Chapter 9

The Complete Un-Prescription Action Plan

A Year of Ideas to Keep You Going

Let’s start an exciting year for you and your child! I’ll take you through a sample year, week by week. At the beginning, I’ll start slowly, just as I would in real life, focusing on the basic support protocols, getting organized, and regaining some calm and control in your life. As the weeks and months go by, we’ll branch out as your life becomes calmer and everything is more doable as your child calms down, sleeps through the night more, and is less irritable and challenging.

With the exception of Basic GI Support, once I discuss a protocol, I don’t list it on each and every week because any given child or adult will need or use different protocols. It would be rare for every child to do every protocol year-round. If you find a particular protocol that works for your child, fill it in on your own personal calendar in your Un-Prescription Organizer and keep it going. Remember to use age-appropriate doses.

Week 1: Getting Started Monday Tuesday Wednesday Digestive Enzymes with DPP-IV DE x 1 DE x 1 with one meal per day (DE x 1). Elevate the head of the mattress Journal any observations— Your first goal is to set up your in case your child has hidden positive or negative—as you start Un-Prescription Organizer this reflux. Do this even if you don’t the enzymes this week. week. Gather your supplies. think your child has reflux—you Keep track of mood, sleep, bowel Order online if you can’t get to might be surprised! movements, and eating patterns. the office supply store—don’t put it off! Begin filling out your Organizer: Every time you run across medical records, business and appointment cards, stash them in the binder. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x 1 DE x 1 DE x 1

Add immune support: Give a Use today to fill out the This would be a good week to Vitamin D3 supplement daily Medication Log in your Organizer. work on some of the organizing from now on. See Chapter 2 for a sample log. tips in Chapter 2—my favorite trick is the vertical stacking Vitamin D3 is made when sunlight laundry baskets! Stack’n Sort by hits our skin, but children either Rubbermaid can be found online don’t play outside as much these and in Walmart for less than $15 days, or wear sunscreen when each. they do.

Sunday Enzyme Tips: DE x 1  You aren’t likely to notice any changes using enzymes with just one meal a day this week. Relax! Restore is a great gut-healing  See Week 5 for tips on how to mix the enzymes with food and supplement, and help to close drink. tight gap junctions in the GI tract.  You’ll find tons of information on enzymes at Houston- Enzymes.com. It can be found in stores, and  You’ve started your child’s journey back to vibrant health— online at Walmart and you can do this! https://shop.restore4life.com

Week 2: Constipation Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday Digestive Enzymes with DPP-IV DE x 2 DE x 2 with two meals per day (DE x 2). George’s Aloe Vera Juice is To get the bowels moving, soak great for constipation—and some chia seeds for 10 Make that first step of taking good news: It looks, tastes, and minutes, then add a spoonful back control of your life this smells just like spring water. or two to oatmeal, cereal, or week: Go to FlyLady.net and Even the pickiest of ASD kids smoothies. sign up today—you can thank will accept it in a drink. me later! Truly an amazing Suggested dose is 1 ounce program and it’s free. twice a day in a drink on a short-term basis.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x 2 DE x 2 DE x 2 Add immune support: Begin low-dose selenium. Vitamin C in higher doses is Read the insert and check out good for a poop! Try 500 mg of the side effects of your child’s If your child catches every cold Vitamin C twice a day for one medications: Many of the meds “coming and going,” support day, then 1000 mg twice a day used for ASD have constipation immune health with a low dose the next. You may continue to as a potential side effect. of selenium 3 times a week for increase this dose up to a max a few months. Suggested dose of 2 grams twice a day. For is 100 micrograms (not short-term use of a few days milligrams). (not for toddlers or infants).

Sunday DE x 2  I’m sharing some temporary strategies for constipation this week, since it may take another week or two for this Common mistake: Fiber problem to lessen with the enzymes. absorbs water. If your child is  You might notice a little edginess this second week of taking a fiber supplement, but enzymes, but most children sail through just fine. isn’t drinking enough water,  Nurture Yourself Tip 1: Stick on a B12 patch for energy the fiber may absorb water and memory. Find them at B12Patch.com. Parents love from the contents of the colon these! and make constipation worse.

Week 3: Calming Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday Digestive Enzymes with DPP-IV DE x 3 DE x 3 with three meals per day (DE x 3). Run a warm bath with 1-2 cups of Week 3 of introducing the Epsom salts dissolved in it. Let enzymes can be a doozy for Yo GABA GABA! If you haven’t your child play with plastic cups irritability. If it’s nice weather, tried GABA yet, this is a great and bowls in the water for 20 to have your child play outside as week to start. Try GABA (gamma- 30 minutes. The magnesium in much as possible for this difficult aminobutyric acid) three times a the salts is very calming! week. day. Dosing range: 250 mg to 750 mg depending on age and weight. Swimming and water play can be especially helpful.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x 3 DE x 3 DE x 3

Magnesium supplements are very Have your occupational therapist Give your child a garden spade calming. Choose a children’s (OT) show you a calming sensory and let him dig in a big pile of dirt formulation. brushing technique, followed by or sand. This is called “heavy compression/distraction of the work”. It stimulates the larger L-carnitine has been shown to large joints. YouTube is loaded joints and can be very calming. improve behavior.1 with how-to videos.

Sunday DE x 3  Incoming! Brace yourself and your household this week as you progress to giving enzymes with three meals a day. This is Try tossing a squishy weighted usually the most difficult week, as your child will be majorly ball back and forth with your coming off of opiates, so I’m sharing my best calming tips this child—the stimulation of the week. large joints is calming.  If it’s too much to take, switch to the Slow Enzyme Schedule.  Nurture Yourself Tip 2: Take some GABA yourself!

Week 4: Sleep Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday Digestive Enzymes with DPP-IV DE x all DE x all with every meal and snack (DE x all). Continue to elevate the head of Turn down the thermostat—cool the bed to help with acid reflux. temperatures promote better Sit quietly in your child’s room in sleep. the middle of the night. What do Don’t eat within an hour of you hear? Listen for sounds that bedtime. Add a small night-light to the may keep your child from a good room or project a starry sky on night’s sleep. the ceiling to calm anxiety. Don’t put your child’s bedroom on the side of the house with a Night-light ceiling projectors are noisy heat pump or busy road. available at Amazon.com.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all

Reduce or eliminate caffeine. If Try Essential Oils for sleep and Do not get in the habit of giving you cannot eliminate it entirely, calming—many of my patients Benadryl for sleep—this is not at least consume it early in the swear by them.2,3 healthy for your child in the long day. My best sleep hack? The amazing run. Alpha-Stim (see www.Alpha- Make sure no drafts or vents Stim.com). blow directly on or across the Chocolate should be consumed bed. earlier in the day, as it can be Melatonin may help your child stimulating. get to sleep; but it won’t keep him asleep. For short-term use only. Sunday DE x all  Sleep should be smoothing out some by now. You may still Stop all video games, computer need a little help, so I’m sharing my best sleep tips this week. work, TV, and electronic devices  Being so sleep deprived years ago was disorienting; I felt like I at least one hour before bedtime. landed on the Knight Bus from Harry Potter! Switch to low-key activities such as coloring or reading. “When I woke up this morning my girlfriend asked me, ‘Did you sleep good?’” I said, ‘No, I made a few mistakes.’” Steven Wright White noise such as a fan or soft music might be helpful.

Week 5: Mixing Enzymes with Food and Drinks Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all ½ capsule probiotic with the ½ capsule probiotic evening meal (dinner) Liquids activate the enzymes, so keep the drink icy cold and it will Oily nut and seed butters don’t Enzymes have a slightly “grassy” last up to 4 hours. (Make the ice activate the enzymes much and flavor and pair well with strongly cubes out of the same juice as are ideal for hiding the dose. Mix flavored or tart drinks such as the drink) up some peanut butter or lemonade or Welch’s grape juice. Keep an enzyme drink handy for almond butter enzyme crackers “grazers” who just eat a bite or and pack for taking to school, so two at a time—no need for a full your child can get the enzymes dose, just shake up the drink and with lunch and snacks. give a few sips and put it back in the fridge. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all ½ capsule probiotic Try adding daily essential fatty Dr. Devin Houston has helpful acids this week. ASD children are Unless you want to see information about enzymes on often deficient in them. something really gross, do NOT his website, and actively answers mix the enzymes with yogurt or questions on his Facebook page, Many parents successfully use pudding—they turn to liquid too. ketchup and applesauce to with yuck in less than a minute! enzymes, probiotics and other www.houston-enzymes.com supplements. These can be frozen ahead in ice cube trays to go to school.

