autismpreventiondiet

CBS story about using GFCF diet

2008-12-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

MSNBC linking additives to food behavior

2007-10-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

This one and the last one are from the Feingold newsletter as a member of Feingold program which says that removal of artificial colors and flavors from your diet can help your child concentrate and behave better.

Study linking Hyperactivity in kids to food additives

2007-10-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

A study in the UK linking ADHD and food additives. Way to go UK!

Can wheat or dairy cause autism

2007-10-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

Can Wheat or Dairy cause autism?

Here's a link.

How to tell if MSG is in your food

2007-10-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

MSG is in everything.

Here is a list of foods that contain MSG
Everything!

Another article to connect MSG and glaucoma

2007-10-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

MSG and glaucoma

2007-10-11T11:43:00.000-05:00

Harvard study to connect MSG and glaucoma

Journal of neuropsychology MSG and glutamate blocker

2007-10-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

Glutamate blocker blocks the effects of MSG

Aspatame can make your hungry

2007-10-11T11:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a doctor who says that aspartame makes you hungry. Eat a chemical that has less calories to help you lose weight. It makes you eat more. Mix it with MSG which also makes you eat more, and makes the food taste better and you get a society full of disease and wonder why people can't lose weight. So, suppose that we blame the disease on the weight gain.

Think about it. You eat MSG and aspartame, you eat more you gain more weight, now you have problems with your body and it is blamed on being over weight.

You eat aspartame it makes you hungry, so the food you eat to make you skinny, makes you eat more. Society says your illness is because of your weight, so you eat more aspartame and MSG and you gain more weight.

Still, it's your fault for not having good willpower? Then you get glaucoma from the MSG and they give you a a glutamate blocker which blocks the affect of the MSG and your glaucoma gets better.

Someone is making a lot of Money. MSG minus MSG makes you feel better, then you eat it again and take the drug again.

The connection of gluten and casein to autism

2007-10-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

This is an article of about autism. It connects to gluten and casein.

gardisil side effects such as seizures more common than once thought.

2007-10-11T11:01:00.000-05:00

Gardasil a vaccine given to 11 and 12 year olds caused 3,461 complaints such as seizures and paralysis.

Polio Vaccine gives people Polio

2007-10-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

Read this link. Kids were getting Polio from the oral vaccine.

Dana's view

2007-10-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

This is Dana's website. Pay careful attention to the recovery pages. Dana is a wealth of information and you have a question about biomedical treatments. This is a great place to check. If you need some inspiration in doing GFCF, read the recovery stories listed here.

I have permission from Dana to link to her website, but not from the individual people listed in recovery.

Scientific studies of using Biomedical treatments for Autism

2007-10-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

Generation Rescue is great website. You can get "rescue angel" to help you in your journey. There are stories of people who have brought their child into the here and now. This site has been recommended to me often and I refer to it often.

Additives banned in food but allowed in children's medicine

2007-10-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here is an article stating that additives in children's medicines banned for children under 3 in the child's food, are still in their medicine.

These additives are not banned in the US but should be. The United States doesn't ban them in the foods OR the medicines. Why Not?

At least the UK has a good start. Here in the US we have a lot to learn.

Find me a study that links less crime and dietary changes

2007-10-04T09:55:00.001-05:00

I wish there was a study. I'll find it if it exists that someone could take all the kids in a juvenile detention center and cook them meals form scratch without the additives. I'll bet they would all behave better. Think about it, I'll bet it would reduce crime. I wonder what would happen if someone put criminals on GFCF. That would be interesting.

That's just my own thought.

They Are What You Feed Them By Alex Richardson

2007-10-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

This is a website connecting food and behavior in the UK. There is a book listed there called They are What you Feed Them. By Alex Richardson. There is an excerpt from this book in fabresearch.org. I read the excerpt but not the whole book yet. It describes the problem in the UK but I have been to the UK and it's far worse in the US. I think it's the reason so many poor people have learning difficulties and behavior issues is because junk food is cheap and available. There are more brands with no nutrients and not even real food cheap and available in the UK. There are also some additives banned in the UK but available easily in the US.

