having seizures once adolescence starts, but in very rare cases
What Are the Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
The types of autism spectrum disorder were once thought to be separate conditions. But lately, they have been categorized under the wide range of autism spectrum disorders, including:
Asperger's syndrome
In Asperger's syndrome, children do not have a problem with language; they tend to be average or above-average scores on intelligence tests. But they face social problems and have a narrow scope of interests.
Autistic disorder
Mostly, people think of this type when they hear the word "autism." This type of low-dose naltrexone use refers to the social interactions, communication, and play problems in children younger than three years.
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Children with childhood disintegrative disorder have normal development until at least two years. After this, they lose most of their communication and social skills.
Pervasive developmental disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism) refers to the condition in which our child shows some autistic behavior, like delays in communications and social skills, but does not show any other problems.
What Are the Causes of Autism?
Exactly what causes naltrexone autism isn't clear yet. It could arise from problems in parts of your brain that interpret the sensory input signals and process language.
Autism can affect anyone despite race, ethnicity, or social background. Factors like financial status, lifestyle, or educational level don't increase a child's risk of being diagnosed with autism. Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls. However, there are some risk factors, including:
Family history
If there is a history of autism low functioning in the family, then certain combinations of genes may increase a child's risk of getting autism.
Old aged parents
If an older parent gives birth to a child, they have a higher risk of autism.
Exposure of pregnant women to substances
Pregnant women exposed to certain substances like drugs, alcohol, or anti-seizure medications, are more likely to have autistic children.
Maternal metabolic conditions
Metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity on the maternal side of a child increase their risk of having autism.
Other risk factors
Research has linked autism to untreated rubella, German measles, and phenylketonuria, also called PKU, a disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme.
No evidence shows that vaccinations cause autism.
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
A definite diagnosis of autism may be very hard to get. The doctor focuses on the development and behavior of the patient. In children, an autism diagnosis usually occurs in two following steps:
A developmental screening to determine whether the child is growing normally with essential skills like speaking, moving, learning, and behavior. Experts say that children be screened in their regular checkups at 9, 18, 24, or 30 months for this developmental delay.
If a child shows signs of a problem during these screenings, they'll need a thorough examination. This may include vision, hearing, or genetic tests. The doctor might involve a specialist like a developmental pediatrician or a child psychologist. Some psychologists may refer to the Autism causes Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) test.
If one is not diagnosed with autism test as a child but notices symptoms of autism, one must talk to a doctor urgently.
How Is Autism Treated?
autism symptoms do not have any cure. However, early treatment can make a big difference, which requires an early diagnosis obviously. If you think you notice symptoms of ASD in your child, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Types of Autism Treatments
Treatment of the autism spectrum can vary from one person to another, as what works for one person might not work for another. Usually, the treatment is tailored according to one's condition and symptoms. Following are the two main types of treatments:
Therapy
Communication Therapy
Speech therapy or communication therapy improves communication skills.
Behavioral Therapy
It can help promote positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.
Occupational therapy
It can help with life skills like dressing, eating, and relating to people.
Sensory Integration therapy
It might help someone who has problems with being touched or with sights or sounds.
Complementary Therapy
Complementary therapies include music, art, or animal therapy, like horseback riding and swimming with dolphins. It helps boost learning and communication skills in people with autism.
Medications
When only therapy doesn't work for treating autism, doctors prescribe medications combined with therapy to help relieve symptoms of ASD, such as attention problems, hyperactivity, or anxiety. Gastrointestinal health, food allergies, nutritional health, vitamin levels, immune health, and metabolic profiles are often analyzed by pediatricians specializing in ASD. Since these factors are often attributed to ASD patients, the baseline goals are to improve gut health and decrease inflammation, reducing overall energy-depleting reactions.
Many ASD like Ritalin, Zoloft, and Abilify are prescribed conventional medications that lower anxiety, improve attention and mood, and treat seizure episodes. However, some parents may find it daunting due to numerous side effects and potential long-term outcomes. This is why choosing a pediatrician with experience, knowledge, and open-mindedness in treating ASD is crucial in finding the appropriate and effective therapy.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
The timeline of clinical research findings below highlights a potential therapy for ASD that we find fascinating- Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Let's take a closer look.
Children with ASD showed prenatal protein dysregulation, particularly beta-endorphin. Children with higher levels of these beta-endorphins correlated with self-injurious behaviors (SIB), including hitting themselves, headbanging, hand/arm biting, and excessive scratching. Traditional dosing of naltrexone (25mg, 50mg, 100mg) showed a reduction in SIB.
Scientists observed that newborns showing excessive brain opioid activity might later show developmental delay symptoms related to autism-like social withdrawal and isolation. 1 mg of LDN per kilogram of a child shows a decline in hyperactivity, SIB, and aggression. The child might show improvements in attention and social behavior cues, such as smiling and play interactions.
What Does Harbor Compounding Pharmacy Have To Offer For ASD?
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is not a new therapy at Harbor Compounding Pharmacy, as we have been dispensing LDN for over ten years. Most of our patients use LDN for auto-immune diseases like Hashimoto's in conjunction with in-house compounded thyroid medications and have seen tremendous results.
However, in the past three years, we have made leaps and bounds in our reach to discover what more LDN can do for our patients. We have enrolled our pharmacy into the LDN Research Trust group; we have attended LDN seminars in Portland, OR; we have hosted webinars with LDN specialty doctors. Most importantly, we have had many discussions with practitioners, pharmacists, and patients and shared countless hours of fascinating information and ideas amongst those with an open mind and open ears. Now, we want to provide this information to all our doctors and patients near and far.
Nonetheless, in the last three years, we have made leaps and bounds in our research to find what more LDN has to offer to our patients. Harbor Compounding Pharmacy has enrolled in the LDN Research Trust Group, where specialized doctors, seminars, excessive checkups, etc., have to help us gather enough information. Now, we want to pass this information to every one of our PCPs and patients all over.
Harbor Compounding Pharmacy believes that Low Dose Naltrexone can be an innovative treatment for children with ASD. We have recently been formulating LDN according to every child's needs, such as creams, suppositories, and sublingual solutions. Our doctors report positive results in their patients' use, and the response for refills has been great. We hope to provide the care your child needs to improve their quality of life and, subsequently, your quality of life as a parent.
Call Harbor Compounding Pharmacy and speak to our LDN specialists to learn more! Phone: 9494-642-0106
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