Dr. Block's Approach 
Dr. Block is active in DAN (Defeat Autism Now), an international organization of open-minded physicians and parents of autistic children who are working together, asking questions and actively seeking biomedical solutions. They are no longer willing to sit by and accept what has happened to these children. They are determined to find the causes in order to prevent autism in the future and to find the solutions so the children who already have this label can have the future they deserve.

Autism is considered a psychiatric disorder and is often treated with psychiatric drugs. However, children with autistic symptoms do not get well on these drugs and the number of new cases continues to climb. A new approach is needed. Many of the patients at The Block Center have had their autistic symptoms improve when the following health problems are addressed:

Intestinal Tract Problems
1. Antibiotic treatment can kill the good bacteria in the intestinal tract which can throw off the delicate balance needed in the gut to insure proper function. Taking a nutritional supplement of these good bacteria can help re-establish the normal levels in the intestinal tract.

2. A comprehensive stool analysis can help identify treatment for hidden problems in the gut such as yeast overgrowth, parasites and any bacteria that should not be in the gut. At the Block Center we have found that about 25% of the patients have parasites, about 50% have bacteria and about 90% have yeast overgrowth.

3. A test for Gluten and Casein Urinary Peptides can identify if there are problems digesting gluten, found in wheat and other grains, and casein, from dairy products. New research indicates that if these foods are not broken down properly, they can mimic the effects of opiate drugs such as heroin and morphine and affect opiate receptors in the brain involved with speech and auditory processing.

4. The use of an intestinal tract hormone, Secretin, was discovered by a mother whose child had autistic symptoms. At The Block Center many children improve dramatically with the use of Secretin.

Food Allergies
Allergies to foods and inhalants can cause symptoms such as anger, temper tantrums, attention problems, hyperactivity, lethargy, a decrease in cognitive function, stomach distress and headaches. Eliminating the offending foods from the diet or treating the allergies can help. At The Block Center we understand the relationship between allergies and how we feel and act.

Nutritional Deficiencies
Specific nutrients are needed in the body to make the biochemical processes work properly. The nutrients act as co-factors for the biochemical reactions. For the body to proceed from point A to point B, certain nutrients must be available. When these nutrients are not available, abnormal behaviors may occur.

Consider the following research:
Magnesium deficiency in children is characterized by excessive fidgeting, anxious restlessness, psychomotor instability and learning difficulties in the presence of normal IQ. (Magnesium in Health and Disease, Seelig, 1980)

In a double blind, cross-over study published in Biological Psychiatry (Vol. 14,no.5,1979), Vitamin B6 was found to be more effective than methylphenidate (Ritalin) in a group of hyperactive children.
Zinc deficiency may make children irritable, tearful, sullen and have gaze aversion, Moynahan, Zinc Deficiency and Disturbances of Mood and Behavior, Lancet, 1:91, 1976.

DMAE, a neurotransmitter precursor, helps to improve behaviors, mental concentration, puzzle solving ability and organization(J.Pediatrics,1958).

Heavy Metal Toxicity
Mercury is a known neuro-toxin which can cross the blood brain barrier and concentrate in the brain. Alarming amounts of mercury have been used in children's vaccines. Many parents report first seeing their child's autistic symptoms after a vaccination. The U.S. Public Health Service and The American Academy of Pediatrics support the FDA`s directive to eliminate mercury (Thimerosal) from vaccines. While some vaccines no longer contain mercury, the tetanus, H1N1 and flu vaccines still do.  aluminum, which has been associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is still in most vaccines. At The Block Center, we evaluate for the presence of mercury and other heavy metals, then remove the metals.

Recommended Links:

Facts and Information

2 Day Program

Allergies

Learning Differences
    Sensory Integration
    Nutrition

Dr. Mary Ann Block treats many other chronic health problems such as, asthma, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems and others. He approach is to look for and treat, whenever possible, the underlying causes instead of covering the symptoms with drugs.