Sunday DE x all  We’re baby stepping in the probiotics this week – just a half ½ capsule probiotic dose every other day.  Be careful not to inhale the enzyme powder or touch your See Dr. Houston’s tips for mixing eyes and nose if you have enzyme powder on them—it may enzymes with food and drinks: cause irritation.  Doctor’s Appointment Tip: If your child gets anxious, upset, https://www.houston- or has a meltdown at the sight of a white coat and enzymes.com/assets/Uploads/Tips- stethoscope or just hearing the word “doctor,” call the for-Taking-and-Mixing- doctor’s office ahead of time and arrange for staff to lose the Enzymes.pdf white coat for your child’s visit. I designed my office to have the look and feel of a living room, and I don’t wear a white coat or sling a stethoscope around my neck.

Week 6: Antibiotic Support Protocol Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all 1 capsule probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic

Don’t stop the probiotic just Double up on the probiotic during ALWAYS take 1 to 2 capsules of because your child starts an an antibiotic. Give it twice a day Saccharomyces boulardii (Sac b) antibiotic.4 Take it 3 hours after with food and continue to double twice a day during an antibiotic, the antibiotic. the probiotics for a month after and for a month afterward.5,6 Sac the round is finished. b is the beneficial yeast I discussed in Chapter 5.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic

Avoid candy, excess juices and Be sure to do a daily antimicrobial Support healthy liver function high-sugar foods while on an rotation during and for a month with milk thistle7 during the antibiotic. after the antibiotic. See Chapters round of antibiotic and for a week 5 and 6 for details. afterward. Don’t pile your plate with high- carb “white foods” like white Take the antimicrobials at a bread, pasta and refined cereals; different time than the Sac b. focus on whole grain, high fiber foods instead.

Sunday DE x all  All three components of the Basic Immune Support Protocol Probiotic are now on board—probiotics, Vitamin D3, and selenium.  Nurture Your Spouse: Leave a short love note for your spouse. Here’s a great product to take If you aren’t feeling the love right now, leave a note thanking during a round of antibiotic: Try your spouse for something. ABx Support by Klaire Labs.

Week 7: Clean Up the Diet Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic 1.5 billion CFUs Sac b before or Fave book: 1.5 billion CFUs Sac b with breakfast New York Times bestseller, The Great website: Your child may surprise you and Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for www.thesneakychef.com begin eating new foods in these Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids’ early weeks as he is freed from Favorite Meals by Missy Chase the grip of opioid Lapine neuropeptides—so be sure to offer lots of veggies. He can’t try anything new if you don’t offer.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic 1.5 billion CFUs Sac b Another helpful book: Green and orange make brown— Deceptively Delicious: Simple Microwave popcorn is a chemical puree green beans and carrots Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating shitstorm—make your own and mix into hamburger patties Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld instead. before grilling. (Yes, Jerry’s wife!)

Sunday DE x all  We’re starting Sac b this week—just ½ capsule every other day Probiotic  Food is the best medicine, and no health plan is complete 1.5 billion CFUs Sac b without a healthy diet. If your child won’t eat vegetables and fruits, be sure to give a Great Quote: “In our fast-forward culture, we have lost the art of prebiotic and a multivitamin. eating well. Food is often little more than fuel to pour down the hatch while doing other stuff—surfing the Web, driving, walking along the street. Dining al desko is now the norm in many workplaces. All of this speed takes a toll. Obesity, eating disorders, and poor nutrition are rife.” Carl Honoré

Week 8: Driving Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic 3 billion CFUs Sac b (1 capsule) 1 capsule Sac b (1SB) 1SB before or with breakfast Get an occupational therapy (OT) My Miracle Referral: Get a assessment. Some hospitals have A study shows that those who thorough exam from a a driving program for teens with have driving goals inserted into developmental optometrist, autism as part of an OT program. the Individualized Education Plan especially if your teen is clumsy or You will usually need a referral (IEP) have a higher chance of has problems knowing where he from Vocational Rehabilitation successfully becoming a driver.8 is in space. This will help with Services (see next tip) or check parallel parking, lane changes, with the American Occupational and judging distance and speed. Therapy Association (www.aota.org). Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic 1SB 1SB 1SB

Some states offer services like Drive an automatic transmission. Hire the driver’s ed teacher for vocational rehabilitation and may The authors of a study at the private lessons after school. fund specialized driver’s University of Virginia felt that a Ours knew the exact routes the education classes. Check with manual transmission was not a student drivers would take on your state Division of good fit for those with ASD due to their driving test, practiced Rehabilitation Services (DRS) problems with multitasking.9 parking at the DMV after hours, agency. and knew the top reasons why teens failed their tests. You may even get a discount on insurance. Sunday DE x all  Give Sac b all this week, and the next two weeks. Probiotic  See my article Double Take: Developmental Optometry and 1SB Autism Spectrum Disorder at https://www.emaxhealth.com/12087/autism-and-optometry- Review the language of honking double-take (e.g., a polite toot vs. an angry honk). It’s one “social cue” your Funny quote: “The best car safety device is a rearview mirror with a teen should understand. cop in it.” Dudley Moore

Week 9: How should I Phrase That? Words Not to Use Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic 3 billion CFUs Sac b (1 1 capsule Sac b (1SB) 1SB capsule) before or with breakfast It’s a poor choice to say: And please don’t say:  Mental illness Autistic people prefer if we  Disorder  Sufferers don’t use terms like:  Tragedy  Defeat Catastrophe  Cure  Prevent  Treat Recover Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic 1SB 1SB 1SB Some prefer “people first” language such as: And some prefer “identity Here is a well-written article on the  An adult with autism first” language such as: person first vs. identity first debate:  A child on the  Autistic person spectrum  ASD individual http://autisticadvocacy.org/home/about-  He has autism  “I am autistic” asan/identity-first-language/ (They are typically parents, (They are typically autistic family members, employers people.) and friends of an autistic child or adult.) Sunday DE x all  Many autism parents have shared with me that they detest the Probiotic negative terms on this page. Adults with autism tell me these 1SB words make them feel broken, angry, and sad.

And FYI, autistic adults tell me they hate puzzle pieces!

Autism parents tend to love the puzzle pieces, but please use another symbol for your social media posts or autism events.

Week 10: Sensory Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic 3 billion CFUs Sac b (1 capsule) 1 capsule Sac b (1SB) 1SB before or with breakfast Good resource: You might recognize your child in Sensory processing disorder is Tossing a weighted squishy ball, the pages of this book: when the brain doesn’t process or doing a brushing routine is very sensory information properly. calming for many autistic The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol children. Kranowitz

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic 1SB 1SB 1SB

If you suspect your child has SPD, Set up a sensory diet throughout Here’s an app to help you make an appointment with a the day for your child. manage your child’s sensory diet: good occupational therapist who uses a sensory integration Good resource for this: Sensory Treat - Sensory Therapy approach. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Tip: Modulate your voice and Processing Disorder by Carol always keep it calm. Kranowitz

Sunday DE x all  We’re continuing good GI support this week, just keep it Probiotic going! 1SB  Make an appointment with a chiropractor. It’s great for

overall health, neurological and immune health, and sensory STAR (Sensory Therapies And Research) Center is a great place issues. to start looking for treatment: “You can’t punish a child who is acting out because of sensory

overload.” Temple Grandin www.spdstar.org

Week 11: Favorite Books Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #1 with or AM #1 AM #1 before breakfast Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Rules by Cynthia Lord NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Robison Autism and the Future of The Autism Revolution by Martha Neurodiversity by Steve 101 Games and Activities for Herbert, MD Silberman Children with Autism, Asperger’s, and Sensory Processing Disorders Ten Things Every Child with All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Tara Delaney Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen by Kathy Hoopmann Notbohm

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #1 AM #1 AM #1

Uniquely Human: A Different Way Be Different: My Adventures with House Rules by Jody Picoult of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Asperger's and My Advice for Prizant Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Families, and Teachers by John Jeannette Walls (this book has Ten Things Your Student with Elder Robison nothing to do with autism, I just Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen love it!) Notbohm and Veronica Zysk (this Thinking in Pictures: My Life with one I share with teachers) Autism by Temple Grandin

Sunday DE x all  You’re starting a new antimicrobial this week—you may go Probiotic through “die-off” symptoms again (see Table 5-6 in Chapter AM #1 5). You can do this!  The No.1 book app for the iPad in 80 countries and voted Best The Curious Incident of the Dog in Educational App in the 2015 BETT Awards: the Night-Time by Mark Haddon Book Creator for iPad by Red Jumper Limited. This app lets Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. your child create e-books and pdfs and publish to iBooks. James Awesome Quote: “I know of nobody who is purely autistic or The Reason I Jump by Naoki purely neurotypical. Even God has some autistic moments, which Higashida is why the planets spin.” Jerry Newport

Week 12: Bullying Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Stop using Antimicrobial (AM) #1 AM #2 AM #2 and begin using AM #2 before or with breakfast Amazing website for information Donate a copy of this book to and resources is the National your school library and volunteer Nearly half of children on the Autism Association to read it on Read Aloud Days: spectrum are bullied,10 especially (www.autismsafety.org). The Bully Blockers: Standing Up high-functioning kids in for Classmates with Autism by mainstreamed classrooms. Check out the awesome Bullying Celeste Shally Resources!

