Fundamentals of Autism

As a parent of an autistic child, I believe it is important to constantly learn about autism and to teach others. There are many parents who have difficult children, but they do not recognize the symptoms because they are not properly informed. In fact, some people even will go so far as to say ASD is not a real diagnosis. Early intervention is crucial for the child’s development and can make a huge difference in adulthood. Autism has been on the rise over recent years making awareness even more important. The purpose of this article is to give a brief history and general medical facts about autism that will help people to better understand the diagnosis.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a group of developmental disorders that include a wide variety of symptoms. Some signs are repetitive behaviors, arm flapping, limited interests, unusual attachment to inanimate objects, self-harm, difficulty communicating, limited or no speech, social problems, and the inability to focus and to make eye contact. In some cases, children have physical disabilities and problems with their immune system. Early testing can diagnose ASD in early developmental years. The three main categories of autism are Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Children are categorized based on the severity of their symptoms.

Autistic Disorder is the most common autism diagnosis. A child with this diagnosis may have little or no speech, sensory issues, low IQ, and unusual and repetitive behaviors. This is my son’s diagnosis. His disorder is considered more severe because he is non-verbal. However, after hours of therapy, he is able to function in an inclusive classroom setting. There is a wide range of abilities between children, and they vary in their capabilities. For example, another child in this category may have language but be unable to function in an inclusive program. This shows how children who are categorized the same may act completely differently.

Asperger’s is more mild, and it usually does not include intellectual disabilities. Sometimes a child with Asperger’s is extremely intelligent, but may exhibit strange behaviors or interests. Pervasive Developmental Disorder is sometimes called atypical autism. Children with this diagnosis may have some common symptoms as Autistic Disorder and Asperger’s, but they are fewer and usually mild. This is the highest functioning diagnosis. In most cases these children have more of the social disorders associated with ASD.

Today the three categories are technically no longer used, and instead the term “ASD” is used as the blanket diagnosis. Children are labeled “on the spectrum,” and where a child is on the spectrum is determined by the degree of the disorder. An autism diagnosis uses many tests, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), which is a standardized diagnostic test for Autism Spectrum Disorder. A professional may administer the ADOS and combined with information collected by family and caregivers, he/she will determine if a child has ASD and where the child falls on the spectrum. Other tests include Social Communication Questionnaire, Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview.

Despite these new criteria, the developmental doctor that treats my son does not approve of the blanket ASD diagnosis. In his opinion, it interferes with research and makes funding more difficult.

Before the 1950s, autism was usually treated by putting those individuals in mental institutions. In 1911, severe autism was thought to be a form of schizophrenia or psychosis. In some cases, before the medical community recognized autism, children were thought to be mentally retarded.

In the 1950’s, child psychiatrists developed approaches to pathological mental development in children. In fact, the British Government passed the Mental Health Act in 1959. This act forced the local community to integrate and care for the mentally ill. The first epidemiological study of autism was published in 1966 in Britain. Parents formed groups in the 1960’s that played a huge role in bringing awareness to the disorder, getting children better care and improving school programs. Since the late 1960s, autism research has been growing at an incredible rate. People with ASD are getting much more help now than in the past. The definition of autism and the understanding of it have changed dramatically over the last century. These advances were fueled by the discovery of early intensive behavioral intervention therapies.

In 1950’s and 1960’s, the statistics for autism was 4 cases per 10,000 children. This increased in 2002 to 7 cases per 1000, and today it is diagnosed in 1 of 59 children, and even more in boys. The increase in diagnosis leads some researchers to believe that autism is not a genetic epidemic, but instead it is environmental because a genetic disorder would take millions of years to go from 4 in 10,000 cases to 1 in 59 cases. A clear understanding of the etiology of ASD technically has not yet been achieved. Researchers believe a variety of genetic and environmental factors play a role in the disease. There is certainly a genetic link in many cases, but research demonstrates that environmental factors may play a role.Some doctors argue that environment must play a role because there is no way a genetic disorder could reach today’s number so rapidly. Environmental factors may cause some children to have mild or severe autism-like symptoms. There is no one cause of ASD. Some contributing factors might be the age of the parents, leaky gut, inflammation and exposure to chemicals. Some research has shown a correlation between repeated overexposure to pesticides and autistic behaviors.

Epigenetics may contribute to the risk of autism. While there is no autism gene that can be identified, research has shown there are 102 genes associated with autism. Forty-seven of the genes were found to be related to intellectual disabilities, 52 were more related to autism and the other three were related to both. When studying the genes of someone with ASD, researchers found that the genes of autistic people had similarities with other mental illnesses. For example, ASD patient’s genes were found to have similar characteristics to the genes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Mitochondria dysfunction is usually present in children with ASD. This would explain the reason why behaviors vary so much from one child to the next. Many children with ASD have absorption issues and digestive problems. Digestive problems lead to inflammation and a buildup of toxins in the blood and may affect the blood brain barrier. The blood brain barrier is something researchers believe is playing a role in disrupting brain development.

