Autism is a developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years of life.  Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but spend their time engaged in puzzling and/or disturbing behaviors which are markedly different for those of typical children.  Less severe cases may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger’s Syndrome (these children typically have normal speech, but may have many “autistic” social and behavioral problems).  Many physicians feel that ADD and ADHD are part of an autistic spectrum of disorders (ASD).

Autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 children.  Autism affects males four time more frequently than females reaching an incidence of approximately 1 in 68 males.  Today there are believed to be 1.5 million Americans that have some form of autism and the numbers are on the rise.  Biomedical testing can help sort or the reason for autistic behaviors and guide specific treatments.

 The Wycoff Wellness Center provides a unique and thorough process to evaluate children and adults with Autism, PDD or Asperger’s Syndrome.  Our process involves the following components:

An initial visit:

       * Both parents and child are involved in this visitProvides a complete review of symptoms and past history (completed before visit)

       * Perform a head-to-toe physica

       *  Coordinate recommended testing (see below)

       *  Initiate basics of a treatment plan

First follow up visit:

       *  Typically only with the parents

       *  To discuss results of all testing

       *  Develop a customized treatment plan

       *  Determine need for further testing

Follow up visits:

       *  Follow up depends on individual treatment needs

       *  Typically follow up every 2-3 months or as needed often only with the parents

       *  Visits may be done in person, on the telephone or via the Internet (secure email portal).

 The Wycoff Wellness Center typically would recommend some or all of the following tests.  The specific recommended diagnostic testing is an individual decision between a Wycoff Wellness Center provider and patient.  Typical testing to be considered includes:

*  Complete blood count - To assess for anemia and blood cell problems

*  Chemistry panel - To assess glucose, electrolytes and liver/kidney function with ammonia level

*  Thyroid panel - To assess thyroid metabolism & function

*  Great Plains Laboratory testing:

*  Urine organic acid (OAT) test                                   

*  Gluten/Casein peptide

*  Comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA)                 

*  Immune deficiency panel

*  Plasma zinc and essential fatty acid                         

*  Copper/zinc profile

*  Heavy metals—hair analysis                                     

*  Advanced cholesterol testing

*  IgG food allergy panel                                                  

*  Porphyrin profile

*  Streptococcal antibody assessment                          

 The Wycoff Wellness Center’s staff will assist you in coordinating the necessary testing.  The costs of these tests results may or may not be covered by your insurance plan.  Great Plains Laboratory is a Blue Cross/Blue Shield participating provider.

 The Wycoff Wellness Center’s providers will customize an individual treatment plan for each patient.  Our treatments emphasize natural solutions.   Typical treatment may include:

*  Elimination of foods which containing food dyes and artificial colors

*  Elimination & treatment of positive food allergies as determined by IgG allergy testing of allergy skin testing:

*  Gluten free/casein free (GF/CF) diet or Specific Carbohydrate Diet

 *  Sublingual (under-the-tongue) allergy drops

 *  Low Dose Allergy (LDA) Immunotherapy

 *  Treatment of harmful bacterial overgrowth:

                       *  GI (gut) treatments

                       *  Antifungals

                       *  Probiotics

                       *  Digestive enzymes

Improving detoxification:

        *  Methyl B-12 injections

        *  Appropriate vitamin/mineral supplementation

        *  Glutathione

        *  Chelation to remove heavy metals (oral and intravenous)

Appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation

        *  Improved immune system regulation

Supplement with a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids

 Call today and make your initial appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.  Find out if there are biomedical reasons and natural treatments for the symptoms you or your loved one are experiencing.  Autism is treatable!