Product Description

In the midst of a worldwide epidemic of autism, ADD, and ADHD, this book is a message of hope to parents embarking on the challenging journey of finding proper medical care for their Autism Spectrum Disorder children. Genetic susceptibility activated by "triggers" such as pesticides and heavy metals in vaccines can lead to immune system impairment, gut dysfunction, and pathogen invasion such as yeast and viruses in many children.

This is the first book written by an experienced clinician that gives a step-by-step treatment guide for parents and doctors based on the understanding that ASD is a complex biomedical illness resulting in significant brain malnutrition. Dr. McCandless, whose grandchild with autism has inspired her "broad spectrum approach," describes important diagnostic tools needed to select appropriate treatment programs. Her book explains major therapies newly available and identifies safe and effective options for parents and physicians working together to improve the health of these special children.

Now in a second edition, the book has new material and includes an index.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6065 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback

About the Author
Jacquelyn McCandless received her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and is certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Since the early 1990s, her interest in women's issues and sexuality has led to an alternative medicine practice with a focus on anti-aging, brain nutrition, and natural hormone therapy. In 1996, after her granddaughter was diagnosed with autism, she returned even more to basic medicine and began working with biomedical aspects of developmentally delayed children. She now utilizes the knowledge she gained searching for treatments for her grandchild to help other ASD children.

Customer Reviews

Clear science, clear explanation for parents or anyone who cares for an Autistic/ASD child
Anyone who cares for an autistic child should read this book. Pediatricians, parents, anyone. (PERIOD)

Along with the "Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians" by Bryan Jepson, this is the best scientific grounding a parent can find for understanding and treating autistic children -- they are both designed to be scientifically justifiable, suitable for pediatricians and other professionals who need to understand the current diagnoses and current treatment options.

There is NO "hype" here; no easy answers; just strong science and experience in treating autism spetrum disorders (ASD, e.g., Autism, Asperger, ADD/ADHD, PDD).

According to the author: Some children can and will lose their diagnoses and recover. Many will improve a great deal. Most will get some help. And she is honest enough to say -- and you need to know -- a few will see little or no improvement with the current knowledge and methods.

She understands that medical testing can be stressful to both the child and the budget so recommends as many tests as the PATIENT history and the budget and insurance will support, but always with an eye towards reducing the stress on the child and doing only tests that indicate a good "cost/benefit" ratio.

Genetics almost certainly play a role but most researchers and treating physicians are working from a "genetic predisposition" and environmental triggers being the commonality that sets off the condition. These triggers my include infections or other environmental insults to infants and children.

Gut disorders are present in most of the ASD patients (until treated) but no one (including the author) knows if these are the cause or the result -- still they almost certainly aggrevate the conditions and at best lead to discomfort for a child who may have trouble communicating the pain of stomach and intestinal distress.

Mercury MAY play a role whether introduced from vaccines (controversial as a cause but clearly recommended prior to 2001 in excess of any proven "safety" level ), or in other ways such as maternal dental fillings, maternal innoculations, paint (prior to 1991 INDOOR house paint contained Mercury), fish, and other introductions into the environment.

Other heavy metals likewise -- anitmony is used in flame retardent clothing and who doesn't dress a baby and decorate the nursery with that?

Auto-immune and immune/allergic responses may contribute or be the triggers that allow toxins to be ingested.

She describes her diagnostic and treatment strategies in serious detail.

Rather than continue with some of the ideas, let me end by saying this book is extremely READABLE and FACTUAL.

Buy it; read it; use it to make sure you are getting the best possible advice and treatment.

A MUST READ for parents with autism in their lives
A MUST read for any parent of an austic child, no matter how high functioning or low functioning - this book can help you. This book started us on the road to recovery- already the changes in my little boy are awesome and keep getting better. The austism epidemic is skyrocketing. There is a reason for it. This book explains it and tells you how to treat it..best of all it will give you hope that you really can help your child! PLEASE read this book. It is easy to read, non judgemental and has given us hope for the first time in 2 years that our child can come out of this. Heck, read it even if you don't have an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) child in your life...it's that important!

Children with Starving Brains - book
"Children with Starving Brains" is an excellent book for anyone looking for alternate ways to help their special child. It is very thorough and easy to read and understand. I know I will be refering to it often.