Autism and Vitamin D

[lapage24]

I know there are some people here on NN that have autistic family members so I thought this would be worth sharing. However, I think all people, especially those in developed countries, would benefit from researching vitamin D deficiency, especially those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (people who get depressed in the winter). I say those in the developed countries simply because of a lifestyle which leaves very little sun exposure and promotes shielding yourself from the sun with copious amounts of sunscreen at all times.

Consider the fact that we are predominantly indoors all the time and even when we go somewhere we're typically in the shade of our cars. If we are going to be out in the sun we cover ourselves in sunscreen. Our lifestyles are drastically different from even 100 years ago. Also consider that hiding ourselves from the sun isn't really how we evolved. Historically, humans have had MUCH MORE sun exposure than those in developed nations are getting now. We need vitamin D, which is evidenced by skin colors. Lighter people at the poles, darker people at the equator. It's a direct correlation to our need for vitamin D.

Most of the research and studies that I have read say that the 400mg suggested by the US government isn't nearly enough. Between lack of sun exposure and the inability to get enough vitamin D from food, much more is needed.

Rule of thumb: If your shadow is longer than you are tall, you are not getting ANY vitamin D from the sun. It is simply not at an angle where the rays can penetrate the atmosphere.

Also, if you live north of Atlanta, GA it is impossible get vitamin D from the sun in the winter at any time of day, again, simply because the sun is at an angle which makes it impossible for the rays to penetrate the atmosphere.

