A Key Cause Of Autism & How To Reduce Its Risk - What Every Parent Needs To Know | Dr. Suzanne Goh

Added: Apr 9, 2024

Genetic and Environmental Factors in Autism

Dr. Goh explains that there are over a hundred different genetic variants that can increase the likelihood of autism. These include missing or extra chromosomes, gene mutations, and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins in the environment. Maternal health factors like autoimmune conditions and gestational diabetes can also play a role in the development of autism. Additionally, advanced parental age over 40 is associated with an increased risk of autism.

Trends in Autism Diagnosis

The prevalence of autism in the United States has been increasing over the years, with current estimates showing that around 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. Dr. Goh attributes this rise to a combination of increased awareness leading to better detection and diagnosis, as well as environmental factors that contribute to the development of autism.

Diagnosing Autism

Autism is diagnosed based on differences in social interaction, communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. These core features of autism are observed in individuals, leading to a diagnosis. However, Dr. Goh emphasizes that an autism diagnosis is just the starting point, and further investigation is needed to understand the biological factors and unique physiological profiles of individuals with autism.

Brain Differences in Autism

Research has shown that differences in brain development are present even before birth in individuals with autism. The fetal brain undergoes unique changes in architecture, growth acceleration, and connectivity, leading to differences in brain structure and function. Electrophysiological studies have also revealed atypical brain activity in individuals with autism, including increased neuronal firing and altered connectivity patterns.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism

Dr. Goh's research has found that approximately 80% of individuals with autism have some form of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria play a crucial role in metabolism and energy production in cells. The discovery of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism has been a significant advancement in understanding the biological underpinnings of the condition. This finding has shifted the focus towards exploring the role of mitochondrial function in autism and its potential implications for treatment and management.

Neurodiversity and Autism

Dr. Goh emphasizes the importance of recognizing neurodiversity and understanding autism as a valued part of an individual's identity. The neurodiversity movement highlights the natural neurological differences that exist in all people and celebrates the unique strengths and challenges that come with neurodivergence. It is essential to provide equitable and high-quality healthcare for individuals with autism while respecting their identity and promoting acceptance and inclusion.

Improving Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism

Addressing co-occurring medical conditions and providing appropriate treatment can improve the quality of life and potentially extend the lifespan of individuals with autism. By understanding the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, healthcare professionals can offer personalized interventions and support for individuals with autism.

Causes of Autism

Dr. Goh challenges the belief that autism is solely genetically driven and static. She highlights the dynamic nature of the brain and the potential for interventions to influence brain development and function. She stresses the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to support brain development, especially during critical periods of growth and change.

Diet and Nutrition

Dr. Goh emphasizes the impact of diet and nutrition on overall health, especially for children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism. She discusses the potential benefits of a whole foods diet and the importance of expanding nutrient-dense foods in a child's diet. She also mentions the role of elimination diets in addressing potential triggers for inflammation and immune responses in the body.

Gastrointestinal Conditions in Autism

Many children and adults with autism experience co-occurring issues like gastrointestinal issues. Dr. Goh highlights the importance of addressing these co-occurring diagnoses to provide relief and improve overall well-being. She explains that improvements in gastrointestinal issues can lead to a reduction in behavioral symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism.

One of the most common chronic gastrointestinal conditions in autism is chronic constipation, which can significantly impact a person's ability to participate in daily activities. Factors contributing to chronic constipation in individuals with autism include dietary restrictions, reduced gut microbiota diversity, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Addressing these factors through dietary changes, supplements like magnesium citrate and probiotics, and promoting a state of rest and digest can help alleviate chronic constipation.

Supplements and Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional supplementation plays a significant role in supporting brain health and addressing potential deficiencies in children with autism. Dr. Goh recommends identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies like iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. She also mentions the use of supplements to target specific symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, with options like melatonin, magnesium, and glycine.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to diet and supplementation, lifestyle changes like exercise are essential for children with autism. Dr. Goh highlights the benefits of exercise in improving social abilities, communication, executive function, sleep, and overall quality of life for individuals with autism. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating lifestyle changes to support overall health and well-being.

Possibilities for Improvement

Dr. Goh highlights the potential for significant improvements and progress in individuals with autism. While each individual is unique and may present with a range of symptoms and challenges, there is reason to be optimistic about the potential for growth, learning, and overall well-being. She mentions cases where children have shown remarkable progress, including losing their autism diagnosis or experiencing transformative changes in their quality of life through tailored interventions.

Co-Occurring Conditions in Autism

Autism is often accompanied by a range of co-occurring conditions, including medical, mental health, and developmental issues. These conditions can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life and should be addressed alongside autism symptoms. Understanding and addressing co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, immune dysfunction, and nervous system dysfunction are crucial for comprehensive care.

Immune System and Autism

The immune system plays a complex role in autism, with some individuals exhibiting heightened immune activity while others may have immune deficiencies. Immune-related symptoms in autism can manifest as frequent infections, allergic reactions, or changes in autism symptoms during illness or fever. Addressing immune system imbalances and allergies can lead to improvements in socialization, behavior, and communication in individuals with autism.

Medications in Autism

Dr. Goh emphasizes the importance of considering medications as one tool in the treatment of autism, tailored to each individual's unique physiology and needs. While medications like aripiprazole and risperidone are commonly used to address irritability in autism, they come with potential side effects that need to be carefully managed. Other medications targeting specific symptoms such as ADHD, anxiety, and allergies can also be beneficial when used judiciously.

Community Support

Community involvement and support are essential for individuals with autism to access enriching experiences and opportunities for growth. Tailoring community activities to accommodate sensory sensitivities and individual needs can enhance socialization, learning, and overall well-being. Engaging in recreational activities, sports, arts, and other community programs can provide valuable experiences for individuals with autism.

Ketogenic Diet and Metabolic Therapies

Metabolic therapies such as the ketogenic diet, low glycemic index diet, modified Atkins diet, and medium-chain triglyceride diet have shown promise in supporting individuals with autism, especially those with co-occurring epilepsy. These diets, which focus on reducing simple carbohydrates and increasing fat and protein intake, can help manage epilepsy and potentially improve autism symptoms related to metabolic dysfunction.

Personalized Care and Compassion

Dr. Goh advocates for personalized care and compassion in treating individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. She stresses the need to view neurodivergent individuals as whole and complete, rejecting the idea of a "normal" brain or behavior. By understanding and supporting the unique needs of each individual, she believes that better outcomes can be achieved.

Hope Through Action

Through her work and research, Dr. Goh offers a message of hope through action. She encourages families to take proactive steps to optimize health and well-being, while also advocating for a more inclusive and accepting society. By combining compassion with education and awareness, she believes that positive changes can be made to support individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions.