Most autism-savvy families and clinicians are aware of the power of nutrition in autism. Nutritional interventions such as gluten-free, casein-free, prebiotics, and antioxidants are familial tools of progressive management. However, few understand how the emerging genetic, biochemical, and neuro-structural research in- forms on nutritional therapy. Does the new science suggest that autism is genetic, immobile, and untreatable, and that nutritional therapy is wishful thinking? Certainly not! This presentation will focus on how the new science of autism informs regarding the targeted use of nutrition. Many of the biological pathways in which homeostasis is disrupted leading to autism are treatable. Mitochondrial function is a key treatable pathway, and this lecture will discuss the evidence, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment; most of the latter is nutritional. Many other metabolic pathways are also implemented in autism pathogenesis and can be treatable by nutritional means, including electrical flux via ion channels, neurotransmission, and auto-inflammation.
SpeakeR: Richard Boles, MD
Dr. Richard G. Boles is a medical geneticist and a pediatrician who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, functional disease (including cyclic vomiting syndrome, other atypical forms of migraine, and chronic fatigue syndrome) and autism spectrum disorders. His expertise stems from decades of both clinical work and research at a major academic center as well as from his most recent experience in cutting edge biotechnology and genomics. He uses an innovative and integrative approach in both diagnosis and treatment to best serve his patients. He treats children and young adults (up to age 25) with a variety of conditions, but his main focuses are on: mitochondrial disease and dysfunction; autistic spectrum disorders; complicated migraine including cyclic vomiting syndrome; other chronic pain disorders; chronic fatigue syndrome