The following article is the story of a mother's experience with vitamin D and her autistic child.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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[lapage24]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Vitamin D Newsletter[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January 30, 2010.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. If you are not subscribed, you can do so on the Vitamin D Council's website.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This newsletter may be reproduced as long as you properly and prominently attribute its source. Please reproduce it, post it on Internet sites, and forward it to your friends.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This month, I dedicate the entire newsletter to a mother's lengthy case report of her autistic son. Other than name and place of residence, the letter was not edited.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dear Dr. Cannell:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]At age 2.5 years, between December 2007 and January 2008, my son experienced a fairly dramatic onset of symptoms that led to his diagnosis of autism. His symptoms (many of which we did not even know the terminology for at the time they first occurred) included:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--The inability to sleep at night, we would put him to bed at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. following his normal bedtime routine [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Development of anxiety and refusal to leave the house even to do preferred activities[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Obsessive-repetitive questions and monologuing/run-on speech[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Sensory issues (refusal to wear jeans or any fabrics other than fleece, screaming hysterically at bath time, complaining and covering eyes in sunlight, covering ears for everyday noises that had not bothered him before (toilets flushing, pulling pots and pans from cupboards, etc.)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Toe-walking[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Flapping and self-stimulating behaviors (repeatedly tapping his cheeks and eyes with all ten fingers, continually twisting up his fingers in pretzel-like configurations, holding objects in his peripheral range of vision and straining to see them from the corner of his eyes)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Development of an unusual pattern of stuttering/vocal tic at the end of words,he would repeat the last sound/syllable,"I don't want to go to the store-or-or-or-or-or-or. It won't be fun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n." He would make sounds even in his sleep "n-n-n-n-n-n" or "s-s-s-s-s-s-s"[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Loss of muscle tone (stopped walking up and down stairs and began crawling/sliding instead, decline in balance and motor skills)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--loss of handedness (began switching left to right hand, after seeming predominantly left-handed)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Marked increase in hyperactivity[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Frequent spacing out/unresponsive episodes[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Our son and his twin sister were born at 36 weeks, 5 days on March 17, 2005 after four months of bed-rest. As early as their 8 week appointment, I mentioned to our pediatrician that we had concerns about our son's eye contact and social responsiveness (in comparison to his sister). I felt that I was having more difficulty bonding with him. We were told "don't worry, but don't wait" and were referred to our state's Early On intervention program. At the end of June a physical therapist and speech pathologist from our intermediate school district came to our home to evaluate our then 3 month old son and told me that he was doing just fine and that I was worrying too much. I agreed that by the time they saw him he had begun smiling and making better eye contact.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We didn't worry again about our son until fall 2006. He had walked just before his first birthday, but by 18 months+ he still seemed clumsy and prone to falling compared to his sister. We took him back to the intermediate school district for evaluation and were told that all of his development seemed to be in the normal range and that we shouldn't worry. We were advised that we could take him to music and gym classes to work on his coordination and told that we could pay for private physical therapy if we elected. We followed all of the recommendations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For a year, we didn't notice any other changes until the sudden onset of symptoms listed above when he was 2.5 years. With the sudden onset of symptoms above, we took our son to see a number of specialists during the winter of 2008 including a neurologist (who diagnosed him with Asperger Syndrome), a psychologist (who diagnosed with autism), and a second psychologist who specialized in the treatment of autism (who diagnosed him with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not-Otherwise-Specified). All three diagnoses are on the autism spectrum. He also began seeing an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral specialist, and a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor for dietary interventions. We saw a dramatic improvement by April/May of that year. Nearly all the symptoms on the list above had resolved. We assumed the improvements were due to diet but he started to go into the sun around that time. Our son slept well and spent many peaceful, happy and anxiety-free months during the spring and summer after turning three. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In mid-November 2008, I sent the following e-mail to the DAN doctor who had been helping us with our son.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"You saw our son Jonathan Switzer a few times regarding his autism diagnosis and diet issues, etc. He had a regressive period last winter from about December through April when his autism was diagnosed, then did pretty well all summer. Nursery school started off okay, too, but now he seems to be having another regression. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Main symptoms:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Great difficulty getting to sleep (fidgets for 2 plus hours most nights while he had been falling asleep easily for several months prior to that)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Marked increase in anxiety (again refusing to leave the house even to do things he loves, frequently shaking/clenching and telling us "I'm scared)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Onset of OCD-like behaviors (afraid to get hands dirty, get extremely upset if he gets even tiny drips of water on himself)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Increase in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, fidgeting, noise-making)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]--Frequent crying jags and telling us he's just giving up on everything[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We have had other parents tell us that their kids on the spectrum have a worsening of symptoms during the winter months and we feel like we are observing this same pattern. We've done some reading about light therapy for depression/anxiety and to help correct disturbed sleep patterns and would like to give it a try for Jonathan.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wondering if you have ever prescribed a light therapy box for pediatric patients before. Our insurance told us they will cover it with a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I don't even know if that is something that can be diagnosed in children. Guess we're willing to try anything at this point. Do you know much about this type of therapy?"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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[lapage24]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Neither the DAN Doctor nor our pediatrician would write a prescription for a therapy light, so we purchased one on our own and found it made no discernible impact on his symptoms.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]By December, our son's symptoms had worsened further and we decided to put him in a very expensive and intensive autism treatment program through our local hospital. He made slow progress during his participation in the program from January through April. He was also involved in speech and occupational therapy during the winter months. At his IEPC meeting at school in March, we were encouraged to put him in the district's program for children with developmental delays. We instead elected to register him for regular pre-school for the following year.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]During that winter, I was crying to some friends about my son and describing his seemingly seasonal pattern of symptoms. We had just seen a second neurologist searching for help, and I was extremely frustrated when, after listening to my son's symptoms and history, he told me bluntly, "There is nothing seasonal about autism," then suggested that we put our son on an anti-depressant. We refused the medication. One of the friends I was crying to is a research librarian and the other is a medical researcher. After our conversation, they located and e-mailed me a few journal articles they thought might help, one of the articles was by Dr. Cannell and discussed his vitamin D theory of autism. Reading the article was one of those "Aha!" moments and I felt hopeful that Dr. Cannell was on to something.