Biomedical Autism Intervention - Autism and Aggressive Behavior - Part 1

A Biomedical Autism Doctor Explains The Causes Behind Aggressive Behavior in Autistic Children

The Need For Biomedical Autism Intervention

A very troubling issue with some individuals on the autism-spectrum is aggressive and/or self-injury behavior (SIB). This can be quite common in children (and as teenagers and adults) who lack the ability to communicate verbally, as well as those kids transitioning from one developmental stage to another. No particular time is more challenging than when a child is transitioning through puberty to become a young adult. There is no doubt that some individual's behavior is benefitted by prescription medicine - particularly when aggressive behaviors put themselves or others in danger. However, biomedical autism intervention and treatment has benefits as well, and is often an overlooked issue in autism.

Biomedical Autism intervention Strategy # 1 - Diet

As a biomedical specialist I have seen on many occasions that biomedical autism intervention such as the gluten and casein-free diet has helped with aggressive and/or SIB. Other food sensitivities can be problematic as well such as corn, corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors and more. Each person is different, but food sensitivities should definitely be assessed.

Biomedical Autism intervention Strategy #2 - Digestive Issues

Another contributing factor for aggressive and/or SIB is intestinal problems such as bacteria and/or yeast overgrowth, along with chronic constipation and intestinal pain. Toxins from the microbes can affect ASD individuals quite profoundly, and the pain associated with constipation, inflammation and cramping can create tremendous stress - particularly in a child, teenager, or ASD adult who cannot adequately communicate their discomfort. Again, all of these issues can be addressed through biomedical autism treatment.  

Biomedical Autism intervention Strategy #3 - Environmental Allergies

Another issue that contributes to aggressive and/or SIB is environmental allergies - many of which go undetected. Contributing factors include pollen, grass or other airborne allergies. Animal dander or mold spores can be problematic as well. Allergens trigger histamine release which triggers inflammation. Increased inflammation can affect an individual not only in their respiratory areas such as the lungs, sinuses and nasal passages, but neurologically as well. Systemic inflammation is a common issue in autism, particularly nervous system inflammation. Increased allergens can contribute to chemical imbalances in the brain resulting in adverse behavior. Many times biomedical autism treatment such as nutritional supplements can reduce sensitivity to environmental allergens. Also, the addition of an allergy medication can be helpful as well.

The important thing to realize is that not all behavior problems are related to a psychiatric imbalance, but that aggressive behavior can be influenced by biomedical issues as well. In part two of this article I will explore some other important things to consider with respects to aggressive and/or self-injury behavior in autism.