Expert Pediatrics Q&A

Q. My 2 1/2 year old was recently diagnosed with autism by a Developmental Pediatrician, who suggested that we return to our Pediatrician to discuss treatment options. He was born with gastroschisis, and I am concerned that he might have a Vitamin B6 or Vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of his autism, since I have read that many children with autism do have GI problems. My Pediatrician isn't familiar with vitamin therapy for autism though. What should I do? Sally, Dallas, Texas

A. Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which a baby is born with part of their intestines herniating outside their abdominal wall without a membrane covering it. Although they may have other intestinal problems, these children usually aren't born with other problems, such as chromosomal anomalies or heart defects.

And if there was no associated intestinal problems, then once the gastroschisis was repaired and he was eating well, you would expect that he would do well.

Although there aren't any studies associating gastroschisis with autism, there have been reports of gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autism, so one thing that you could do that might be worthwhile would be to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist for an evaluation.

And although the average Pediatrician may not be familiar with some alternative autism treatments, such as gluten free diets, secretin therapy, chelation therapy, or vitamin therapy, you could talk to your Pediatrician about getting a second opinion from another doctor who is. Defeat Autism Now! of the Autism Research Institute provides a practitioner list of 'DAN!-based interventions for helping autistic patients.'

Could It Be Autism? is a good book that discusses many of these treatments and more and it may also be a good resource for you, especially as you possibly explore trying some of these alternative autism treatments.