The Autism Spectrum, Biochemical Factors & Gender Differences
Neurodivergence, Autism, Regressive Autism, High Functioning Autism, Autism Spectrum, Undermethylation, CAPS Profile, Polyvagal Theory & Factors Contributing to Movement Along the Spectrum
Thank you to the subscriber who expressed interest in the topic of autism in women.
To get us there, I’ll start with commenting on social communication, what we used to call autism and Asperger’s or high functioning autism, and what we now refer to as the autism spectrum.
Neurodivergent
“The term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences. The possible differences include medical disorders, learning disabilities and other conditions. The possible strengths include better memory, being able to mentally picture three-dimensional (3D) objects easily, the ability to solve complex mathematical calculations in their head, and many more.
Neurodivergent isn’t a medical term. Instead, it’s a way to describe people using words other than “normal” and “abnormal.” That’s important because there’s no single definition of “normal” for how the human brain works.
The word for people who aren’t neurodivergent is “neurotypical.” That means their strengths and challenges aren't affected by any kind of difference that changes how their brains work.” (from Cleveland Clinic)
Some areas with which we can vary:
Intellectual - relates to learning, conceptual thinking and more
Speech and Language Skills - how we understand and communicate verbally
Motor Skills - small and large movements
Executive Function - attentional control, working memory, inhibition and problem-solving
Emotional Regulation - just like it sounds
Social Communication - how we understand and communicate using social cues (facial expression, fluctuations in voice, gestures)
Sensory Processing - how we receive sensory information (sound, touch, light, taste, etc)
Those with autism spectrum disorders have more challenges related to social communication.
Autism & High Functioning Autism - Terms We Used to Use
Autism:
This term was used to describe a relatively severe condition.
usually delay or impairment in speech and language
social communication deficits
restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities or interests
often with intellectual deficits
I think of this (based on the research out of the Walsh Research Institute) as being due to a methylation imbalance (genetically acquired) in combination with very high oxidative stress causing an overwhelm of protective antioxidants leading to epigenetic alterations. This appears to be happening while the brain is developing and impacts neuronal wiring. When someone has this type of autism, their brains will be structurally different.
From the Walsh Research Institute:
95% have undermethylation
High pyrroles are very common
Copper zinc imbalances are common
Other markers for high oxidative stress including depletion of glutathione
Separately:
Gut issues and food sensitivities are also very common
Candida, mold, and heavy metals are common.
Where there is toxicity, there is inflammation.
Regressive Autism is different. This happens when an infant or toddler is developing normally, but then has an interruption in their development and stops progressing. This appears to be due to an insult or an alignment of insults, again, creating overwhelming oxidative stress. Depending on when and how early this is caught, can impact the persistence of the condition. For example, if a child regresses because of a high toxic load from candida, mold toxins and/or metals and they are treated, their brain development can get back on track. When in development (12 months, 18 months, 2 years) and for how long the insult and/or high oxidative stress occurs, can impact how much development is interrupted, and how likely the course of this can be redirected.