Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an overlapping group of conditions, including Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD).  This condition typically presents before the age of three years though the condition may go undetected for years especially in those at the more able end of the spectrum.

Although ASD is a behaviourally defined disorder, it is the end-point of several organic causes and is not primarily psychological in origin. The estimated prevalence rate of people with ASD in the UK is almost one in a hundred and rising. Overall, the disorder is four times more common in boys than girls. There has been a sevenfold increase in ASD in the last ten years; it can be reliably diagnosed between 2 and 3 years of age. There are complex, developmental disabilities affecting commmunication, imagination and social interaction. Affected individuals on the autistic spectrum may be very different and intellectual ability ranges from severe learning disability to normal or above-average intellect. There is often altered sensitivity to, and abnormal processing of, sensory information and stereotypic behaviour.

There are two distinct forms of autism: “classic” autism (once called Kanner’s Syndrome) is present from birth and remains relatively rare, and “regressive” autism, where development progresses normally until the child is typically one or two years old. Regressive autism is epidemic; a recent study estimated that one in one hundred and fifty children in California has regressive autism.

The possible causes of ASD are numerous and not clear. It is generally agreed that genetic and environmental factors can both be implicated. Children with ASD have been found to have a range of abnormalities affecting different body systems. These abnormalities and systems interrelate but can be usefully separated into the following categories:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Toxic metals
• Other toxins
• Allergy
• Infection
• Autoimmunity
• Immunology(including vaccination)
• G protein defects

 

At Breakspear Hospital, we start with an examination of the patient’s medical and family history.  It is usually then appropriate to conduct some investigations.  If accessible, bloods are often taken to check for deficiencies of vitamins (particularly vitamin A and the B vitamins), minerals (such as zinc and selenium), omega levels, and other tests may be conducted to assess detoxification capacities.  Sometimes it is appropriate to look for infectious agents, and quite often heavy metals must be screened.  (Chelation therapy may be used to remove heavy metals.)  Treating food and other allergies/sensitivities using low-dose immunotherapy may be beneficial as well.  These basic investigations can help a significant number of children with neurodevelopmental delay. 

For some children, in addition to the above mentioned tests, it may be necessary to further investigate the child’s biomedical processes, as well as having the numerous referral pathways open.  Whilst we endeavour to find a causative agent, on rare occasions, it is not appropriate to investigate a child for curative interventions and health optimisation interventions may be offered as an alternative.   

Parents often have a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable to our clinical team.  By listening and understanding the parents’ observations and research, we then involve our dedicated medical research team and discuss ideas openly, which often results in a much improved outcome for the child.

The Dedicated ASD Team

Note: For many years, Dr Christopher Heard had a special interest in ASD patients at Breakspear Hospital.  He had been Defeat Autism Now! registered and trained many present members of the clinical staff.  Dr Heard retired from practice at the end of March 2008.

In order to provide complete, targeted care, we have formed an ASD Team. Each member has a special area of interest and unique set of skills to help the many different needs of all ASD patients. We all have been extremely fortunate to have been able to recruit more specialist doctors to our clinical team and we have arranged their future schedules to provide a comprehensive and full-time biomedical service in order to ensure that someone from our ASD Team is available at all times.

The members of our ASD Team are:

Mr Ron Leon Nutritional Consultant, has 10 years training in nutrition. In early 2008 he was shadowing the now-retired Dr Christopher Heard and is Defeat Autism Now! registered.

Dr Daniel Goyal joined our Clinical Team in Spring 2009 with a diverse range of experience and a keen interest in diagnostics. Dr Goyal is the first point of medical contact for many new parents and patients.  After his consultation, he advises on iinitial investigation and management.  From this point, he can advise as to the need for further consultation, possibly with other ASD Team members or external referrals.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh has been working with us for over 3 years and is experienced in nutritional, environmental, toxicological and metabolic medicine. Dr Yeoh is a Defeat Autism Now! registered practitioner.

Dr Peter Julu, Specialist Autonomic Neurophysiologist and Physician/Senior Clinical Lecturer, is the world authority on autonomic abnormalities in children, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders. He also works at the Royal London Hospital, is Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary’s University Hospital, London and is a consultant in Sweden and Denmark.

Dr Jean Monro has worked in environmental medicine for the past 28 years and the biomedical management of children with behavioural disorders has always been part of her practice. In the most complicated of ASD cases, working together with the ASD Team, Dr Monro's wealth of experience and highest level of biomedical knowledge often helps create the most favourable outcome.

 

Ron Leon will be co-ordinating the clinical administration for the ASD team and will be in daily contact with the rest of the team. He will be your primary email contact for the whole ASD Team and will be able to respond to, or pass on your email queries promptly. All emails should be sent to asd@breakspearmedical.com

Please phone Reception on 01442 261 333 ext. 300 to make appointments.

For prices, see Patient Information.