It is generally accepted within the autism community that autism is a behaviorally-based disorder. Conventionally, diagnosis is based on observation of behavior and treatment focused on alleviating challenging behaviors. A growing number of individuals within this expanding community also acknowledge that there exists an equally relevant biomedical component to the disorder that should not be overlooked in planning treatment programs for individuals who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
At the Great Plains Laboratory, we specialize in providing comprehensive testing that can identify many common biomedical factors that affect the autistic community. We are an industry leader in research and development of clinically significant tests for autism. Many of our tests are patented and are only available through GPL.
The director of the laboratory, Dr. William Shaw, PhD, is the author of two books dedicated to the biomedical treatment of autism and PDD. His work is the most comprehensive and thorough evaluation of scientific research available to date on the biochemical treatment of autistic spectrum disorders. On this page, we have included a brief summary of the complex metabolic pathways that contribute to symptoms of autism. If you are interested in learning more about biomedical research, we recommend reading Dr. Shaw’s book, Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD for more information.
Numerous clinical studies have shown that individuals diagnosed with ASD are predisposed to have decreased factors of immunity. These important physiological factors can lead to numerous complications that contribute to, and even cause, symptoms of autism. Some of the most common problems include the overgrowth of Candida and Clostridia, the inability to control environmental toxins, and the development of intolerances and/or allergies. Each of these problems causes additional complications that make it more difficult for the body to gain balance. These physical and environmental factors limit the available nutrients to the brain and body and create additional stress to chemical pathways. In most cases, when these problems and complications are corrected, the patient’s symptoms are greatly improved.
An insult to the immune system is difficult to determine simply based on symptoms alone. The immune system is influenced by hundreds of different factors. Many patients on the autistic spectrum exhibit only symptoms of autism. Others will have eczema, loose stools, hyperactivity, rashes, dark circles under the eyes, and visible pain in addition to the cognitive and behavioral symptoms that rendered the diagnosis. This is why diagnostic testing is so important to identify the problem. Routine blood work often fails to identify the problem. Biomedical testing can determine more specific abnormalities so the appropriate treatment can be determined. Multiple tests can be useful to pinpoint the most significant biochemical abnormalities so that treatment can be focused on the most important issues. The tests included in the autism panel have been useful to people with autism of every degree of severity. Parents and practitioners who want to embark on biomedical testing should first start with the tests included in this panel.
Comi A, Zimmerman A.”Familial Clustering of Autoimmune Disorders and Evaluation of Medical Risk Factors in Autism” Journal of Child Neurology (1999) 14, 388-394
Stubbs E, Crawford M, Burger D, Vanderark A. “Depressed Lymphocyte Responsiveness in Autistic Children” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (1997) 7, 1573-3432
Korvatska E, Van de Water J, Anders T, Gershwin M. “Genetic and Immunologic Considerations in Autism” Neurobiology of Disease (2002) 10, 69
Warren R, Margaretten N, Pace N Foster A. “Immune Abnormalities in patients with Autism” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2005) 15, 189-197
Warren R, Foster A, Margartten N. “Reduced Natural Killer Cell Activity in Autism” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolesent Psychiatry (1987) 26, 333-335