read ~If your child is getting older & not improving

[Guest guest]

Something to look into

If just 20% of the 560,000 recognized cases of ASD in the US can be

prevented or more effectively treated, this could result in a savings

of $358 billion in addition to the incalculable human impact of this

disease. "

- -

Evidence Mounts Implicating Lyme Disease in the Autism Epidemic

More proof that infections play a role in this childhood epidemic.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Autism/Lyme+Disease/prweb567605.htm

(PRWEB) November 7, 2007 -- A new article in Medical Hypotheses, " The

association between tick-borne infections, Lyme Borreliosis and autism

spectrum disorders " was released this week. Bransfield, M.D.,

the main author collaborated with top doctors in both fields on this

paper such as Jeff Wulfman, M.D., T. Harvey, M.D. and Anju

Usman, M.D.

The summary of the article states that " Chronic infectious diseases,

including tick-borne infections such as Borrelia burgdorferi may have

direct effects, promote other infections and create a weakened,

sensitized and immunologically vulnerable state during fetal

development and infancy leading to increased vulnerability for

developing autism spectrum disorders. "

Bransfield et al, examine clinical observations, case reports,

laboratory testing of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder for

tick-borne diseases, brain imaging results, epidemiological findings,

infections and autism, tick-borne/Borreliosis infections and

psychiatric illness and many other factors in this collaboration of

research findings.

Numbers indicate that 20-30% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

may be infected with Lyme Borreliosis and pathogenic Mycoplasma may be

a contributor in 58% of cases. With these staggering numbers, families

and physicians need education on the proper testing and treatment

methods currently available. With these 20-30% numbers representing

around 140,000 cases of autism in the United States alone, the human

impact of this disease is staggering. Bransfield et al states that " If

just 20% of the 560,000 recognized cases of ASD in the US can be

prevented or more effectively treated, this could result in a savings

of $358 billion in addition to the incalculable human impact of this

disease. "

The authors recognized the contributions of Ray , M.D.

for decades of expertise and dedication in helping hundreds of

children with Lyme Borreliosis and autism spectrum disorder.

Parents needing more information on testing and treatment can turn to

the LIA Foundation for support. They are a non-profit organization

which focuses on research, awareness and education on the multiple

infections, including Borrelia/Lyme Disease, and how that impacts

children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

About Autism:

Autism is a disorder that currently affects 1 out of 150 children.

Boys are the majority of those affected. The numbers of autism cases

spiked in the mid-late 90's and continues to remain high. Most

children do improve with some sort of biomedical and behavioral

intervention.

About Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease is generally caused by a tick bite and can is more

effective when antibiotics are administered soon after the infection.

Borreliosis is a long-term infection that exists and can be

undiagnosed Lyme disease or transmitted in some other way. Symptoms

include achy joints, confusion, slurring words, word retrieval

problems, brain fog, sensitivity to light and sound. Lyme disease in

its late stage can be fatal, causing MS like symptoms and debilitating

its victims. One of the disorders in which Lyme disease is known to

mimic is autism spectrum disorder.

About the LIA Foundation, http://www.liafoundation.org/:

The foundation was started in September 2006 by parents of children

with autism and Lyme disease. of Beaverton, OR and Tami

Duncan of Corona, CA are the founders. The foundation's goals are to

provide awareness, education and research on the multiple-infections

such as Borrelia and its connection to autism.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Autism/Lyme+Disease/prweb567605.htm