Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a severe developmental disorder with many contributing factors. It generally begins at birth or within the first two and a half years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the part of the brain responsible for the development of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults on the autism spectrum typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, as well as other activities. Most autistic children appear perfectly normal, but demonstrate behaviors which are markedly different from those of typical children. Autistic children may be extremely bright and extraordinary, but are uncomfortable in social settings.
Less severe cases may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger's Syndrome; these children typically have normal speech, but they have many "autistic" social and behavioral problems.
Biomedical Approach
Science is demonstrating that autism is much more than a neurological disorder; genetic risk factors, environmental stressors and the overall health and nutritional state of the individual all play a part.
There is no cure for autism. Some of the symptoms children with autism experience, diarrhea, bloating, mood swings, cravings, rashes, etc., may respond to a biomedical treatment approach involving nutritional supplements, digestive enzymes, probiotics, dietary changes (gluten-free/casein-free, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, GAPS Diet, etc.)
Dr. Wand also recommends behavioral therapies (ABA), speech therapy, vision therapy, PT, OT, allergy testing, etc.
There is not one absolute protocol treatment. Each child’s case is specific and recommendations are determined by the individual health history, physical exam and lab test results. Our focus at Midwest Wellness Center is to encourage optimal healing by providing the most appropriate personalized treatment to each individual patient by assessing the underlying medical issues commonly seen in children with autism. Dr. Wand addresses these issues by utilizing biomedical treatments recommended through current research and supported by laboratory testing.