In this section we examine the immune system and viral loads because out of control virus problems are often a clear sign of a compromised immune system (as are out of control yeast and bacterial infections)

It is important to note that we have not included detailed cautions or background information on the majority of supplements/treatments mentioned although in some instances we do offer serious cautions--please read the file in its entirety so that you do not miss these. We would not have felt confident sharing this file if Andrew Hall Cutler, PhD, hadn't taken the time to share his knowledge by commenting on the first draft and offering many additions.

We are grateful--endlessly grateful--for his generosity. We have included some of his comments directly and other information he provided has been included less directly in many places.

The immune system is a complex and powerful system. It is good to have a basic understanding of how we believe that it works. The following two sites provide a good background - Site 1 and Site 2.

Rebuilding a properly functioning immune system is a long job. It will require removing substances and organisms that are compromising the immune system (heavy metals, certain foods, allergens, toxic chemicals, parasites, opportunistic bacteria, fungal overgrowth, etc) and providing the body the proper nutrition to both fix the problems and then function properly. This is a difficult process, in part because removing certain of the problematic substances and organisms requires an immune system that is functioning at least somewhat optimally. It is for this reason that treating the immune system is an on-going effort, accomplished alongside other interventions.

One major component of immune system problems may be viral issues.

Of the kids who seem to have viral problems, it would seem that some can recover on their own by healing the gut, supplementing, and/or chelating. Other kids need help specific to their viral problems and immune systems as well. Still some others seem to have only viral problems, or, at least viral problems are their main issue and resolving them seems to resolve autistic behaviours. The same can likely be said for children who may struggle with bacterial problems such as Lyme disease, parasitic infections, or other chronic issues. The only certainty we were able to discover in researching was this: viral issues (as well as other chronic problems such as Lyme and parasites) in ASD are controversial. Be sure to research carefully, particularly the negative things that people have to say about each of the protocols, treatments, supplements, and promises you may find at any of the resources below.

Try to attempt in your research to discern how closely parents followed any particular protocol. If details of the theoretical protocol were changed in practice, this would be an important thing to know.

In addition to more well known DAN! autism treatment approach, several practitioners based in the United States now follow protocols based on the view of autism being a Neuroimmune Dysfunction Syndrome (NIDS), caused by viruses and a dysfunctional immune system. NIDS tests (click here for information) and treatments focus on various prescription immune modulators, such as Immunovir (Isopronosine), and prescription antivirals, such as Valtrex, Famvir, Ganciclovir etc. Dr Micheal Goldberg pioneered this approach and most of NIDS protocols - you can view his presentations on infections as underlying causes of autism and treatments to address them here (USAAA 2009 presentation, also available here via youtube, in 7 parts) and here (another youtube video installation broken down in 47 short parts).

This website, although not directly discussing autism, offers a good general insight into Virus Induced Central Nervous System Dysfunction, including detailed information on available tests.

To be honest, it is difficult to differentiate between viral problems and autoimmune problems as the situation seems to be a bit chicken and egg. They seem to be the same thing in some circumstances, whereas in others they are perhaps two different issues: an autoimmune problem that may have been triggered by a virus as opposed to a virus still active to some degree within the body.

Cutler clarifies this idea further: "In fact the typical mercury induced issue of overactive humoral (antibody) immunity and underactive or misdirected cellular immunity can cause either or both, while in addition the other adjuvants in vaccines can cause the body to sensitize to itself rather than the vaccine contents (and there is a natural mechanism to stop making new kinds of antibodies once a few are created) so that you can easily get all possible combinations of autoimmunity and lack of virus resistance/chronic viral infection." It should be noted that many people believe that viruses can work synergistically, and a child's problem may be the result of a number of viruses (or viruses and bacteria and/or parasites), some of which may not have been identified yet.

Again, Cutler clarifies: "When this is occurring it is due to a defect in cellular immunity most likely acquired through mercury laden vaccines. Clearing the mercury will allow the body to recover, but it may need help to do so." Some parents have been trying low dose Naltrexone as a way of helping the body make this shift from overactive humoral immunity (Th2) and underactive cellular immunity (Th1) back to a more balance immune system. For comprehensive information on LDN visit this website.

A non-DAN! look at this issue of compromised immunity can be found here: (which points out that the Th1/Th2 shift is only a theory, one not ascribed to by all researchers; it also discusses ways of boosting immune function). Many of the supplements commonly given to ASD children can help to effect this shift back to a more balanced immune system: these supplements include, but are not limited to, omega 3 fatty acids, colostrum, thymus extract, zinc, selenium, probiotics, vitamin A, and possibly melatonin.

Because of the difficulty in understanding the clear differences between viral problems and autoimmune disorders, we have not tried to point to either one or the other in many places in this file. Research seems to show that over 50% of ASD kids have auto-antibodies to myelin basic protein. That is, their own bodies are attacking the myelin sheaths in their brains. This would be considered an autoimmune problem, perhaps precipitated by a virus or viruses.

It has been suggested that the following supplements might help repair/reverse the demyelinization process: Vitamin E (d-alpha), phosphatidylcholine, pantethine or pantothenic acid, curcumin, GLA from borage or evening primrose oil, and high EPA fish oils.