I have to go. I'll find some later.

Study of the gut-brain connection. What those on the Dan Protocol have known all along

2007-10-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

Scientists make gut-brain connection to autism
Last Updated: Thursday, September 27, 2007 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC News
Compounds produced in the digestive system have been linked to autistic-type behaviour in laboratory settings, potentially demonstrating that what autistic children eat can alter their brain function, say scientists from the University of Western Ontario.

They announced their findings Thursday in Ottawa.

Scientists are learning that the brain and body can influence each other, says a Harvard researcher.
(CBC) UWO researchers investigated the "gut-brain" connection after many parents of autistic children reported significant improvements in the behaviour of their autistic children when they modified their diet, eliminating dairy and wheat products, Dr. Derrick MacFabe, the director of a research group at UWO in London, Ont., told CBC News Thursday.

Researchers were particularly interested in one dietary characteristic the autistic children seemed to exhibit, he said.

"Certainly, a lot of these children had peculiar cravings for high-carbohydrate foods that caused their behaviours," he said.

"We were interested in finding a link between certain compounds that are produced by bacteria in the digestive system — particularly those occurring with early childhood infections."

Continue Article

The bacteria produce propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid, which in addition to existing in the gut, is commonly found in bread and dairy products, MacFabe said.

To test their hypothesis that diet plays a part in generating autistic behaviour, UWO scientists administered the compound to rats' brains.

"They immediately engaged in bouts of repetitive behaviour, hyperactivity and impaired social behaviours which had close similarity to what parents are seeing with autism," MacFabe said.

When the rats' brains were examined later, they were found to have inflammatory processes similar to those in the brains of autistic children, he said.

"We found, looking at the rats' brains under the microscope, changes that looked a lot like what's occurred from autopsy cases of patients who had autism."

It's remarkable that a simple compound like propionic acid would have such a dramatic effect on "normal" animals, he said.

MacFabe said his research team, and scientists at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., and Harvard University, are now conducting screening studies looking at effects of dietary changes in the general population.

New way of approaching autism

Dr. Martha Herbert, assistant professor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, told CBC News that the study opens up a new way of thinking about the disorder.

"Now we're learning that the brain and body can influence each other," she said.

Autistic children are increasingly being seen as "oversensitized," meaning "things may bother them that don't bother other people," she said. "We need to pay attention to this."

Treating a child's health should be the first step in addressing autism, Herbert said, rather than solely focusing on behavioural therapy, currently a mainline approach.

"Behaviour therapy is certainly important. But the child's health controls the bandwidth that the child has for being able to benefit from behavioural therapy. If a child is sick, they won't be able to focus."

Parents should watch their children closely to determine what foods trigger reactions and to consider removing those triggers, she said.

Herbert strongly advocates a balanced diet, consisting of all food groups, not just "bread and cheese."

"If you have foods that child is sensitive to in their immune system, that can set up processes that can impact brain function, and it can do so in a negative way. And if you remove those foods, that negative impact can stop."
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PANDAS

2007-10-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

This is an article about PANDAS. It stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococoal Infections.

Basically, it means A strep infection has caused some OCD and/or Tics and some Autistic like symptoms.

The link is above.

It's something to check with your Dan Doc if your child has a history of strep or scarlet fever and the OCD and Tics get worse with a strep infection.

Aluminum in soy. I didn't know.

2007-10-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

This is a good article about soy. If you have thyroid issues or fertility issues. Avoid the Soy.

SAY IT AIN'T SOy!

We Americans hear something is good for us and we gobble it up. If a little is good, then a lot must be great, right? But just because it says "soy" on the label, doesn't mean it's good for us. True that soy is versatile and lends itself to everything from milk and yogurt to soy dogs, from snack nuts to tofu. It is low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (good fat) and low in cholesterol. It is full of essential amino acids, is a good source of B Vitamins, has Phytochemicals, is a source of protein , and in certain forms, it may even be a source of calcium. But for many, soy must be avoided and labels must be read carefully as soy is an allergen. Most people who have food allergies, have an allergy to soy. This can be difficult because many common foods contain some form of soy. Most snacks, baked foods, breads, canned tuna in oil, cereals, crackers, infant formulas, sauces, soups and even some nut butters, including peanut butter, contain soy.
The next problem is that soy crops are heavily doused with pesticides. Therefore, if buying soy products, make sure they are always organic. In addition, most soy beans are now GMO and the genetically engineered soy beans have less of the good and more of the bad parts of soy. The bad part of soy? Read on...

There is quite a debate about whether soy is good for us or even bad for us. The problem is that isoflavones mimic estrogen. There are conflicting reports about it decreasing or increasing the risk of breast cancer, for example. There are reports about lower prostate cancer in men and at the same time reports about it increasing the risk of Alzheimer's. If choosing soy, choose it in moderation because the verdict is still out on the benefits or possible disadvantages of soy, especially in the amounts we are eating it in the U.S. There are clear warnings that isoflavones, a flavanoid found in soy, should never top 25 milligrams (the FDA's maximum safe amount) in any one day. This is easy to reach with a big glass of soy milk, soy yogurt, and since soy IS in almost everything processed we eat and in many supplements.

The fact is that we just don't know how soy, especially in the quantities we are consuming, affects our bodies. And each of us is unique: our genetics, our health background, our current health status; soy affects each differently. As John Robbins states, "We are eating soy products today at levels never before seen in history." We are walking experiments with all the soy (just like we are with HFCS and GMO).

All reports that I've read indicate that fermented soy products like miso, nato, fermented tofu, soymilk from fermented beans, soy or tamari or shoyu sauce, and tempeh, are fine in moderation. The long fermentation process neutralizes the natural toxins found in soy. Soy is said to inhibit our bodies from absorbing calcium, protein, magnesium, zinc and iron because they are quite high in phytic acid. Phytate is a salt that makes calcium, zinc, iron and other nutrients insoluble so that they are not absorbed by the body properly. The fermentation process (for miso, tempeh, and sauces) reduces the phytates. In addition, eating meat or fish with the soy product (like miso soup with some chicken , tofu in a fish broth, meat with tofu) also reduces the phytates and allows our bodies to absorb these essential minerals.

Up for debate is the value of soy milk, soy yogurt, soy dogs and other products made from soy in it's unfermented state.

One thing is clear, The Green Guide, Dr. Mercola, John Robbins, and Dr. Weil all agree that certain derivatives of soy, such as soybean oil, soy lecithin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and soy protein isolates should be avoided. Many milks and tofu-based ice creams are from SPI. SPI is a cheap way for companies to add protein to energy bars to make them seem healthful. The soy protein isolate is actually the left over by-product of creating soy oil so instead of throwing it away, it gets added to processed foods to add protein. In order to extract the protein and reduce the enzyme inhibitors in soy, they must be treated with a high temperature chemical process. Toxins and carcinogens are created during this process including nitrates, MSG, and lysinoalanine. Read your ingredients well and avoid foods that contain:

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Soy Flour
Soy Oil (also look for Vegetable Oil - most is actually soy oil)
Soy Lecithin (GMO especially)
Soy Protein Isolates (SPI)
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

In order to create SPI, they first place the soy beans in a chemical alkaline bath which removes the fiber. Then the soy is separated in an acid wash. This is usually done in aluminum tanks (cheaper than other materials and good at conducting heat) and the aluminum does leach into the soy product. Soy Protein Isolate and many processed soy products, including some brands of Tofu , are regularly made by heating and chemically treating the soy in aluminum vats. This treatment leaches aluminum into the soy product as well as carcinogens and toxins. Then it is neutralized in an alkalaline bath once again. Toxic Lysinoalanine is created during this process. The curds are then spray dried at high temperatures to create SPI. During this process, nitrates are formed. Then extruded at high temperature and high pressure to produce the TVP (textured vegetable protein). MSG and Artificial flavors may be added to SPI or TVP to mask the soybeany flavor.

The irony is that the high temperatures used to create the SPI (and to get rid of most of the phytates) also makes it difficult to impossible for our bodies to absorb the protein.

When we eat soy, we need more Vitamin D, E, K, and B12 for normal health and growth. Soy has been said to negatively affect thyroid function. Since soy mimics estrogen, studies have indicated that it can cause fertility problems. Soy has been linked to a number of illnesses and symptoms including fatigue, fertility and reproductive problems, Alzheimer's, and other mental problems. At the same time soy has been praised for lowering the risk of colon cancer, retaining bone mass, reducing hot flashes in menopausal women, and inhibiting prostate cancer. In one study, women are been advised to eat soy and then another cautions against it. Soy formula for babies has been under controversial debate for some time now. Children and soy are of greater concern because their bodies are growing. There could be long term health effects from eating soy as a baby or a child that we are still yet unaware. The safe amount of soy? Who knows, for some of us it is more than for others of us. Personally, our family chooses to avoid processed soy products and soy protein isolates and only eat fermented soy in moderation.

Proponents all point to the fact that the Japanese tend to be a healthier group of people. But when you look more deeply, you see that they eat 7 to 10 grams (that's only about 2 teaspoons!!) of whole soy foods including tofu, edamame, tempeh, soy sauce, and miso each day as well as a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruits, ginger, sea vegetables, and green tea. They do not eat processed foods with SPI, like cookies, milk, crackers, protein bars, and soy dogs.

Food and eating, weight and energy, it all comes back to the basics. Eat greens to prevent cancer instead of the latest cure craze. Eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Live a healthy lifestyle. Get your 9 a day!

Books:
The Whole Soy Story is the book that tells the the whole soy story that scientists know, that we need to know, and that the soy industry has tried to suppress. Not all types of soy foods are good for us. Even good soy products must be eaten in appropriate quantities. Dozens of respected scientists have issued warnings stating that the possible benefits eating soy should be weighed against proven risks. This book will change your diet and may save your life.

What happens when you eat GFCF?

2007-10-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

The Use of Gluten and Casein Free Diets with People with Autism
Paul Shattock & Paul Whiteley

Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, UK

These notes do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of a dietary method to alleviate the symptoms of autism or related pervasive developmental disorder. Any decision to undertake such a method must lie solely with the person with autism or with those having responsibility for their care. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering such interventions seek the support of their Medical Practitioner and, if possible, a knowledgeable dietician or nutritionist.

Background

In the early 1980s a number of researchers, including Herman and Panksepp, noted the similarities between the behavioural effects on animals of opioids, such as morphine, and the symptoms of autism. In a very speculative paper, Panksepp proposed a mechanism whereby people with autism may have elevated levels of opioids which occur naturally in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of humans. The best known of these naturally occurring opioid compounds is beta-endorphin (endogenous morphine) and certainly there is a degree of correlation between the known effects of this compound and the symptoms of autism. Just after this, Gillberg produced evidence of elevated levels of "endorphin-like substances" in the cerebrospinal fluid of some people with autism. In particular, elevated levels appeared in those children who appeared to feel pain less and who exhibited self-injurious behaviour. At about the same time, Reichelt produced evidence of abnormal peptides in the urine of people with autism. We ourselves, like a number of other groups, attempted to replicate his findings. Although his method was comparatively simple there were technical difficulties and these attempts were, initially unsuccessful. Later on we switched to a more sophisticated technique (HPLC) and have been able to provide partial confirmation of Reichelt's findings. In the urine of a proportion of people with autism and related conditions, there appear to be elevated levels of substances with physico-chemical properties similar to those expected from opioid peptides. The quantities of these compounds, as found in the urine, are hypothesised to be much too large to be of CNS origin. The quantities are such that they can only have been derived from the incomplete breakdown of certain foods.

