Causes of Autism

The causes of Autism spectrum Disorders are relatively still unclear. However, the emerging scientific model relates to how Genes and nutrients interact to make the thousands of enzymes (functional proteins)  each with their own specific functions. It is this continuous interaction between the genetic code and nutrients (Nutrigenomics) that grows a human being in the womb and in the early years, as well as maintains optimum health and function throughout the lifespan. Genetic mutations (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) affect the efficacy of these enzymes

Furthermore, each of these genes requires specific nutrient co-factors (mostly vitamins and minerals). Hence, deficits in these nutrients in our modern diet and in the diet of children with Autism can further reduce the effectiveness of these enzymes, leading to dysfunction in the gut wall and in various systems in the body, including brain cells.

Recent research suggests that Autism may result when a child with a genetic susceptibility and/or abnormal Omega-3 fatty acid profile in cell membranes is exposed to one or more environmental insults (heavy metal exposure, virus or bacteria) resulting in malfunctioning cells (often in the gut and brain). This model my explain the rise in autism since the 1960s.

Eventually these dysfunctional interactions can affect body systems, most obviously the gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune system and the central nervous system. The complexity of the thousands if not millions of possible interactions may well defy description. We can however, build a basic biomedical model of autism, based on the published scientific evidence to-date.

The following is an outline of some of the most common mechanisms that have been implicated in the aetiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Genetic evidence in Autism

