Study Shows Lifestyle and Environmental Changes Can Reverse Autism in Twin Girls
A growing body of evidence suggests that personalized medicine and diet can have a significant impact on various conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
The study also surveyed existing literature on the effect of lifestyle and environmental modifications on ASD, reinforcing the findings with evidence from similar cases and studies.
The Study Details
The case study involved 4-year-old dizygotic twins diagnosed with “level 3 severity” autism spectrum disorder, which the study describes as “requiring very substantial support.” The twins were diagnosed at approximately twenty months of age.
Dizygotic twins, or fraternal twins, result from two separate fertilized eggs and can be genetically similar to typical siblings but exhibit differences. In this case, the twins were found to have different genetic material and characteristics.
The case study demonstrates that a non-pharmacological, personalized approach by a team of multidisciplinary clinicians effectively reduced the number and intensity of ASD symptoms using various methods.
Conception
The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization using an egg donor and carried by a surrogate. Their father was 51 years old at the time of conception, and they were born premature. Routine vaccinations were administered, but further vaccinations were delayed until fourteen months. The girls were given acetaminophen before and after vaccination.
Initial Symptoms
Initially, one twin exhibited sensitivity to changes, eczema, and digestive issues, while the other had challenges making eye contact, communication, breastfeeding, and muscle tone issues. Both twins were fed breast milk for twelve months without any complications in eating or sleeping.
After transitioning from breast milk to cow’s milk at twelve months, digestive, behavioral, and language issues arose in both twins.
ASD Diagnosis
The twins were assessed for autism spectrum disorder due to worsening symptoms and both met the criteria for DSM-5 autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Lifestyle and Environmental Interventions
Following their diagnosis, the twins’ parents implemented a comprehensive, personalized approach addressing their daughters’ condition. The approach incorporated various environmental and biological factors influencing ASD and was holistic, non-pharmacological, and individualized.
- Working with a coach to understand the diagnosis and build confidence.
- Learning about the “total allostatic load” concept and utilizing resources from Epidemic Answers.
- Completing the Child Health Inventory for Resilience and Prevention survey.
- Implementing dietary changes, including a Reduced Excitatory Inflammatory Diet.
- Using dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
- Customizing interventions based on the twins’ individual needs.
- Participating in therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis and speech therapy.
- Addressing environmental toxins in the home.
- Receiving osteopathic care on a recommendation leading to improvements in communication.
The parents emphasized the importance of a nonconventional, holistic approach and acknowledged the significant role they played in supporting their daughters’ healing.
Results
As a result of lifestyle and environmental changes over two years, the twins experienced a reversal of their ASD diagnosis, showing marked improvements in social interactions, communication skills, and behaviors.
Significant enhancements were observed in their scores using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, indicating an improvement in symptoms.
Both twins showed dramatic improvement, with one reducing their score from 76 to 36 and the other from 43 to 4 over seven months.
The pediatrician remarked on the remarkable progress, suggesting one twin had undergone a miraculous transformation.
The combined interventions, along with committed parents, led to a significant improvement and reversal of ASD diagnoses for the twins.
Beth Lambert, founder of Epidemic Answers and study author, highlighted the positive outcomes from tailored interventions, emphasizing hope for children with ASD.
Autism Prevalence
The study notes the escalating prevalence of autism, attributing the rise to diagnostic criteria expansions over the past few decades. The DSM-5 unified previous subtypes into one ASD diagnosis, accounting for the increased diagnoses.
Despite these changes, some physicians believe additional factors contribute to the surge in ASD diagnoses, with CDC data indicating a substantial increase in ASD cases over the years.
The study projects significant economic costs associated with the rising prevalence of autism if left unchecked.
Lambert underscores the impact of modern living on health, especially children’s well-being, urging a collaborative effort to address these challenges.
Final Thoughts
The study underscores the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors in ASD manifestation and highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in mitigating symptoms and achieving lasting improvements, even reversing them.
The study emphasizes the crucial role of informed parents or caregivers in personalized interventions for children with ASD.
Treating ASD requires a tailored, multifaceted approach rather than a generalized solution, recognizing the uniqueness and complexity of each individual affected by ASD.
The parents of the twins echo this sentiment, emphasizing the individuality of ASD presentations and the necessity for personalized support.
For families navigating an ASD diagnosis, Lambert reassures them of available support and resources to facilitate healing.