Research has also found that many children with ASD have problems with methylation. The lack of 5-MTHF will inhibit the methylation process and have a negative effect on brain function. Brain mapping is a technique where imaging of the brain is used to identify levels of activity in certain areas and brain region connectivity. This technique is becoming more popular because it allows therapists to identify and focus on specific issues in the brain. Since each part of the brain cannot properly communicate with one another, children will exhibit a variety of symptoms. Some parts of the brain show too much activity while others do not show enough. Children may not be able to show facial expressions in social situations relative to their present emotional state. Other children may have difficulty picking up social cues, may have aversions to smells or textures, exhibit repetitive behaviors, be unable to speak, have difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, and lack empathy and inability to focus. Some children with severe emotional issues can become violent. There are so many behaviors we still learn about every day.

MRI images have shown that an ASD brain in children grows faster than a typical brain between the ages of 2-4. The cortical surface expands but does not get thicker which can impair maturation of cortical white matter. However, this changes as the child ages. Research has shown that the ASD brain is the same size or slightly smaller by adolescence.

Since no two kids are exactly the same, it is difficult to predict behaviors and caregivers must learn to be prepared for anything. The only thing researchers can prove is that early intervention gives children the best chance of success as an adult. 75% of children with ASD will need some type of lifelong support.

Author

Charles DeFrancesco BS

References

Future?, 2. (2019). What is Brain Mapping and How Is It a Part of Our Future? - Advanced Neurosurgery Associates. Retrieved 7 October 2019, from https://ana-neurosurgery.com/brain-mapping-part-future/

https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/what-are-the-three-types-of-autism-spectrum-disorders/

http://faq.autismspeaks.org/info/faq/?gclid=CjwKCAjwlPTmBRBoEiwAHqpvhSjavGMgvv5zWyIcWtxiX5kwC1iIkGJmS0J0Ck8cbw3yTpQMGkBX9xoCjQoQAvD_BwE#3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688328/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757918/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332896/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3446247/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180426141604.htm

Importance of Exercise for the Special Needs Population

The Importance of Activity for Children with Special Needs

Over the last 10 years, the population of children with special needs has increased over 165%. According to Autism Speaks, the diagnosis of autism affects 1 in 45 children. As this segment of our population continues to grow, our society needs to have a better understanding of autism and other disabilities. It is important that we offer programs and treatment for both children and adults with disabilities. While many early intervention and cognitive programs have become available, there is still a lapse in the accessibility of fitness programs. In fact, there are very few exercise programs or physical fitness centers available to accommodate these children.

Parents and schools are earnestly focused on academics and social interaction in the classroom. Physical fitness is the last thing anyone worries about, and in most cases kids with special needs are allowed to skip gym class. The classroom is an integral part of development, while physical fitness is often overlooked, meanwhile it is actually one of the most crucial components for these kids’ development. This is because academics and social interaction can be integrated into physical activities, and the combination has the potential to cause greater results than any of these methods alone.

Science shows that physical activity stimulates the nervous system and forces the body to work as a unit rather than in parts. Improving nerve function is beneficial for anyone with a disability. Exercise creates and improves motor pathways and proprioception, stimulates serotonin production, helps regulate the energy systems, builds a mind body connection, strengthens the immune system, helps control weight, and builds muscle. Additionally, the nervous system and the immune system are more closely connected than people realize. For example, stress causes the body to go into a state of fight or flight. This can disrupt hormone levels, especially cortisol, which can lead to a weakened immune system. Therefore, exercise is good for neuromuscular health and for immune function, so it makes sense to increase physical activity.

Special needs children are 58% more likely to be obese and to have below average muscle mass since physical activity is usually pushed aside. Physical, emotional and behavioral issues can be addressed in a workout session demonstrating that education can be achieved through physical activity in a social setting. In fact, it is quite simple to make fitness both fun and educational.

Fitness programs will vary depending on both the child’s ability to participate and his/her physical and cognitive limitations. For example, if a child does not have physical issues and is high functioning, he/she can participate in a circuit that includes a mini obstacle course with ring jumps, an inertia wave, and balance walks, this can be followed with a simple math or English question before moving on to the next obstacle. For a child with more physical challenges, you can make an easier obstacle course that includes tossing a light medicine ball back and forth while counting out loud how many times he/she throws it, thereby incorporating social, mathematical and physical activities into the workout. For children with even more limited physical constraints, the activity can be adjusted to fit their abilities. For instance, a child in a wheelchair with limited limb movement would need assistance moving his/her limbs in order to improve upon the movements he/she already has. Further, if the child is non-verbal, he/she can engage with number puzzles and use a peg board to count the amount of exercises performed.

While it may be intimidating, personal trainers should not be fearful since training special needs children is just like training anyone else. As with any client, a trainer should evaluate the child’s current state of fitness and address weaknesses. Therefore, if balance is poor and core muscles are weak, exercises should be assigned to make improvements. Just because some kids cannot perform higher intensity exercises does not mean they cannot benefit from simpler tasks, such as standing on one foot while holding a rail.

Physical activity is crucial for children to function in everyday life. Walking, bending, sitting, standing, balancing and carrying are all activities needed for daily living. Exercising and training builds strength and confidence in children. Additionally, physical activity can be a social outlet through playing on the playground or during group activities and gym classes. The socialization from playground interaction and a gym class far exceeds the benefits compared to classroom socialization. By nature, children like physical activity, and they will request it when they are exposed to it as part of their routine. Special needs children have the same nature, and they are physically capable of activity. However, many of them have a great deal of anxiety and therefore may not participate for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, noise, lighting, touching and fear of groups. Nonverbal children are more likely to experience excess stress. Exercise is a great way to burn off excess nervous energy which can improve calm attention in nonverbal children.

Activity should be introduced slowly and carefully and take into account both the child’s physical and emotional requirements. A small task such as rolling a ball back and forth will get a child moving while interacting with another person. Furthermore, playing catch and rolling a ball are both equivalent to a conversation, and it is a great way to introduce your child to social play, especially for non-verbal children. All these small interactions add up to create change and to improve the quality of life for any child. By combining purpose-based exercise and education into group and one on one sessions, you will see vast improvements in other areas.

Fitness and nutrition are intertwined to improve both function and health. Nutrition is a key factor in maintaining a healthy nervous and immune system, since 80% of the immune system is housed in the gut. With Autism, it is important to rule out intestinal dysbiosis, check for environmental toxicities, investigate impaired detoxification, and look for heavy metal toxicity. Additionally, check for high levels of inflammation, evaluate mitochondrial dysfunction, assess food sensitivities including gluten, monitor oxidative stress, and look for nutrient deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D and omega-3 fats. These issues can cause inflammation and cause leaky gut syndrome, which may disrupt digestion, nutrient absorption, pH of the blood, the lymphatic system and the nervous system. When toxins and large food particles enter the blood stream, they can cross the blood brain barrier and cause both behavioral and cognitive issues. Changes in diet and supplements are good tools to help combat these nutritional concerns and enhance the benefits of exercise. Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to behavior issues and diminish the body’s ability to regulate energy.

Author: Charles DeFrancesco, BS CPT

Collaborator: Denise Groothuis MS RD CFMP Pn1 CPT

Sports506@gmail.com

References:

· https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/obesity.html

· https://www.unicef.org/disabilities/files/Factsheet_A5__Web_NEW.pdf

· https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/04/20/number-of-us-students-in-special-education.html

· https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S107476130900421X

· http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/111/NAC-Cysteine-depression,-bipolar,-addiction,-anxiety,-detoxifying.html

· https://www.webmd.com/depression/how-depression-affects-your-body#1-3

· https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/new-government-survey-pegs-autism-prevalence-1-45

For Men, Exercise is Key to Increasing Fertility

A comprehensive randomized control study that came out earlier this year suggests that engaging in moderate aerobic exercise can significantly increase male fertility rates in previously infertile men. The study was conducted over a 24-week intervention period, with both exercise and non-exercise groups being physically similar in terms of body composition, semen quality, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Throughout the course of the study, measurements were taken against baseline measurements, showing significant improvements in the exercise group in following areas: Increase in Vo2 Max, which measures aerobic capacity, an increase in semen quality and decrease in sperm DNA damage, decreased markers of oxidative stress, and decreased pro-inflammatory markers. Furthermore, during and post intervention, there were more total pregnancies and live births in the exercise group than in the control group, which reported 0% live births.

As the exercise subjects became more aerobically active, they experienced decreased body weight and body fat during the intervention. The decrease in oxidative stress is attributed to an increase in exercise-induced antioxidant enzymes. It was also reported that discontinuing exercise four weeks after the intervention period was not a long enough period have a significant adverse effect on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

The take-away for men and couples hoping to increase their fertility, is that even a little goes a long way. Try to incorporate moderate physical activity into your lifestyle, 3-4 days/week, for at least 25 minutes per bout. Examples of moderate physical activity include:

1. Brisk walk

2. Light jog

3. Heavy cleaning

4. Mowing the lawn

5. Light bicycling (10-12 miles/hour)

6. Tennis- doubles

7. Recreational badminton

8. Hiking

9. Recreational swimming

10. Kayaking in calm water

By Rima Sidhu, MS