Robert Melillo - Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism

Praise for the work of Dr. Robert Melillo

A visionary new approachThese valuable clinical insights add much to our tool kit.

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

Clinically innovative and academically groundedbrings a refreshing, hopeful, and scientifically responsible approach to the field of childhood neurological disorders.

Leslie Philipp Weiser, MPh, PhD, Harvard Medical School

Dr. Melillo is a true visionary in the area of childhood developmental disorders, and autism in particular. I have met with children and families whose lives have been transformed by his work. I know that his latest book will be another useful tool that will help others learn about and possibly prevent autism in their children in a way that only he can.

Zac Brown, Grammy Awardwinning musician and
founder of Camp Southern Ground

Dr. Melillos books are a ray of hope. Jam-packed with scientifically grounded information on brain function and its behavioral correlates, they provide satisfying explanations that parents recognize as relevant to their experience. And because his work is further tied to a simple intervention program, it has the power and potential to revolutionize the field.

Michele Denize Strachan, MD, behavioral pediatrician, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Program, University of Minnesota

Dr. Robert Melillo is one of those rare individuals who can unravel the seemingly unsolvable mysteries of neurobehavioral development with wisdom, compassion, and vast perspective. His unique, groundbreaking, and research-based approach to improving brain function introduces the process of unlocking each childs potential.

Pamela D. Garcy, PhD, clinical psychologist, professor of cognitive behavioral therapy, Argosy University, Dallas

Dr. Melillo, one of the worlds leading experts in childhood developmental disorders, has organized the best scientifically referenced source of risk factors for autism, which all future parents should know about. His book is a must-read.

Datis Kharrazian, DC, DHSc, MS, MNeuroSci

Dr. Melillo presents a very clear and educational view of how a childs brain grows, from the bottom upThis is without any doubt an amazing theory that will stimulate a great number of research protocols.

Dr. Calixto Machado, MD, PhD, FAAN, president of the
Cuban Society of Clinical Neurophysiology

Dr. Robert Melillo has unraveled the mysteries of brain organization and translated what we know into simple, practical therapeutic regimens to allow all of our children to reach their unlimited potential. He has produced a message of hope for parents of children, with clear, consistent, and significant results.

Professor Gerry Leisman, director of the National Institute of
Brain and Rehabilitation Science, Nazareth, Israel

Also by Dr. Robert Melillo

DISCONNECTED KIDS
RECONNECTED KIDS

AUTISM

The Scientific Truth About
Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating
Autism Spectrum Disordersand
What Parents Can Do Now

Dr. Robert Melillo

A PERIGEE BOOK

A PERIGEE BOOK
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3,
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses,
and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author
assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the
publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or
third-party websites or their content.

AUTISM

Copyright 2012 by Dr. Robert Melillo
Text design by Tiffany Estreicher

All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form
without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in
violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
PERIGEE is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
The P design is a trademark belonging to Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

First edition: January 2013

ISBN: 978-1-101-61899-8

An application to catalog this book has been submitted to the Library of Congress.

Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the
individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended
as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require
medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss
or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.

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Preface: A Public Health Emergency
by Dr. Joav Merrick

Introduction: Stopping the Greatest
Childhood Crisis in History

1. The Autism Epidemic: Controversy
and Reality

2. The Causes: Genetics Versus the
Environment

3. Whats Happening in the Brain of a
Child with Autism

7. Listen to Your Body: Assessing Your
Symptoms

10. Reducing Your Risk Factors: A Ten-Point
Preconception Plan

11. The Brain Balance Program for
Parents-to-Be

12. Searching for Early Signs of Autism
and What You Can Do

Several years ago, I was lecturing at an autism society meeting about the role of environmental factors in autism. I remember that my first slide defined autism as a neuroimmune disorder induced by a combination of genes and many environmental triggers, including infections, toxic chemicals, and some dietary proteins and peptides. My last slide stressed the importance of the health of the parents before pregnancy, the health of the mother during pregnancy, and the infants overall environment during the first year of life. At the time, this was considered a groundbreaking departure from the conventional wisdom that autism was a genetic disease, and for the most part, I felt somewhat alone in my understanding and purpose regarding autism.

The next day, however, I had the opportunity to listen to someone else speak very enthusiastically about the disconnected kids of his experience, and why our environment plays such an important role in the development of autism. And I knew that I was not alone.