Causes of AUTISM

The causes (aetiology) of Autism are still unclear. However, recent research suggests that Autism may result when a child with a genetic susceptibility is exposed to one or more of a number of environmental insults resulting in a series of dysfunctional interactions between Genes and Nutrients (Nutrigenomic interactions). This can happen “in utero” (during pregnancy) or after birth.

Eventually these dysfunctional interactions can affect body systems, most obviously the gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune system and the central nervous system. The complexity of the thousands if not millions of possible interactions may well defy description. We can however, build a basic biomedical model of autism, based on the published scientific evidence to-date.

The model that we developed and continuously refine reflects the way that a human being is built: Genes and nutrients interact to enable a single cell (fertilised egg) to multiply and differentiate to form multiple cell systems and organs, each with their own specific functions. It is the continuous interaction between the genetic code and nutrients (Nutrigenomics) that grows a human being in the womb and in the early years, as well as maintains optimum health and function throughout the lifespan. The following is an outline of some of the most common mechanisms that have been implicated in the aetiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• Whilst there are genes that predispose to Autism, and we know that there is a genetic component to Autism, genetics alone cannot explain the recent rise in Autism in industrialised nations. This leaves nutrients and toxins interacting with these genes as the most likely candidates as causal factors for Autism.
• The integrity of cell membranes that protects each cell can become impaired, leaving the cells vulnerable. There is much support in animal and human studies that a reduced intake in Omega 3 fatty acids results in impaired cell membranes and Neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Deficiencies in Key Nutrients in our modern diet, such as Zinc, Vit B12, Vit 6 and Folate,  may affect neural development and result in weaknesses in cellular membranes and internal processes of cells. These weaknesses predispose to the often devastating effect of environmental antigens.
• Antigens (foreign toxic matter, heavy metals, viruses and bacteria) attack vulnerable cells and damage them, resulting in cells that cannot carry out their function normally.
• Antigens can damage or change the expression of the genetic code in the cell, causing the cell to malfunction.
• There is emerging evidence that a dysfunctional methylation system may result in abnormal genetic expression leading to dysfunctional cells. Vit B12, folate, B6 and Magnesium play a central role in regulating Methylation.
• Abnormal methylation can interfere with metallothionein protein which regulates zinc/copper ratios and other metals in cell membranes.
• Impaired cellular structures can result in multi-systemic disorders, affecting gastrointestinal, Immune, endocrine and central nervous system.
• The delicate balance between beneficial and detrimental bacteria in the gut can be upset by antibiotics, food preservatives, toxic additives and environmental toxins, leading to a condition known as intestinal dysbiosis (a condition whereby gut bacteria species are abnormally distributed ).
• Opportunistic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may irritate a vulnerable gut wall resulting in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, leaky gut and food sensitivities.
• Some bacteria produce amines. When these bacteria are overgrown, they can produce large amounts of amines.  A recent discovery in Neuroscience is that there are receptor sites in the same areas in the brain as neurotransmitter (messenger chemical) receptors. This finding suggests that excess amines can result in a scrambling of brain signals and affect learning, attention and mood. In a developing brain this can have serious implications.

Why the diversity of behaviours in Autism

This model goes a long way to explaining why there is such diversity in Autistic behaviours. It also explains why some interventions work for some children and not others, highlighting the need for conducting Biomedical testing as a basis for formulating hypotheses and to justify treatment approaches..

There is emerging evidence that Autism is a multifaceted Nutrigenomic disorder (interaction between genes and nutrients). Since our genetic code is unlikely to have  changed or mutated in the last 100 years, genetics cannot account for the rise in all modern diseases, including Autism, in that short period. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the incidence of Autism has increased 870% in ten years. However, while genetics have not changed, our diet and food chain has changed dramatically in that time and may be responsible for the observed increase in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The introduction of toxic chemicals (antibiotics, heavy metals,  pesticides, additives and preservatives)  in our food chain.
• The depletion of nutrients in our food due to high intensity farming of the same soil year after year for decades.
• Farming methods that substitute chemical fertilisers for the natural decomposition of organic matter by bacteria.
• Food processing methods that destroy nutrients.
• The excessive use of antibiotics in babies and children.
• The 20-40X increase of Omega 6 oils in our diet, and a reduction in Omega 3  consumption from fish. and Heating of these oils producing trans-fatty acids that damage cell membrane integrity
• Slow prolonged cooking methods that destroy vitamins.
• Microwave cooking that destroys some vitamins and bioflavanoids.
• A change in eating habits in the last 50 years: We have replaced natural nutrient-rich foods, such as organically grown fruit and vegetables, with nutrient-poor and processed foods.
• Chickens that are grown several times faster on a diet laced with antibiotics.

To find out about the tests used at the clinic to explore evidence in support of proposed causes of Autism 
click here to proceed to Biomedical assessment of Autism.