Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy or the power source ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the cells. The Mitochondria found in granulocytes, a type of immune cell that fights infection and protects the body from invasion, has one third the capacity it normally should in ASD children. This means far less oxygen is found in the cells of ASD children. As a result, oxidative stress and free radicals in the blood cells of ASD children were far greater than those without the disorder. Symptoms such as low cellular energy, abnormal fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, muscle weakness, hypotonia (low upper body muscle tone), low stamina, seizures, motor delays, neuropsychiatric behaviors, language and social impairment, and endocrine disturbances were identified. Treating Mitochondrial Dysfunction with nutritional supplementation under the supervision of a physician has found to improve symptoms of autism.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Diverse Medical Symptoms
Description: This site describes mitochondrial dysfunction and its relationship to prevalent childhood conditions like autism.
Mitochondrial Disorder Overview
Description: This site provides parents with overall information of Mitochondrial Disorders including additional symptoms and further resources for parents.
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Forum/Blog Name: Mitochondrial Disease Awareness and Education
Description: This group is a place to share ideas and promote awareness and education regarding mitochondrial disease.
Forum/Blog Name: Mito Action
Description: Parent forum for Mitochondrial Dysfunction.
Forum/Blog Name: Breakthrough Discovery on Causes of Autism
Description: Mark Hyman, MD, shares an amazing recovery story of a young boy with autism and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. He outlines his medical approach to normalizing the disturbances in the energy metabolism.
Forum/Blog Name: Mitochondrial Autism
Description: A growing body of research is showing that a number of children diagnosed with Autism may have an underlying mitochondrial or metabolic disorder causing it. This group is to support those on this journey and raise awareness about the connection between mitochondrial disease and autism.