cover image Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders

Kenneth Bock, Cameron Stauth. Ballantine Books, $25.95 (480pp) ISBN 978-0-345-49450-4

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.