Proteins consist of long chains of units known as amino-acids. Normally proteins are digested by enzymes in the intestines being broken down into these units. However, if for some reason, this digestion is incomplete, short chains of these amino-acids (known as peptides) will result. It is proposed that these peptides may be biologically active and could result in some symptoms similar to which we see in autism. The majority of these peptides will be dumped in the urine, which is where Reichelt and we speculate that we are finding them. A small proportion will cross into the brain and interfere with transmission in such a way that normal activity is altered or disrupted. It may be that these compounds, themselves, have a direct effect upon transmission or that they will attach themselves to the enzymes which would break down our own naturally occurring enzymes. The consequences would be the same in either case. It is well known that casein (from human or cow milk) will break down in the stomach to produce a peptide known as casomorphin which, as the name implies, will have opioid activities. Similar effects are noted with gluten from wheat and some other cereals in which case the compounds formed are gluteomorphins. If this opioid excess hypothesis is correct, there are a number of strategies which can be adopted. Firstly the anti-opioid drug Naltrexone could be considered, and promising initial results have been reported. Not all of the reported trials on Naltrexone have produced positive benefits but where appropriate very low dose therapies are employed the results seem to be better. Alternatively, a diet which excludes casein (milk and dairy produce) or gluten (wheat and some other cereal products) could be considered. It may be possible to determine, from the pattern of the urinary peptides whether casein or wheat or both should be avoided but such conclusions may be premature at this stage. It has been observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of birth may have a problem with casein whereas those whose autism becomes apparent at about two years of age, when a wheat based diet is more likely to be adopted, have particular difficulties with gluten. Some children may have difficulty with both. Norwegian colleagues of Reichelt have published data which support the effectiveness of such dietary programmes but these studies cannot be considered as conclusive [see reference]. Numerous people have experimented on an individual basis and have reported successful responses but such evidence cannot be considered as, in any way, conclusive. During preliminary studies of parental reports, however, the results appear to be very much superior to those obtained with equivocal drug-based therapy.

Practical Aspects

The theoretical processes described here are toxicological in nature rather than allergic. The results are akin to poisoning rather than an extreme sensitivity such as occurs in coeliac disease or sensitivity to certain food colourings. Removal of gluten and/or casein containing products requires the active participation of all those concerned with the child's well-being. Tests have often been ruined by a well-meaning relative who ignores parental instruction or by schools or therapists who feel that the proposals are rubbish. Carers must satisfy themselves that the diet is being adhered to before any evaluation is possible. Gluten and Casein free products, together with advice on their use, are available from most good Pharmacies. Nutritionist and dieticians are also in a position to give advice. Initially the reported effects may be negative. Upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess, dizziness, aches and pains and slight ill-temper have all been reported. Experience would suggest that these are good signs and precursors of a positive response. Reichelt recommends a trial period of three months. Experience also suggests that the results are more easily demonstrated in younger children. The effects in fully grown individuals appear less impressive. It should also be noted that the withdrawal effects may also be more noticeable in small children and that these can sometimes be very marked. Where younger children are involved (less than 4 years old for example), it may be appropriate to withdraw the offending foods in stages over a period of two weeks. Given that there appear to be a number of possible causes of autism it is not unexpected that no unitary solution will be found for all cases.

Conclusions

Although the hypothesis may appear "off the wall" in many respects, there are a number of pieces of evidence, which seem to support them. The ideas are compatible with virtually all the accepted biological data on autism and are therefore worthy of consideration. The dietary method must still be considered as experimental and no positive results can be promised or are claimed for every person. Despite continuing scepticism about the efficacy of dietary intervention amongst some quarters of the professional community, the use of diet may well be far less harmful than other medical interventions or therapeutic regimes; although care is still necessary during its implementation. We would be pleased to receive any feedback of a positive or negative nature from anyone utilising such dietary modification in the amelioration of autism.

Additional Published References (abstract only)

Several additional references pre-1999 are present in the research literature (particularly from Prof. Knivsberg’s group in Norway). The following represent the more significant recent findings.

