Autism and Cod Liver Oil - Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid found in cod liver oil for kids. Essential fatty acids aren't called "essential" for nothing - they are an absolute requirement for proper brain functioning. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced in the human body, and must be provided through the diet. Omega-3's can be obtained through certain plant foods such as flax seeds, but the best and most easily metabolized was to get your EFA's is through fish oils.

There are several good fish oils on the market. When choosing a fish oil, it is very important to obtain one that is molecularly distilled and is guaranteed free of heavy metals, PCBs and other toxins. It should also be free of food colorings and artificial flavorings. As well, the fish oil must be fresh - if it smells fishy, it has oxidized and is rancid. Fish oil should have no fishy smell or taste

Cod liver oil comes from the liver of the fish, whereas "fish oil" comes from the entire fish. Both oils have the benefits of EPA and DHA oils; however, cod liver oil has the additional advantage of having a natural form of Vitamin A which is critical for autistic spectrum disorder children, who cannot metablize artificial forms of vitamin A, such as vitamin A palmitate.

Canadian paediatrician Dr. Meg Megson has developed an amazing treatment protocol for autistic children based on the use of natural Vitamin A cod liver oil. Here is what she says about Vitamin A in its natural form, such as cod liver oil:

"...Vitamin A in the natural form, such as cod liver oil, helps to rebuild areas in the brain, called receptors, that affect vision and speech. These areas are dramatically affected in children with developmental delays, such as autistic spectrum disorders. This helps to explain some of the commonly seen characteristics in children with autism such as "sideways" glance and decreased or no speech.

DHA and EPA oils are essential fatty acids that studies have shown to be critical for a variety of health problems, such as bi-polar disorder and other forms of biologically based brain disorders, including schizophrenia. It is these concentrated levels of Vitamin A that are critical for the visual reconnection we are seeing in the children. The "sideways" glance that is typical in many children with autism disappears quickly when they're on cod liver oil."

- Dr. Meg Megson

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Test Your Child for Toxic Metals
Testing your child for heavy and toxic metals is extremely important, and highly recommended. It will give you much needed info about your child's body. 
More info on heavy metal testing

The ABCs of Autism
Autism is a disorder which is marked by impairments in social skills, behavior, and speech. Children with autism are often withdrawn, lack emotion and speech, and are extremely sensitive to sound and touch. 
More info on what is autism

Signs & Symptoms of Autism
Since autism is a disorder and not a disease, it is not entirely accurate to refer to "symptoms" of autism. Instead, there is a range of signs and behavior patterns that indicate autism. 
More info on signs of autism

Diets for Autism
Find out what diets can help your child in their recovery process.
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Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) that was first identified by physician Hans Asperger in 1944, but was only added to the DSM-IV in 1994.

As a result, many children have been misdiagnosed with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and even Schizophrenia. 
More info on Asperger's Syndrome

Autism & Mercury Poisoning
There is now a great deal of information available that tells us in no uncertain terms that toxic metals and chemicals are a causative factor in many cases of autistic spectrum disorders.  These would include harmful toxins such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, insecticides and pesticides
More info on Autism and
mercury poisoning

Resources for Parents
A list of autism resources for parents and caregivers of an Autistic, Asperger's Syndrome, or PDD child. 
More resources for Autism, Asperger's, and PDD