The information provided in this lecture is designed as an instructional tool and does not constitute medical advice. Guidelines are based on personal experience gathered by the presenter and from the available medical literature. Medical and therapeutic interventions must suit individual medical problems. In no way does this constitute medical advice of Autism Canada Inc or any of its directors. All treatments and therapies should be done under the supervision of the individual's doctor.

"The Self Centred Bug":
Can Aquired Infection Influence Brain Function and Behaviour in Autism?
This lecture examines the possible role of infectious agents in the causes and symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, with ASD as a key focus. It discusses the effects of a series of infective and dietary agents of increasing incidence, which are capable of inducing brain changes and complex behaviours (i.e. aggression, biting, food craving, social impairment, hyperactivity, obsessive compulsive activity, sensory sensitivity) in humans and experimental animals. Dr. MacFabe presents his current research examining the ability of a panel of gut bacterial metabolic products (i.e. short chain fatty acids) associated with antibiotic induced diarrhea, and their ability to produce brain neuroinflammatory and behavioural changes closely resembling those found in ASDs. It discusses the hypothesis that ASDs are produced by opportunistic pre or post-natal antibiotic resistant gastrointestinal infections in sensitive sub populations.

Exceptional Parent Magazine's Article by Dr. MacFabe