Biomedical tests Useful in identifying nutrient deficiencies in Autism

Assessment for Metabolic Disorders in Autism

If a metabolic disorder is suspected in Autism, "aspects of" the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) and Pfeiffer protocols may be used to pinpoint it. Tests for possible metabolic deficits are outlined in the DAN report entitled Clinical Assessment Options For Children With Autism and Related Disorders. This report originally emanated from a conference of Autism professionals (the Defeat Autism Now! conference) in January 1995. This report was originally written as a guide for doctors and parents seeking to narrow down the specific metabolic errors in their autistic children. Since then the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California has improved on the protocols.

Clinicians in the clinic are experienced in administering DAN protocols.

At the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic we use selected aspects of these more recent recommendations, coupled with those of Dr. Paul Shattock from the University of Sutherland and we have added others based on our experience in treating patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The following is a list of tests that we use at the Clinic. The choice of tests is based on the results of individual clinical evaluation based on a specially designed comprehensive Autism: health and behavioural questionnaire.

Red Blood Cell fatty acid profile test
Urinary amino acids Analysis
Urinary Organic Acids test
93 food IgG mediated sensitivities (including Gluten, Wheat and dairy)
Extended faecal microbiology examination from Bioscreen Medical
Intestinal Permeability test
Salivary lgA
Functional liver detoxification profile
Serum Homocysteine
Urinary Kryptopyrolles (Mauve factor)
Thyroid function
Blood test for Zinc, Copper, iron, Folic Acid, B12, B6 ,Vit D, Selenium and Magnesium
Hair Mineral analysis to screen for nutritional and heavy metals
Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase Activity
RAST test for IgE and IgA mediated Food Allergies
Celiac serology
Streptococcus serology for autoimmune antibodies to Strep. bacteria
Genetic Tests e.g. Fragile X..

Most blood, faeces and urine tests are carried out in NATA-accredited Australian Laboratories. Some tests may be carried out in specialised US or European Labs.

The National Association of Testing Authorities ( NATA ) is Australia's national laboratory accreditation authority. NATA accreditation recognises and promotes facilities competent in specific types of testing, measurement, inspection and calibration

:: ABA course based on DTL & Pivotal Response Treatment

Two-Day Intensive ABA Courses to train parents, caregivers, therapists and Psychologists are run on the last weekend of each month.

Courses are run at the clinic, in small groups of no more than 8 people .
Pre-booking is essential.

Click here to download
a PDF brochure.

Cost $500

FaHCSIA will pay for parents and caregivers to do the course.