SEVERE autism can be reversed and symptoms reduced to an indistinguishable level, scientists have discovered. Two non-identical twin girls in the US were found to have a level of autism at 20 months old that required “very substantial support”.
Two year programme
A groundbreaking trial saw their parents and a team of medical experts create a bespoke two-year programme of interventions designed to help the children thrive and flourish as much as possible. Scientists say the programme was successful, with both girls undergoing “dramatic improvements” in the severity of their symptoms.
The progress of one of the girls, described only as Twin P, was heralded as “a kind of miracle” by one of the paediatricians. Twin P scored a 43 out of 180 on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scale in March 2022 and this was reduced to just four by October 2023.
“One of the twins’ symptoms were reversed to the point of being indistinguishable from children who had never had a history of autism symptoms,” Dr Chris D’Adamo, study author from the University of Maryland, told The Telegraph.
“This twin’s functions are comparable to those who never had an autism diagnosis.” The other girl, known as Twin L, had more severe autism aged 20 months, scoring 76, and this was reduced to 32 a year and a half later. “[This twin] improved dramatically, but not quite as much,” said Dr D’Adamo. Improvements unlikely to be undone.
The scientists do not use the term “cure”, but believe the improvements are unlikely to be undone over time. The twins underwent behavioural analysis, speech therapy and a strict gluten-free diet and nutrition programme as part of the trial to reduce inflammation.
Special diet
The diet was casein-free, a protein found in milk; low-sugar; had no artificial colours or dyes; zero ultraprocessed foods; primarily organic; and locally sourced.
The girls were also given daily supplements for omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins, vitamin D, carnitine, and others.
