Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 5/23/2011

Question
Hi,
I recently came across a book on Amazon by Michael Goldberg who is a board certified pediatrician ( I think) on his assessment and treatment of the "autism epidemic"  I think his main point is that autism is a "Neuro Immune Dysfunction Syndrome" (and there's an entire website dedicated to this term (Nids.net) and of course, Dr. Goldberg has his own site on which he talks about his Goldberg method a little.  I would like your opinion on this doctor and his method.  Is it wise to put all our eggs in one basket so to speak with one individual?  I know he advocates a special diet (list of do's and don'ts on his website).  So far my daughter (4, diagnosed autistic) has benefitted from ABA, speech and OT only and we have not tried anything else.  To be honest, regulating her diet does stress me out a little (she loves her cheese!) but if it's worth it (and all the other stuff Goldberg advocates) then of course, I want to explore it.
So I guess my question is a bit two-fold: Dr. Goldberg and what he stands for and practices - is it sound?  Also, is changing our lives by changing my daughter's diet worth it?  
Please let me know if you have any clarifying questions about our situation and thanks so much in advance.
Amena

Answer
Hi Amena

Though I haven't ever heard of the Dr Goldberg treatment plan, I did check out his website and order his book for tomorrow delivery. Why? Because from what I read on the website, it appears that Dr. Goldberg's theories do go along with mine as well. I do believe autism is a neuro immune dysfunction syndrome and I do believe the diet absolutely affects our children. But I didn't see where on the site he talks about his treatment plan, so I ordered the book. Let me read it and email me at info@valerieherskowitz.com, and I will be glad to give you my opinion after I read the book.We can even talk on the phone a bit. Please email me the link to his website where he talks about the diet dos and don'ts. I didn't see it.

That said, I do not think you should give up the ABA, Speech and OT or any other intervention. But I do think autism is a disease. It involves all the things he mentioned in terms of allergies, GI issues, sleep issues, etc

So I think you are on the right track and looking at things in this light. Let's talk after I read the book (I'll read it right away). And email me your email address