Biomedical Testing/Treatment | Autism PDD

Share

I don't have any experience with DAN, but I believe my son got the urine test for gluten/casein problems through the hospital here in Norway.  It came back normal.

At the very minimum, you need to make sure your child has had the biomedical tests officially recommended by the American Academy of Neurologists:

Here is the extra testing that is officially recommended:

For every child where developmental delay is suspected:

Hearing test - "a formal audiologic assessment should include behavioral audiometric measures, assessment of middle ear function, and electrophysiologic procedures using experienced pediatric audiologists with current audiologic testing methods and technologies."

Lead test

Further testing only if indicated:

Genetic testing:  specifically "high resolution chromosome studies (karyotype) and DNA analysis for FraX, should be performed in the presence of mental retardation (or if mental retardation cannot be excluded), if there is a family history of FraX or undiagnosed mental retardation, or if dysmorphic features are present (Level A). However, there is little likelihood of positive karyotype or FraX testing in the presence of high-functioning autism."

Selective metabolic testing (Level A) "should be initiated by the presence of suggestive clinical and physical findings such as the following: if lethargy, cyclic vomiting, or early seizures are evident; the presence of dysmorphic or coarse features; evidence of mental retardation or if mental retardation cannot be ruled out; or if occurrence or adequacy of newborn screening at birth is questionable."

EEG - "Indications for an adequate sleep-deprived EEG with appropriate sampling of slow wave sleep include (Level B) clinical seizures or suspicion of subclinical seizures, and a history of regression (clinically significant loss of social and communicative function)"

Other testing does not yet have enough evidence to prove its clinical utility at this time: 

Recording of event-related potentials and magnetoencephalography

Clinical neuroimaging (even in the presence of megalencephaly)

Hair analysis, celiac antibodies, allergy testing (particularly food allergies for gluten, casein, candida, and other molds), immunologic or neurochemical abnormalities, micronutrients such as vitamin levels, intestinal permeability studies, stool analysis, urinary peptides, mitochondrial disorders (including lactate and pyruvate), thyroid function tests, or erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase studies.

Source:  American Academy of Neurologist's "Guideline Summary for Clinicians:  Screening and Diagnosis of Autism."

http://www.aan.com/globals/axon/assets/2605.pdf

We got my son’s DX 2.5 months ago.  For 2 months he has been getting ABA, Speech and preschool with part time shadow.  He has responded tremendously going from saying just “banana” to “Can I have a banana, Please” amongst many other things.  Even though we have a great treatment plan in place I just have a feeling that there is some opportunity in the area of biomedical intervention.  I have been to the Great Plains Labs website and I am strongly considering doing every test they have related to Autism.  Our pediatrician told us if our son isn’t displaying any physical reaction to foods or other things then there is no need for additional testing – I disagree.  Thus, I am tempted to grab a DAN doctor do these tests and take it from there (actually I won’t be quite that hasty and will screen these doctors the best I can).  The bottom line is I want my son tested for anything that could possibly be contributing to his condition and then have a doctor to assist with taking action based on these results.  Anyone else have any experience along these lines? 

JJ Dad39289.9302430556It seemed to make our daughter notice us more and respond to sounds and her surroundings more..we also did 30 hours of ABA a week and speech with the diet..never got miracles that some got but we did do it faithfully for a year along with biomeds too:) She made huge progress that first year so I would defienetly do all over again if I had too:) The healthfood stores and reg. stores carry many glutien and casien free foods now so it is much easier than 4 years ago when we did it..it wasnt that bad or expensive either..Find a reputable Dan doc through word of mouth from other parents of autistic kids and try them..the diet and supplements are natural and in no way harmful for your child. Good luck:)My husband and I had the same discussion about a year and half ago. We
also had 30+ hours of ABA a week and private speech. We do the boimeds
because I think it has made a difference with our son.
I have some friends who do just ABA and Speech and that seemed to get the
job done.
Our son just needed something more.
Copyright Autism-PDD.net