Complementary and alternative medicine has a great deal to offer those with ASD

Autism, or more correctly, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD),) is currently estimated to affect around half a million Australian families.

People with ASD display a range of neurodevelopmental signs and symptoms including repetitive behaviours, social withdrawal, communication deficits and cognitive ability ranging from mental retardation through to ‘high functioning’ often with an above average IQ and/or a notable talent or skill – e.g. mental arithmetic, music, etc.

There are three main categories of ASD

1. Autistic disorder – have significant impairments in social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours
2. Asperger’s disorder –have some difficulties with social interaction and social communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours. However, those with Asperger’s disorder do not have a significant delay in early language acquisition, cognitive abilities or self-help skills.
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) – This diagnosis is made when an individual has a marked social impairment but fails to meet the full criteria for either autistic disorder or Asperger’s disorder.

For the families, having a loved one with ASD can be a challenging and stressful journey.

Everyday activities and interactions can be difficult, painful and emotionally traumatic. So many elements of life can be affected – ability to socialise, friendships, food choices, employment, and relationships.

The intense sensory hypersensitivity often present in those with ASD can have huge implications on even the basics – for example it can mean that furnishings need to be changed and choices of fabrics and clothing based on what texture can be tolerated rather than any aesthetic preference.

Complementary and alternative medicine has a great deal to offer those with ASD. Important progress has been made in understanding effective therapeutics including homoeopathics, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and dietary work.

Judith has had extensive experience providing safe and effective support for those with ASD. This includes the usage of  a range of highly accurate diagnostics tests including IgG food sensitivity testing, Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis. These can ensure treatment plans are individualised and appropriate, optimising optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Ideally, therapeutic support is provided for the whole family. Parents and siblings are always exhausted, distressed and functionally unwell. – as with any family, the children do better if the parents are doing better – and it is possible for things to be better.