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #2 AM #2 AM #2

Coolest response to verbal Get the Special Needs Anti- October is National Bullying bullying: Each and every time the Bullying Toolkit at Prevention Month. Go to bully says something, your child www.AutismSpeaks.org. www.pacer.org and get involved. responds with “So?” (and They have a newsletter and nothing else). Eventually, the events to sign up for. bullies get bored and wander off.

Sunday DE x all  We’re starting a new antimicrobial this week—you may see Probiotic “die-off” symptoms again. AM #2  Nurture Your Relationship: Get the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Martial arts can help with self- confidence and self-advocacy. See Week 35.

Week 13: Minecraft for Autism Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #3 before or AM #3 AM #3 with breakfast Same website, same author: Minecraft: Essential Handbook: Awesome post! Go to Using Minecraft as a Learning An Official Mojang Book by https://learningworksforkids.com Tool for Children with Autism Stephanie Milton, Paul Soares Jr., and search for and Jordan Maron Reasons Kids with Autism Love Minecraft by Dr. Randy Kulman.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #3 AM #3 AM #3

Minecraft: Construction Minecraft: Redstone Handbook: Check out the Minecraft Handbook: An Official Mojang by An Official Mojang Book by Facebook page—very engaging! Scholastic Scholastic

Sunday DE x all Probiotic  Heads-up—you’re starting a new antimicrobial this week; you AM #3 may go through “die-off” symptoms again. Put away AM #2 and begin AM #3. Best Halloween costume idea: One of my sons and two of his friends wore suits plus the green, “Minecraft opens up a world of limitless possibilities, driven by the gray, and black creeper box heads player and created by the fans who love it.” Rob Manuel to school—very fun. Available on Amazon.com

Week 14: Things You Never Say to an Autism Parent Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #1 before or AM #1 AM #1 with breakfast “I’m sorry.” “You’re just saying he’s autistic “He looks so normal, are you sure because it’s a fad right now.” it’s autism?” “God gave her to you for a reason. I could never raise a child “He’s just being a boy, you’re like that.” imagining things.”

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #1 AM #1 AM #1

“Stop using autism as an excuse.” “You should be thankful—it could “You just need to spank him be worse.” harder.” “It’s your parenting style that made her like that.” “He’s not autistic, he’s just being “He just needs a good slap.” a little jerk.”

Sunday DE x all  Whew! No new “die-off” this week. Stop using AM #3 and go Probiotic back to AM #1. AM #1 Amusing Quote: “I won’t insult your intelligence by suggesting And my favorite (not!): that you really believe what you just said.” William F. Buckley Jr. “You should medicate him.”

Week 15: Swimming Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #2 AM #2 AM #2

Swimming can actually improve Get the book: Go to: social skills.11 Swimming with Autism by Tammy www.swimmingwithautism.com Anderson-Lee and Cathy Ball to find an instructor near you.

Another great resource: www.sensoryswim.com

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #2 AM #2 AM #2

A locking key-coded safety cover A saltwater or UV light pool When it’s difficult to leave your is a must for peace of mind. system helps avoid toxic house, a home pool is great for chemicals. social opportunities. People will actually want to come over.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic “Swimming is normal for me. I’m relaxed. I’m comfortable, and I AM #2 know my surroundings. It’s my home.” Michael Phelps

I LOVE these guys! Find a Surfers for Autism event near you: www.SurfersForAutism.org

Week 16: Environmental Makeover Project #1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #3 before or AM #3 AM #3 with breakfast Don’t have the time or interest to Get rid of your artificially scented Children with ASD are sooo make your own cleaning plug-ins, tart warmers, potpourri, sensitive to chemicals and toxins, products? Go to Norwex.com and and candles—use only ones especially those in processed learn how to clean your house scented with natural essential foods. You may be surprised at using only water with this line of oils. This is a biggie, so do it! what is considered toxic. special cleaning cloths. Use hand sanitizers sparingly, or switch to natural ones. They contain hormone disrupters. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #3 AM #3 AM #3

Our energy-efficient homes seal Take the plastic off your dry Put a big basket by the front door us in with our toxins—open up cleaning and air the clothes out and have everyone take their the windows and let some fresh on a covered porch for a few days shoes off as soon as they enter— air blow through on a regular before bringing inside. Better yet, this will stop a significant amount basis. find a green dry cleaner: of pesticides, dirt and toxins from www.greenearthcleaning.com getting tracked into your home.

Sunday  I’ll be sharing ways throughout the year to make your home DE x all less toxic, a few baby steps at a time. Probiotic  Organizing Fun: Start a Pinterest Organizing board and start AM #3 pinning great ideas. Switch your laundry products to natural and fragrance-free. Use white vinegar instead of fabric softener for clothing that is going into the dryer. (This saves money, too.)

Week 17: Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Strategies Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Sac b before or with breakfast Sac b Sac b

Cod liver oil is a natural anti- Serralase by ProThera works Essential fatty acids13 should be in inflammatory.12 Suggested dose is against inflammation: everyone’s daily routine. ¼ tsp or one small gel cap twice a www.protherainc.com day.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Sac b Sac b Sac b

Ever hear of redox signaling Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy Children with autism have been molecules? ASEA cell signaling (HBOT) reduces found to be low in Vitamin C.17 molecules positively influence the inflammation.14,15,16 I like to give 250–500 mg of gene pathway for inflammation, Vitamin C twice a day for digestion, the immune system antioxidant support. and more! It also increases glutathione from 500-800%

Sunday ASEA is the only supplement that has been able to stabilize redox DE x all signaling molecules outside of the human body. Probiotic Sac b To order wholesale: Go to autismhealth.teamasea.com Try some Pycnogenol:18 1. Click “Join Here” on the top menu www.pycnogenol.com 2. Click “Next” 3. Enroll as a Preferred Customer 4. Choose Enrollment products for your first order 5. Choose your monthly auto ship products 6. Enter your information 7. Enter your payment information 8. Submit order 9. Drink 2 ounces twice a day on an empty stomach.

Week 18: Apps Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #2 before or with AM #2 AM #2 breakfast 11 Expert-Recommended Autism Find autism-friendly What You Need to Know About Apps Apps for Kids businesses, organizations, for Autistic Kids and services with the Autism https://www.parenting.com/ Village app. http://www.squidalicious.com/ gallery/autismapps?pnid=634351 2013/04/what-you-need-to-know- about-apps-for.html

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #2 AM #2 AM #2

“In the future we might not prescribe Go to www.squidalicious.com Can’t get your child to use his drugs all the time—we might prescribe and click on “Autism Apps index finger to swipe? Try apps.” Daniel Kraft Spreadsheet” for a list of great having him wear thin gloves apps. with the index fingertip area cut off when using the iPad.

Sunday DE x all  You’re deep into GI support now, and have possibly Probiotic added other protocols such as immune support and AM #2 strategies to support a healthy response to inflammation and oxidative stress. Let’s keep going! Birdhouse is a top-rated app that manages all of your child’s health Nurture Yourself Tip 2: Order the book The Happiness Project by needs, with portals so that doctors, Gretchen Rubin. therapists, and teachers can participate, too (www.birdhousehq.com).

Week 19: Speech Language Pathology/Feeding Specialist Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #1 before or AM #1 AM #1 with breakfast Apps for children who are Vickie says this book is her Vickie Pullins, SLP, owner of nonverbal and need an alternate “bible”: LinguaCare and Associates, shares method of communication: Teaching Language to Children her best tips, books, and websites  Proloquo2Go with Autism or Other for speech language pathology  Touch Chat HD-AAC with Developmental Disabilities by this week. WordPower Mark Sundberg and James  See Week 33 for more Partington ideas

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #1 AM #1 AM #1

Great resources for apps and all Feeding specialists: Great source of information and kinds of materials for speech and Speech pathologists who have publications on swallowing and language: had advanced training in pediatric feeding disorders: feeding and pediatric dysphagia www.asha.org Super Duper, Inc. are able to treat feeding www.superduperinc.com disorders. Feeding specialists are LinguiSystems, Inc. a great resource for those who have sensory issues with food. www.linguisystems.com

Sunday DE x all Probiotic Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders: Another good resource for AM #1 behavioral feeding disorders: www.educationresourcesinc.com For the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding, contact STARCenter: www.spdstar.org Don’t wait—get started early! The Birth to Three organization and local speech language pathologists are a great resource in every state.

Week 20: Language Support Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #3 before or AM #3 AM #3 with breakfast Many patients report increases in B6/Magnesium combo. Purified cod liver oil19: ¼ tsp twice a language and cognition with the This supplement is available day prescription Methyl B12 shots at www.kirkmangroup.com. We use Nordic Naturals and Kirkman some autism doctors give. Labs cod liver oil at my office: Patients report gains in www.nordicnaturals.com Some patients swear by the B12 language with the use www.kirkmangroup.com Pops that are available from Charlotte’s Web extract. www.revitapop.com. www.cwhemp.com

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #3 AM #3 AM #3 Parents report that dimethylglycine (DMG) improves communication, In studies, L-Carnosine improved Digestive Enzymes with DPP- language, behavior, and eye contact behavior, socialization, and IV, with or without the GFCF for some children on the spectrum. communication in children with diet, are tops in my center for autism.20 The children were ages restoring language skills, likely Try “speak” by SpeechNutrients. It 3–12, and researchers used 400 due to eliminating the opiate comes with a very specific dosing mg twice a day. effect on the brain. See schedule and instructions: Chapter 3. www.speechnutrients.com

Sunday DE x all Evidence for these supplements are mainly anecdotal. Translation: Probiotic Don’t expect every supplement to help every child, but these are AM #3 relatively safe over-the-counter supplements and it won’t hurt to give them a trial in conservative doses. Only try one new thing at a Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) time, or you won’t know which one is responsible for the reduces inflammation, including improvements! brain inflammation. More research is needed, but it is a great tool for Favorite Quote: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear improving or restoring language for and the blind can see.” Mark Twain some people on the spectrum.

Week 21: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Sac b before or with breakfast Sac b Sac b One study in Thailand showed A U.S. study showed significant Studies show that hyperbaric improvement in children on the improvements in these areas oxygen therapy (HBOT) spectrum across 5 areas after 10 after 40 sessions:24 23 significantly reduces HBOT sessions:  Overall functioning  Social development, inflammation.21,22  Receptive language  Fine motor and eye-hand

coordination  Social interaction  Language development  Eye contact  Gross motor development  Sensory/cognitive  Self-help skills awareness

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Sac b Sac b Sac b

Many of my patients have There are soft-sided models Angiogenesis, the growth of new reported huge leaps in spoken available with a prescription from blood vessels, begins at around language with HBOT. your doctor for home use. 40 treatment hours.25

Sunday DE x all Probiotic  The cost of an HBOT session in a soft-sided model ranges from Sac b $25 to $150 per hour and is usually not covered by insurance for autism spectrum purposes, as this is considered to be an Although more controlled off-label use. research studies are needed, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the showing promise as a tool to only one you know you have for sure.” Oprah Winfrey reduce inflammation and improve various areas of function on the spectrum.26

Week: 22 Safety Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #4 before or AM #4 AM #4 with breakfast Be part of the change that needs A clothing line that is seamless, Notify your local 911 center, plus to happen: Here is an awesome tagless, buttonless, zipperless, your police, fire, and ambulance website with videos, conferences, either two- or four-way stations, that you have a child and training so that emergency reversible, and hides a small GPS who may be nonverbal or may personnel will know how to react device? Now that rocks! It’s respond differently when with individuals on the spectrum: available at approached. www.autismriskmanagement.com Independencedayclothing.com.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #4 AM #4 AM #4

Create a flier with your child’s According to the National Autism I don’t care what anyone says—if photo and information that you Association, 91% of deaths in you have a young child who is a carry with you at all times. Stash children with ASD ages 14 years known runner, it is perfectly a few in the car, and give some to and younger are due to drowning. reasonable to use a body harness the daycare and babysitter, too. with a leash-type arrangement at The fliers can be handed out at a Teach your child to swim; see busy places like amusement parks moment’s notice if your child Week 15 for resources. and carnivals. wanders.

Sunday DE x all  This might be controversial, but I also think nanny cams with Probiotic audio are a good idea. We just can’t be too careful with this AM #4 vulnerable population.  If your child is nonverbal, sew ID labels in all clothing items. GPS technology makes finding Include your home and cell phone contact information. our loved ones easier:  This would be a good week to call the manufacturer of your stove and order the anti-tip kit, if applicable. www.angelsense.com  Visit nationalautismassociation.org for safety facts about www.pocketfinder.com autism. www.traxfamily.com www.ProjectLifesaver.org

Week 23: Applied Behavior Analysis/Mito Support Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #8 before or AM #8 AM #8 with breakfast ABA can improve: ABA usually involves 25–40 hours Applied behavior analysis (ABA)  Communication per week of intensive, one-on- looks at how behavior is affected  Social skills/relationships one therapy, for anywhere from 1 by physical and social  Learning/participation to 3 years, not throughout a surroundings. It is endorsed by  Play skills lifetime. the U.S. Surgeon General and  Self-care skills It is typically done with very various government agencies. young children, but can be used for teens and adults with autism.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #8 AM #8 AM #8 Mitochondrial support often You can download this helpful comes in the form of a “mito Ideally, a mitochondrial cocktail guide at www.autismspeaks.org: cocktail” containing: will support the critical functions ATN/AIR-P Parent’s Guide to  CoQ1027 and energy pathways of the Applied Behavior Analysis  L-Carnitine28 mitochondria, protect against  N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)28 free radical and oxidative  Alpha-lipoic acid30 damage,33 and keep membranes  Antioxidants31 fluid and functioning.  B vitamins32

Sunday DE x all Probiotic “The attitude is very important. Because your behavior radiates how AM #8 you feel.” Lou Ferrigno, actor, The Incredible Hulk

Our go-to product for mito support is MitoThera by ProThera, Inc. It is available through healthcare professionals.

Week 24: Environmental Makeover Project #2—The Kitchen Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #6 before or AM #6 AM #6 with breakfast Stop cooking and storing food in Replace your plastic wraps and Ditch your toxic nonstick aluminum foil. Our children often plastic storage containers with cookware for greener toxin-free do not flush metals from their nontoxic glass storage containers. materials. Look for the newer bodies very well, so we should They are often available right in ceramics, stainless steel, glass, not be putting any in. Use the grocery store in the kitchen porcelain, and enamel finishes. parchment paper to line baking aisle. trays.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #6 AM #6 AM #6

Quit microwaving in plastic. This Replace your aluminum bakeware Filter your drinking water. The releases a horde of toxins into with ceramic, glass, porcelain, or Environmental Working Group your child’s food. It takes longer, terra-cotta. (ewg.org) can help you find the but warm foods in the oven or best filter. toaster oven instead.

Sunday  Remember, as you restore and support metabolic and GI DE x all health and balance to an ASD child, he often begins to Probiotic naturally flush toxins and metals from his body more AM #6 efficiently, and no detox or chelation is needed.  A good test for detox status is a Red Blood Cell Elements or a Stop drinking out of plastic Porphyrins Profile. Consider such testing more as an indicator bottles and aluminum cans. Use of “detox status,” not necessarily “body burden” of metals stainless steel or glass instead. and toxins.  Detox Test Tip: I don’t like to use the “hair test” when testing your child’s detox status. If your child is great at excretion, there may be a lot of metals in the hair, but not the body, and vice versa.

“The best way to detoxify is to stop putting toxic things into the body and depend upon its own mechanisms.” Andrew Weil, MD

Week 25: Clean Up the Diet and Go Organic Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #7 before or AM #7 AM #7 with breakfast Talk to your farmer. I bought eggs Can’t afford to go totally organic? Toxins are stored in fatty tissues, and chicken from a lady who used Just go organic for the “Dirty so focus your dollars on organic no chemicals on her entire farm Dozen” when it comes to grass-fed meats and dairy for years, but didn’t bother to go produce. (Easy to Google!) products first. through the organic certification process. It significantly lowered my cost to buy from her.

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It’s okay to go nonorganic for the Amazon.com sells everything Use the Eat Well Guide when “Clean 15” In produce. (Easy to under the sun, you can easily you’re on the road to find organic Google!) compare prices, and you can restaurants and stores! often get free shipping. Blueberries are in a super toxic Find it at: class all by themselves – be sure www.eatwellguide.org to buy them organic!

Sunday DE x all Probiotic with dinner  Nurture Yourself Tip 3: Drink only organic coffee, since coffee Antimicrobial (AM) #7 before or is a crop that is traditionally very high in pesticides. If you with breakfast drink decaf, use coffee made with the SWISS WATER Process to avoid the chemicals used in the decaffeination process. Use the freezer and stock up  Money-Saving Tip: Many stores carry organic products under when items are on sale. Did you their own private label and offer significant savings. know that milk, butter, and cheese freeze beautifully?

Week 26: American Camp Association Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Sac b before or with breakfast Sac b Sac b

You will find everything you need Search tip: For specialized Attend a camp fair! You can find —a wealth of information—at the information on the American one in your area at acacamps.org. American Camp Association: Camp Association website, just A heads-up: Camp fair season www.acacamps.org enter “autism” into the search starts as early as January. box.

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Be sure to check out the Grant You will find packing lists and Great article on acacamps.org: Opportunities for Camps on the safety tips right on the website. Assessing Youth with Autism association’s website. Spectrum Disorders for Their “Fit” at Camp by Linda Erceg, RN.

Sunday DE x all Why ACA camps? The association’s website says: Probiotic Sac b “ACA Accreditation means that your child’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation— Hidden gem of a book: from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. Cabins, Canoes, and Campfires: American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the Guidelines for Establishing a American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other Camp for Children with Autism youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child’s Spectrum Disorders by Jill Hudson camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.”

Week 27: Air Travel Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #4 before or AM #4 AM #4 with breakfast At least 15 airports now host a Some of these programs include Autism Inclusion Resources (AIR) Rehearsal Program in cities mock flights, including going is helping organizations design, including Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, through security, boarding and implement, and assess inclusion New York, Newark, Detroit, finding your seats, and circling programs. If you would like to Phoenix, and more. the airport on the runway (no participate in an AIR travel actual flying). program or bring one to your town, go to: www.autismir.com Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #4 AM #4 AM #4 Here is a great blog article, packed with tips and information: Call the Transportation Security Pay attention to seat selection; A Special Needs Pre-Flight Administration hotline, TSA Cares, the aisle seat isn’t a good choice Checklist: 16 things you need to for tips on navigating security. For for wanderers. do before heading to the airport. example, if your child never lets a favorite item such as a teddy bear Check it out at: out of his grasp, you can ask https://www.friendshipcircle.org/ security to use a wand to check it blog/2012/01/09/a-special- in his arms. Call 1-855-787-2227. needs-pre-flight-checklist/ Sunday DE x all Probiotic  Don’t forget the enzymes, extra batteries and power packs AM #4 when you travel.  Carry a letter from your doctor discussing any special Use videos, books, and social accommodations your child might need. stories to prepare for your trip.  Travel with prescription medications in their original Include scenarios where the flight containers. is delayed or canceled.

Week 28: Go Screen Free Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #5 before or AM #5 AM #5 with breakfast Fun at Home with Kids is a creative Idea-packed books by Asia Get rid of screens this week, and website/blog by Asia Citro with tons Citro: try to have a screen-free day of screen-free activities and ideas for 150+ Screen-Free Activities for several times a week. spending quality time with your Kids This website has enough ideas children. for a year without screens: The Curious Kid’s Science Book Go to: 100+ Creative Hands-on www.screenfree.org www.funathomewithkids.com Activities for Ages 4–8

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Put up a tent in the yard and Fun at Home with Kids has recipes Explore your state and national have a campout without the for regular and gluten-free play parks. travel. Add a bonfire and invite a doughs that look and behave Pack a picnic, go fishing and friend. beautifully. paddle boating, and discover peaceful walking trails. Too cold to camp outside? We Search for natural GF play doughs Identify wildflowers and leaves, had many “campouts” in the online at Amazon.com wade in a creek, and explore living room and had a blast. caves.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic “My father always said, ‘Never trust anyone whose TV is bigger than AM #5 their book shelf’—so I make sure I read.” Emilia Clarke

Horseback riding can be for pleasure or for therapy. Trail rides can provide hours of calm, even after the ride is over. One young patient was very empathetic with horses, which surprised the stable personnel.

Week 29: Ear Infections Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #6 before or AM #6 AM #6 with breakfast Many ear infections are viral and Up to 80% of ear infections Being in a house with smokers antibiotics are useless. resolve within a few days on their increases ear infections.34 own—without an antibiotic. So The American Academy of practice “watchful waiting” and Pediatrics has guidelines on ear provide pain relief.35,36 infections and antibiotic use: www.aap.org

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #6 AM #6 AM #6

You can provide pain control Bottle-feed or breast-feed with Use oral care products sweetened with: baby in a more upright position with xylitol37-42 and a nasal spray  Warm compresses during an ear infection. called Xlear (pronounced “clear”)  Rx numbing drops to help prevent ear infections.  Ibuprofen Some nurses and doctors claim that a few drops of rubbing alcohol in the ear canal will clear up pain and infection. Sunday Tips for fevers: DE x all Probiotic  Acetaminophen is hard on glutathione status. Use AM #6 ibuprofen instead (but not for infants younger than 6 months). Did you know? Chiropractic care  Never alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen every is great for ear infections. three hours. This is outdated advice and is hard on the

liver and kidneys. If you must use an antibiotic, use the Antibiotic Support Protocol  Some level of fever is okay. You don’t have to lower a (see Week 6). fever of 100 degrees.  Lukewarm baths are excellent for lowering a fever.

Week 30: Developmental Optometry Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #7 before or AM #7 AM #7 with breakfast The College of Optometrists in You can also find a If you do nothing else in this Vision Development (COVD) has developmental/behavioral book, have your child evaluated an extensive list of signs and optometrist near you at the by a developmental or behavioral symptoms on its website, plus website of NORA, the Neuro- optometrist, especially if your you can locate a doctor who Optometric Rehabilitation child is struggling with school, specializes in vision therapy at: Association. clumsiness, or learning to drive. www.covd.org This is the “miracle referral” in my https://noravisionrehab.org/ office!

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You’ll find focused, helpful Some children will need “prism This is not about 20/20 vision; information at P.A.V.E., or lenses” (don’t worry, they look this is about how the brain Parents Active for Vision just like regular glasses usually), coordinates the two eyes to work Education: and some may need computer- together. Some children see pavevision.org based vision therapy. blurry words or double images. For some, objects in the peripheral vision look like colors.

Sunday DE x all  Share this book with your school and your child’s doctors: Probiotic Seeing Through New Eyes: Changing the Lives of Children with AM #7 Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Other Developmental Disabilities Through Vision Therapy by Melvin Kaplan Vision therapy can help your child be less clumsy on the stairs, “Real life was something happening in her peripheral vision.” better able to catch a ball, and Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl make better grades in school. This helps lift self-esteem and increases the child’s chances of success and independence as an adult. Week 31: Comprehensive Stool Testing Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #1 before or AM #1 AM #1 with breakfast Testing for parasites usually isn’t If an infection is discovered, the Comprehensive stool analysis included in the stool analysis and laboratory can test to see which doesn’t just test for yeast. It can requires an add-on test (which I prescriptive and natural agents assess digestion and absorption, recommend for ASD). Treat will inhibit or kill the invader. This inflammation, short chain fatty appropriately, wait 1 month, then gives your treatment protocol a acid status (important food for reorder just the parasitology test precise direction. the cells that line the colon), and to see if the parasite is gone or if opportunistic and pathogenic another round of treatment is bacteria. needed.

