One of the first things that I consider when a parent tells me that their child experiences these cyclical changes in behavior is parasites. I am sure that like most of the parents I see in my office, you are making a face and thinking "gross, there is no way that my kid has parasites!"
What are parasites?
Parasites come in many forms, but are defined as any living thing that uses another living thing to survive. Some parasites are very small and others are much larger, such as worms and flukes. However, all parasites will cause some harm to the host, usually by consuming nutrients from the food that is eaten. This may even eventually lead to malabsorption and/or malnutrition.
How do you get parasites?
Parasites are on the foods we eat, the soil we walk on, and even in the air we breath and are often from cross contamination via the fecal-oral route. Coming into contact with parasites are largely unavoidable due to the fact that you may find them on things such as fruits and vegetables, meat, toys, grocery carts, sandboxes, pets, and even other people. Basically anything that can be touched can transfer parasites. Many children on the spectrum like to chew, lick, and mouth objects, making it even more likely for them to become infected. Another factor that puts children on the spectrum at an increased risk for parasites is that many suffer from compromised immune systems that leaves them vulnerable and unable to fight the parasites.
What are symptoms of parasites?
Parasites often produce bizarre behavior and unfortunately, these symptoms are often overlooked and attributed to the child's diagnosis of autism rather than the true cause. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- fecal smearing
- fecal retention (purposely withholding bowel movements)
- rectal itching or digging
- unexplained bizarre behavior
- teeth grinding
- nail biting
- chewing on hands and fingers
- aggression
- playing with spit
- licking objects
- mouthing objects
- pica (eating dirt or other non-food items)
- falling out of bed at night
- difficulty sleeping
- bed wetting
- urination/deification outside of toilet if toilet trained
- prolonged straining to eliminate stool
- chronic diarrhea that is unresponsive to treatments
- obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors
- hand-flapping
- low body weight despite large appetite
- any behaviors that worsen around the full-moon
Testing for parasites is not typically useful because tests do not detect all possible parasites and false negatives are very common. If your child seems to be fitting the symptoms, it may be useful to perform a parasite cleanse.
How do you treat parasites?
Parasites are most active and laying their eggs during the full moon, so it is important to begin a parasite cleanse several days prior to the full moon. This will ensure that you are killing not only the adult parasites, but also the eggs and larvae. There are many herbal preparations available for treating parasites, but be sure that the treatment includes herbs such as:
- Black walnut
- Wormwood (artemesia)
- Cloves
- Thyme
- Pumpkin seeds
- Coconut oil
It is also important to note that it is common for all family members and pets in a house to need a parasite cleanse to ensure that reinfection does not occur. Also, most products suggest to wait 30 days before repeating the cleanse, so be sure to read the specific directions for the product that you decide to use.
Hopefully, now you see that there may be an actual physical reason for your child acting "crazy" during the full moon!
