This
section describes the supplement protocol we used for our son, Will, for
several years. Most
of the supplements we used are widely recommended by experts in the
treatment of autism and benefit a large segment of the autistic
population.
The basic guidelines we used for implementing his
protocol are:
Take supplements twice a day—once with breakfast
and once before bed.*
Rotate potentially allergenic supplements so they
are taken only every three days to prevent the child from developing
new allergies.
Introduce one supplement at a time. If, after a few
days, the child shows improvement with the supplement, keep using the
it—if there is a negative reaction or no improvement, remove the
supplement from the protocol.**
For a complete list of the dosages and supplements
given to my son on a weekly basis, see Will’s Supplement
Table.
We have chosen these supplements to provide support on
a daily basis in the following areas:
Detoxification—The
methylation and sulfation processes that detoxify the body are
insufficient in autistic children. To support and promote methylation,
these children need B Vitamins, TMG, biotin, folic acid, selenium,
E-lyte (which includes sulfur) and taurine (which is a sulfur-based
supplement).
Calcium —When a child is
on a dairy-free diet, non-dairy calcium supplements are essential for
healthy development. Also include magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K
to improve absorption of the calcium.
Brain - Protecting and
healing the brain and improving mental performance are all important
components a well-rounded supplement program for autistic children.
Effective supplements for the brain include melatonin, ginkgo,
vincamine with licorice, and phosphatidylserine.
Digestion —Enzymes
supporting digestion are essential in helping to correct dysfunctional
metabolic processes. Recommended enzymes include Peptizyde, HN-Zyme
Prime, Actizyme, and Digestin.
Allergic Response—Many
autistic children are allergy prone and some experts are now
recommending including anti-histamines as part of their intervention
to normalize the immune response. My son does extremely well with the
natural anti-histamines, L-Histidine and Quercetin.
Immune Support—It is
extremely important to include anti-fungal/bacterial/viral/allergy
herbs and vitamins as part of a comprehensive program. Various viral,
bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections and overgrowths are found
in autistic children. Supplements that eliminate or keep in check
these harmful agents include CoQ10, ginger, cranberry, tumeric and
zinc.
Chelation—Removes heavy
metals such as mercury the body. Supplements used in chelation include
chlorella and L-glutathione.** The products I offer worked extremely
well for my son.
The supplements offered by Autism Coach have been
specially chosen to be free not only of common allergens such as gluten
and dairy, but are also free of aspartates, aspartic acid, salicylates,
phenylalanine, phenols, and artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors.
These ingredients are potentially harmful to some segments of the
autistic population.
We also follow Dr. Mary Megson’s protocol of taking
Cod Liver oil and Bethanechol, which works remarkably well for my son.
He has been taking this combination for about two years, with no
discernable side-effects and amazing results. For more information, see
Cod Liver Oil and Bethanechol.
* Some parents divide the daily dosages of their
supplement program into three portions, including lunch time. This
undoubtedly provides even better results, but I have divided the doses
into two portions because my son is now elementary school age and it is
more difficult to administer lunch-time supplements.
** There may be regressive behaviors, especially if your child is
going through chelation or starting anti-fungal treatments for the first
time. Perform chelation (the removal of heavy metals, such as mercury,
from the body) under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
