Research shows that many individuals with autism spectrum disorders have underlying medical issues that frequently go undiagnosed and can cause or exacerbate symptoms of autism.
These medical conditions include Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, food sensitivities, persistent viral and fungal infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Treating these underlying medical issues can greatly improve some of the behaviors and symptoms associated with autism.
Patients should undergo diagnostic testing and consult with a licensed physician to develop an individualized treatment plan.
NAA recommends finding a physician who will not ignore underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms and severity of autism. There are a number of physicians in the U.S. who specialize in treating children and adults with autism. Please visit http://medmaps.org for information.
To read more about medical comorbidities in ASD, click here for an excellent document from Treating Autism.