As noted below in a resource, myelinization continues until the age of 45, which should offer us great hope for our children. Dr. McCandless (Children with Starving Brains, 2005, p.163) explains that autoimmune disorders may be the result of infectious diseases such as rubella, herpes simplex encephalitis, varicella, cytomegalovirus, and roseola which is caused by the HHV6--the extremely common human herpes virus. For a clear explanation of this virus which may very well play an important role in autism, click here

The Life Extension Foundation has some good information on herpes viruses in general and what can possibly be done about them. Much of this information would be transferable to the situation of children with ASD, particularly those who suffer recurrent outbreaks of cold sores: Click here.

This site also offers good background information for people new to the investigation of viruses in general. Furthermore, there is a section which discusses some supplements not looked at specifically in this file. Important note of caution: Chemically sensitive people or those taking liver taxing drugs like depakote cannot tolerate BHT.

People like Dr. Yasko and Dr. Wakefield have looked a great deal at the possible involvement of the MMR vaccination in the health problems of ASD children, particularly at measles virus infection some ASD children suffer. Dr. Yasko talks about this in her paper "Autism: A Twisted Tale of Virus and Thimerosal" which you can find, along with a good deal of her other work at http://www.autismanswer.com.

You can find synopses of some of Dr. Wakefield's work at

http://thoughtfulhouse.org.

The following link will take you to a paper which discusses finding measles RNA in the spinal fluid of children with regressive autism http://whale.to/a/pdf/bradstreet.pdf.

Cutler has pointed out that, "It is well known and discussed in standard medical texts that (a) children with impaired cellular immunity can't clear live virus vaccines like measles and can be killed or severely disabled by them, and (b) mercury and thimerosal impair cellular immunity."

It is commonly thought among non-traditional medical practitioners that all immunizations impair cellular immunity (Th1 immunity). Some signs that may be indicative of overactive Th2 responses (and underactive Th1 responses) are eczema, asthma, chemical sensitivity, yeast, allergies, and chronic fatigue. Another sign of imbalance can be hyperimmunity (never falling sick) which can often transition to hypoimmunity (always falling sick) over time. Dr. Yazbak has researched the connection between mothers who received vaccinations such as the MMR during pregnancy and breastfeeding and ASDs in their children. For some information on that you can look at http://www.whale.to/v/yazbak2.html.

Lyme disease (which is bacterial) is considered by some to play an important role in their ASD children's health and its symptoms can be similar to viral symptoms. Lyme and its connection to autism is controversial; however, there are a few parents who have recovered their children from autism using treatments for lyme.

There is a yahoo group that discusses lyme disease and autism

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lyme-autism/

and the Lyme Induced Autism page here

http://www.lymeinducedautism.com/

This document, which focuses on the immune system and viral problems, does not look specifically at any treatments for Lyme (or parasitic infections).

Some parents might choose to run tests that may indicate viral problems. It is, however, of no use to run these tests unless your doctor is clear as to the course of treatment that will be followed if certain results are obtained. It would be important to understand what these treatments will be, on what criteria will they be used, and if you are willing to have your child undergo these treatments.

Sometimes these tests will show extremely high titers to things such as Epstein-Barr Virus (very rare in a young child), Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2, HHV6 and the measles virus (which, of course, most children will have titers to because of the MMR).

Sometimes the titers will not be high at all because the child's immune system is unable to mount any sort of defense. Cutler points out that, "If titers are NOT elevated for something they were vaccinated against, then yes there is a serious problem, it is with humoral immunity, and it needs to be explored carefully.

Some feel that low NK cells is a sign of viral problems although low NK cells is indicative of mercury toxicity too and this would seem like the much more likely explanation in metal toxic children. Cutler comments that, "Low NK cell number AND activity is characteristic of mercury toxicity, is seen in all mercury toxic kids and not the others, and does not correlate very well with response to antiviral treatment."

Again, if your doctor is not very clear as to how test results will dictate treatment, the tests may not be worthwhile, in terms of both expense and having blood drawn from your child. Common viruses can be tested at labs within your own city and covered by insurance.

Understand that IgG refers to past infection or vaccination.

IgM refers to current or recent infection or vaccination.

As Dr. Jim Popplewell from the Autism-Mercury list explains..

"in general, IgM antibodies begin to be detectable within 5-7 days of infection and persist for two to three months if the infection then resolves.

IgG antibodies are not usually seen until two weeks or so into the infection, but persist for a long time, even permanently, after the infection resolves. Keep in mind that often the clinical signs of an infection (fever, rash, myalgia, etc) may begin several days after the infection has occurred. If the infection persists, IgM may be produced for a longer period of time.

Using hepatitis B as an example, the presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies for a prolonged period is one indication of so-called chronic active hepatitis. Different infective agents (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) have different patterns of antibody detection, but they largely follow this pattern." You would want to test for both IgG and IgM for each virus.

Consistant low white blood count and high lymphocyte percentage are often associated with viral infections. Cutler notes that, "lymphocytes go up during and for a few weeks after viral infections, while neutrophils go up during and for a few weeks after bacterial or fungal/yeast infections."