A recent case study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine found that personalized lifestyle and environmental changes successfully reversed autism symptoms in fraternal twin girls diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study highlighted the impact of personalized medicine and diet on various conditions, including ASD.
The study detailed the journey of two dizygotic twins diagnosed with “level 3 severity” autism spectrum disorder at a young age. The twins underwent a non-drug, personalized approach led by a team of multidisciplinary clinicians. The approach included dietary changes, supplements, therapies, and environmental interventions to address the twins’ individual needs.
Over the course of two years, the twins showed significant improvements in their social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns. Their ASD diagnoses were reversed, with one twin’s score on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist dropping from 76 to 36, and the other from 43 to 4.
The study highlighted the importance of personalized interventions and the commitment of the children’s parents in achieving these remarkable results. It also emphasized the potential for children with ASD and other conditions to benefit from similar approaches. Beth Lambert, founder of Epidemic Answers and one of the study authors, emphasized the hope and resources available for parents seeking to support their children through similar journeys. “We are also working on creating a platform where we can provide solutions to parents, educating them through our online community, Healing Together,” she said.
Autism Prevalence
According to the study, the prevalence of autism is increasing rapidly. In the early 1990s, the rate of autism diagnosis in the United States was 1 in 2000. Over the course of the 1990s, the diagnostic criteria for autism were expanded to encompass a broader range of symptoms and behaviors. This expansion is evident in the updated versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
For instance, in the DSM-IV published in 1994, the diagnostic criteria were broadened and categorized into subtypes like Asperger’s disorder, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
Further changes were made in the DSM-5 released in 2013, which consolidated the previous subtypes into a single unified diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
These modifications contributed to a significant increase in autism diagnoses in the subsequent years. However, some physicians believe that these factors alone do not fully explain the dramatic rise in ASD diagnoses.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2000, 1 in 150 children had an ASD diagnosis, but their most recent data shows that in 2020, 1 in 36 children had an ASD diagnosis, representing a more than 300 percent increase over the last two decades.
The study highlights that “Published projections estimate that even if the future prevalence of ASD remains unchanged over the next decade, there would be approximately 1 million new cases, resulting in an additional $4 trillion of lifelong social costs in the United States. Moreover, if the current rate of prevalence increase continues, costs could soar to nearly $15 trillion of lifelong costs by 2029.”
Mrs. Lambert asserts, “Modern living is making our children sick, but it’s also making all of us sick—and our children are the canaries in the coal mine.”
Final Thoughts
The study findings suggest that environmental and lifestyle factors significantly impact the manifestation of ASD symptoms and that targeted interventions in these areas can lead to substantial and lasting improvements, including symptom reversal.
The study authors emphasize the importance of parents or caregivers in this process, stating that “The commitment and leadership of well-informed parents or guardians are essential for the effectiveness of such improvements.”
The study clarifies that treating ASD necessitates a personalized, multifaceted approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, as ASD diagnoses are as unique and complex as the individuals they affect.
The perspective of the twins’ parents, as detailed in the study, aligns with this notion, stating, “Having fraternal twin daughters diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 20 months has given us a profound appreciation of the highly individual presentation of Autism.”
For families navigating an ASD diagnosis, Mrs. Lambert reassures, “You are not alone.”
“I want people to know that there is support available. We host a conference, Documenting Hope, to invite parents to join our community. Together, we can work towards healing our children collectively.”
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