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Regular stool testing can also tell I usually run a stool test if my Many of my patients are low in you if your GI health approach is patient has had an inexplicable beneficial short chain fatty acids. effective or not. explosion in irritability and This means they need to add difficult behaviors or an vegetables, fruits, and prebiotic Word of the Day: unexplained disruption of sleep fibers to their diet, or take a Poopsters: Autism parents who patterns. Good companies for prebiotic supplement such as knew about poop before it was this are Doctor’s Data, Genova Biotagen by Klaire Labs. cool! Diagnostics and Great Plains Laboratories. (See Resources) Sunday DE x all  Today’s Laugh: Ladies, try this test: Have a big glass of wine Probiotic and then watch the video “Girls Don’t Poop” by PooPourri on AM #1 YouTube (the one with the British chick in the bright blue dress—it’s a little over 2 minutes long). You will scream with A lab may request stopping laughter. enzymes, probiotics, and AMs Now show the same video to any male (you know, those anywhere from several days to delightful man-children that burp, fart, and scratch), and he several weeks before obtaining will think it is the most disgusting thing he’s ever seen and the sample. In the meantime, I cannot comprehend why you find it funny. Hilarious! suggest you go GFCF. As soon as you get the sample, you can “Things are called shit for a reason, dear.” Chloe Jun restart the enzymes. You don’t have to wait for the results to restart. Week 32: Nutritional Status Testing

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #2 before or AM #2 AM #2 with breakfast T An amino acids test is a valuable An organic acids test (OAT) is he NutrEval FMV Profile by addition to your child’s nutritional useful for nutritional markers as Genova Diagnostics looks at over testing. It is a urine test. well as bacteria, Clostridia and 100 biomarkers in 5 key areas of Candida species, and fungal nutrition: antioxidants, B metabolites, revealing general vitamins, digestive support, markers of dysbiosis. It is a urine essential fatty acids, and test. minerals. It collects both urine and blood samples. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #2 AM #2 AM #2

My go-to test is the Organix test Your results from the Organix test Tip: Never supplement single by Genova Diagnostics. (Genova) will include suggestions amino acids alone. Always add a for specific nutritional balanced amino acid (AA) blend in supplementation and will indicate addition to the single AA called the number of milligrams to give. for. Supplementing one AA can Couldn’t be easier! Be sure to skew the other amino acids. retest on a regular basis.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic AM #2 “Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The If testing shows your child needs returns are incredibly high.” Anne M. Mulcahy to add a large number of supplements, consider having them compounded at a compounding pharmacy. This will require a prescription from your doctor.

Or continue good GI support and give a spectrum multivitamin formula. Week 33: Augmentative/Alternative Communication

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #3 before or AM #3 AM #3 with breakfast Top picks for assistive For literate individuals: Augmentative and alternative devices/apps: Proloquo4Text communication (AAC) includes Proloquo2Go any method other than oral https://www.assistiveware.com speech. www.assistiveware.com Touch Chat HD-AAC with WordPower

touchchatapp.com

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #3 AM #3 AM #3

Predictable by Therapy Box Some children and adults either My TalkTools Mobile Limited, available on the App can’t or won’t use an iPad. There www.mytalktools.com Store on iTunes is always the classic Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): iCommunicate for iPad www.pecs.com www.grembe.com

Sunday DE x all Probiotic “Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak AM #3 the most universally understood language.” Walt Disney

Spend a peaceful Sunday with your child choosing and cutting out pictures to make a Picture Wallet for the PECS system.

Week 34: Environmental Makeover Project #3—Bed and Bath

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #4 before or AM #4 AM #4 with breakfast Don’t use chemically treated flame-retardant pajamas—get Use only zero VOC (volatile Let it wrinkle! Permanent press the kind of sleepwear that is organic compounds) paint for the linens may contain formaldehyde effective by being cut close to the walls. Low VOC won’t do! and chemicals. body instead. Wrap the mattress in a plastic, No computers, TVs, or cell phones Use only pajamas and bed linens waterproof mattress cover. This in the bedroom—research shows with natural dyes. will prevent your child from that low-level radiation and the absorbing flame-retardant blue light they emit can disrupt chemicals from the mattress. sleep. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #4 AM #4 AM #4 Don’t use an aluminum-based Scrub the tub and toilet with antiperspirant. Switch to towels made from Borax (the gritty kind) found in organic cotton, which is grown the laundry aisle. Use soaps made from natural without pesticides. ingredients. The hippies had it Clean glass and counters with right! Environmental Working Group’s your Norwex cloth and water. website is a treasure trove of Don’t put your child’s bedroom information and tips: over the garage—no toxic fumes www.ewg.org from the car!

Sunday  Install wood flooring in your child’s bedroom and limit stuffed DE x all animals and pillows, which can hang onto dust and dander Probiotic and provide shelter for dust mites. AM #4  ASEA is a great way to increase glutathione from 500-800%! To order wholesale: Go to autismhealth.teamasea.com Use natural shampoos and lotions 1. Click “Join Here” on the top menu that are free of artificial colors 2. Click “Next” and chemicals. 3. Enroll as a Preferred Customer 4. Choose Enrollment products for your first order Body lotions and hairstyling 5. Choose your monthly auto ship products products may be a hidden source 6. Enter your information of gluten. Read the label. 7. Enter your payment information 8. Submit order 9. Drink 2 ounces twice a day on an empty stomach.

Week 35: Martial Arts

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #5 before or with AM #5 AM #5 breakfast ASD children do well with the A 2012 study in Iran reported The American Taekwondo Association consistency and repetition of less stereotypy in children with (ATA) offers martial arts training to martial arts. ASD who took martial arts those with ASD at over 1,000 training.43 locations in the U.S. and abroad. You can find info here: www.advancemartialartsconnect.com

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A 2010 University of Wisconsin Parents report better focus, Children with ASD make new study44 showed improvements in: concentration, and calmness at friends at martial arts class and  Social assertiveness home. develop a sense of belonging.  Social cooperation  Eye contact  Balance  Motor coordination

Sunday DE x all Probiotic AM #5 “A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can’t do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do.” Martial arts training leads to higher Chuck Norris self-esteem. Maybe those bullies will learn not to mess with our “karate kids”! Week 36: Literal Thinking

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #6 before or AM #6 AM #6 with breakfast Two of my favorite tools for Teaching both the literal and the If someone says, “That was a understanding and explaining slang meanings of phrases will piece of cake,” a literal person literal thinking are Unintentional help with social skills for both looks around for the cake. Say Humor Volumes 1 and 2, by Linda children and adults, and reduce “Raining cats and dogs” and they Gund Anderson and Brent mocking and bullying. start peering out the window Anderson. I buy her books 50 with a puzzled look on their face. copies at a time for my center! Available at: www.unintentionalhumor.com Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #6 AM #6 AM #6

Here’s another fun resource in Don’t rush through the books or It’s a myth that individuals on the flash card format: the cards—learning slang is a spectrum have no sense of Idioms Fun Deck Cards: Super long-term project over months humor. They may not get the joke Duper Educational Learning Toy and years, not a 2-week crash because they may be thinking of for Kids at Amazon.com course. (Get it, “crash” course, the literal sense of the word or lol?) phrase. Learning the double meaning of slang lets them in on the joke, and their true sense of humor can be appreciated.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic Today’s Laugh: AM #6 If you want to know how you really look in those pants, ask Put the siblings on "cool patrol"— someone on the autism spectrum! they are great at teaching and —Unknown using slang! Week 37: Scouting

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #7 before or AM #7 AM #7 with breakfast Join a Boy or Girl Scout troop. My Scouts do not have to join a troop husband’s scout troop has had Download the Guide to for special needs—youth with several ASD scouts who went on Disabilities Awareness at: developmental (and any other) to become an Eagle Scout. www.scouting.org challenges are welcome.

*As of February 2019, the Boy Scouts will be coed, and the new name is Scouts BSA.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #7 AM #7 AM #7

Over 100,000 scouts with Parental involvement is very Your Scout can apply for a “time disABILITIES have participated in important in scouting. Consider extension” to reach Eagle Scout Boy Scouts of America (BSA). making this an activity you share or Quartermaster ranks. Ask your (Now Scouts BSA) with your son or daughter for scoutmaster for details. years to come, and offer to be a leader or assistant leader if you can.

