A Feature on KPCOM Researcher Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

Find below a feature on the autism research being conducted by new KPCOM researcher Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, Professor, Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine and Director, Center of Excellence for Neuroinflammation Research, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, NSU; Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.

www.mastcellmaster.com; ttheohar@nova.edu

 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Large epidemiological studies, and our own research, have shown that the only statistically significant comorbidity (concurrent medical condition) with ASD was asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and food intolerance, in other words, mast cell activation. In response to such reactivities, children with ASD display “sensory overload” resulting in behaviors such as food avoidance, closing the ears or eyes, or strange movements and vocalizations. Children do not “misbehave,” but instead reflect a state in which the “fear center” of the brain has been “reset” forcing the body to be in a constant “fight or flight” status. Our own published findings indicate that this dysregulation is due to localized inflammation that results in “short circuiting” the system and leading to disrupted neuronal communication.

https://tacanow.org/family-resources/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-and-autism/