Dr. Mary Ann Block's Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders

[Guest guest]

Dr. Mary Ann Block's Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders

 

Dr. Block's Approach

http://www.blockcenter.com/pages/pages_autism.asp

 

Dr. Block is active in DAN (Defeat Autism Now), an international

organization of open-minded physicians and parents of autistic

children who are working together, asking questions and actively

seeking biomedical solutions. They are no longer willing to sit by

and accept what has happened to these children. They are determined

to find the causes in order to prevent autism in the future and to

find the solutions so the children who already have this label can

have the future they deserve.

 

Autism is considered a psychiatric disorder and is often treated

with psychiatric drugs. However, children with autistic symptoms do

not get well on these drugs and the number of new cases continues to

climb.

 

A new approach is needed. Many of the patients at The Block Center

have had their autistic symptoms improve when the following health

problems are addressed:

 

Intestinal Tract Problems

 

1. Antibiotic treatment can kill the good bacteria in the intestinal

tract which can throw off the delicate balance needed in the gut to

insure proper function. Taking a nutritional supplement of these

good bacteria can help re-establish the normal levels in the

intestinal tract.

 

2. A comprehensive stool analysis can help identify treatment for

hidden problems in the gut such as yeast overgrowth, parasites and

any bacteria that should not be in the gut. At the Block Center we

have found that about 25% of the patients have parasites, about 50%

have bacteria and about 90% have yeast overgrowth.

 

3. A test for Gluten and Casein Urinary Peptides can identify if

there are problems digesting gluten, found in wheat and other

grains, and casein, from dairy products. New research indicates that

if these foods are not broken down properly, they can mimic the

effects of opiate drugs such as heroin and morphine and affect

opiate receptors in the brain involved with speech and auditory

processing.

 

4. The use of an intestinal tract hormone, Secretin, was discovered

by a mother whose child had autistic symptoms. At The Block Center

many children improve dramatically with the use of Secretin.

 

Food Allergies

Allergies to foods and inhalants can cause symptoms such as anger,

temper tantrums, attention problems, hyperactivity, lethargy, a

decrease in cognitive function, stomach distress and headaches.

Eliminating the offending foods from the diet or treating the

allergies can help. At The Block Center we understand the

relationship between allergies and how we feel and act.

 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Specific nutrients are needed in the body to make the biochemical

processes work properly. The nutrients act as co-factors for the

biochemical reactions. For the body to proceed from point A to point

B, certain nutrients must be available. When these nutrients are not

available, abnormal behaviors may occur.

 

Consider the following research:

 

Magnesium deficiency in children is characterized by excessive

fidgeting, anxious restlessness, psychomotor instability and

learning difficulties in the presence of normal IQ. (Magnesium in

Health and Disease, Seelig, 1980)

 

In a double blind, cross-over study published in Biological

Psychiatry (Vol. 14,no.5,1979), Vitamin B6 was found to be more

effective than methylphenidate (Ritalin) in a group of hyperactive

children.

Zinc deficiency may make children irritable, tearful, sullen and

have gaze aversion, Moynahan, Zinc Deficiency and Disturbances of

Mood and Behavior, Lancet, 1:91, 1976.

 

DMAE, a neurotransmitter precursor, helps to improve behaviors,

mental concentration, puzzle solving ability and organization

(J.Pediatrics,1958).

 

Heavy Metal Toxicity

Mercury is a known neuro-toxin which can cross the blood brain

barrier and concentrate in the brain. Alarming amounts of mercury

are used in children's vaccines.

 

Many parents report first seeing their child's autistic symptoms

after a vaccination. The U.S. Public Health Service and The American

Academy of Pediatrics support the FDA`s directive to eliminate

mercury (Thimerosal) from vaccines.

 

At The Block Center, we evaluate for the presence of mercury and

other heavy metals, then remove the metals.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes