Fever Plus Mitochondrial Disease Could Be Risk Factor for Autistic Regression

Children diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum present with a wide variety of genetic and environmental issues. Subgroups of these individuals have mitochondrial dysfunction. Very recent research was done to examine mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with autistic regression following a fever. In this research the investigators identified 28 patients who met diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders and mitochondrial disease. Autistic regression occurred in 60.7% (17 of 28), a statistically significant increase over the general autistic spectrum disorder population. Of the 17 individuals with autistic regression, 70.6% (12 of 17) regressed with fever and 29.4% (5 of 17) regressed without identifiable linkage to fever or vaccinations.

These researchers also noted that none of the subjects showed regression with vaccination unless a febrile response was present. The researchers concluded that although the study is small, a subgroup of patients with mitochondrial disease may be at risk of autistic regression with fever. In addition, although recommended vaccinations schedules are appropriate in mitochondrial dysfunction, fever management appears important for decreasing regression risk.

Pediatric Use of Antipsychotics Linked to Metabolic and Cardiovascular Events

Over the last 10 years we have seen a huge increase in the use of antipsychotic medication for our children, despite adequate safety studies (if your autistic child is on any antipsychotic drug other than Risperdal, they are being used off-label and not approved). Many physicians are blindly prescribing these medications without proper training or even monitoring the child for side effects.

EEG Assessment and Treatment For Autistic Spectrum Disorders

As the Medical Director for Healing Solutions, I am always on the lookout for new treatments and therapies that I can employ to help our patients. In particularly, over the last 5 years has kept my attention, but I’ve been hesitant to fully endorse.

ANOTHER Study Links Thimerosal Exposure to Increasing Risk of Autism

Another recent study, this time published in Neurendocrinology Letters, has given more fuel to the movement that the vaccine preservative Thimerosal contributed to the rising incidence of autism.

Les Incompétents: My Open Letter to the American Academy of Pediatrics – Dr. Stoller, M.D.

This Letter was written by a colleague of mine, Dr. Kenneth Stoller, whom I’ve learned so much from.

65% Autistic Children Found To Have Mitochondrial Disorder

At an American Academy of Neurology meeting last month it was revealed in a recent research paper, see below, that 65% of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders assessed were found to have mitochondrial disorder (MtD) and so were always at risk of autism caused by one or more vaccines.