Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a psychoneuroimmunological collection of symptoms such as social and communication challenges, sensory processing difficulties, perseverative behaviors and restricted interests. Because its rate is increasing exponentially, it cannot be caused by genetics alone. In these articles, we invite you to explore potential root causes such as food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, autoimmune encephalitis, toxicity, retained reflexes, underlying chronic infections and more.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Articles
What Is Autism, Really?
Autism is a term that is reasonably new in the modern lexicon. While the term autism was first coined in 1912, a neurological presentation that has similar characteristics to what we call autism has likely been around for a very ... Read More
Autism Spectrum Disorder Main Info Page
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in sensory, language, social, emotional and behavior areas. It is a “spectrum disorder,” with manifestations ranging from mild to severe. What Your Doctor May Tell ... Read More
Autism and Picky Eating
What Distinguishes Developmentally Appropriate Picky Eating from Pediatric Feeding Disorders? Every parent knows that mealtimes with young children can present challenges. Refusals to eat certain foods, complaints about textures, and demands for favorite meals are often chalked up to “picky ... Read More
How Sulforaphane from Broccoli Sprouts Can Reduce Autism Symptoms
What Is Sulforaphane? Sulforaphane, a natural substance found in broccoli sprouts, continues to generate interest in the scientific and integrative-medicine communities for its ability to improve symptoms of autism, at least in some children. Sulforaphane is a natural plant compound ... Read More
Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Autism
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) To truly understand what’s happening in the bodies and brains of children with autism, it helps to start with the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the system that silently manages our involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, ... Read More
Using Heavy Work to Help Regulate Your Child’s Nervous System
What Is Heavy Work? Heavy work is a term commonly used by occupational therapists and other developmental therapists to describe activities that push or pull against the body’s muscles and joints, offering deep sensory input and engagement. While the name ... Read More
Does My Child Have a Dysregulated Nervous System?
What Is a Dysregulated Nervous System? The nervous system is like “command central” in your body. Its job is to act as the body's communication network, sending and receiving messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It ... Read More
Preconception, Prenatal Exposures and TILT (Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance)
Prenatal Exposure to Toxicants Can Affect a Child's Neurodevelopment Did you know that a parents’ exposure to toxic substances pre-conception and prenatally may play a role in priming their child's immune system to be more reactive? This immune priming can ... Read More
Autism Spectrum Disorder Stories
Dante’s Reversal of Non-Verbal Autism
I helped my son heal from non-speaking autism, and there is absolutely hope. Getting the Autism Diagnosis Was Devastating I was told your son is beautiful, perfect in every way. And, as she was looking at him within like literally ... Read More
Milo: Big Improvements in Autism Symptoms After Rhythmic Movement
Before Rhythmic Movement: High-Functioning Autism with Echolalia Milo is currently five and a half years old. He was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of four. He has echolalia and uses scripting as a form of stimming when he ... Read More
Marilee and Douglas: Overcoming Kidney Failure and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
This story is used with permission from Marilee Nelson, the founder of Branch Basics. Perspective and Awareness: What I Wish I Had Known Years Ago Perspective on any topic is based on an understanding of the available information that pertains ... Read More