Autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders
characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and
difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are
present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.1
The
term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of
disability in functioning that can occur in people with ASD. Some children and
adults with ASD are fully able to perform all activities of daily living while
others require substantial support to perform basic activities. ASD occurs
in every racial and ethnic group, and across all socioeconomic levels. However,
boys are significantly more likely to develop ASD than girls.1
There
is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to
remedy specific symptoms and can substantially improve those symptoms. The
ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the
specific needs of the individual. Most health care professionals agree that the
earlier the intervention, the better.
A
new government survey of parents suggests that 1 in 45 children, ages 3 through
17, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is notably
higher than the official government estimate of 1 in 68 American children with
autism, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).2
“The
1 in 45 estimate is not surprising and is likely a more accurate representation
of autism prevalence in the United States,” comments epidemiologist
Michael Rosanoff, Autism Speaks director for public health research. “This
means that 2 percent of children in the U.S. are living with autism. The
earlier they have access to care, services and treatment, the more likely they
are to progress.”
Research
suggests that autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or
environmental, influences.3 There is reason to be concerned about
high levels of exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment. For this reason,
Autism Speaks continues to support research to better understand the effects of
chemical exposures during pregnancy, as there is preliminary evidence that
pesticides may increase the risk of autism. Although researchers cannot confirm
that avoiding exposure to pesticides or any specific chemical can reduce autism
risk in a child or future child, they do say that exposure to toxic chemicals
during pregnancy or early infancy poses a general threat to future health. High
lead exposure has been shown to lower IQ scores. Certain endocrine disrupting
chemicals have been linked to birth defects. So it’s reasonable for parents to
take reasonable steps to avoid these exposures.4
Scientists
also have been reporting links between the composition of bacteria in the gut
and autistic behavior. A review of more than 150 papers on ASD and gut bacteria
found that since the 1960s, studies show that restoring a healthy balance in
gut bacteria can treat ASD symptoms.5
Dr
Qinrui Li of Peking University, China says, “The environmental factors include
the overuse of antibiotics in babies, maternal obesity and diabetes during
pregnancy, how a baby is delivered and how long it is breastfed. All of these
can affect the balance of bacteria in an infant's gut, so are risk factors
for ASD. Efforts to restore the gut microbiota to that of a healthy person has
been shown to be really effective. Our review looked at taking probiotics,
prebiotics, changing the diet - for example, to gluten- and casein-free diets,
and fecal matter transplants. All had a positive impact on symptoms such as
increased sociability, a reduction in repetitive behaviour, and improved social
communication: all hugely beneficial to the life of an ASD sufferer.5
A
Nikken Wellness Home can help create a healthy environment with clean water
,
organic nutritional supplements
and
effective Sleep Products. Here are just a few success
stories:
Carla
P. says, “My son James was diagnosed with autism before he turned three.
Over the years, we made progress, but James still had difficulty
sleeping and this child would get up and roam all over the house,
turn on lights, turn on TVs with loud volume, and go into his brothers’ rooms
and wake them up. It disrupted the entire household. I decided to try a Kenko
Mattress Topper on his bed. It still amazes me. He continues to
sleep every night, and he is now making progress through the day because
of this good sleep he is getting.
“He
has had other positive effects from Nikken products, and if I didn’t experience
this myself, I would have never believed it. The best part was how
non-invasive all of these products are. Autism is like a puzzle, and you
are always seeking the right pieces that fit. Well, I definitely found
some of the biggest pieces to help my son. It didn’t cure him, but his
quality of life is so much better. And isn’t that ultimately what we all
desire?”*
Lorri
from Alberta, Canada says, “After two weeks of sleeping on the Kenko Sleep
System, Brody was sleeping well and this good sleep has helped him function better
during the day. Brody wears the magnetic insoles and necklace during the
day to help him feel more relaxed and calmer. After using all of these
magnets, his behavior has also improved. Now, a year later, I can't believe it!
Wow oh wow, it’s wonderful stuff! Everyone notices such a huge difference in
him.”*
Beth
says, “My cousin's adopted son is a five-year-old who is autistic. He has
always been a high energy, non-speaking autistic child. Since the day he was
put on the large Kenko PetPad and the insoles in his shoes, he has calmed down
considerably. When my cousin unwrapped the PetPad, he walked up to it and
wrapped his arms around it. It seemed to immediately 'soothe' him and help him
feel more relaxed and calm. He now goes to sleep at regular hours, remains calm
throughout the day and is able to function better as a result of the Nikken
products. Nothing else in his life has changed, only the addition of Nikken
products.”*
Gretchen
T. says, “I worked with a woman with a 21-year-old autistic son. She used the
Kenko Sleep System for him because he had never been able to sleep an entire
night in his life. He would wake up several times. He would also pull his
covers over his face, which made his mother very nervous. From the first night
on the system, he slept all night long and never pulled the comforter over his
face, and was more relaxed. So she then tried the PiMag water
with him. He always hated
drinking water and would only take a few sips. The first glass of PiMag water
he was given, he drank right down
and even asked for another one. Was she ever delighted!” *
Do
you know someone with a child who is on the spectrum and might benefit from a Wellness
Working/Nikken Wellness Home? You could be the one who helps improve lives with
Active Wellness!
*These
testimonials are not paid for or endorsed by Wellness Working nor Nikken.
1 https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet
2 https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/new-government-survey-pegs-autism-prevalence-1-45
3 https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-more-autism/what-causes-autism
4 https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/04/06/avoiding-environmental-hazards-during-pregnancy
5 https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-06-autism-gut.html\