Whiteley (1999) A gluten free diet for autism

Knivsberg (2001) Reports on dietary intervention

Bowers (2002) Dietetic referrals

Cornish (2002) Food choice & nutrition

Knivsberg (2002) Randomised trial of diet

Arnold (2003) Nutritional intake on diet

Millward (2004) Cochrane review of dietary intervention

Ashwood (2004) Cytokine profiles on diet

Elder (2006) Double-blind trial of diet

Christison (2006) Elimination diets for autism

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders,

2007-09-30T14:16:00.000-05:00

This is a book by Dr Kenneth Bock. This is the best book I've ever read about autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. Everyone should read this book. Watch this video from CBS news. This is an amazing book. I'm giving it out to everyone. Please read this book!!!!

This is the bill for an autism study

2007-09-26T10:02:00.001-05:00

This is a study to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated kids and the rise of autism. This is important and long overdue.

Vaccines are linked to Autism

2007-09-26T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing study.

The Age of Autism: Study sees vaccine risk
By DAN OLMSTED

WASHINGTON, June 26 (UPI) -- A new, privately funded survey finds vaccinated U.S. children have a significantly higher risk of neurological disorders -- including autism -- than unvaccinated children.

In one striking finding, vaccinated boys 11-17 were more than twice as likely to have autism as their never-vaccinated counterparts.

The telephone survey of parents representing a total of 17,000 children appears to be the first of its kind -- and contrasts starkly with several government-backed studies that have found no risk from vaccines.

"No one has ever compared prevalence rates of these neurological disorders between vaccinated and unvaccinated children," said J.B. Handley, father of a child with autism and co-founder of Generation Rescue, which commissioned the $200,000 survey conducted by SurveyUSA, a respected marketing firm. "The phone survey isn't perfect, but these numbers point to the need for a comprehensive national study to gather this critical information.

"We have heard some speculation that unvaccinated children would be difficult to locate," Handley said. "But we were able to find more than enough in our sample of more than 17,000 children to establish confidence intervals at or above 95 percent for the primary comparisons we made."

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., reintroduced a bill first submitted last year calling for the National Institutes of Health to conduct such a study.

"Generation Rescue's study is impressive and forcefully raises some serious questions about the relationship between vaccines and autism," Maloney said. "What is ultimately needed to resolve this issue one way or the other is a comprehensive national study of vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

"The parents behind Generation Rescue only want information. These parents deserve more than roadblocks, they deserve answers. We can and should move forward in search of those answers."

Both Maloney and Handley said their efforts were sparked by Age of Autism columns that found anecdotal, unscientific evidence of less autism among the Amish, who have a lower vaccination rate. The column also reported on Homefirst Health Services in Chicago, whose director said there is no autism or asthma among several thousand never-vaccinated children who were home-delivered and remain patients of the family practice. The U.S. autism rate is 1 in 150 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A spokesman for the CDC, which recommends the childhood immunization schedule and has conducted studies that found no link to autism, said the agency has not seen the Generation Rescue data.

"We look forward to learning more about the survey," spokesman Curtis Allen said. "It's important to note that self-report surveys on topics like this often have significant limitations, so one must be cautious with respect to interpreting the findings.

"It's also important to note that previous studies involving hundreds of thousands of children have failed to find an association."

Generation Rescue's Handley, however, said those studies never compared vaccinated with unvaccinated American children. He also said his survey took its cue from the CDC's own phone-survey approach to estimating the incidence of such disorders among American children.

"Listening to the CDC talk about the reliability of parent reporting, we thought there's a quick way to get a proxy for whether or not there's any truth to the hypotheses that vaccines and all these neurological disorders are related," Handley said. His organization believes that mercury, including a type used for decades in routine childhood immunizations, is a major factor in the ten-fold increase in reported autism cases over the past 20 years.

Handley said the survey, conducted in nine counties in Oregon and California, asked parents "whether their child had been vaccinated, and whether that child had one or more of the following diagnoses: attention deficit disorder, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, or autism."

Results highlighted by Generation Rescue:

-- "Among more than 9,000 boys age 4-17, vaccinated boys were 2.5 times (155 percent) more likely to have neurological disorders, 224 percent more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 61 percent more likely to have autism."

