Rates of autism have skyrocketed over the years, from an estimated 1 child in 5,000 in the 1960s and 1970s to just 1 in 54 kids today. The diagnosis of autism can be shocking and difficult for parents and families which may leave them feeling isolated, alone, helpless, and hopeless, but it doesn’t have to be that way. While we don’t have all the answers, and more research is needed to identify and validate the causes and treatment of autism, there are new signs of hope. And there is no such thing as “autism.” Rather there are “autisms”—different patterns of biological dysfunction unique to each child that result in multiple insults to the brain that all manifest with symptoms we call autism. Like every condition or illness, the key is to dig into the layers and peel the onion to discover what is really happening. It is not usually one thing but a collection of insults, toxins and deficiencies piled on susceptible genetics that leads to autism.
In this episode, Dr. Hyman sits down with Dr. George Papaicolaou to discuss the Functional Medicine approach to treating children with autism. They also share specific patient stories that they have treated.
George Papanicolaou is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Medicine from Abington Memorial Hospital. He is also an Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner. Upon graduation from his residency he joined the Indian Health Service. He worked on the Navajo reservation for 4 years at the Chinle Comprehensive Medical Facility where he served as the Outpatient Department Coordinator. In 2000, he founded Cornerstone Family Practice in Rowley, MA. He practiced with a philosophy centered on personal relationships and treating the whole person, not just not the disease. He called that philosophy “Whole Life Wellness”. Over time as the healthcare system made it harder for patients to receive this kind of personal care Dr. Papanicolaou decided a change was needed. He began training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. In 2015, he established Cornerstone Personal Health – a practice dedicated entirely to Functional Medicine. Dr. Papanicolaou to join The UltraWellness Center in 2017.
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vor.in.net
The 1st cause for autism is vaccines In my opinion and many others
Yes. People know their own child. And they must be heard.
But then why is it on,y coming about now?
Oh my God, almost halfway through and I’m so sad. I know you are not allowed to say what you want, but you signed your name onto “vaccines don’t autism”. Ugh, you were such a big part of me getting woke on this and food…feels like so long ago. Pray for coming generations–can’t even talk about the truth on the internet.
Right! It seems nuanced. Sounds like he’s saying “vaccines don’t cause autism” and he’s right, but what he said, almost said (?) is vaccines CAN cause autism, or, the adjuvants in vaccines (mercury, etc) set up the inflammation that manifests as autism.
There is CERTAINLY a link and I’d guess he wouldn’t deny it. Dr. Mark Hyman, comment?
@Michaelann deVille don’t you remember that he was skewered a while back for “spreading vaccine misinformation”? If you watch his way older videos, he talks a lot about heavy metals from vaccines and autism. There’s definitely more to it, but vaccines pull the trigger for a lot of kids.
Yes, I know. Sadly even this video may be taken down from YT if he says that. When I said “nuanced” I meant the way he made that statement, not that vaccines don’t cause autism.
@Humble Halfbreed where can I find vax information?
Heavy Metal. Exposure to screens reduces babies’ ability to read human emotion and control their frustration. It also detracts from activities that help boost their brain power, like play and interacting with other children.
Are you saying screens cause autism?
@Drew M Early exposure to screen can cause neurochemical and anatomical brain changes.
@Drew M some children aged younger than 18 months get screen time with televisions, tablets, or cell phones. A new study indicates that these early exposures could increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms later in life.
This is what I’ve been thinking and feeling all along. Before, during, and after pregnancies doctors/hospitals need to check the mother and baby’s micro biome, inflammation, allergies to foods, etc… All this could change so many lives. Thank you for this episode!
My friend works with kids with special needs. She tells me every parent story goes like this: my child was fine until we gave them multiple vaccines and then it started that they could no longer function like a normal child. Coincidence? Not sure, but it sure deserves attention.
But then why is it only coming about recently?
@Drew M The power of the industry…is why.
They need to look at the vaccine data from the 50s, 60s and 70s & compare it to today.
My two son’s skin started sloughing off after the 18 month old vaccine. Especially the flu vaccine. I went to a couple of pediatricians and no one could answer my question
@Agerie Ejigu So sorry, how is he doing now? My son struggled with horrible stomach pain all his life, and he is now 16, has gotten Morbus Chrons. They refused to check for that earlier, changed hospital and had to fight many doctors to get that done… But WHY did he get this autoimmune disease… Well… ….. …….. Us what I am thinking.
You guys are good
I wish I knew all of this when my child was younger.
In the 60’s and 70’s kids received vaccines, so it can’t be that.
You two talk about the canary in the coal mine, but what about the elephant in the room? The reduction of saturated fat in the American diet is by far the greatest contributor to autism and other mental/emotional/physical disorders than the change in wheat or the addition of glysophates. The structure of the brain and neural networks as well as every other cell in the body need saturated fat especially in the form of cholesterol – something that has been vilified for the past 60+ yrs. The removal of saturated fat out of the US food system (and others) pretty much corresponds with the increase of autism over this whole time period. PUFAs from seed oils have replaced saturated fat in many foods with disastrous effects on the human nervous system. No wonder there is an epidemic of mental health diseases in the Western world.
Wow Cassandra, learning this in my functional psychiatry fellowship. Im glad people are talking about this. Fixing the diet is better, safer than adding psychiatric drugs.
@Agerie Ejigu Have you heard of Dr. Chris Palmer? He is a psychiatrist who promotes supporting the healing of psychiatric conditions with a meat/animal fat-based diet. He has been interviewed several times on youtube.
This is great information!
Thanks Dr Hyman. I’ve been using this approach with my autistic son and I want to add that the clove plant being a good anti-inflammatory has been very helpful for my son. https://youtu.be/kpOqCcLjND4
Sorry for sharing this link here but I am trying to raise awareness on the potential benefits of the clove plant on autism. Please look up the nutritional or chemical composition of the clove plant and you will see that it’s not only a good anti-inflammatory but contains many of the minerals and vits which you just listed that an autistic child is deficient in. The clove plant has been helpful for my autistic son and I am hoping that other autistic children could also benefit from it.
Dt. Hyman, would you let your guest talk more than you?
Right on, target glyphosate & make Monsanto pay the damages, or watch the incident skyrocket.
I have a friend that is missing part of her 16th chromosome. Would that be a cause and what can help out with that?