Autism

Description

A rare disorder, autism results in delayed development from infancy, and is usually detectable in children by age three. The autistic child will shun interaction with other humans, exhibit significant language deficiencies, may over- or under-react to sensory stimuli, may show signs of self-destructive behaviour, and may have a lack of emotional attachment to family members.

The cause of autism is unknown. Some theories point to brain damage from seizure disorders, others indicate a psychological or sociological cause, and yet others point to maternal diseases or Infections. Furthermore, the disease may be a combination of all factors.

Back to Top

Herbs

Ginkgo biloba (3)

Back to Top

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin B6 (1)
Magnesium (2)

Back to Top

References

1. Rimland B, Callaway E, Dreyfus P. The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study. Am J Psychiatr 1978;135:472-75.
2. Martineau J, Barthelemy C, Garreau B, Lelord G. Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: Therapeutic effects in childhood autism. Biol Psychiatr 1985;20:467-78.
3. Gessner B, et al. Study of the long-term action of Ginkgo biloba extract on vigilance and mental performance as determined by means of quantitative pharmaco-EEG and psychometric measurements. Arzneimittel-Forsch 1985; 35:1459-65.