-- "For older vaccinated boys in the 11-17 age bracket, the results were even more pronounced. Vaccinated boys were 158 percent more likely to have a neurological disorder, 317 percent more likely to have ADHD, and 112 percent more likely to have autism."

Handley said he believes the higher results for the older boys are probably more complete because not every child in the younger age group would have received a formal diagnosis.

Concern that vaccines are linked to the rise of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders has been largely dismissed by public health officials and mainstream medical groups, especially since a 2004 report by the respected Institute of Medicine found no such evidence -- and suggested research money go to more "promising" areas.

But parents -- some of whom say they watched their children regress into autism immediately following physical reactions to vaccines -- have continued to press the issue. A U.S. vaccine court in Washington is currently hearing argument over whether nearly 5,000 such claims should be paid by a federal vaccine injury compensation fund.

Handley said the fact that his organization could produce such a study on a relative shoestring while the U.S. government has not suggests it is hesitant to confront the possible ramifications.

Two years ago CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding told UPI that "such studies could and should be done" but offered several reasons why they might prove difficult, including the variability of autism diagnoses, possible genetic differences in the Amish and the small number of never-vaccinated children in the United States.

"They haven't lifted a penny since then," Handley said.

Full results of the study are at generationrescue.org.

(The entire Age of Autism series is accessible at upi.com under Special Reports.)

(e-mail: dolmsted@upi.com)

Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.

The adverse events (side effects) of ADD and ADHD drugs

2007-09-20T09:29:00.000-05:00

FDA To Finally Study Possible Increased Heart Risks Caused By Attention Deficit Medications
POSTED: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
FROM BLOG: Drug Injury Watch - Prescription Drug Side Effects News and Information from Attorney Tom Lamb

The following blog post is from an independent writer and is not connected with Reuters News. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by Reuters.com.

The Safety Profile Of Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Dexedrine And All Other ADHD / ADD Drugs Will Be Reviewed

(Posted by Tom Lamb at DrugInjuryWatch.com)

In a September 17, 2007 FDA News article titled "AHRQ and FDA to Collaborate in Largest Study Ever of Possible Heart Risks With ADHD Medications" we learned that the safety of Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and Dexedrine -- as well as all other attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) drugs -- will be finally be reviewed reviewed.

In more detail, the FDA will collaborate with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to examine clinical data regarding 500,000 children and adults who have used ADHD / ADD drugs in the past to determine these drugs cause an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other serious cardiovascular problems. The study is expected to take about two years to complete.

As stated in the September 17 FDA News item:

"Case reports have described adverse cardiovascular events in adult and pediatric patients with certain underlying risk factors who receive drug treatment for ADHD, but it is unknown whether or not these events are causally related to treatment," said Gerald Dal Pan, M.D., director of FDA's Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology. "The goal of this study is to develop better information on this question."

We get the impressions of Steven Nissen, a prominent cardiologist who has been involved previously with the ADHD / ADD safety debate about this new FDA study announcement from the September 17, 2007 post "Feds Studying Risks of ADHD Drugs" by Jacob Goldstein at The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Health Blog:

... told the Health Blog that the study could be “potentially very helpful,” because it will look at seven years’ worth of data, while earlier studies have looked at shorter periods of time....

Nissen... pointed out both that ADD and ADHD drugs tend to raise blood pressure (which raises cardiovascular risks) and that 10% of those treated for the disorders are over 55 years old — an age group where the risk of heart attack and stroke tends to be higher to begin with.

“We really don’t know what the long-term impact of the drugs is going to be on cardiovascular health,” said Nissen, who is not involved in the federal project. “This would obviously be unique data and potentially very helpful because it’s long-term.”

In August 2006 the FDA approved label changes they had requested from the drug companies that make ADHD / ADD medications -- such as Novartis AG's Ritalin and Shire Plc's Adderall -- to add information about the emerging heart-related issues. Later, in February 2007, the FDA asked those same drug companies to develop patient guides that explained the possible cardiovascular risks associated with ADHD / ADD drugs.

We will monitor and report the results of this seemingly long overdue ADHD / ADD drug safety study by the FDA and AHRQ.