The Misnderstood World of Autism

by Janine Romaner, ND

In recent years, the public has become aware of the dramatic increase in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 1985, one in 10,000 children were given this diagnosis. Today, it is one in 150. The public has also become aware of the conflicting views as to the cause of this incredible increase.

Many parents claim that toxins impacting vulnerable nervous systems are the cause, especially thimerosal (mercury) formerly used as a preservative in most childhood vaccines. Many medical officials say no bio-chemical connection has been found. The July 2007 issue of “People” magazine, page 69, has an article on the first court case alleging childhood vaccines as the cause of
autism. The article states “Their case (the Cedillo family) before the nation’s so-called vaccine court is the first of 4,800 claims linking autism and childhood shots to be heard by the three judges.” The results are being watched by thousands of families themselves hoping to receive financial assistance for the extensive expenses that autism
requires.

Dr. Janine Romaner addresses the issue by doing what she does best, helping to heal the afflicted children and their families, and celebrate in their progress. Through years of working with children on the autism spectrum, and with various other developmental delays, Dr. Romaner has observed that there is still little education available to the public on the importance of healing the physiology of the children. Dr. Romaner says “Many medical doctors have told the parents of my patients to simply get used to the diagnosis, and that nothing can be done about it.”  Romaner’s experience proves otherwise.

If these children were to improve their health while growing their brains and bodies, the progress in behavioral therapies increases much more rapidly. The children improve their cognitive abilities, eye contact, comprehension, speech capability, social skills and more, by systematically clearing their nervous systems and brains of identified toxins, while supplying absorbable nutrients. It is imperative to provide a healthy, clean diet suitable for each child. While every child is unique and programs should be personalized, there are indeed some commonalities. There are a few triggers that Dr. Romaner tells us can be found in any combination.

UNDERLYING CONTRIBUTORS COMMON TO AUTISM

• Infant vaccinations.

• Excessive yeast often stemming from antibiotic treatment for repeated ear or other infections. If there is underlying metal toxicity in the system, yeast often develops in order to protect the organs and nervous system from the damage metals can cause.

• Metal Toxicity. Elevated levels of heavy metals can impair brain or nervous system function. Metals can be ingested from a variety of sources. One common source is vaccinations in which thimerosol (methyl mercury) has been used as a preservative.

• Neurotransmitter imbalances.

• Unusual blood flow patterns in the brain.

• Mineral ratio imbalances.

• Nutritional Deficiencies. Most of the children are very particular about what they will eat. If there is intestinal yeast overgrowth, nutrient absorption is blocked in an already compromised digestive system (85% of our nutrients are absorbed through the small intestines).
  

• Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies. This is revealed in pancreatic, liver and intestinal function primarily, but can be substantially improved or corrected with the appropriate combination of digestive enzymes or alkaline salts, diet, and re-culturing the intestines. Many children benefit from a gluten free, casein free diet.

SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS

Many autistic children demonstrate the following unusual behaviors: handflapping or stimming (repeated actions), fascinations with water or window blinds, extreme affection or its opposite, no physical contact. Some even have aggressive behaviors. Most have tactile issues and are highly sensitive to food textures, tastes, light, sound and smells. Some experience chronic pain due to digestive challenges, trigeminal nerve (jaw) sensitivity. No two children are alike.

Children on the autism spectrum experience the same world you live in but in a dramatically different way because of their varying sensitivities, and their inability to verbalize where their physical pain is or what triggers it. Because of heightened sensitivities to sound, light, touch, taste, smells and electro-magnetic frequencies, children’s bodies develop automatic filtration mechanisms to allow them to cope or survive in such a loud and harsh world.

NEARLY ALL AUTISTIC CHILDREN INITIALLY HAVE DIGESTIVE
PROBLEMS

What most people do not know is that these socially unacceptable or irritatingly repetitive behaviors are often
physiologically balancing their systems from extreme impact to one or more of their senses. One simple example
is that a child will often walk on their toes rather than using the entire soles of the feet. Many therapists will try to get the child to stop “toeing” because it is not the norm and they assume they are helping the child to develop and learn social skills. However, the reflexology points for much of the digestive system are on the flats on each foot and become very sensitive to touch when there are digestive problems.

So they intuitively “toe” in order to avoid the pain of pressure and contact on these digestive contact points. When their systems are cleansed and diets improved, the  children begin to walk normally because pressure on the flats of the feet no longer causes discomfort.

If there is no potential harm to the child or others with an unsocialized behavior, Romaner suggests parents trust the innate wisdom of the child’s body, and become more attentive to the underlying reason for the seemingly senseless behavior.

SUGGESTED READING:

The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism, by Stephanie Marohn

The Fabric of Autism, by Judith Bluestone

Janine Romaner, ND, CHT is a naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Kennesaw. Her personalized & natural approach to health care is designed to aid healing from inside out. She uses bio-energetic computerized testing,
saliva and stool panels, and serum tests when needed. Dr. Romaner can be reached at 770- 640-6690. www.
naturallyhealthy.ws.

Look to Natural Awakenings for the schedule of Dr. Romaner’s publicized 2-day clinic with Dr. Shaw (bio-chemist specializing in autism).