Understanding autism

Traditionally, the diagnosis of autism has been based on the observation of behavior, and treatment focused primarily on alleviating challenging behaviors. However, there is a very real biomedical component to the disorder in which underlying medical issues often cause or contribute to autistic behavior. Some of the most common problems include gastrointestinal (GI) overgrowth of Candida and Clostridia, inability to detoxify environmental toxins, and development of food intolerances and/ or allergies. These physical and environmental factors limit the nutrients available to the brain and body, resulting in damage to cellular, metabolic, and central nervous system functionality. Every individual with autism exhibits unique behavioral and cognitive symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Common symptoms can also include eczema, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, dark eye circles, and visible stomach pain.1