All your Questions about Biomedical Treatment Answered!

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Question – What is biomedical treatment of autism?

Answer – Biomedical treatment is an individualized medical treatment program to prevent and treat developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, OCD, Tourette Syndrome, Speech Language Delay, Apraxia, Dyspraxia, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome.

Question – What type childhood disorders other than autism can benefit from biomedical treatment?

Answer – Biomedical treatment focuses on identifying weaknesses in a child’s body that create obstacles to development.  So, any child can benefit from this program because it is the most comprehensive medical treatment plan to optimize brain development. Children with autism are the children who need biomedical treatment the most and who benefit the most.

Question – What is the earliest age a child with autism can start biomedical treatment?

Answer – The youngest biomedical patients are usually those who have siblings diagnosed with autism.  Our sibling program focuses on prevention of developmental delays and when necessary, treatment.  It is important to realize that twenty percent of children who have a sibling on the autism spectrum will receive an autism diagnosis. They experience higher levels of speech delay, sensory issues, attention and focus problems and behavioural issues.  Siblings are more likely to have eczema, allergies, asthma, constipation and sleep issues.

Question – Can you begin biomedical treatment of autism without a diagnosis?

We begin more intensive biomedical treatment at the first sign of significant developmental concerns such as eye contact or visual tracking problems in infants or sensory meltdowns and self-stimulating behaviour in toddlers.

It is SO UNBELIEVABLY IMPORTANT to act right away.  Early intervention increases the likelihood of recovering significant and peer level language, social and cognitive function.  Unfortunately, the staggering length of the waitlist means that our little ones begin treatment long before they get a diagnosis and years before they will ever receive any funded treatment.  The good news is that the younger kids begin biomedical treatment, the better the outcome.

 Question – What type of results can parents expect to see? and how quickly?

We expect to see positive changes in 4-12 weeks.  Better eye contact, decreased sensory issues, increased attempts to communicate verbally and/or non-verbally.  Biomedical treatment is about repair and recovery.  In the beginning, it is essential to stop further damage to the brain.  The second step is to repair and then after 1-3 years our patients are on maintenance programs to continue to support their development.

Question – What is the cost of biomedical treatment of autism?

The average yearly cost is $2000 to $5000. Private insurance typically covers naturopathic visits.  It is important to help parents plan a monthly budget for biomedical treatments like methyl B12 injections.  Biomedical treatment includes naturopathic visits, supplements, diet and laboratory assessments. For the majority of our patients, 1-3 years of biomedical treatment creates development gains that are life changing.  Biomedical works by opening doors now, doors that may otherwise remain closed because of untreated medical issues.

Question – How can you get started with biomedical treatment of autism?

Some families like to read books or look at current medical research in this area.  For those parents, we encourage them contact us for our biomedical handbook to get more information or to look online at www.treatautism.ca.

Parents who are ready to get started and can begin the process by contacting our clinic.

Sonya Doherty, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
www.treatautism.ca
www.naturallyhealthykids.ca