http://www.ei-resource.org/ 3744-533 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/autism:-pathways-to-recovery/ First of all it is worth pointing out that despite the title, this book will be of great use to not only parents looking into biomedical treatment for their autistic children, but also adults suffering from multi-system (or environmental) illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia or multilple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Dr. Amy Yasko has pioneered the use of nutrigenomics in these conditions (and others). Nutrigenomics is the individualised use of nutritional supplements to treat illness based on the patient's unique genetic weaknesses. As a ME/CFS sufferer I bought this book to help me make more sense of tests I had recently that detected a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which reduce the activity of key enzymes in the methylation cycle (e.g. MTHFR & MTRR - both homozygous). The methylation cycle is vital for numerous processes in the body including detoxification and the synthesis of neurotransmitters and genetic material (DNA & RNA). Methylation deficits have been found to be common in many illnesses, including those mentioned above. The biochemistry involved can seem complex but Dr. Yasko's book takes us step by step through how each genetic variation affects the methylation cycle and the specific nutrients required to bypass genetic 'road blocks' and restore the body's ability to efficiently perform methylation reactions. For example, I have the least efficient variantion of the genes for the MTHFR enzyme which converts folic acid to it's biologically active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Autism: Pathways to Recovery explains that by supplementing with 5-MTHF directly, rather than using folic acid or folinic acid, this poorly functioning enzyme can be bypassed and the methylation cycle supplied with sufficient amounts of 5-MTHF to run efficiently. The book includes explanations and recommendations for all of the genes that are involved in the methylation cycle, as well as some involved in interconnected biochemical pathways (e.g. nitric oxide synthase, NOS) and provides clear diagrams that are essential for the average reader to be able to make sense of how all the various genes, enzymes and biochemicals relate to each other. Dr. Yasko and others have had much success treating patients using the methods described in this book and many individuals suffering from ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and related conditions report improvements when they address methylation issues themselves. The genomic testing for SNPs described in the book is now widely available from commercial labs and are often ordered by environmental/functional medicine physicians. Despite the relatively high price of this book $50, I would highly recommend it to help you decipher your own genomic testing (of that of your child), or if you simply want to learn more about the role poor methylation may be playing in your chronic illness. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:31:27 +0000 1080-346 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/children-with-starving-brains:-a-medical-treatment-guide-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ I have read this book, but do not want to comment on it directly. But can I add the thought that the US model of extensive and expensive testing - frequently in areas that are either controversial or little understood - often seems to result in little more than bankrupt parents. Could I offer the suggestion of this book, which is along similar lines? "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD Dr Campbell-McBride is a Russian-born medical doctor who now has a nutritional practice in the UK that deals largely - but not exclusively - with autism. Her son developed autism over a decade ago. This prompted her to study other treatment approaches, as her medical training indicated that there was very little hope for her child. He is now apparently a normal teenager, who attends a mainstream school, has friends, plays football etc. Dr Campbell-McBride sees autism as part of a wider spectrum of the many "new" - and now almost epidemic - illnesses that affect children, such as ADHD. These links are a useful guide to her work: Curing her son of Autism http://www.scribd.com/doc/3664908/ Does MMR cause autism? by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD http://www.scribd.com/doc/3664800/ Healing The Mind http://www.scribd.com/doc/2520415/ Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment For: Autism, ADD, ADHD Depression, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & Schizophrenia By Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. http://www.scribd.com/doc/12842657/ ]]> Sun, 31 May 2009 22:11:17 +0000 1083-12 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/autism:-effective-biomedical-treatments/ Based on the latest research that has identified a range of biochemical abnormalities in autism such as gut problems, allergies, nutritional deficiencies and antioxidant deficiencies, this book shows how these problems can be addressed resulting in improvements in your childs condition.

Although the information in the book can get very technical the authors do a great job of explaining everything in a way that every parent can understand. Each laboratory test is explained in detail before the reasoning behind using particular supplements and treatments is provided.

A great book for every parent of an autistic child to read, especially those seeing, or considering seeing, a DAN! doctor. ]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:47:48 +0000 1082-11 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/say-good%11bye-to-allergy-related-autism/ Dr. Nambudripad, the creator of 'Numbudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique' (NAET) turns to autism and related allergies in this book. For those who haven't come across NAET yet, it is a unique diagnostic and desensitization system for the treatment of allergies, chemical sensitivities and related conditions. It is based on the ancient oriental energy medicine that forms the basis of acupuncture and other eastern medical modalities. A quick search online will reveal countless reports of people who have been greatly helped through this technique. The great thing about it seems to be that rather than just treating symptoms it actually reprograms the various bodily systems to no longer react to substances that had previously triggered symptoms. In this way it can be said to actually "cure" allergies.

From reports I have had this technique is also highly effective in kids with autism.

I cannot comment from personal experience as to the effectiveness of the technique as I have not personally tried it. I can see no reason however not to recommend this book to parents of autistic children. The technique is non-invasive and no medicines or supplements are given so there is no risk involved and potentially a great deal to be gained. ]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:25:35 +0000 1081-10 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/what-your-doctor-may-not-tell-you-about-childrens-vaccinations/ Stephanie Cave is a family doctor who specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is a very prominent figure who has appeared on tv news shows and even testified in the US congress. This title is an extremely well laid out information and reference source for parents wishing to become knowledgeable about vaccinations before allowing them to be administered to their child. Each vaccination commonlly given to children has its own chapter in which the author describes the illness the vaccine is aimed at, the ingredients of the vaccine and their potential risks. At the end of each chapter research references are listed should you wish to look into a certain topic in more detail. Also provided are guidelines for a safer vaccination protocol and advice for parents regarding how to avoid being forced into vaccinating their child if they believe the risk is too high. This is an invaluable book for parents of young children concerned about whether or not to have their child vaccinated. ]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:28:05 +0000 1080-9 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/children-with-starving-brains:-a-medical-treatment-guide-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ The author of this title is an experienced medical doctor with specialist training in the area of psychiarty and neurology. She now runs an alternative medical practice and came to research the actual causes of autism after her grandchild was diagnosed. This is a very technical book, sometimes reading like a textbook, but the amount of important information it contains means it is worth the effort. Drawing on the latest research findings Dr. McCandless finds that Autism Spectrum Disorders are most likely the result of genetic susceptibility combined with various environmental triggers like heavy metals and gut dysfunction. The reader is then presented with guidelines for a "broad spectrum approach" to treatment. An invaluable source of the latest information. ]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:10:41 +0000 1079-8 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/biological-treatments-for-autism-and-pdd/ In this book, Dr. William Shaw relates what he has learnt in his many years caring for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders. He does this in a style that makes sometimes complex subject matter easy for anyone to understand. This title confines the view that autism is purely a psychiatric disorder to the past by presenting masses of data from research and clinical practice regarding the biological causes behind the illness. Dr. Shaw has been instrumental in determining the role of intestinal yeast in illnesses that include autism and all the other environmental illnesses. As well as yeast the book also covers other environmental factors such as chemical exposure and intestinal bacteria and parasites and their importance in autism. Many readers have said this is the book that really opened their eyes and helped them get their child on the road to a brighter future. Although aimed specifically at autism, the information in this book will be of great benefit to people suffering from other environmental illnesses. Indeed, Dr. Shaw's laboratory focuses on all the same conditions that we do here at The Environmental Illness Resource. ]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:54:03 +0000