• Autism & Asperger's
• Mental Retardation
• ADD & ADHD
• Mitochondrial Damage
• Auditory Processing
• Motor Skills: Fine and Gross Delays
• Behavioral & Social Disorders
• Pervasive Developmental Delays (PDD)
• Down's Syndrome
• Seizures
• Dyslexia
• Sensory Integration Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Speech Delays: Expressive, Apraxia
• Malnutrition: Failure To Thrive
• Visual Processing Disorders
Dr POWER'S TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
Dr. Power is trained in nutritional biochemistry. She is a "Registered Clinician" with the
Autism Research Institute (the DAN! group), and has attended 3 major "DAN!" conferences, and
received special training in biomedical and nutritional testing and therapies for developmental
delays. She is also licensed in Maryland to write Rx custom nutrient compounds (very handy for
children). And her location in Virginia allows her laboratory rights. She has 16 years
experience in developmental disorders, and is the only nutritionist in northern Virginia with
such credentials and experience. She has a broad spectrum of clinical experience, including all
the developmental delays. She has also lectured and written about developmental delays.
UNDERLYING CAUSES of DELAYS
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neuro-inflammatory disorders, induced by
interactions of environmental toxins with genetic defects. This blocks metabolism of key
nutrients for nerve development and function, leading to brain malnutrition. It blocks nutrients
for liver detoxification, leading to inflammation of the gut, brain and nervous system. It leads to
mitochondrial damage (tiny batteries in cells that make energy) affecting metabolism. Finally, it
leads to stress, which imbalances the neurotransmitters and hormones. This model is supported
by genetic, biochemical, environmental and nutritional research, and brain autopsies, in over 350
scientific articles. Genetic defects can include defects in: vitamin metabolism, mineral transport,
liver detoxification, mitochondrial function, digestive function, seizures, and imbalances of the
immune system, hormones and neurotransmitters. Environmental factors include: vaccines,
heavy metals, pesticides, gut infections, chemical sensitivities, food and aero allergies, and
opioid peptides in foods. ADHD: ADHD involves mineral imbalances, heavy metals, and
neurotransmitter imbalances.
MAJOR ISSUES
DIET PROBLEMS: Food allergies: immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG). Opioid peptides in
foods (dairy, gluten, soy), Feingold factors (additives, dyes, preservatives). Feeding issues such
as oral apraxia.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS: Poor Phase 1 & Phase 2 liver detoxification of external toxins.
FATTY ACID IMBALANCES: A balanced ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty
acids is important for brain development, and to prevent neuropathies. Saturated vs
unsaturated fats. Trans fatty acids.
HEAVY METALS: In vaccines, drugs, seafood, machinery, electronic devices, and batteries.
They damage the nervous system and brain.
HORMONE IMBALANCES: Nutrient deficiencies can be involved in thyroid, adrenal, or pancreas
dysfunction.
MALDIGESTION: Poor flora (bad gut bacteria). Deficiencies of digestive factors: Enzymes, Bile,
Stomach Acid. Infections of virus, bacteria, yeast, or parasites. Diarrhea or constipation, gas and
bloating.
MINERAL DEFICIENCIES: Major minerals control bone and muscle growth. Trace minerals
help control blood sugar, seizures, mood swings, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolism, and
much more.
MITOCHONDRIAL DAMAGE: These tiny organelles reside inside our cells and make energy
(ATP). They have been shown to be damaged in autistic children (JAMA, Oct 2010). Damage is
probably due to chemical toxemia and poor metabolism of vitamin B12 and/or folate to the
active forms needed in the mitochondria.
NEUROTRANSMITTER IMBALANCES: All NT are made from amino acids. Neurotransmitters
control brain functions at the mental, emotional, and physical levels. There are excitatory and
inhibitory NT, and they can become imbalanced.
ORGANIC ACID IMBALANCES: These affect cellular metabolism.
VITAMIN METABOLISM DEFECTS: Key vitamins (B-12, folate, B6) are crucial for the myelin
sheath of the nerves and brain function. Many autistic boys have a genetic defect, and do not
metabolize vitamin B-12 to the active form, which affects brain function and detoxification (low
glutathione).
EVALUATION & TESTING
With CLIA Certified Laboratories
• Amino Acid Analysis.
• Liver Detoxification Factors.
• Antioxidant Status.
• Minerals & Heavy Metals.
• Blood Chemistry, CBC, Lipids.
• Mitochondrial Nutrients.
• Candida albicans (yeast overgrowth).
• Neurotransmitter Analysis.
• Chemical sensitivities to organic compounds.
• Opioid Peptides: In Gluten & Casein.
• Clinical exam and observation.
• Organic Acid Metabolism.
• Fatty Acid Analysis.
• Stool: Digestive Function & Flora.
