On Their International Day: Family Counseling and Alternative Medicine Supporting Children with Autism and Enhancing Con| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum (Sudanow)

April 2 of each year marks World Autism Awareness Day. This day comes amid a noticeable increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism. With the advancement of science, growing family awareness, and the efforts of alternative medicine specialists, a child with autism can live a normal life and practice daily activities like others. Sudan has made significant progress in how to deal with children with autism, integrating them into society through training, rehabilitation, and following specific dietary systems.

Sudanow met Dr. Mohamed Osman Maisarah, Consultant in Community Medicine and Public Health, an expert in alternative medicine and therapeutic nutrition, a member of the Permanent Committee for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Chairman of the Founding Committee for Schools of Alternative and Integrative Medicine at the Ministry of Health in Khartoum State, and one of the contributors to establishing rehabilitation frameworks for children with autism. He spoke to Sudanow professionally about children with autism while participating in their celebration, stating: the aim of celebrating this international day is to support the community of mothers, enhance rights, and increase awareness and acceptance. It also aims to improve their quality of life and provide healthcare in all its forms.

Dr. Mohamed Osman explains that autism is a neurodevelopmental immune disorder, not a psychological or mental illness. It is characterized by weakness in social interaction, difficulties in communication with others, and the presence of abnormal behaviors. It was defined by psychologist Leo Kanner in 1942 as a condition that appears in the first three years of a child’s life, hindering the ability to absorb and process information, which partially or completely affects the child’s ability to communicate with the external environment, in addition to difficulty in expression and normal response, along with hyperactivity and lack of sleep.

Its prevalence, according to the World Health Organization, is one child in every 100 children worldwide, while in the United States it is one in every 31 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Over the past twenty years, cases have increased by 300%. The gender ratio is four males to one female. Some studies indicate that genetics play a major role, along with the possibility of advanced parental age. Life expectancy averages 54 years and varies depending on the severity of the condition, reaching up to 76 years in the absence of intellectual disability and learning difficulties.

There are also cases of autism in adults resulting from neurodevelopmental disorders, often due to delayed diagnosis or as a result of difficulties in social communication or unexplained repetitive behaviors.

Dr. Mohamed Osman states that autism symptoms and characteristics exceed 40 indicators, the most important of which are lack of eye contact, weak social interaction, hyperactivity with abnormal behaviors, sleep disorders, lack of concentration, mental distraction, a clear lack of sensory response, delayed speech, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Its causes are unknown but may be linked to the pregnancy period or even before pregnancy, including the mother’s use of medications or ovulation-inducing chemicals, psychological problems, exposure to toxic metals, or lead exposure during dental issues, as well as infectious diseases or poisoning. Some studies also indicate that maternal obesity increases the likelihood of autism, as does oxygen deprivation during childbirth.

There is no chemical cure; however, treatment and rehabilitation of a child

Dr. Maisarah indicates that autism spectrum disorders begin with intensive early intervention through health, nutritional, behavioral, educational, and rehabilitation programs. This depends on organizing the child’s environment and implementing programs to improve social and linguistic abilities while supporting strengths and reducing weaknesses. Here, the main role lies with rehabilitation centers, family efforts, therapeutic nutrition, and alternative medicine, alongside early intervention, which are the foundation of rehabilitation and re-rehabilitation of children with autism.

Rehabilitation can be carried out according to a structured protocol within a period ranging from 9 months to one year, during which 95% of symptoms may disappear. It begins with the family’s conviction that “for every disease there is a cure, known to some and unknown to others,” as stated in a Hadith reported by Ibn Majah from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Family cooperation with the child helps save time and reduce costs.

Dr. Mohamed Osman notes that some specialized centers in Sudan have successfully rehabilitated children through structured steps beginning with regulating the dietary system. In the first stage, each child is treated as a unique case with individual details. This includes detoxification and cleansing the digestive system from bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The dietary plan, supervised by an alternative medicine specialist, is implemented in stages, beginning with avoiding wheat and dairy products.

The second stage involves repairing and rehabilitating the digestive system from leaky gut syndrome and supporting beneficial bacteria. The third stage focuses on restoring balance in the immune, digestive, and nervous systems using natural substances, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, alongside early intervention programs to develop cognitive and speech skills.

The fourth stage is rehabilitation through supportive programs that expand the child’s awareness and provide psychological, social, and physical support, enhancing self-confidence and strengthening the sense of social belonging, in addition to strengthening joints and muscles. Listening to the Qur’an, music, and horse sounds helps reduce stress. Playing with pets such as cats and dolphins, as well as swimming, enhances social interaction. Drawing and computer use expand cognitive abilities, according to the alternative medicine and therapeutic nutrition protocol for rehabilitation and re-rehabilitation programs.

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