Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the social interactions and behavior of children who have it. There are several treatment options for autism, partially because it is unknown what the exact cause is. Biomedical intervention relies on the theory that the causes of autism are partially due to environmental triggers, and also that the body of the autistic individual is particularly susceptible due to deficiencies. Biomedical intervention consists of treating autistic children with medications and medical procedures to rid their bodies of toxins and remedy any deficiencies they have. Some children have great success with biomedical interventions, while others see little to no difference.
Instructions
1. Find a doctor knowledgeable in biomedical treatments of autism. Many pediatricians will run specific tests if asked to do so. If the child's pediatrician is open to testing and treating autism with biomedical interventions, by all means go through him. There are also doctors certified in Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) protocol. These doctors specialize in treating autism with biomedical interventions. Remember, if the child's pediatrician is not supportive, it is still necessary to disclose these treatments whenever the regular pediatrician treats her. If the pediatrician is not supportive, it may be a sign that a new pediatrician is in order that shares the same belief in biomedical treatments.
2. Test the child for problems. Tests that doctors usually run before starting biomedical interventions include blood work, stool samples and hair samples. While this may seem overwhelming, each test provides results for different specific nutritional deficiencies, overloads or other problems in the child's body. Bloodwork screens for metabolic issues and nutritional problems, stool samples determine bacterial and fungal infections. Hair samples determine overloads of toxic chemicals in the child.
3. Determine a plan of action. Working with the doctor, decide the order to treat issues. Take into account all issues causing major health issues first, as these are the most important to tackle and remedy. Go through all the issues and number them in the order of importance in terms of treatment. It makes it easier to address and remedy one problem at a time than to try to do everything at once and bombard the child with treatments. Most parents want to treat the toxic chemical issues first, then the bacterial and fungal problems, then move on to other deficiencies the child has nutritionally.
4. Take one step at a time. When adding supplements or other treatments, it is best to only add one at a time. This allows for assessment of each supplement individually for its effectiveness and possible side effects. Keep a journal of the child's behaviors and health issues or differences of any kind daily while introducing supplements. After a month, take a look at the journal and determine if continuance is in the best interest of the child. After evaluating the supplement, introduce another one and start the documentation for that supplement. Continue this for all supplements and treatments.
5. Communicate with the doctor. If unsure about a treatment, tell the doctor. Voice any and all concerns about treatment options, and don't feel pressured to do things. Ask for an alternative to any treatment that seems questionable.
6. Follow up regularly. Whenever a biomedical approach is used, it is necessary to re-test the child to determine if treatments are effective and to make sure that no new issues arise. It may be every few months, or it may be just once a year. It is a necessary part of the treatment, and ensures the best approach is used. Since children are always growing and gaining weight, medication adjustments are necessary to maintain effectiveness.
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