Biomedical Treatment
Autism is diagnosed on external behaviors exhibited but there are many comorbid conditions that are common, and treatable. A few of the most commonly found conditions among individuals with autism are:
- Allergies
- Bacteria, yeast, or fungus overgrowth
- Constipation/Diarrhea
- Dopamine receptor issues
- Gastrointestinal: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Chron’s Disease; GERD (Gastric Reflux); Colitis and symptoms like improper food digestion and absorption, dysbiosis of the gut, leaky gut.
- Immune dysregulation or inflammation
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction/Disease
- Melatonin defects
- Omega 3 deficiency
- Heavy Metal Toxicity and detoxification issues
- Seizures
- Serotonin defects
Biomedical treatment is the term many people used for a group of interventions which are designed to stop, or at least reduce, the effect of biomedical problems (such as gastrointestinal abnormalities, immune dysfunctions, detoxification abnormalities, and/or nutritional deficiencies or imbalances).
The supporters of biomedical interventions believe that these biomedical problems act as triggers which cause, or make worse, many of the problems faced by people on the autism spectrum. They believe that those problems can be solved, or at least reduced, by following one or more biomedical interventions.
There is a vast range of biomedical interventions, many of which are considered to be forms of complementary or alternative medicine by most traditional health care practitioners. Biomedical interventions include diets, nutritional supplements and hormones, the “off-label” use of some medications, as well as practices such as chelation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
This type of therapy isn’t considered evidence-based or medically necessary and often is not covered by insurance.
Local Resources
Organizations Who Specialize in the Biomedical Approach
Autism One
www.autismone.org
AutismOne is a nonprofit, parent-driven organization that provides education and supports advocacy efforts for children and families touched by an autism diagnosis. Has many free videos on biomedical topics.
Autism Resource Institute (ARI)
(951) 340-0431
www.autism.org
Their focus is to advance an ambitious research agenda while providing the latest science-based information for people of all ages on the spectrum.
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)
(949) 640-4401
https://tacanow.org/
Provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. Has extensive resources and information on biomedical treatment. Information on cooking classes, foods available at local stores, recipes, and how to get started.
The GFCF Diet
www.gfcfdiet.com
Since 1999, this website, www.GFCFDiet.com has been
assisting parents & individuals with information about The “GFCF Diet”.
We are a free resource for any parent who needs support implementing a gluten free – casein free diet ( GFCF Diet ). This website provides a central location for parents to find other parents who are also using Dietary Therapy. It is the largest free resource of its kind on the Internet, not only providing lists of products to help guide you through the Grocery Stores but other relevant information which will help parents learn about Dietary Intervention.
Doctors and Medical Professionals Who Specialize in Biomedical Therapies
Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS)
www.medmaps.or
A group of professionals who offer a Comprehensive Education & Fellowship to Medical Professionals for the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related chronic complex conditions. This program has been developed by leading physicians, scientists, researchers and experts in the area of pediatric special needs, environmental medicine, GI issues, pediatrics, neurological disorders, genetics, nutrition and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as other related fields. There currently are no MAPS doctors in the Inland Empire. For a list of doctors in Southern California visit www.medmaps.org/clinician-directory
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
