New Treatment for Autism 'Holds Promise'

Brain waves normalize after treatment, EEG's reveal

SEATTLE, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A new treatment for autism appears to
normalize brain function, according to Nashville physician Fred S. Starr, MD,
FAACAP, BCIA-EEG.

In addition to high serotonin levels, autistic children have a
characteristically common "u" EEG pattern reflecting impaired brain function,
particularly in areas of the brain responsible for social interaction,
communication, speech and bonding.

However, Quantitative EEG's conducted by Dr. Starr on autistic children after
three weeks on the medication Respen-A showed that the children's brain
patterning changed to "normal" patterning. Starr says that behavioral
improvement was also "evident". "Speech, interaction and social skills
improved markedly in patients using Respen-A, and displays of frustration and
anger markedly diminished," Starr said.

The theory behind the use of Respen-A was developed by private researcher
Elaine DeLack, Stanwood, WA. Unlike theories that center on negative reaction
to vaccinations, DeLack looked at exposure to a commonly used drug used during
delivery, and at brain enzymes that affect the brain both at birth, and again
as the child enters childhood.

DeLack's hypothesis (which can be viewed in slide show format at
www.Neuro-Med.net) connects autism to the use of epidurals during childbirth.
Epidurals were introduced into this country in the 1960's. By the mid-80's,
22 percent of women received an epidural during delivery. In the mid-90's,
the number grew to 67%. Today, nearly 90% of women receive an epidural during
pregnancy.

However, DeLack contends that it may not be the epidural procedure, but the
drugs given in conjunction with the procedure, particularly the drug Pitocin,
that has contributed to increasing numbers in autism.

Pitocin crosses the placenta to the infant's system during childbirth. The
drug requires adequate production of an enzyme found in the liver (CYP 3A4) in
order to rid it from the body. If the infant has a genetic inadequacy of the
CYP 3A4 enzyme (found more often to be lacking statistically in boys than
girls), the drug's intensity could become elevated in the infant's system, and
build with another naturally occurring neurotransmitter that plays a key role
in brain development: the hormone Oxytocin.

Oxytocin builds naturally in the brain during the first 7 - 10 days of life,
ensuring that nerve patterning develops as it should in the brain. Once
Oxytocin levels reach a naturally predetermined level, the development of the
brain's nerve system (HNS system) ceases.

DeLack theorizes that the addition of Pitocin into the bloodstream of infants
without adequate CYP 3A4 genetic enzymes, causes brain development to "shut
off" early, stunting crucial neuro-development.

DeLack hypothesizes that a second enzyme may explain why autism shows up in
many children around the age of three. The enzyme MAO-A is essential in
regulating serotonin levels in the brain. In the first years of life, MAO-A
levels remain high, assisting brain function. The impact of MAO-A may, in
fact, cover symptoms of brain impairment in infants and toddlers.

MAO-A levels diminish as the child ages - allowing serotonin levels to rise,
impacting the areas of the brain associated with communication, speech,
emotion and bonding. Respen-A curbs the level of serotonin in the autistic
brain.

"We see promise in all of this," DeLack says. "Further study will determine
if simple modification during childbirth could be all that is needed to stem
the surging tide of autism," states DeLack. And for those who have autism?
"Respen-A could give them a quality of life that they - and their parents -
deserve."

Prescriptions for Respen-A require a daily calcium supplement. For further
information about Respen-A, go to www.neuro-med.net

REPORTERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND SUNDAY'S SEMINAR AT PREECE AND TOFF SALON AT
FRED SEGAL, 420 BROADWAY, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA. TO RESERVE SPACE, CALL
877-963-3338.

Dr. Fred S. Starr may be reached at doc@5starrpsych.com

Elaine DeLack may be reached at elaine@edmsllc.com

SOURCE Neuro-Med.net

Elaine DeLack of Neuro-Med.net, +1-877-963-3338