I am proud to report my continuing perfect attendance at the MedMaps.org meetings, since the organization’s inception 4 years ago. These semiannual conferences represent one of the handful of valuable expositions, such as SFARI, to advance the science of practical approaches to modern developmental conditions.
There are multiple courses covering a variety of subjects, up to 8 hours per day for three days, presented by the most highly respected professionals in the field.
Day 1
Take home facts of the day:
√ Depending on the practitioner (and geographic practice location), costs (especially lab $) can vary widely.
√ In unusual or resistant cases, the treating practitioners should be concerned about the gut, fungus, toxins (especially metals), PANDAS (PANS, PITANDS), and Lyme Disease.
√ Genes regulating metabolism and function are affected by methylation that leads to downstream behaviors consistent with signs and symptoms of ASD. Folic acid metabolism, including the regulatory genes (MTHFR), methyl B12,and the resulting pathways were stressed as targets of possible intervention.
√ These really creepy-looking worms could help.
The therapy is used to reset the immune system. There is a great deal of research and literature to support the claim of immune system improvement. Cases were presented where patients made remarkable progress. It doesn’t help that the ‘critters’ are harvested from insects and the name is Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoides, HDC therapy for short.
Most important about this discussion is the fact that Dr. Sid Baker, founder of biomedical interventions and respected researcher, clinician, teacher, father figure, and guru – is the strongest proponent of this new protocol. In fact, he has a little farm that produces high quality, fresh product, at a fair price. Even so, the general consensus from the peanut gallery at this time was that it is a ‘hard sell’, except perhaps for the most trusting and/or frustrated parents.
√ Also, Dr. B recommended liberal use of magnesium and essential oils as safe and effective interventions. The group was definitely more comfortable with that advice.
Day 2
A most interesting discussion ensued when Dr. Dan Rossignol, our fearless leader, presented a ‘typical’ case of a toddler diagnosed with autism. The various ways that the experienced practitioners handled this child – from workup to treatment interventions – came to the fore. The doctors were all addressing the same problems, but went about it with fairly disparate protocols. There is no one way, at this time, to ‘skin this cat’.
Dr. Baker presented his fascinating background as an innovator in the biomedical treatment of autism. He stressed yeast problems in the GI system, and went on to explain his journey into helminthic therapy, which has produced significant results in his practice.
Complicated cases filled out the day.
A touching tribute to Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet was presented at the Friday evening reception. Those who worked with him told their stories of an innovator, pioneer, and caring doctor.
Day 3
Dr. Stephen Genuis, Ob-Gyn, University of Edmonton professor, and the author of Chemical Sensitivity: Pathophysiology or Pathopsychology? was first to present at the plenary session, covering toxicity. He is knowledgeable and passionate about poisons in the environment. His lectures provided new ammunition to address skepticism, and the rationale for strategies to detoxify.
The toxicants of Dr. Genuis’ focus were Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs), which are ubiquitous in homes, on carpets, non-stick surfaces, and may cause metabolic disruptions with clinical effects; from cancer to headaches. After reviewing available and tested options, his conclusion was that the most effective treatment was periodic phlebotomy (removal of blood).
Supporting and related information was presented by Dr. Ken Bock, Dr. David Quig, and Dr. Kenneth Stoller.
Conclusion
After 3 days of lectures, the bottom line is that the air, food and water is not safe, and the most exciting interventions are blood-letting, worms and special oils. It’s 2015?