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LETTERS: David Simpson Autism spectrum disorder is not as certain as implied BMJ 2003; 326: 986 [Full text]

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Autism spectrum disorders

Rex H G Warren   (3 May 2003)

Autism spectrum disorders 3 May 2003
Rex H G Warren, President ACTA Gladstone Qld Send response to journal: Re: Autism spectrum disorders	Autism spectrum disorder is not as certain as implied I would agree that in many instances indicators to the causation of autism may not be clear, and that symptoms vary widely in autism. However, I would have to have to agree that in mild cases there can be close associations between autism and ADHD but would strongly disagree that diagnosis is not clear cut on two points. The prevalence rates of children born to parents with a known history of illness or disease caused by exposure to toxic chemicals is many times higher than parents who are not. Brain scans commonly show abnormal brain function in children with severe disability symptoms. While exposure to toxic some chemicals is known to cause parental reproductive gene damage, SPECT scans show remarkably similar results to scans which reveal brain damage in adults with a known history of poisoning by organophosphate pesticide. While there may seem to be some degree of diagnosis uncertainty in children who present with relatively mild autism symptoms, there is no doubt in others. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that autism has an original organic cause, which results in changes in brain function. These in turn results in behavioural changes, which present in the most obvious and sometimes the only visible symptoms. Doctors can easily forget evidence of altered brain function and mislead themselves because they are dealing symptoms in behaviour. Children with autism and those with severe communications impediment carry an enormous emotional burden. More of us cannot even imagine what its like to live with a wrongly wired brain. They get frustrated and angry with all of us because from their point of view we don’t understand them. Sure their social circumstances affect them, but these are not the causes of autism. Children with autism & ADHD commonly have food allergies and chemical sensitivity, which probably points to the most likely organic cause. If we stopped the use of food additives for commercial reasons we all might benefit. Learning to unravel the mysteries associated with autism can be a life long study. While most experts in Australia tell me they are stumped by the behavioural challenges my 12 year-old autistic boy presents, they confess I handle him best. Rex Warren National President Australian Chemical Trauma Alliance Warren_r@tpg.com.au Competing interests:   None declared