This topic is to discuss biomedical interventions of all kinds for autism spectrum disorders.

Not so sure where to even begin this topic, as it's so inclusive on a vast number of issues that really should be separated out for the sake of clarity! So, I say we just start and see where this takes us. There may be some unexpected turns and detours here and there, but all in all, and with a great deal of time and patience, we will cover them all. Please be patient as I build on previous topics, as some might have no prior knowledge of autism or biomedical interventions, so much foundational work needs to be laid out first.

GENETICS:
Logically, at least in my mind, the place we should likely start is with the genetic predispositon. I don't think there is any argument at this point among scientists and scholars that autism is no longer to be considered a "mental disorder," but has been clearly identified as a bioneurological disorder with underlying genetic predispositions.

The largest percent of the funding currently being invested in autism research is going towards genetic research, which in my opinion, and at this current moment in time, is not a wise choice. Here's why. Genetic research is important and needs to be done, however, we have to consider what we can do with that information that is gathered. Is that information actionable and does it do anything more than actually identify the disorder?

Last I checked, and it could have risen significantly since then, there were at least 15 genes that had been identified as involved in autism. Just the sheer combinations of those 15 alone rules out simple blood testing as a means of identification. I like to play devil's advocate sometimes, so let's just say that one particular gene did get identified and became the single identifying factor. Even with that identification, how is that information actionable? Perhaps where there is concern in-vitro, testing could be done, but even then, the only choice becomes to abort or not. In childhood identification, it may provide the means for us to more quickly identify the disorder in younger children than before, allowing for earlier intervention, which is always best. It may also help us identify adults who would be more likely to produce children with autism disorders, therefore allowing the option of deeper thought about whether or not to have children naturally. Again, these situations all address identification, but they are NOT addressing the current epidemic we have on our hands RIGHT NOW!What do we do with these millions of kids once they are identified? Why isn't significant research money going into that?

IDENTIFICATION
I believe it's important to say I don't find that we are having difficulties identifying autism. There are still many in the field who are not up-to-speed on the problem and are relying on the incorrect guidelines from the DSM-IV to catch these kids, which is why many have fallen through the cracks at early ages, but before long, the diagnosis becomes evident.

Having said that, it is critical that DMS-IV is updated, especially regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD's), as this is not a clear-cut diagnostic process, as it would suggest. I have had physicians tell patients things like, "He can't have autism, he is affectionate!" Or,"That can't be autism, they made eye contact!" I have even heard,"Nope, doesn't meet the criteria because they only have x out of so many characteristics needed to meet that diagnosis," when this same child very clearly has severe, non-verbal autism, but was off by one characteristic? This is nuts! It is these types of statements that show a lack of education within the diagnostic, medical, and professional communities regarding ASD's.

There are no two children alike. They may share some characteristics, yet each child is highly individual, which is what makes our job so difficult. That means there is no "one-size-fits-all" diagnostic criteria or treatment protocol. It is child specific. The other thing we have to consider is currently autism is being diagnosed based on a series of behavioral signs and symptoms that have been tied to the disorder. While I understand we have to start somewhere, we also know there are clear, underlying medical issues many of these individuals with ASD have, that could make the identification process much easier and more thorough.

I suppose for the sake of clarity, we should list some of the common symptoms of autism for our readers. I have set up another entire discussion in this group on signs and symptoms, that should be read for this information. So, let's move forward with the ongoing biomedical issues at hand.

So again, genetics are great, super for identification purposes, but it's not CHANGING ANYTHING in the children who already have this disorder, and with the rates where they currently are, we better start putting more focus on the millions who are already affected by this epidemic and need to become functional, independent members of the community.

LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS
The problems start with triggering autism and then identifying appropriate treatments for  it. For heaven's sake, it has become an epidemic with the rates being currently 1 in every 150 individuals. And that's based on2001 CDC statistics, the current numbers are much higher, closer to 1in 67 individuals. When we add in other spectrum disorders, those rates rise to a frightening level. But let's be conservative and just use the current CDC statistic of 1 in 150 for now.

