What do you know about a new medicine (drug) for autism discovered in Australia?!
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Beware of any treatment called a 'miracle cure'. Autism is such a pervasive disorder, that a single drug is unlikely to ever 'cure it'. It may be that some of the symptoms may be reduced, but considering that autism affects the development of a child's brain, it is unlikely that anything (in the near future) will be able to 'undo' developmental pathogenenes.
This article shows the current state of mind concerning 'miracle drugs'
Novel treatments for autistic spectrum disorders.
Levy SE, Hyman SL.
Children's Seashore House, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, 1914, USA. Levys@email.chop.edu
In no area of developmental pediatric practice is there more controversy regarding the choice of treatment than related to children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) are often elected because they are perceived as treating the cause of symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves. CAM used for autism can be divided by proposed mechanism: immune modulation, gastrointestinal, supplements that affect neurotransmitter function, and nonbiologic intervention. Secretin as a therapy for autism is discussed as an example of how a clinical observation rapidly grew to a widespread treatment before well-designed studies demonstrated absence of effect. The plausibility for behavioral effect was not substantiated by clinical studies. CAM used for treatment of autism is examined in terms of rationale, evidence of efficacy, side effects, and additional commentary. Families and clinicians need access to well-designed clinical evidence to assist them in choice of therapies. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Here's another article that may interest you:
Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part 2: medical management.
Kidd PM.
Autism and allied autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) present myriad behavioral, clinical, and biochemical abnormalities. Parental participation, advanced testing protocols, and eclectic treatment strategies have driven progress toward cure. Behavioral modification and structured education are beneficial but insufficient. Dietary restrictions, including removal of milk and other casein dairy products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar, chocolate, preservatives, and food coloring are beneficial and prerequisite to benefit from other interventions. Individualized IgG or IgE testing can identify other troublesome foods but not non-immune mediated food sensitivities. Gastrointestinal improvement rests on controlling Candida and other parasites, and using probiotic bacteria and nutrients to correct dysbiosis and decrease gut permeability. Detoxification of mercury and other heavy metals by DMSA/DMPS chelation can have marked benefit. Documented sulfoxidation-sulfation inadequacies call for sulfur-sulfhydryl repletion and other liver p450 support. Many nutrient supplements are beneficial and well tolerated, including dimethylglycine (DMG) and a combination of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and magnesium, both of which benefit roughly half of ASD cases. Vitamins A, B3, C, and folic acid; the minerals calcium and zinc; cod liver oil; and digestive enzymes, all offer benefit. Secretin, a triggering factor for digestion, is presently under investigation. Immune therapies (pentoxifyllin, intravenous immunoglobulin, transfer factor, and colostrum) benefit selected cases. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids offer great promise. Current pharmaceuticals fail to benefit the primary symptoms and can have marked adverse effects. Individualized, in-depth clinical and laboratory assessments and integrative parent-physician-scientist cooperation are the keys to successful ASD management.
Concerning chelation therapy, although it may well be effective in some cases, it has some serious risks: one boy died during threatment: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05237/559756.stm
Overall, I think that you should remember that autism is a very heterogenius disorder with may different causes (all which probably interact with eachother and the environment). The lesson: what works for one autistic child will not for another.
I really hope that helps! I hope everything goes well for you!
P.s. I'm not sure if you are aware of applied behavioral analysis/lovaas technique/ early intensive behavioural intervention. This behavioural technique has been the most consistant and reliable in helping autism.
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http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/stories/1293.asp
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