Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Herbert (neurology, Harvard Medical Sch.), after years of research and treating children, has developed a new way of seeing autism. Here, she discusses possible causes of autism and strategies for limiting its negative impact and increasing its positive impact on an individual's development. She looks at the body as a whole system and considers how the environment, food, viruses, and stress can affect the body and brain. She uses many examples from her own practice to illustrate how the changes she recommends have benefitted the behavior and health of her patients. VERDICT An in-depth, scientific-yet hopeful and positive-look at how the brain and body work together as well as how eliminating toxins and better supporting the immune system through nutrition can have a positive effect on the symptoms of autism.-L.J. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

The frequency of autism diagnoses is on the rise. Better treatments for the disorder are not on the upsurge. Herbert and Weintraub's guide is neither an insurrection nor a radical transformation. Rather, the book reports on genuine success stories of children and adults whose autism improved. Simple tips and safe tactics for assisting individuals with autism are included. Little changes have the potential to bring about significant results. Autism involves the entire body and not just the brain; consequently, the authors emphasize the impact of environment on this illness. Especially important are food, stress, toxins, and microbes. Information about isodicentric chromosome 15, mitochondrial abnormalities, glial cells (the brain's glue ), stimming, and a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet is presented. Childhood vaccination is encouraged. Providing support to children and reducing the burden of illness on them are crucial. Underestimating their ability to improve should be avoided. Love must be unconditional. Individuals living with autism patients, family members, and caregivers don't have it easy. This book does not supply a solution but rather offers commonsense advice and compassion.--Miksanek, Tony Copyright 2010 Booklist