Dietary Intervention and the Treatment of Autism
In May 2000, I took my youngest son, Benjamin, to the doctor to have his hearing tested. I suspected that he may have some type of hearing loss, because he was not developing as well verbally or socially as his older siblings did when they were the same age. He was (and still is) affectionate and happy, in fact the least likely of any in my brood to give me any trouble. But something wasn't right, and I could feel it.
The doctor could find nothing wrong with his hearing, but suggested that we see a speech pathologist. The diagnosis: Ben was on what is called the Autistic Spectrum, a range of related conditions from Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, SPD (High Functioning Autism) , where the child can be taught coping mechanisms and lead an independent life to Profound Autism, in which the condition leaves the child without speech and unaware of other people or their surroundings, in a world of their own.
Our youngest daughter, Hannah, was also the newest member of the family in 2000. She was diagnosed with SPD at the age of 3. Both she and Ben have taken specialized speech and language courses at a local elementary school, and have made tremendous progress. We also home school them, and they thrive in their studies.
In the eight years since we became aware of what we were dealing with, there have been plenty of up and downs, joys, sadness and triumphs. We decided against the use of drugs, and treat Ben and Hannah's condition through diet, which excludes and /or limits gluten, sugar, and dairy products, also known as a GF/CF diet. The results have been nothing short of miraculous.
Read more about my work in the areas of dietary intervention on HealthyFoodForHealthyLiving.com and DealingWithLearningDisorders.
Daniel Tammet: The Man With The Incredible Brain
The boy with the Incredible brain.... Savant autism Clip 1
Part 1 of 2. Here is some selected clips from the British documentary on Savantism.
Runtime: 8:59
879897 views
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Symptoms of Autism
By National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): http://www.ninds.nih.gov
How is autism diagnosed?Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when it is masked by more debilitating handicaps. Doctors rely on a core group of behaviors to alert them to the possibility of a diagnosis of autism. These behaviors are:
impaired ability to make friends with peers
impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
absence or impairment of imaginative and social play
stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language
restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus
preoccupation with certain objects or subjects
inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
Doctors will often use a questionnaire or other screening instrument to gather information about a child's development and behavior. Some screening instruments rely solely on parent observations; others rely on a combination of parent and doctor observations. If screening instruments indicate the possibility of autism, doctors will ask for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Learn More About Autism & Nutrition
What You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorders. Signs, symptoms, treatments and effects on daily life. by Raymond Le Blanc, Hennie Volkers
What You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorde more...1 point
Let's Eat Out!: Your Passport to Living Gluten And Allergy Free (Let's Eat Out!) (Let's Eat Out!) by Kim Koeller
The first book dedicated to eating around the corn more...0 points
What You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorders. Signs, symptoms, treatments and effects on daily life. by Raymond Le Blanc, Hennie Volkers
What You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorde more...0 points
What Causes Autism?
From The National Autism Association: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org
You will hear many theories about what causes autism. To date, no one has found the exact cause of autism.In the early 1950's-1970's it was thought that the mothers of children with autism were neglecting and not loving their children which in turn caused them to regress into a world of their own. These mothers were labeled "Refrigerator Mothers." Thanks to Dr. Bernard Rimland, we've come a long way since then.
It's important to do your own research into the various causes that are being investigated. We believe that families should have access to all information including environmental insults, vaccines, genetics, etc.
Please visit our research library for a list of relevant scientific studies.
AUTISM AND GENETICS:
There are many in the scientific community who believe that there is a strong genetic component or pre-disposition to autism spectrum disorders.
It's important to note that in the past 10 years of looking for the "autism gene," none has been found which leads many researchers to believe that something had to TRIGGER the gene to turn on and cause autism.
According to officials at the National Institutes of Health, while there is most likely a genetic predisposition, there must also be an environmental component to autism. The rapid rise in the rate of autism over the last 15 years cannot be attributed solely to genetics.
Autism is no longer considered a heritable, genetic disorder. It is an environmentally triggered, therefore preventable and treatable disease. Environmental research holds the key to finding the cause and developing effective treatments for those affected.