Even with that conservative rate, let's think long-term at that outcome with how things are being currently handled and the majority of the research funding going into genetics. The majority of the children who are diagnosed with autism do not have access to the appropriate, intensive, one-on-one interventions necessary to provide them with a shot at a typical, independent life. School systems are failing miserably, insurance is not covering what is needed, and generally only the wealthiest of the families are able to pay out of pocket for what is required. Even then, that is a VERY small percentage of families receiving appropriate intervention.

So, let's consider that with the rates of 1 in 150 individuals right now, and thinking 10-15 years later when these individuals are now adults and not able to care for themselves independently, it will bankrupt our economy having to cover the long-term costs of 1 in 150 individuals, at a price tag of $4+ million each over their lifespan. And the saddest thing in all this is that it is not necessary!

PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE
REGRESSIVE AUTISM IS TREATABLE AND OFTEN PREVENTABLE! Yet no one is sending out the memo! WHY? Why are we not hearing about the treatability of this disorder, when there are thousands of children who have become indistinguishable from their peers, or recovered, with appropriate treatment. And, even though that price tag was not cheap, it doesn't come close to $4+ million per individual! If we were to invest in the appropriate interventions for these children, early and intensively, yes, we may spend $100K - $200K per child, but the outcome also is bright. Most of these individuals then have an opportunity to independently participate in their community and contribute to the economy, rather than only drawing from it, at the taxpayer's expense, I might add.

So, $100K - 200K per individual and independent functioning, or $4+million per individual in dependent long-term care? And this is not even bringing into the discussion the quality of life for the individuals in question, which I can assure you first hand, is less than desirable. I have 2 children with ASD's, as well as having one myself. I do not want others to have to go through what my children or I experienced.

Most individuals with regressive autism have an opportunity to become indistinguishable from there peers IF the are diagnosed early enough and receive the APPROPRIATE, intensive interventions necessary,hopefully prior to the ages 3-5. We see this again and again! More children every day are recovering from autism! That does not mean being CURED from autism! Let me make a distinction here. I consider this much like diabetes, where once diagnosed, you will always be a diabetic. Most diabetics can take their insulin shots, watch their diets, and live fairly normal lives, with little interference. There are always a subset who have complications no matter what, but MOST can live pretty normal lives if they remain on their treatment protocols. Autism is much the same way. I consider recovery to mean indistinguishable from their peers. If you walked into my son's classroom, you would probably not pick him out as a child that has autism. He now looks like everyone else. There is no cure, he will always have it, yet he is functioning on a typical peer level. They will always have autism, and even have a chance of regression, just as a diabetic would, if they no longer follow their protocols. I hope that makes sense to you, as it's important to point out this difference. It causes much debate in the community at times, and usually, because the terms recovery and cured are inappropriately considered to be the same.

PREDISPOSITIONS AND TRIGGERS
OK, so here we are back at genetic predispositions again. The genetics predispose a subset of our population to ASD's. Some of the things we see with those predisposed is immune system up-regulation issues. It is my belief, and that's all it is at this point until we can prove it further, but it's my belief that when years from now when we look back,we will find that regressive autism was an auto-immune based disorder with a strong genetic predisposition. It's like having a gun that is loaded, cocked, and ready to go, and we are just waiting for someone to pull the trigger. We will get into the immunology a bit later, but let's focus on the triggers at this point.

VACCINATIONS & THIMEROSAL
Triggers can come in a multitude of forms. Probably the biggest issue being raised at this time concerns vaccinations. There is a whole post regarding vaccines on the discussion topic titled, "Neurotoxicity And The Medical Implications In Bio-Neurological Disorders," so I won't go into as much detail here, but we will most definitely cover the bases, and we will be adding more vaccine-related information as time allows.

VACCINATIONS, LIVE VIRUSES, & ACCELERATION OF THE VACCINE SCHEDULE

ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS