Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Almost half of all American children today are diagnosed with autism, ADHD, allergies or asthma, an "undeniably epidemic" statistic that physician Bock (The Road to Immunity) and author Stauth (Brain Longevity) use to launch an investigation into potential causes of and treatments for these conditions, while demonstrating Bock's unusual approach through numerous case studies. According to the authors, genetics "load the gun, and environment pulls the trigger": bodily toxins like heavy metals, exposure to viruses through vaccination and poor nutrition create "a veritable perfect storm of physical and neurological insult" that hits hardest those still developing their immune systems. In case studies, Bock approaches each patient like a puzzle waiting to be solved, a refreshing, multi-pronged strategy to healing: finding and treating the root cause of illness rather than its symptoms, reducing the body's toxin load and helping the body heal itself through nutritional and medical therapy. Empathetic and encouraging, this highly readable guide breaks down complex biomedical concepts clearly, keeping frustration at bay. Parents of affected children will appreciate the guide to action, but they, along with medical professionals, will probably wish for endnoted references rather than a general bibliography, and further statistics on treatments. (Apr.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Bock (cofounder & codirector, Rhinebeck Health Ctr. & Ctr. for Progressive Medicine; The Road to Immunity) tackles the "invisible epidemics" of the subtitle with an integrative medical approach. His program encourages parents to work with a holistic medical practitioner to help reverse the condition in their child, but it may be difficult for families to find professionals who are willing to support and follow this treatment plan. The book's first half explains the origins of the program and features several highly detailed, sometimes too dramatically rendered before-and-after treatment case studies. The program--made up of nutritional therapy, supplementation therapy, detoxification, and medication--is covered in the workbooklike second half. This is an evolving area of practice, and it is not clear how much independent scientific research supports the theories underlying the treatment plan (the papers in the bibliography are not cross-referenced to the text). With its narrow scope and viewpoint, this is not an essential purchase, but the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded report showing that the incidence of autism has increased to one in 150 children may pique interest. For public library and consumer health library collections.--Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Mesa P.L., Los Alamos, NM (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.