• Genetics alone cannot explain the 870% increase in Autism cases between 1990-2000. If genetics were to blame every generation would have around the same incidence of Autism. increase Whilst there are genes that predispose to Autism, and we know that there is a genetic component to Autism, genetics alone cannot explain the recent rise in Autism in industrialised nations. This leaves nutrients and toxins interacting with these genetic weaknesses as the most likely candidates as causal factors for Autism. Weber, W. and S. Newmark (2007). “Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism.” Pediatr Clin North America 54(6): 983-1006; xii.
• The integrity of cell membranes that protects each cell can become impaired, leaving the cells vulnerable. There is much support in animal and human studies that a reduced intake in Omega 3 fatty acids results in impaired cell membranes and Neurodevelopmental disorders. There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) supplementation in children  with autistic disorders accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior found a trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo providing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism. Amminger, G. P., G. E. Berger, et al. (2007). “Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.” Biol Psychiatry 61(4): 551-3.
• Deficiencies in Key Nutrients in our modern diet, such as Zinc, Selenium, Vit B12, Vit 6 Vit D, and Folate,  may affect neural development and result in weaknesses in cellular membranes and internal processes of cells. These weaknesses predispose to the often devastating effect of environmental antigens and toxins. Nutrient supplementation has been used in a number of studies with success to improve brain function and behaviours of children with Autism. Kidd, P. M. (2002). “Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part 2: medical management.” Altern Med Rev 7(6): 472-99. Richardson, A. J. (2004). “Clinical trials of fatty acid treatment in ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and the autistic spectrum.” Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 70(4): 383-90.
• Penetration of Opioid Stimulants; the Opioid Excess Theory: Panksepp in 1979 proposed an “opioid excess” theory of autism. Other researchers have found opioid peptides (“exorphins,” derived from partially-digested food proteins) in the urine of autistic individuals. Molecules this size do not normally cross the gut mucosa. Reichelt and colleagues working in Norway reported significantly higher levels of exorphins in urine from 315 autistic children from eight different countries compared to 143 normal children. The mean levels were almost twice as high in the children with autism. Reichelt et al recently updated the opioid excess theory of autism.They found that “exorphin opioids” derived from casein (dairy protein) and gluten (from grains) crossed the blood-brain-barrier and caused “social indifference”symptoms in experimental animals, as well as inability to differentiate essential from nonessential stimuli. They found a peptide in urine from autistics that increased platelet content of serotonin, which is also a common finding in autism. Altered serotonin availability has been linked to “insistence on sameness,” reminiscent of ASD. They attempted to rationalize all the other characteristics of autism according to this model, suggesting that autism is based in a genetic polymorphism error of peptide digestion, perhaps of the enzyme diaminopeptidase IV (DPPIV), and that the brain stimulant activity of the exorphins can explain most, if not all, autism symptomatology. Although further clinical research is needed to establish the relative correctness of this hypothesis, many parents of children with Autism report significant improvements on a Dairy and Gluten free diet. Kidd, P. M. (2002). “Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part: 1: The knowledge base.” Altern Med Rev 7(4): 292-316.
• Antigens (foreign toxic matter, heavy metals, viruses and bacteria) attack vulnerable cells and damage them, resulting in cells that cannot carry out their function normally. Antigens can damage or change the expression of the genetic code in the cell, causing the cell to malfunction. Singh, V. K., S. X. Lin, et al. (2002). “Abnormal measles-mumps-rubella antibodies and CNS autoimmunity in children with autism.” J Biomed Sci 9(4): 359-64 Hornig, M. and W. I. Lipkin (2001). “Infectious and immune factors in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders: epidemiology, hypotheses, and animal models.” Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev 7(3): 200-10.
• There is emerging evidence that a dysfunctional methylation system may result in abnormal genetic expression leading to dysfunctional cells. Vit B12, folate, B6 and Magnesium play a central role in regulating Methylation. Abnormal methylation can interfere with metallothionein protein which regulates zinc/copper ratios and other metals in cell membranes. Impaired cellular structures can result in multi-systemic disorders, affecting gastrointestinal, Immune, endocrine and central nervous system James, S. J., S. Melnyk, et al. (2009). “Efficacy of methylcobalamin and folinic acid treatment on glutathione redox status in children with autism.” Am J Clin Nutr 89(1): 425-30. James, S. J., S. Rose, et al. (2009). “Cellular and mitochondrial glutathione redox imbalance in lymphoblastoid cells derived from children with autism.” Faseb J 23(8): 2374-83.
• The delicate balance between beneficial and detrimental bacteria in the gut can be upset by antibiotics, food preservatives, toxic additives and environmental toxins, leading to a condition known as intestinal dysbiosis (a condition whereby gut bacteria species are abnormally distributed ).  Opportunistic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may irritate a vulnerable gut wall resulting in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, leaky gut and food sensitivities. Recent research has uncovered pathology in the gastrointestinal tract of autistic children. The pathology, reported to extend from the esophagus to the colon, is described here along with other studies pointing to a connection between diet and the severity of symptoms expressed in autism. The evidence that there is impaired intestinal permeability in autism is reviewed, and various theories are discussed by which a leaky gut could develop. Lastly, some possible ways in which impaired gastrointestinal function might influence brain function are discussed. White, J. F. (2003). “Intestinal pathophysiology in autism.” Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 228(6): 639-49.
• Some bacteria produce trace amines. When these bacteria are overgrown, they can produce large amounts of amines.  A recent discovery in Neuroscience is that there are receptor sites in the same areas in the brain as neurotransmitter (messenger chemical) receptors, suggests that gut bacterial overgrowth affects brain function. This finding suggests that excess amines can result in a scrambling of brain signals and affect learning, attention and mood. In a developing brain this can have serious implications in affecting development. Borowsky, B., N. Adham, et al. (2001). “Trace amines: identification of a family of mammalian G protein-coupled receptors.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98(16): 8966-71.
• Other bacteria produce lipopolysaccharides that can cause a miriad of disruptive effects in the brain, affecting, memory,  learning, attention and mood. They are highly inflammatory. Normally lipopolysaccharides  cannot cross the gut lining unless there is a leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) in which case they can enter the blood stream and get carried to the brain. Lee, J. W., Y. K. Lee, et al. (2008). “Neuro-inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide causes cognitive impairment through enhancement of beta-amyloid generation.” J Neuroinflammation 5: 37.

Toxicity of Wheat

Wheat is one of the most consumed cereal grains worldwide and makes up a substantial part of the human diet. Although government-supported dietary guidelines in Europe and the U.S.A advise individuals to eat adequate amounts of (whole) grain products per day, cereal grains contain anti-nutrients, such as wheat gluten and wheat lectin, that in humans can elicit dysfunction and disease. There is substantial evidence from in vitro, in vivo and human intervention studies that describe how not only the consumption of wheat, but also other cereal grains, can contribute to the manifestation of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases by increasing intestinal permeability and initiating a pro-inflammatory immune response. Click here to download a paper on 'The Dietary Intake of Wheat and other Cereal Grains and Their Role in Inflammation'. 

