THE AUTISM FORUM

We are living in exciting times in terms of treating autism.

For a long time, experts have told us that autism is not treatable. The only solutions offered were very intensive and expensive behavioural therapies, in the hope that our children would rote behaviours that might make them appear more normal in public.

Others emphasised the need to change the physical environment settings like classrooms, homes and workplace to accommodate the needs and often-peculiar habits of our children. Behavioural techniques have no doubt been useful. However, they are labour and skill intensive.

A group of parent-physician-researchers led by Bernard Rimland, PhD., felt that there was more to autism than just behavioural issues.

Statistically, autistic children have more allergies, more mercury in their body and more infections, particularly yeast infections.

Even those who are not picky about food are more nutrient deficient compared to other children. When these issues are addressed through diet, supplementation or drug therapy, a corresponding reduction in autistic behaviour was almost always observed. A few have even ‘lost’ the diagnosis.

Does it mean that a cure for autism has been found? Far from it. However, we know that a few things do contribute positively in most cases. These include the casein-free gluten-free diet, occupational therapy, vitamins and supplements, antifungal drugs, and mercury detoxification. Currently, there is a whole lot of data that support the efficacy and safety of such therapies. The research is still unfolding. New pieces of information, like the genome expressions of APO proteins, may contribute to an eventual cure for autism.

However, the implementation of such therapies is not necessarily easy, especially if your child just refuses or is physically unable to swallow pills. Most of the supplements taste outright awful. Parents need to work with their physicians to find alternative ways to deliver the supplements.

The situation is not helped by the availability of information (or the lack of it). Most of the time, information is disseminated informally through e-discussion groups. Answers and impressions are often given in a few sentences that reflect opinions rather than facts. The one or two authoritative websites, such as www.autism.org, can sometimes be rather technical and overwhelming.

It is with these issues in mind that The Autism Forum is set up.

John Yeo manages this site. John is an acupuncturist and nutritionist. He is also father to an ASD child. The forum seeks to present information that is factual and readable to a general audience.

As a parent, I (John) was given the belief that autism is not treatable. As I walk this journey with my daughter, I now believe that AUTISM IS TREATABLE. My daughter is still making steady progress even at 16 years old.

Ultimately, it is our children who inspire and motivate us to do different things. We do not know where this search for answers will lead us but we are not giving up on anybody. Hopefully, we in Singapore, too, can contribute to the pool of knowledge that will lead to a cure for autism.

Above all, we will continue to love these God given children, with or without a cure.

Yours sincerely,