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Additional Therapies
In this phase of the program, it also makes sense to integrate other therapies that
enhance nerve growth and maturation, for example, magnetic therapy. While
I haven’t found that it enhances metal excretion, I have seen a significant effect
on subtle cognitive function. Recent work by Dr. Dean Bonlie confirms that
electromagnetic therapy is safe and effective for a wide range of neurological
problems, including regenerating and repairing damaged nerves and enhancing
the body’s natural stem cells. Magnetic energy may also increase the oxygencarrying
capacity of the blood, improving the assimilation of nutrients and oxygenation
of tissues. The use of Nariwa magnetized water and Penta oxygenated
water may also be useful adjuncts to any program to enhance nerve growth and
demyelination.
The March 2004 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience describes environmental influences
on the levels of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes
neuronal growth and survival and regulates communication between neurons.
An enriched environment (in which there is helpful communication, visual,
auditory, and other stimuli) fostered significantly higher levels of this factor. Dr.
Cheri Florence, a medical speech/language pathologist, has described tremendous
personal success with her own son. She has made use of strategies that may
help to create an enriched environment, such as enhancing visual thinking to
help promote language.
Dr. David Steenblock, Dr. Barbara Brewitt, and Dr. Luis Aguilar have pioneered
the direct use of certain brain growth factors for stroke as well as autism.
Insulin like growth factor (IGF) has been found to stimulate enzymes in the
methylation pathway in addition to its effects on neural development. Fibroblast
growth factor (FgF) has also been found to have activities beyond its effects on
nerve growth. FgF has been reported to increase dopamine levels, as well as to
decrease seizure activity.
Dr. Edward Traub has developed CI (constraint induced) Movement therapy,
which has proven to expedite recovery times after stroke. The basis of
the therapy is helping the brain to overcome “learned non-use”. Some of
these therapies may be applicable to autism in the future to help to accelerate
recovery after the biochemical imbalances have been addressed.
Music therapy has been reported to be successful in helping to enhance
speech in children. A number of scientific journals have found that music
affects regions of the brain involved in cognitive, affective, and mnemonic
processing. The entire July 2003 issue of Nature Neuroscience was devoted to
music and neuroscience, as was the March 2004 issue of the New York Academy
of Sciences magazine. Recent research from the University of London
198 Autism: Pathways to Recovery