Autism and Folate Metabolism

Research over the last 20 years has suggested a relationship between maternal diet and the birth of an affected infant, and recent evidence has confirmed that folic acid, a water soluble vitamin, found in many fruits (particularly oranges, berries and bananas), leafy green vegetables, cereals and legumes, may prevent the majority of neural tube defects.

• Women who have one infant with a neural tube defect have a significantly increased risk of recurrence (40-50 per thousand compared with 2 per thousand for all births).
• A randomised controlled trial conducted by the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom demonstrated a 72% reduction in risk of recurrence by periconceptional (i.e. before and after conception) folic acid supplementation (4mg daily).
• Other epidemiological research, including work done in Australia, suggests that primary occurrences of neural tube defects may also be prevented by folic acid either as a supplement or in the diet.
• This has been confirmed in a randomised controlled trial from Hungary, which found that a multivitamin supplement containing 800mcg folic acid was effective in reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects in first births. Extract from NHMRC Publication

Normal brain development and function depend on the active transport of folates across the blood-brain barrier. A study reported on the clinical and metabolic findings among five children with normal neurodevelopmental progress during the first four to six months followed by the acquisition of marked irritability, decelerating head growth, psychomotor retardation, cerebellar ataxia, dyskinesias, pyramidal signs in the lower limbs and occasional seizures. After the age of six years the two oldest patients also manifested a central visual disorder. Known disorders had been ruled out by extensive investigations. Despite normal folate levels in serum and red blood cells with normal homocysteine, analysis of Cerebro Spinal Fluid suggested disturbed transport of folates across the blood-brain barrier. Oral treatment with folinic acid resulted in clinical amelioration. Little, J., Epidemiology of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 2000. 63(1-2): p. 11-20.This study and others like it supports our contention that normal methylation is vitally important for the prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism.

Why the diversity of behaviours in Autism

This model goes a long way to explaining why there is such diversity in Autistic behaviours. It also explains why some interventions work for some children and not others, highlighting the need for conducting Biomedical testing as a basis for formulating hypotheses and to justify treatment approaches..

There is emerging evidence that Autism is a multifaceted Nutrigenomic disorder (interaction between genes and nutrients). Since our genetic code is unlikely to have changed or mutated in the last 100 years, genetics cannot account for the rise in all modern diseases, including Autism, in that short period. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the incidence of Autism has increased 870% in ten years. However, while genetics have not changed, our diet and food chain has changed dramatically in that time and may be responsible for the observed increase in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The introduction of toxic chemicals (antibiotics, heavy metals,  pesticides, additives and preservatives)  in our food chain.
• The depletion of nutrients in our food due to high intensity farming of the same soil year after year for decades.
• Farming methods that substitute chemical fertilisers for the natural decomposition of organic matter by bacteria.
• Food processing methods that destroy nutrients.
• The excessive use of antibiotics in babies and children.
• The 20-40X increase of Omega 6 oils in our diet, and a reduction in Omega 3  consumption from fish. and Heating of these oils producing trans-fatty acids that damage cell membrane integrity
• Slow prolonged cooking methods that destroy vitamins.
• Microwave cooking that destroys some vitamins and bioflavanoids.
• A change in eating habits in the last 50 years: We have replaced natural nutrient-rich foods, such as organically grown fruit and vegetables, with nutrient-poor and processed foods.
• Chickens that are grown several times faster on a diet laced with antibiotics.

Nutritional deficiencies interacting with pre-existing genetic polymorphisms result in cellular structures and internal cellular apparatus that are less than optimum. When these cells are later exposed to toxic chemicals, heavy metals and antigens such as bacteria and viruses they can be easily damaged and consequently fail to perform their normal functions.These cells are distributed throughout the body’s systems, such as: Immune System, Central Nervous System, Gastrointestinal system, Neuroendocrine and musculoskeletal systems and others. Consequently Autism has been described as a multi-systemic disorder.