AUTISM
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a brain-based disorder characterized by social-communication challenges and restricted repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. It was first described in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, an Austrian-American psychiatrist, physician, and social activist, and he vividly described the essential features of autism, all of which are echoed in current-day diagnostic manuals. In Europe, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, was working at nearly the same time as Kanner with a similar group of children and a milder form of autism, Asperger syndrome, was named after him.
At ANTIC, We Heal ALL of You, Not Just a Part of You
When first described, autism was considered a rare disorder that was diagnosed in about 1 out of every 10,000 children born in the United States. Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of children being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is 1 in 59, including 1 out of every 42 boys. Why is there such an alarming rate of increase? What could be happening to the brains of the children of today? Can something be done?
At the AZ NeuroRecovery treatment Innovation Center (ANTIC), Dr. Melanie Alarcio’s philosophy is to identify then treat the underlying cause or causes of medical conditions rather than just addressing the symptoms. A very detailed history is first obtained from every patient, and if indicated, a comprehensive workup is started, including bloodwork, imaging studies, and other specialized testing.
True healing begins with removing the obstacles to health and enabling the body and mind to heal naturally by optimizing nutritional status and key metabolic pathways. Addressing the underlying cause helps treat the whole individual, not just the part that is symptomatic.