Autism and Nutritional Concerns

Autism and Nutritional Concerns

Autism is one of many developmental disorders. Infantile autism is described as a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by abnormal emotional, social, and linguistic development in a child. Symptoms include abnormal ways of relating to people, objects, and situations (Mosby, 1998).

Autism tends to affect more males than females. The ratio of affected males

to females is approximately four to one. Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Autism, 2001). It is estimated that one half million people in the United States today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder (Autism, 2001).

The etiology of autism is unclear and can be determined in only approximately 20 percent of the diagnosed children (Huffman, 2001). Researchers continue their search for the cause. It has been noted that autism may have multiple causes, including structural abnormalities of the brain, viruses, genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic disorders, or seizure disorders (Ekvall, 1993). Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and neurochemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research (Greene, 2001).

Children with autism share some biochemical abnormalities. Studies have shown that serum calcium levels run low, while urinary calcium levels are high. Uric acid levels are decreased in both serum and urine (book).

There are no biochemical tests used in the diagnoses of autism. In order to diagnose autism, the person's behaviors are documented. The behaviors are

evaluated and compared to a standard list of diagnostic criteria. If eight of

the sixteen listed items are present, autism is considered.

There is debate in whether or not the MMR vaccine causes autism. A recent review from the US Institute of Medicine rejects...