Autism News
Read more about my work in the areas of dietary intervention on HealthyFoodForHealthyLiving.com and DealingWithLearningDisorders.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byDaniel Tammet: The Man With The Incredible Brain 2
The boy with the Incredible brain.... Savant autism Clip 2
Part 2 of 2. A second set of clips from this British documentary. In this clip, you will meet the original Rain man, the inspiration for the movie.
Runtime: 8:10
387110 views
10 Comments:
GF/CF Recipes And Resources
Here's a few sites to get you started, but rest assured there is always new information coming online, so search the web often. ~BadMsM
Signs Of Autism
The adult autism syndrome does not have an explici more...1 point
US Autism and Asperger Association
USAAA is a leading nonprofit organization for educ more...1 point
TACA: Gluten Free & Casein Free (GF CF) Dietery Intervention
Please check with your doctor before trying any di more...0 points
Michelle's Recipe Place
MSN Group page devoted to GF/CF recipes.0 points
Gluten and Casein Free Recipes
New Diets features gluten & casein free (G more...0 points
Gluten Free Goddess
Blog of GF/CF vegetarian recipes. RSS feed availab more...0 points
The Official GFCF Diet Website
Beginner's guide to GF/CF diet and cooking.0 points
Gluten Free Recipes - BrainTalk Communities
Gluten Free Recipes Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Di more...0 points
Gluten-Free Recipes and Tips
Read Gluten-Free Recipes and Tips - Gluten-free do more...0 points
HealthFoodforHealthyLiving.com
HealthFoodforHealthyLiving.com: Resources For Heal more...0 points
Meet Ben
Ben is a great kid with a ready smile. He loves math, reading and superheroes like Batman, Superman and Spiderman. He is a gamer like his dad, and ready to take on any of his siblings in any game.Ben has high hopes for his career prospects, but hasn't settled on any one job description that would fit his unique talents.
Meet Hannah
Hannah is her father's daughter in many ways: charming, wiley and sure to get her way in the end. When she isn't singing and dancing around the house or playing dress up, she is studying, helping out around the house and playing with Moe, the family dog. Hannah enjoys music, fashion, singing along with the radio and making up new lyrics to songs. She is an aspiring artist and supermodel.Read more about my work in the areas of dietary intervention on HealthyFoodForHealthyLiving.com and DealingWithLearningDisorders.
Links About Nutrition and Autism, Suppliers of Gluten/Casein Free Products
- NCPAD
- Health Promotion: Autism and Nutrition
Recent evidence suggests that some children with autism may have a higher than average need for nutrients due to digestive imbalances that may affect absorption. - Glutino.com
- Glutino & Gluten Free Pantry is a manufacturer and distributor specializing in gluten free products.
- Bob's Red Mill
- Whole grain and gluten free products and receipes.
- Judy Converse
- Theraputic Nutritional Care
- AutismInfo.com
- Provides information on autism treatments and therapies to parents, teachers, therapists and doctors.
Questions? Comments? Let me know what's on your mind!
taless wrote...
I enjoyed reading your lens. My 9yo son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of five. I understand the highs and lows you go through.
Posted December 29, 2008
mulberry wrote...
It's wonderful that you are sharing this information with the many people who are now facing a similar situation. Your dedication is obviously paying off!
Posted July 26, 2008
rose08 wrote...
Badmsm you're a great mother. Very moving and inspring lens. I think there're quite a big number of Autisms among the children even the growth-ups, some of them have very outstanding personalities or unique talents, and some of them will be the big patato as fated. I just read the family stories about John D. Rockefeller, little John was a very shy boy with a bit of a mope, and could not get along with his schoolmates, but later he did very well on his business, and married a wife who has a complementary personality. I would like to share with you an interesting and informative site about online studies, including accounting course online, electrical engineering online, online computer classes and many other courses.
Best,
Rose
Posted July 26, 2008
Spook wrote...
I will sentiment what karen lee has to say as I agree with everything she has to say,so it would be pointless repeating it The best of luck to your lovely family
Posted June 02, 2008
CarlaClayton wrote...
Awesome lens. i have a special needs child too (hearing impaired). She wants to be a model, too.
Posted March 30, 2008
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