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]By June our son was released from both speech therapy and occupational therapy and we were told that he no longer showed any delays for his age. When he had begun occupational therapy in January, the OT had been astonished at our son's lack of muscle tone. She recommended that he also receive Physical Therapy services, so we went on a long waiting list. Our initial OT was in a car accident, and in May we were transferred to a new OT. When the new OT first saw our son, she said could not believe he was the same child described in the notes. By May the low muscle tone, hyperactivity and distractibility noted in his file, were no longer evident. His turn came up for physical therapy and we were told he no longer needed it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Our son has always spent a lot of time outdoors in the summer, without sunblock. He had a happy and relaxing summer. As fall/back-to-school approached, I began to fear the onset of another regression and again read the article by Dr. Cannell my friend had sent. I visited his website and decided we would try a vitamin D supplement. Our pediatrician did not encourage any dose higher than 400 i.u. (that found in a typical multivitamin) but did write a script to have his 25-hydroxy level tested. In August his level was 37, so we started him on 5,000 iu daily and had his level retested on October 21st. By October his level was 96. The pediatrician was concerned that this was too high and told us he should not have more than 400 iu per day. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Knowing that Nov-March are typically his worst months, we reduced the dosage down only to 3,000 iu from October through mid-December. At an appointment in December our son was doing wonderfully (none of his usual fall/winter symptoms yet evident) and the pediatrician told us 3,000 iu was too much and that we should be giving no more than 400 iu. In mid-December we reduced the dose to 1,500 iu. By the beginning of January we noted a marked loss of eye contact. We also noted that our son was again interchanging his right hand for writing and eating (after using his left hand exclusively for 8+ months). We increased his vitamin D level to 4,000 iu daily in early January. On January 11 we had his 25-Hydroxy level checked on January 11 and found that it was 89. By the end of January, we and his grandparents noted improvement in his eye contact.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In January 2010 we attended his preschool conferences. The teacher had marked cards with the following code (1=age appropriate, 2=developing, 3=area of concern). Our son received 1s in all areas with the exception of hopping on one foot and balance beam where he received 2s. We were told that he is on par with or ahead of his peers in all areas (academic, fine motor, etc.), and that his teacher had noted no unusual symptoms or concerns.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]During the fall/winter 2009-2010 our son has been free from nearly all of the most troubling symptoms that plagued him the previous two winters. The following example may demonstrate the improvement in his daily life since last winter.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]One of our son's low points was a Christmas party we attended in December 2008. Before leaving the house to attend the party our son screamed and yelled about having to take a bath and because we would not let him wear sweatpants to the party. He then begged us not to make him leave the house. During the 40 minute trip to the party our son asked us repetitive questions and talked incessantly. Upon arriving at the party, he immediately walked into an unoccupied room adjacent to the room where the party was occurring, and put his face into the corner. Despite much coaxing by my husband and me, he refused to come out of the corner. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]After approximately 45 minutes of standing in the corner we managed to get him out through the promise of some food rewards. He proceeded to walk around and around the perimeter of the living room where all of the other kids were playing. He rubbed himself along the walls and covered his ears as he walked. He finally settled into playing alone in a corner of the room. All of the kids at the party participated in a book exchange. Our son refused to come to the area where the other kids were gathered. We coaxed him over only to have him throw the book he received and refuse to thank the parent who had purchased it for him. He spent much of the evening in time-outs for that and other inappropriate behavior.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In June of 2008, after playing in the sun for several months, we met for a picnic with the same group of friends at a local park. Our son ran up to the other children and joined right in playing bulldozers in the sand with them. He behaved and interacted in a completely appropriate and typical way during the picnic which lasted several hours.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This year (2009) we attended the same Christmas party at the same house. Our son got ready and left for the party without anxiety or incident. He chatted normally during the drive to the party. He walked into the house, said, "Hey, check out my new train," to some of the kids already playing and settled in to playing happily with the other kids. During the book exchange, he received a book, smiled and gave a big hug to the person who gave it to him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In December of 2008, I took a leave from my job so I could get my son to the intensive behavioral treatment program he was in and to all of his other therapy appointments. I dedicated 40-60 hours per week to my son's various appointments and home therapy program. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This winter (January 2010), a former colleague asked me what Jonathan's current therapy program consists of. I told her I spend about 30 seconds each day opening the jar of vitamins and giving him his chewable vitamin D. In my opinion, the 3 minutes or so I spend each week giving him his vitamin D have been much more effective, and much less expensive, than any other treatment we have pursued. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thank you.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jeannette, Wisconsin[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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[lapage24]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dear Jeanette:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]You're welcome. Several things need comment. First, the symptoms are typical of autism. Second, the seasonality of symptoms suggest a vitamin D deficient disease. Third, the treatment in the spring of 2008 seemed effective but, in hindsight, it was simply due to spring sun exposure. Fourth, as you may now know, light boxes for seasonal affective disorder make no vitamin D. Fifth, your pediatrician knows little about Vitamin D other than what committees tell him; your decision to ignore his advice probably saved your son's brain from further injury, as autism is a progressive inflammatory destruction of brain tissue. Sixth, the fact that you needed bed rest and gave birth prematurely suggests you were Vitamin D deficient during your pregnancy.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Seventh, his twin sister has never had autism, despite the same intrauterine environment. This is consistent with my theory, that autism is caused from a quantitative, not qualitative, variation is one of the enzymes that metabolize Vitamin D. That is, there are no structural differences in these enzymes in autism, only a genetically determined difference in the amount present. These enzymes are responsive to estrogen; estrogen protects the brain from being damaged by low Vitamin D, probably by increasing the amount of activated Vitamin D present, explaining why boys are four times more likely to have the disease.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The report that your son deteriorated when his dose was reduced from 3,000 to 1,500 IU suggests autistic children need adult doses of Vitamin D. When you reduced the dose from 3,000 to 1,500 IU/day he worsened although his level on 1,500 IU/day was probably still greater than 50 ng/ml. This makes me think that dosage needs to be stable and suggests that Professor Reinhold Vieth's theory of a detrimental seasonal resetting of the intercellular metabolism of Vitamin D may even be true at levels above 50 ng/ml, where the body is storing the parent compound, cholecalciferol, in muscle and fat. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]His current dose of 4,000 IU per day is perfectly safe and will give him a level of 80-100 ng/ml, inside the reference ranges of American laboratories. Toxicity (asymptomatic high blood calcium) begins somewhere above 200 ng/ml. Generally speaking, autistic children should take 2,000 IU per every 25 pounds of body weight for six weeks, then have a 25(OH)D blood test and adjust the dosage to get into the high end of the reference range, 80-100 ng/ml.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Although I first published the Vitamin D theory of autism theory 3 years ago, few autistic children are currently treated for their Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to several reasons. One, those who think, correctly, that autism is a genetic disease, stop thinking after that, reasoning that genetic diseases are untreatable. Such thinkers do not understand epigenetics (upon the genome). Vitamin D is probably the heart of epigenetics, as nothing works upon the genome like vitamin D. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Secondly, the "all autism is caused from vaccinations" crowd cannot accept the Vitamin D possibility as it threatens their core beliefs. They simply cannot change their minds.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, as you now know, organized medicine would say you should stop the vitamin D and watch your son deteriorate, which is why slavery to evidence based medicine is fine for scientists and unethical for practitioners. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]John Cannell, MD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Executive Director[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Vitamin D Council[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This newsletter may be reproduced as long as you properly and prominently attribute it source. Please reproduce it, post it on Internet sites, and forward it to your friends. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Remember, we are a non-profit and rely on your donations to publish our newsletter, maintain our website, and pursue our objectives. Send your tax-deductible contributions to:[/FONT]
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[Cascadians]

I have autism, Aspergers. They are eliminating the Aspie designation and just lumping everybody on the autism spectrum.

Since I got Orka I am getting much better. Because of his vitiligo we avoided the sun until recently. His black is coming back. I am outside now most of the time, although watering in the yard during the daytime is not exactly sun because it is very shady.

Should take the VitD3. Have a bunch of vit/mins/supps pre poured, just keep forgetting about it.

In Portland 1/2 the year no sun. Rain. Gray.

Autism can wax and wane. Regression happens. Stress can trigger it.

 

[lapage24]

I have autism, Aspergers. They are eliminating the Aspie designation and just lumping everybody on the autism spectrum.

Since I got Orka I am getting much better. Because of his vitiligo we avoided the sun until recently. His black is coming back. I am outside now most of the time, although watering in the yard during the daytime is not exactly sun because it is very shady.

Should take the VitD3. Have a bunch of vit/mins/supps pre poured, just keep forgetting about it.

In Portland 1/2 the year no sun. Rain. Gray.

Autism can wax and wane. Regression happens. Stress can trigger it.

I had a co-worker whose son has Aspergers and he was one of the brightest kids I've ever met. His writing, like yours, would move people to tears. I just couldn't believe what his little 10 year old mind was capable of writing. It was so moving.

With being lumped into a single category, will it make treatment for the different types harder to get?

I remember my coworker complaining about how hard it was to get the correct services for her son. Just wondering if it's now going to be even more difficult?

 

[Cascadians]

It is impossible to get any type of services for adult autism. It's an epidemic and insurance companies are afraid it will bankrupt them. Plus to insurance it immediately brands a person as insane because they do not want to hear any symptoms. However, autism is most definitely a real neurological disorder. It affects each person differently, hence "spectrum."

And yes, the lumping will lead to big reduction in services. There just is not treatment monies.

Ppl say auties have no feelings. Wrong wrong wrong. Very intense feelings, just few ways to express them that are "socially acceptable." The whole social thing doesn't even register on our radar, so we learn to withdraw.

Also the no empathy -- wrong wrong wrong. Same thing, just difficult to express, always getting in trouble for way of being so learn to shut up.

Re the VitD -- very interesting because studies show auties prefer cloudy rainy weather. Feels safer, more insulating, easy to stay absorbed within. So auties flock to where the VitD "don't shine." Or they stay in their happily nerdy cubicles

 

[lapage24]

It is impossible to get any type of services for adult autism. It's an epidemic and insurance companies are afraid it will bankrupt them. Plus to insurance it immediately brands a person as insane because they do not want to hear any symptoms. However, autism is most definitely a real neurological disorder. It affects each person differently, hence "spectrum."

And yes, the lumping will lead to big reduction in services. There just is not treatment monies.

Ppl say auties have no feelings. Wrong wrong wrong. Very intense feelings, just few ways to express them that are "socially acceptable." The whole social thing doesn't even register on our radar, so we learn to withdraw.

Also the no empathy -- wrong wrong wrong. Same thing, just difficult to express, always getting in trouble for way of being so learn to shut up.

Re the VitD -- very interesting because studies show auties prefer cloudy rainy weather. Feels safer, more insulating, easy to stay absorbed within. So auties flock to where the VitD "don't shine." Or they stay in their happily nerdy cubicles

Wow! That's so sad about the insurance companies, but unfortunately, not at all surprising.

As far as not having feeling or empathy, someone posted a wonderful video of the girl who had autism who finally was able to communicate through typing on the computer (you've probably seen it) and whoa, was that amazing! The people who say that those with autism don't have feelings/emotions/empathy are probably the same ones that say dogs don't have emotions either. I consider those people to be completely brain-dead and empty inside.

As far as the vitamin D, why not give it a shot? As long as you don't overdo it and go to toxic levels, I don't think it could hurt. (just my non-professional opinion)

Interesting about preferring cloudy days. I can see that though. I feel that way myself sometimes. It's more relaxing than a bright, sunny, vibrant day.

 

[Ocean's Edge]

personally I take all of these research studies with a BIG grain of salt, there's been so many of them over the years, diet, gluten, vitamin B, now vitamin D, facilitated communication, ABA, swimming with dolphins, fenfluramine, Bernard Rimland, .....

I've watched a lot of parents spend a lot of money, time and effort chasing their tails after every theory that comes down the pipe. This isn't to say the research isn't valuable and that there isn't good information to take away from it. I just caution that this is one area just full of snake oils, and you need to apply what's read, and individual research logically to how and if it applies to one's own situation.

Having been involved in some of long term genetic studies in autism (Dr Peter Szatmari - Chedoke McMaster Children's Hospital) and been privy to some of the conclusions from that, and my own research and reading over the years I strongly suspect that what we now know as a singular family of disorders The Autism Spectrum will in time prove to be a number of types of disorders with different specific causes but resulting in similar behaviours / diagnostic symptoms - and thus explaining the differing responses individuals have to individual therapies.

 

[lapage24]

personally I take all of these research studies with a BIG grain of salt, there's been so many of them over the years, diet, gluten, vitamin B, now vitamin D, facilitated communication, ABA, swimming with dolphins, fenfluramine, Bernard Rimland, .....

I've watched a lot of parents spend a lot of money, time and effort chasing their tails after every theory that comes down the pipe. This isn't to say the research isn't valuable and that there isn't good information to take away from it. I just caution that this is one area just full of snake oils, and you need to apply what's read, and individual research logically to how and if it applies to one's own situation.

Having been involved in some of long term genetic studies in autism (Dr Peter Szatmari - Chedoke McMaster Children's Hospital) and been privy to some of the conclusions from that, and my own research and reading over the years I strongly suspect that what we now know as a singular family of disorders The Autism Spectrum will in time prove to be a number of types of disorders with different specific causes but resulting in similar behaviours / diagnostic symptoms - and thus explaining the differing responses individuals have to individual therapies.

I completely agree. Always do your research, apply your own knowledge and common sense, talk to the professionals and see where you're at.

In terms of the money people put into treating themselves or family members, I can't even begin to fathom it. What I like about vitamin D is that you can buy a 400 count bottle of 5000 IU pills for $10 at a warehouse store. That's more than a years worth of vitamin D for someone like me. More if you consider the amount of time I spend in the sun in the summer and that I don't really need to take it in the summer months. It would probably expire before I could use it all.

And if were my son or daughter I would chase my tail til kingdom come to help them (as I think anyone here on NN would). No, you don't want to buy the snake oil, but you definitely want a lot of ammo (knowledge) in your back pocket. Never hurts to have a back-up plan for when all else fails. I have the same mentality about training my dogs. I've heard some really whacky ideas (some that I would never ever do), but I have at least heard of them and if the day comes that I can't think of any other solution, at least I still have one more thing to try.

And I definitely agree with your last statement about it being a number of things causing similar symptoms. The human body is just so complex and the variables are too many to count.

I don't expect everyone to hop on the vitamin D train, but I do believe in arming people with knowledge.

 

[new_2_newf]

That is a very interesting study indeed. I grew up with autistic children in my class at school and one of my cousin is autistic. I'm not sure how anyone can claim that an autistic person has no feelings...that made me upset just reading that. My cousin (a 32 year old man now) is almost always on the verge of exploding with everything he can't express. It is almost like he is just waiting to find the right switch or button to hit that will release what binds him and spill out everything he has been thinking and feeling for the last 30 years and hasn't been able to express. The only time he really seems to release is when he is with animals. He likes Sulley, Sulley is calm and quiet and they will sit out in the garage at my aunt and uncles and he'll talk to Sulley or sing to him (he seems to express himself through songs and jingles a lot) and we notice his volume go down almost instantly and he is able to sit and pet the dog for long periods without and ticks.

I'd say the same with empathy...you see it in spades when he is with animals, less so with people. I've always thought people probably aggravate the hell out of him since they never really seem to get what he is trying to say. Animals don't seem to need the same sort of verbal communication.

I hope the research into VitD helps some people struggling with the disorder...The funding sources don't seem to be in much better shape in Canada. For someone who is unable to work, like my cousin, they are eligible for a disability pension. I'm not sure what happens with a high functioning adult.

 

[Joy]

Thanks for posting this. I passed it on to a friend in need of this info!

 

[drulzelot]

There is quite a bit of research going on about Autism and possible causes. Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the world's leading experts on Autism, is presently researching a possible link between maternal testosterone levels during pregnancy and Autism, and research is being done on a possible link with Vitamin D deficiency (it appears Autism is less common, and almost unheard of, in areas closest to the equator in communities where people spend most of their time outdoors, which explains why they are looking). Vitamin D3 is a hormone, when the body makes more than it uses, it gets stored in the fat cells (and is likely one of the reasons menopausal women gain 10 lbs during that phase, they need the excess for bones while the estrogen decreases). So even if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line, you can make enough D during the Spring and Summer to get you through most of the winter if you spend enough time outdoors. Otherwise, it is preferable to take liquid D suppliments (only during the winter months, and get your D naturally the rest of the year). The pill form has not been shown to be as effective because brands vary and other reasons (in other words, those who took D3 blood tests, followed by D3 in tablet form, who were retested a year later showed little to no change in D3 levels). Doctors and researchers in Vitamin D who take D3 generally take 1,000 to 5,500 IU daily, toxicity arises when one takes 30,000 IU daily (the Canadian Cancer Society recommends 1,000 IU daily). And yes, it is important for infants and children to get adequate sunlight so take them outdoors (!), the risk of melanoma is very low (that's the deadly skin cancer, which is actually uncommon; although skin cancer is very common, most of it is benign; if you have a lot of moles you have the greatest risk of melanoma, followed by being blue-eyed, redhaired/blonde, and/or have had bad sunburns prior to turning 20), while the risk of cancers linked to D deficiency are much, much higher.
Asperger's is going to be removed from the Autism spectrum on the latest DSM-V, which is due out in 2012-13. Severe "Aspies" will be considered Autistic (which will help get them needed services) while higher functioning Aspies will no longer have access to services, but will be considered "normal". For many high functioning Aspies, that is a good thing, since they do not like the label of being considered developmentally disabled (when they are merely different because they think differently, these are your "absent-minded professors," who otherwise function well in society). Basically, if you speak to a high-functioning Aspie, they see it as they are normal, it's everyone else who is messed up, lol. Aspies are some of the most interesting people to talk to, especially for those of us who love to learn about new topics, these are the people who can hyper-focus and become top experts in a field. So, as with all things which are on a spectrum, the true challenge is drawing the lines to determine which people will fall into the Aspie category, and which will fall into the Autism Spectrum Disorders category.

(PS., I am a strong advocate of having all teachers and school administrators, actually, anyone who works with children and teens, take coursework specifically geared toward educating them on ASDs and Asperger's. I've seen too many teachers behave very unprofessionally when dealing with children who look normal, act normal, but don't handle stress or social situations well, and they end up creating more problems due to their lack of knowledge about ASDs).

 

[lapage24]

There is quite a bit of research going on about Autism and possible causes. Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the world's leading experts on Autism, is presently researching a possible link between maternal testosterone levels during pregnancy and Autism, and research is being done on a possible link with Vitamin D deficiency (it appears Autism is less common, and almost unheard of, in areas closest to the equator in communities where people spend most of their time outdoors, which explains why they are looking). Vitamin D3 is a hormone, when the body makes more than it uses, it gets stored in the fat cells (and is likely one of the reasons menopausal women gain 10 lbs during that phase, they need the excess for bones while the estrogen decreases). So even if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line, you can make enough D during the Spring and Summer to get you through most of the winter if you spend enough time outdoors. Otherwise, it is preferable to take liquid D suppliments (only during the winter months, and get your D naturally the rest of the year). The pill form has not been shown to be as effective because brands vary and other reasons (in other words, those who took D3 blood tests, followed by D3 in tablet form, who were retested a year later showed little to no change in D3 levels). Doctors and researchers in Vitamin D who take D3 generally take 1,000 to 5,500 IU daily, toxicity arises when one takes 30,000 IU daily (the Canadian Cancer Society recommends 1,000 IU daily). And yes, it is important for infants and children to get adequate sunlight so take them outdoors (!), the risk of melanoma is very low (that's the deadly skin cancer, which is actually uncommon; although skin cancer is very common, most of it is benign; if you have a lot of moles you have the greatest risk of melanoma, followed by being blue-eyed, redhaired/blonde, and/or have had bad sunburns prior to turning 20), while the risk of cancers linked to D deficiency are much, much higher.
Asperger's is going to be removed from the Autism spectrum on the latest DSM-V, which is due out in 2012-13. Severe "Aspies" will be considered Autistic (which will help get them needed services) while higher functioning Aspies will no longer have access to services, but will be considered "normal". For many high functioning Aspies, that is a good thing, since they do not like the label of being considered developmentally disabled (when they are merely different because they think differently, these are your "absent-minded professors," who otherwise function well in society). Basically, if you speak to a high-functioning Aspie, they see it as they are normal, it's everyone else who is messed up, lol. Aspies are some of the most interesting people to talk to, especially for those of us who love to learn about new topics, these are the people who can hyper-focus and become top experts in a field. So, as with all things which are on a spectrum, the true challenge is drawing the lines to determine which people will fall into the Aspie category, and which will fall into the Autism Spectrum Disorders category.

(PS., I am a strong advocate of having all teachers and school administrators, actually, anyone who works with children and teens, take coursework specifically geared toward educating them on ASDs and Asperger's. I've seen too many teachers behave very unprofessionally when dealing with children who look normal, act normal, but don't handle stress or social situations well, and they end up creating more problems due to their lack of knowledge about ASDs).

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing the info!