Underlying Causes of Autism

Underlying Causes of Autism

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we take an integrative approach to diagnosing and helping patients on the autism spectrum, which includes addressing underlying medical issues and autism. Patients of all ages benefit from treatments that Dr. Greg Brown, our board-certified internist, provides for medical issues.

Addressing underlying medical issues and autism is part of our approach

People on the autism spectrum frequently experience co-existing medical conditions at a higher rate than those who aren’t on the spectrum. These issues include:

It’s very important to deal with underlying medical issues and autism in an integrative treatment setting. At our functional medicine clinic we combine a medical approach with holistic treatments such as supplements and dietary changes, along with alternative therapies to treat the whole person.

We vary our approach to meet the individual needs of the patient.

Underlying medical issues can impact a child’s development or adult’s behavior

Conventional medicine doesn’t always recognize that underlying medical issues and autism can negatively impact a child’s development and an adult’s behavior and skills. For example, adrenal and thyroid issues can affect a child’s language, motor function, socialization skills and more. In addition, mitochondrial diseases need to be considered. The organization Autism Speaks believes that “…around 5 to 10 percent of children with autism have mitochondrial dysfunction as the underlying cause of their symptoms.”¹

Yeast is another subject that involves underlying medical issues and autism. Conventional medicine often fails to see the connection between untreated yeast, primarily Candida albicans, and how it affects those on the autism spectrum. Untreated yeast leads to stomach pain and other problems. Children or adults who have problems communicating may not be able to describe their pain adequately, and that can lead to behavioral issues.

Detoxification and autism

Another difference between our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee and conventional medical centers is our detoxification program. Underlying medical issues and autism that may require detoxification may be caused by exposure to heavy metals, lead, pica and organic toxins. We provide therapies such as chelation therapy to rid the body of toxins.