One in 110 children has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

Symptoms begin before a child is three years old, said Dr. Nicole Sundene, owner of Fountain Hills Naturopathic Medicine. she is recruiting autistic children for a six-week natural medicine clinical study.

Heel USA and Autism Angels Network, a nonprofit agency providing herbal medicine, nutritional therapies and support to families, are co-sponsors of the homeopathic study.

“Autism has a strong genetic basis although certain environmental influences in pregnancy are thought to play a role in the development and progression of the disorder,” said Sundene.

Autism currently has no known cause or cure. Sundene said research is imperative as the prevalence of the disorder has been on the rise since the 1990s.

“Natural medicines appear to be very helpful adjunctive therapies for children with autism suffering from digestive complaints, nutritional deficiencies, impaired detoxification pathways, stress and nervous system dysfunction consistently see in children on the spectrum,” she said.

Sundene is a graduate of Western Washington University, where she received an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.

She obtained her doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University and devoted an additional eight years of training as a medical assistant for the Virginia Mason Medical Center.

She also specializes in women’s and geriatrics health issues.

All natural medicines, supplies and her time will be donated free to study participants.

The trial involves a weekly injection administered in a prescription homeopathic formula while the child is asleep. The formula, Cerecomp, is designed for the nervous system and combined with vitamin B-12 in the form of methylcobalmin, she said.

Cerecomp has been used effectively in European medicine for Alzheimer’s, dementia and  ADHD, said Sundene. It is considered an aid for declining mental functions and inability to concentrate.

B-12 is used therapeutically to treat peripheral neuropathy in diabetes, fatigue, depression, confusion, memory loss, acne, asthma, allergies, chronic pain, heart disease and immune dysfunction.

Parents can administer a topical 5 percent lidocaine numbing agent one hour before the injection.

Six children have already signed up for the study. Sundene said her goal is to involve about 10 patients.

To volunteer for the study, call her office at 837-0900 or visit at 16719 E. Palisades Blvd., suite 205, above the florist on the corner with La Montana Drive.

A walk-in clinic operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, for herbal medicine nutrients. her office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment.