5 of the newer therapies for Autism 2017
By Dr. Alan Kadish NMD
To be clear there are many new means and methods of evaluating autism and the loads of therapies that we apply for those experiencing the disorder. I find it interesting that these 5 made the grade. I appreciate that for many of us in the clinical treatment of ASD we employ the right tool (therapy) for the right patient. So no broad strokes of what are the best or…… most appropriate.
Let’s look at the 5 that made the grade, with Generation Rescue.
#1. Adaptogenic Herbs
The adaptogenic herbs are typically used with those who have issues with their adrenal hormone, cortisol. Their levels are outside of the normal flow throughout the day or are out of the normal levels we would expect. This family has a number of members in addition to the ashwagandha and the Rhodiola. Also think in terms of other herbal adaptogenic products such as suma, licorice, and American Ginseng.
Which to use …. depends…. both on the quality of the product as well as the concentration of the active ingredient and the correct patient. Some will have a more stimulatory effect while others will chill the patient.
#2. Light Therapy
Light therapy is one of the best and easiest therapies to put into play. With our learning how to modulate the blue light of our electronic devices along with use of red and other colors has exploded with the easy to purchase tuneable led lights. It’s so easy to change a lite or two in your youngsters or your own bedroom and let the melatonin levels in your body elevate, naturally ?
Use the smallest red led light in a fixture. You can easily set up a timer to slowly wake you in the morning with natural light.
#3. Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a viable therapy for the right patient. What we have seen is that it’s most usable for those who are willing or able to focus to some extent. We should be seeing an explosion with the new technology, using VR goggles. Stay tuned as you’re about to see the price drop and the number of therapeutic products explode. Many will be labeled as engaged in neurofeedback, tracking the eyes and possibly connected to the scalp, with electrodes. They might be a great solution to both the screen-addicted, as well as those with some tolerance of a head based product.
#4. CBD
CBD, has it finally come of age ? No doubt the availability of the product has become easy and no longer an underground phenomena. There are some considerations that don’t seem to be finding their way to the marketplace/consumer. did you realize that it takes a solvent to remove and concentrate the CBD ? Two absolutes with purchasing the product. One has someone checked the residual solvent level and two what’s the labeled concentration of the CBD.
We have seen some interesting responses, however. It’s not clear if it’s 100% safe and having no impact on your child’s brain development. We will continue to monitor the literature and keep an open mind. In calling a number of suppliers we were able to find some that checked for solvent residues.
#5. Self Care for the caretaker
You would almost think it an obvious but unfortunately, most of our patient’s main caregivers are often times close to or in a state of burnout. It’s not an easy task taking care of anyone who needs lots of your time and efforts. Multiply this with a disorder, let alone a youngster, and well there’s only so much to give.
Can’t agree more with the suggestions and making it a high priority to take some time, regularly for yourself. But let’s not forget some exercise…..makes a major difference and to multiple, the effect do it with others.
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