Autism and Candida
by Jerry
My 5 year old son is like many other children these days. He developed normally for about a year and then began to regress in his speech and social development. He has been attending Pre-K for about 3 years now and has made very slow progress. Recently, a family member turned us on to Gluten and Casein free meal planning. He is doing great with the diet but has only shown a slight improvement with his symptoms. All in all we would say that he seems happier and a little more energetic (which thrills us) but he hasn't improved in his speech or socialization skills. Recently he seems to be laughing at odd times, particularly in the middle of the night. He has woken me up a couple times hysterically laughing. I have learned that this may be a sign of yeast overgrowth. I want to get him tested for Candida but his Doctor "cannot" perform these tests because they are not "medically accepted". We know a DAN doctor would be helpful but their are some cost concerns. Do you have any advice on how to affordably test and treat this problem other than diet. We are looking in to making necessary dietary changes but would want to get him medically treated for his current issues. Dear Jerry, Sorry to be so long in responding to your question. I have been traveling abroad and was unable to reply before now. Unfortunately, I do not have much experience in dealing with autism although I have read about it on a number of occasions. It's quite possible that there is a link between autism and candida (yeast overgrowth), but I've also read of several other suspected triggers. I understand the difficulty in getting a conventional doctor to consider or test for various conditions like yeast overgrowth, etc. You may be able to find a doctor skilled in natural medicine in your area by contacting the American College for the Advancement in Medicine at www.acam.org, 949-583-7666, or 1-800-532-3688. Apart from dietary changes, the best way to help cleanse and combat yeast overgrowth (Candida) is to use a natural herbal digestive cleanse and begin or increase probiotic supplements. Also, here is an article and interview with a doctor who cured her son of autism and it has information that you may find helpful in your own battle. I hope that you may find some of this beneficial and wish you all the best in your search to help your son achieve the best health and life possible. Blessings, Angie |
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