• Food Allergies: IgE & IgG.
• Thyroid Function.
• Health history & symptom questionnaire.
• Vitamins & Minerals (WBC uptake).
THERAPIES
DETOXIFICATION: Detoxification for heavy metals with safe and gentle herbals. Rebalancing
pH and poor antioxidant status caused by inflammation. Also innovative glutathione creams for
liver and heavy metal detoxification.
DIET MODIFICATION: Optimal diets based on digestion, food allergies, opioid peptides,
Feingold factors (additives, dyes, preservatives), and ethnic background.
DIGESTIVE REPAIR: Using probiotics, enzymes, minerals, herbs, and bioflavanoid anti-
inflammatories.
EDUCATION: Information on vaccines, heavy metals, diet substitutions, food sources, and
menus.
NEUTRACEUTICALS: Professional supplements contain pre-metabolized vitamins, organically
bound minerals, and are hypoallergenic. These include: Multi-vit-min, Vitamins, Minerals, Fish
Oils, Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Amino Acids, and other products. Also pre-metabolized
vitamins for defective Vitamin B12, Folate and other pathways.
Rx CUSTOM COMPOUNDS: Custom Rx nutritional compounds in liquids with tasty natural
flavors, or in small capsules, using pre-metabolized vitamins, organically bound minerals, and
specific amino acids. Also Rx vitamin B-12 nasal spray (pre-metabolized). Filled at licensed
compounding pharmacies.
PROGNOSIS: Initial improvement is usually seen in three weeks. Steady improvement occurs
over time with small program revisions. In most cases excellent results are seen.
RESOURCES
• Autism Research Institute: Biomedical Approach
• Autism Speaks: Autism Issues
• Autism Votes: Virginia Legislation
• Center for Disease Control: CDC Autism page.
• Developmental Delay Resources: Conventional & Holistic Resources
• GovTrack.us: Federal Autism Bill
• National Conference of State Legislatures: See legislation for your state
• Virginia Autism Project: Virginia Projects To Improve Autistic Care
VIRGINIA INSURANCE LAWS -- AUTISM
Va. Code § 38.2-3412.1:01
Mandates insurance coverage of biologically-based mental illness, specifically including Autism
and ADHD. This law covers children and adults. It applies to all insurance policies including
PPO's and HMO's. We are currently investigating this law's relavance to nutritionists. To see
the law, click here. (1999 Va. Acts, Chap. 941; SB 430)
Va. Code § 2.2-2818
Require the Department of Human Resource Management to establish a plan for providing
health insurance coverage for state employees and retired state employees. The plan is required
to include coverage for biologically based mental illness, including autism.
Recent Law PASSED: Senate Bill 1062, May 6, 2011
Governor Robert McDonnell signed autism insurance reform into law.
Virginia Becomes the 26th State To Enact Autism Insurance Reform.
Under this bill, state-regulated health insurance companies are required to provide coverage of
the following:
•
Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder - meaning medically necessary assessments,
evaluations, including neuropsychological evaluations, genetic testing, or other testing to
determine whether an individual has one or more autism spectrum disorders.
•
Habilitative or rehabilitative care - meaning professional counseling, guidance, services,
and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other behavioral health
treatments, that are necessary to develop, maintain, and restore to the maximum possible
extent an individuals functioning.
•
Pharmacy care
•
Psychiatric care
•
Psychological care
•
Therapeutic care - meaning services provided by licensed or certified speech language
pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, or social workers
•
Limit of $35,000 for Ages 2-6
•
Includes employers with more than 50 employees
THE CDC ON AUTISM
The Center for Disease Control recognizes 4 main therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Behavior & Communication, Dietary Approaches, Medication, and Complementary & Alternative
Medicine.
"Dietary Approaches: .... Many biomedical interventions call for changes in diet. Such changes
include removing certain types of foods from a child’s diet and using vitamin or mineral
supplements. Dietary treatments are based on the idea that food allergies or lack of vitamins
and minerals cause symptoms of ASDs. Some parents feel that dietary changes make a
difference in how their child acts or feels. If you are thinking about changing your child’s diet,
talk to the doctor first. Or talk with a nutritionist to be sure your child is getting important
vitamins and minerals."
FEDERAL LEGISLATION -- AUTISM
Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009
US Senate Bill #819 & House Bill #2413
Bills were introduced in both the US Senate and the House that would aid persons with Autism
Spectrum Disorders. Both were referred to committees on health. These bills required federal
agencies to: establish a national autism data repository, establish a network to disseminate
research to health care providers, provide grants and assistance for improved care, establish a
national registry, and award grants for multi-media campaigns to educate the public. THESE
BILLS EXPIRED BEFORE THEY WERE VOTED ON. To see a copy of the bills: Federal Autism Bill
§