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"G" was 3 years old when he first came to see us with a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and sensory integration disorder (SID). He also suffered from chronic constipation. His language skills were poor; he exhibited hyperlexia, repetitive speech, and severe echolalia. He had perseverative behaviors, severe mood swings, and an obsession with trains. G also had poor eye contact and did not interact with other children.
His family and environmental history was significant for multiple toxic exposures including maternal amalgams (his mother had more than 35 fillings). Also, his mother worked in a photo-processing lab, his father worked in gasoline stations, and the family lived above a restaurant during its renovation.
Medically, G suffered from chronic ear infections. He had 9 courses of antibiotics in his first year of life to treat the ear infections and had tubes placed at 13 months. His hearing test at age 24 months was normal. He also had severe and chronic constipation with extremely hard and difficult-to-pass stools and very strong stool and urine odors. Before each bowel movement he seemed noticeably more autistic with increased perseverative behaviors, obsessions, and irritability. After bowel movements these specific behaviors improved considerably. On exam, G had mild abdominal distention and substantial ridging of his nails.
Initially, he was treated for constipation with oral vitamin C and magnesium. A probiotic and prescription antifungal medicine also were started. At his 1-month follow-up, G was more communicative, engaged, and less whiny. He was still constipated, however, so we added more fiber and recommended a further reduction of yeast in his diet.
At 2-month follow-up, G was having regular and daily bowel movements. For the next 2 to 3 months, he had continual yeast flares despite repeated treatment.
At 5-month follow-up, further dietary restrictions were recommended, and G started on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). After initial reactions consistent with die-off (the symptoms seen when killing yeast or other germs, such as whining, side-gazing, acting out, and speech and behavioral regression), a new prescription antifungal (ketoconazole) was added, and G's symptoms improved.
At 6-month follow-up, the SCD, probiotics, vitamin C, and a bicarbonate supplement to help alkalinize him were continued. At this time, oil of orégano and Saccharomyces boulardii were started as natural...