Abstract
The care of children with autism requires attention to medical problems which they may develop. Significant subsets of children with autism have intestinal inflammation, digestive enzyme abnormalities, metabolic impairments, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune problems which range from immune deficiency to hypersensitivity to autoimmunity. The author works within a paradigm that views autism as a body wide, multi-system disorder. Behavioral symptoms may be signs of underlying pain in children with communication problems and require attention to underlying pathology rather than relying on behavioral measures to extinguish the behaviors. Opportunities for improving quality of life and autistic symptoms are found by using a combination of detailed histories, physical exams and laboratory evaluations to uncover clues about underlying medical issues that need to be treated. The current prevalence of autism and the suffering of the children and families involved call for action by primary care physicians working in collaboration with researchers, specialists and parents if these children are to receive appropriate medical care. [N A J Med Sci. 2012;5(3): 180-184.]
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