What is known about this condition?

According to Autism Awareness Australia, “we don’t know the exact cause of autism however, research suggests it’s a combination of developmental, genetic and environmental factors.”

The behavioural symptoms of autism often appear early in development. Many children’s symptoms are noticeable by 12 – 18 months or earlier.

Some early signs can be –-

• does not respond to their name by their first birthday
• not playing, sharing or talking with other people
• prefer to be alone
• avoid, reject, physical contact including hugging
• avoid eye contact

• when upset they don’t like to be comforted
• non-understanding emotions – their own and others
• may not stretch out their arms to be picked up or guided with walking.

Some repetitive behavioural patterns include –

• hand flapping
• rocking
• jumping
• twirling
• constant moving (eg. pacing)
• hyper behaviour
• fixation on certain things

Communication –

• delayed speech and language skills
• flat, robotic-speaking voice or “sing-song” voice
• echolia (repeating the same phrase over and over)
• sometimes mixing pronouns eg. mentioning “you” instead of I
• not always interpreting body language
• difficulty expressing needs and emotions
• not recognising joking, etc

From this same source, some possible factors are –

Autism is strongly genetic –

Families with one child with autism have an increased risk of having another child with autism when compared with the general population. The risk of having another affected child is estimated to be around 1 in 5.

• Family members of a person with autism also tend to have higher rates of autistic traits.
• Twin studies demonstrate that when one identical twin is affected by autism, there’s a very high chance the other twin will be affected too (77% in one large study). With fraternal (dizygotic) twins, who have different genetic makeup from each other, the risk is much less.

Older parents may be a factor –

• There is growing evidence that older fathers and mothers (over 45 years) are at increased risk of having a child with autism.

Pregnancy and birth –

• Pregnancy and to a lesser extent, early infancy appears to be crucial periods when brain development may be affected. Bacterial or viral infections in the mother during pregnancy have been found to slightly increase the risk of autism however, this is only a minor factor.

• Other factors in the mother that could be related to offspring autism include a folic acid deficiency, gestational diabetes and the use of certain antidepressants during pregnancy but no conclusive evidence exists for any of these links. (www.autismawareness.com.au)

Environmental causes –

Quoting from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com
“Exposures to environmental toxicants during susceptible periods of neurodevelopment may lead to alterations in normal development may lead to alterations in normal developmental patterns and impaired neurotransmitter function. Several environmental toxicants – including mercury, lead, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls and toluene – cause neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD and lack of mental development.

NATURAL/COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

• Autism diet – excluding gluten (protein in the seeds of wheat and other grains such as barley and rye) also casein (protein in milk). Both can be inflammatory and apart from assist with digestive challenges/overall health, can also be helpful with behaviour.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – a good fat found in fish oil can help with brain development.

• Melatonin and sleep – symptoms of autism are increased with lack of or disruptive sleep. In turn, anxiety or overwhelming stimuli can cause children with autism to have difficulty sleeping.

• Bright light therapy is a potential strategy for children who find it difficult to sleep at night, which may help the body’s natural release of melatonin.

• Avoid stimulants such as coffee or caffeine prior to going to sleep.

• Turning off technology such as television, at least an hour before bed to allow the mind to slow, soft music or reading a book can be helpful to achieve this.

• Removing heavy metals from the body eg. Celtic salt foot detox. Feel free to contact me for the directions – excellent process.

• “Detoxifying” Australian Bush Flower Remedy to help release harmful toxins through pollution, medications, foods, etc. 25mls @ $30. Potenised to give an additional benefit. Essences such as Bauhinia, Bottlebrush, Bush Iris, Dagger Hakea, Dog Rose, Wild Potato Bush and more.

• Flower Remedies are Amazing and can assist someone with autism, much of the repetitive patterns and resistance change is fear-based.

• AUSTRALIAN BUSH FLOWER ESSENCES SUCH AS BAUHINIA (FOR OPENNESS TO CHANGE)/ RED GREVILLEA (TO ASSIST WITH “FLEXIBILITY” IN THOUGHTS)/BUSH FUCHSIA (EXPRESSION/INTEGRATION OF THE LEFT/RIGHT SIDES OF THE BRAIN) AND MORE. This Remedy can be made without a Consultation. It is all total natural. A dose (7 drops) morning and night either under the tongue or on a pulse point eg. wrist. Click here to learn more about Bach/Australian Bush Flower Remedies.

• AUSTRALIAN BUSH FLOWER SPACE CLEARING MIST 100mls @ $30, A BEAUTIFUL, ORGANIC COMBINATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS BLENDED WITH FLOWER REMEDIES SUCH AS ANGELSWORD/FRINGED VIOLET/BOAB/LICHEN/RED LILY. Brings calm/resets environment after disharmony/helpful in times of new experiences.

So many Modalities I am privileged to work with can help families in these situations –

Bach/Australian Bush Flower Remedies : click here to LEARN MORE.

Ear Candling : Click here to LEARN MORE

Homeopathics : Click here to LEARN MORE

Click here to see Elsabe Smit interview homeopath Fran Sheffield about homeopathy for autism.

 

 

Would love to connect with you if you or anyone you know of would like additional information to empower beautiful people and their families. Please call me on 0413 933 814. I look forward to hearing from you.

Namaste

Chris

 

NB: “The above has been sourced from many websites and my own content. It stands as general advice only. Very important to speak with your Health Practitioner.”