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 Medical Group, 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.  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 Medical Group.  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:

Dr Daniel Goyal joined our Clinical Team in Spring 2009. He qualified from Aberdeen University Medical School in 2001 and after 3 years in occupational and environmental medicine, he chose to focus specifically on environmental medicine. Dr Goyal has received training from Dr Jean Monro, Dr Christabelle Yeoh and Dr Peter Julu in nutritional and environmental medicine.  He is currently running several Environmental Medicine Clinics per week and two Autism Clinics.  Dr Goyal’s interests include diagnostics, toxicology and physical medicine.

 

Miss Angelette Müller has worked in the field of nutrition for over 10 years and has experience as a practitioner, educator and culinary health specialist.  Her interest in child health led her to develop nutrition and food education workshops for children and adolescents, and was invited to act as a consultant nutritionist on the Food Dude Project commissioned by Wolverhampton PCT.  She joined the Breakspear’s Clinical Team in September 2010 having completed an MSc in Clinical Neuroscience and Immunology and Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition Therapy.  Angelette is currently undertaking research in the area of Autism.

Dr Peter Julu is a Specialist Autonomic Neurophysiologist, a leading expert in brainstem abnormalities in Rett Syndrome and has a special interest in diabetic neuropathy.  Dr Julu is the world authority on autonomic abnormalities in children, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr Jean Monro is our Medical Director and is an internationally recognised specialist in environmental medicine. Dr 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 autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) cases, working together with the ASD Team, Dr Monro's wealth of experience and highest level of biomedical knowledge often help create the most favourable outcome.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh qualified from St George’s Hospital Medical School in London. She is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London and is qualified in General Medicine. She has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from King’s College London. Dr Yeoh is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and the British Society of Ecological Medicine. Dr Yeoh is experienced in nutritional, environmental, toxicological and metabolic medicine. Dr Yeoh is a Defeat Autism Now! registered practitioner.

 

 

If you would like more information or correspond with any members of the ASD team, emails should be sent to asd@breakspearmedical.com

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

For prices, see Patient Information.