Introduction
Children with autism are poor methylators and if any mutations are found in the five methylation pathway cycles, then critical immune functions are compromised. The methylation process requires folate in the brain. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children have been found to have "Cerebral Folate Deficiency" (CFD) which means an insufficiency of folate in the brain. If there are defects in the methylation process then speech, language and auditory processing, focus and concentration, social interaction, and reading comprehension can all be affected. Methylation also repairs DNA, controls homocysteine levels, keeps inflammation in check and recycles key antioxidants. In addition, methylation increases sulphation for the excretion of heavy metals and elimination of allergies (environmental and immune). Furthermore, it improves the production of glutathione, which is the master antioxidant that excretes environmental toxins and pathogens out of the body. All of these functions are important for ASD children. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene type and 5MTHF (5 methyltetrahydrofolate) is a type of folate that crosses the blood brain barrier (folic acid cannot), so it can help the brain methylate. Families who are susceptible to autoimmune disorders are also associated with the MTHFR genetic mutation. There are two prime variants called C677T or A1298C and 98% of ASD children have been found to carry one or two copies in one or both of these mutations according to the study Association of MTHFR Gene Variants with Autism (see Community Library). The C677T variant is usually associated with heart disease and stroke because of the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Many ASD children are unable to make this conversion. The 1298C variant is associated with chronic illnesses and ASD children found to have this variant may have many chronic illnesses. Labcorp does a blood test to determine both mutations of MTHFR. Also, Amy Yasko, PhD, ND has done extensive research in methylation and has a Nutrigenomic Test which tests 30 different genetic mutations in the body including the MTHFR. Many of these genetic mutations have to do with the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, sulphation, and pathways that generate ammonia – all critical issues for ASD children. Have a physician suggest the appropriate nutritional supplementation to support the methylation process and MTHFR in order to protect your child's body from further toxicity, aid in the excretion of toxicity, and improve daily challenges of the ASD child.
Related Sites
MTHFR Mutation Description: MTHFR is the genetic mutation that affects 98% of children with autism. Dr. Ben Lynch is one of the leading researchers on MTHFR with effective remedies and powerful information for families.
Holistic Health International (Methylation and MTHFR) Description: Dr. Amy Yasko PhD, ND, and her website on recovering autistic children provide an enormous amount of information on Autism Pathways to Recovery, which includes Nutrigenomics (MTHFR) and Methylation.
Books
Tools
Parent Forums/Blogs
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: Dr. Amy’s Forum Description: A forum about sharing information as well as emotional support.
Consumer Corner
Community Library
Association of MTHFR Gene Variants with Autism Description: A comprehensive study done by Marvin Boris MD, Allan Goldblatt PA, Joseph Galanko PhD, S. Jill James, PhD. Autism is a complex neurodevelopment disorder with numerous possible genetic and environmental influences. The study entails folate, methylation and MTHFR gene.
Genetic Analysis Report (Summary Sheet) as prepared by Amy Yasko PhD, ND (Prepared by Kurt Woeller, DO) Description: This Genetic Analysis is intended to give a brief explanation of some of the major areas of genetic mutation as seen in ASD children that are analyzed from Dr. Yasko’s “Economy Basic SNP III Panel.”