Sunday DE x all  I originally meant to give equal time here to both Boy and Girl Probiotic Scouts. I only have experience with Scouts BSA (being a mom AM #7 to 3 boys). I was shocked to discover that Girl Scouts USA does not have written policies or publications on accommodations If developmental delay is severe, for scouts with additional needs. They do, however, have a youths and adults can apply for long history of assisting scouts with disabilities and challenges. “registration beyond the age of  I did find this awesome gem: The Girl Scouts of Colorado eligibility” in Scouts BSA. See the (http://www.gscnc.org) offers the Including ALL Girls Patch website for more information. Program, a 45-page resource guide—good job Colorado!  I spent two weeks on staff at the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree manning the very busy disABILITIES Awareness Challenge—it was the adventure of a lifetime! Week 38: Occupational Therapy

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #5 before or AM #5 AM #5 with breakfast Occupational therapy (OT) can 15% of school-age children have OT is provided across a variety of help: sensory challenges; that number settings: schools, homes, private  Fine motor skills is 80% for children with autism. practices, rehabilitation centers,  Eye-hand coordination and clinics.  Activities of daily living  Positive behaviors  Coordination  Sensory processing deficits  Focus and attention Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #5 AM #5 AM #5

Is it ADHD, or is it sensory Does your child struggle with The American Occupational processing disorder? If your child handwriting skills? Get an OT Therapy Association (AOTA) has is struggling at school, don’t evaluation, but also check out the extensive autism resources on its assume it’s ADHD—get an Feingold diet in Week 41 as well. I website: evaluation from an occupational provide a handwriting sample www.aota.org therapist. there that will blow your mind.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic Occupational therapists focus on ways to reduce the use of seclusion AM #5 and restraint:  An OT can develop strategies to reduce behaviors and triggers How to get started? Check with that lead to the use of restraint and seclusion in school aota.org, the local hospital, or settings. your child’s school or doctor for a  An OT can work with the school to develop policy and referral. procedure changes such as creating positive behavior management systems. Week 39: IgG Food Sensitivity Testing

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #9 before or AM #9 AM #9 with breakfast The general thinking is that This means a gut-healing program A food sensitivity is not the same sensitivities to 15 or more foods is what is really needed. Hint, as a food allergy. Food is a soft clinical sign of a leaky gut. hint: See Chapter 6! sensitivities may develop when there is increased intestinal permeability (fancy talk for “leaky gut”) and repetitive eating. Hmm, sound like someone you know?

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #9 AM #9 AM #9

As part of gut healing, the At the end of the 90 days, the This is a great diagnostic and offending foods are removed for offending foods are slowly added healing tool, but it is not for 90 days, and all other foods are back in one at a time, while you beginners, nor the tired and eaten only once every 4 days (a 4- watch for reactions. overwhelmed. day rotation diet). Note: Rotating the foods is more important than just removing the ones on the test.

Sunday DE x all  This diet is fairly hard to do, and the IgG food sensitivity test Probiotic should not be run on your child’s first visit to a doctor—it’s AM #9 going to light up like a Christmas tree, and you need to get some calm and sanity in your life first before you will be able This test involves a blood draw. to do this diet. Ask your doctor for a prescription  Do the Basic GI Support Protocol in Chapter 6 first, and you for numbing cream, and ask the will already be restoring and healing the gut. After your child phlebotomist to use a butterfly feels better and life is much calmer around your house, then needle. It’s much tinier and won’t you can think about having the IgG test and attempting this hurt as much. diet.  It’s worth the work; it’s just not that doable in the beginning of your health journey. Week 40: ADHD Strategies

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #10 before or AM #10 with breakfast Interactive Metronome (IM) is a phenomenal therapy that Evidence suggests that fish oil and Neurofeedback is a decades-old addresses neural timing deficits omega-3 fatty acids may help form of biofeedback, is now to achieve improved attention, children with ADHD, as well as supported by newer technology learning, and processing. It has an with organizing activities.46 and is fantastic for mood, anxiety, engaging, game-like platform and and ADHD—all without is available in over 30 countries. supplements or medicines.45 More information at: QEEG is my favorite form of www.interactivemetronome.com neurofeedback. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #10 For support of attention and Zinc is important for attention focus, the star at my center is the A 2006 study suggests that and focus.49 Thus the saying, “No Feingold diet. Pycnogenol reduces stress zinc, no think!” Be conservative, (See Week 41.) hormones, hyperactivity, and because more is not better. inattention.47,48 Bonus: Pycnogenol is an antioxidant, which our children especially need. (See Week 17)

Sunday DE x all  Is your child on a prescription stimulant for ADHD? Talk to Probiotic your doctor about a “prescription holiday” in the summer and AM #10 on weekends—let your child eat, sleep, and play!  We are trying an AM maintenance plan starting this week. Just Although this is not for beginners, give the AM every other day for one month. Try to use up IgG food sensitivity testing and your old bottles and then we will switch to blends when those the 4-day rotation diet get run out. outstanding results for my patients with ADHD. See Resources for a list of lab companies. Week 41: Feingold Diet and Program

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #8 before or Without hesitation, I can say the with breakfast It’s not just artificial colors, best intervention for attention preservatives, and additives that issues and hyperactivity for my This is a temporary (yay!) are removed; it also takes away a patients is the Feingold diet. elimination diet. Give it a good go class of foods that are high in Parents can find information, for about 8 weeks, and then you salicylates, which includes support and all the materials at: can start adding foods back in. favorites like apples, grapes, www.feingold.org ketchup, and spaghetti sauce. Dr. Janet’s note: As diets go, this one is not that hard.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #8 AM #8 The Feingold diet helps with Here’s the thing: attention and hyperactivity and Hundreds of thousands of Children seem to be drawn to much more: families have found relief with what they are sensitive to.  Behavior this diet and can usually narrow Think about it: What does your  Learning down the problem to just a few child eat or drink all the time? It’s  Health foods. These foods can probably one of the culprits  Outbursts and mood sometimes be tolerated on an making it hard to concentrate.  Headaches and eczema occasional basis for a number of  Handwriting (see Figures my patients. 9-1 and 9-2 below.) Sunday DE x all  The Feingold diet is easier to do in the fall and winter months Probiotic when there are fewer fresh fruits available.  I love research—and you can find all the research on the Trust me and try this diet—it has website (www.feingold.org). a huge success rate. In West Virginia, “diet” is usually a four- “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” Jean letter word, but I cannot keep the Anthelme Brillat-Savarin books in stock in my Lending Library. I buy them by the armload. These handwriting samples are a great visual for what foods containing salicylates and additives can do to our brains.

Figure 9-1. Peter on the Feingold Diet Figure 9-2. Peter Not on the Feingold Diet (This is your brain….) (This is your brain on ketchup!)

The brain on the left (Figure 9-1) is calm and clear and doesn’t need any ADHD medicine. The brain on the right (Figure 9-2) cannot concentrate, listen, or behave and usually gets put on stimulant ADHD medicine.

Handwriting samples reprinted with permission of Jane Hersey, Why Can’t My Child Behave? Why Can’t She Cope? Why Can’t He Learn? The Feingold Diet Updated for Today’s Busy Families (Alexandria, VA: Pear Tree Press, 2002).

Week 42: Toilet Training Tips Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #9 before or AM #9 with breakfast One dad said his daughter would ask for a diaper when she had to The trick for my boys was to give Resource: poop; he cut a big hole in the them permission to pee off the Toilet Training for Individuals with back of the diaper, strapped it on, back deck—it just seemed like Autism or Other Developmental and sat her on the potty. She such a forbidden activity that Issues by Maria Wheeler finally landed one in the throne! they couldn’t resist.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #9

Put blue food coloring in the More for boys: toilet water—kids love how it Float some Cheerios in the bowl Resource: turns green when they pee! and see who can sink that Ready, Set, Potty!: Toilet Training battleship! for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders by Brenda Batts

Sunday DE x all Today’s Laugh: Probiotic AM #9 “Uh-oh”, I told my husband. “I think the cat has diabetes.” I had just discovered an massive splash-shaped “clump” in the litter box, one YouTube has lots of potty-training that pretty much covered the box from front to back. songs. “Uh, that was me,” Evan confessed. “I was trying to scare the cat and make her think some huge animal was loose in the house!”

Week 43: Anxiety Support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #10 before or “No-pill” natural hack for anxiety: with breakfast Ditch all caffeine! Alpha-Stim.com (supported by over 95 papers and studies, see GABA: Affordable, effective Southerners, this includes our the company website for the support beloved sweet tea. Y’all can use research). decaf sweetened with xylitol. Suggested starting dose is 250 mg three times a day (t.i.d.) for children at least 5 years of age; 500 mg t.i.d. for ages 10 and up; 750 mg t.i.d. for older teenagers. Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #10 AM #10

Research reveals essential oils, A study showed that omega-3 Chamomile extract is including lavender and ylang- fatty acids reduced anxiety in recommended.53 ylang, may be effective for medical students.52 reducing anxiety.50,51 Epsom salt baths and magnesium supplements can be very calming.

Sunday DE x all  Okay, how are we doing with the AM Maintenance Schedule? Probiotic If all is well, continue every other day for another month. If things got worse, go back to a daily rotation. My favorite: Not one but two  Music therapy reduces anxiety—see Week 47 for more studies say dark chocolate is good information. 54,55 for reducing anxiety. I’m in!  If anxiety gets out of hand, see your doctor for a prescription.

Get moving! Exercise, swimming, “The opposite of happiness isn’t unhappiness or even depression, and long walks can help support a it’s anxiety.” Ariel Gore healthy response to anxiety.

Week 44: Vitamin D3 Facts and Test

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Sac b before or with breakfast Sac b

Experts are divided, and there is The further north you are, the Half the world is thought to be no overwhelming consensus on more likely you are low in Vitamin deficient/insufficient in Vitamin what an “optimal level” is—so D. One Alaskan doctor confided D. let’s take the middle road and that he doesn’t even bother to aim for 50–60 ng/mL. test—everyone in his area is deficient!

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Sac b Beyond bone health: I suggest 400–1000 IU twice a Vitamin D behaves more like a Use Vitamin D3 and not D2: day. Vitamin D is available in hormone than a vitamin and is The D3 form is the kind sunlight drops that even the best food important for mood, immune makes in our skin and is over 200 detectives won’t reject. Don’t put function, and reduction of times more active than the D2 it in a drink; the drop is so tiny it inflammation. form. will spread out and cling to the sides of the glass and the dose will be lost.

Sunday DE x all  Word to the Wise: If you have a moody teenager, be sure to Probiotic include Vitamin D3 in the daily regimen. Sac b

Infant and children’s Vitamin D3 drops are available at www.CarlsonLabs.com.

Week 45: Yoga

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #1 before or with breakfast

Yoga can get your child out of the Yoga improves digestion and Yoga is calming to the nervous fight-or-flight-or-freeze response elimination, and improves motor system. they so often seem to be stuck in. coordination and sensory integration.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #1 AM #1

Get the book: Take it to school: See www.relaxationnow.net to A 2012 study56 found that “use of find a 12-hour training course, a Yoga Therapy for Children with daily classroom-wide yoga “Creative Relaxation” certified Autism and Special Needs by interventions have a significant instructor, or more information Louise Goldberg impact on key classroom on yoga for autism. behaviors among children with Better yet, share it with your yoga ASD.” instructor.

Sunday DE x all Today’s Laugh: Probiotic According to YogAutism.org, yoga “Surely, if God had meant us to do yoga, he would have put our heads can reduce: behind our knees.” Rod Stewart  Pain and aggression  Obsessive behaviors  Stimming  Anxiety And it can provide:  More control over emotion  Social opportunities while in class  Chance to make new friends Week 46: Preconception /Prenatal Health Support

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #2 before or AM #2 with breakfast Reduce and eliminate the white Take a good comprehensive These suggestions and tips are foods (sugar, white bread, pasta, natural and easily absorbed thanks to Maureen McDonnell, pizza, and bagels), chemical multivitamin with at least 1800 RN. Maureen’s organization is preservatives, and processed mg of calcium and 800 mcg of Saving Our Kids, Healing Our foods. folic acid. Planet (SOKHOP). See her website: sokhop.com Use oral care products made with xylitol.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #2

Reduce or eliminate alcohol, Take 2000 IU daily of Vitamin D3. Adding a source of animal-based caffeine, and tobacco. Begin or continue an exercise omega 3s is also essential for Switch to a green dry cleaner, or program. optimal health. wear clothes that do not require Consider a detoxification program Krill oil is suggested by many or a dry cleaning. such as the one at mercury-free source of fish oil www.BlessedHerbs.com. such as Nordic Natural or OmegaBrite.

Sunday DE x all  Go organic in your diet and go green in your home for a year Probiotic before you try to conceive. AM #2  Get the Green This! series of books by Deirdre Imus.  If a woman has several mercury-based amalgam dental Arbonne personal care products fillings, she may want to have them removed by a dentist are "green" in the truest sense of familiar with safe procedures for the removal of dental the word: The company’s health mercury. Choose a dentist associated with the Holistic Dental and beauty products are vegan Association (www.holisticdental.org) and schedule the work at and gluten-free; For more least 6 months before becoming pregnant and not while information, contact breast-feeding. [email protected]. Week 47: Music Therapy

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) #3 before or with breakfast

Music therapy is both clinical and Gem of a website: Music therapy can develop skills evidence-based. Music therapists www.musicforautism.org and change behavior. are professionals trained and credentialed by the American Music Therapy Association www.musictherapy.org

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic AM #3 AM #3

Music therapy can increase social Many of those with ASD YouTube has lots of music interaction and improve social experience anxiety, so you’ll be therapy videos. skills. happy to hear that music therapy reduces anxiety.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic In 2004, researchers from Florida State University published a study in the Journal of Music Therapy.57 They found that all music interventions I think best of all, music therapy is used with children and teens with ASD improved social behaviors and just plain ole fun! reduced anxiety; increased focus and attention; increased vocalizations, verbalizations, gestures, and vocabulary; and improved coordination and body awareness.

Week 48: Dental Hygiene, Tics, and the Xylitol Protocol

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic I Look for gum, candy, toothpaste, t’s no secret that children and Studies show that xylitol helps mouthwash, and nasal spray adults with autism often have reduce plaque and cavities.58,59 made with xylitol. poorer oral health than their Bonus: It’s good for ear infections 4–8 exposures per day of xylitol in neurotypical peers. and the immune system, too! the oral and nasal cavities may help with management of tic Consider getting a dental sealant disorders if used on a regular on the molars to help prevent basis. Don’t expect to see results cavities for up to two years. for two months or so.

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) Blend or AM New moms—you should Sipping sports drinks, colas, and #4 before or with breakfast habitually use xylitol gum to juices throughout the day keeps reduce transmission of the the teeth bathed in sugar for an Start probiotics while you’re bacteria that cause cavities to extended time and causes pregnant, and then start your your child.60 What the heck— cavities. Have your child drink infant on a probiotic at birth.61 dads should do it, too! them relatively quickly and be done. Try PerioBiotic probiotic toothpaste by Designs for Health www.designsforhealth.com

Sunday DE x all  Antimicrobial Maintenance Schedule: If your child’s GI Probiotic symptoms haven’t regressed, cut back the AMs to just on AM Blend or AM #5 weekends for a few months, then try cutting back to every other weekend.  Use an AM blend now if you can, otherwise continue to rotate A source for probiotic drops, the AMs. When you run out of the first blend, buy a different lozenges and tablets, including for one for the next round. You can even rotate blends every infants is www.biogaia.com. weekend if you are super motivated. The website also lists some research. Week 49: “Some Angels Have Wings, Others Have Tails” (CCI)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic

There is something magical about A service dog for autism can: Canine Companions for companion and service dogs and  Improve social Independence (CCI) is the largest autism. Often, the child is interactions nonprofit service dog immediately more connected to  Improve communication organization in the world. the world, feels safer, and can go  Improve life skills CCI is renowned for the attention places and do things that were  Calm your child to detail it gives to matching a previously beyond his reach. (Not  Decrease stress in the dog with its owner. every child with autism needs a family The website is: cci.org service dog.)  Increase safety

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) Blend or AM How much does it cost? 4 Paws for Ability says it is “the #6 before or with breakfast All companion dogs and services largest organization whose are FREE through CCI and are primary mission is to place service Autism Service Dogs of America funded by private donations. dogs with children and one of the trains dogs specifically to work only organizations to have no with individuals with ASD. minimum age requirements.” Families contribute $13,500 Cost to the family is at least toward the cost of the dog. Go to: $17,000. The website is: autismservicedogsofamerica.com 4pawsforability.org

Sunday DE x all  You can be a volunteer puppy raiser! Several Probiotic organizations use volunteers to raise the puppies for AM Blend or AM #7 15 to 18 months before returning them for their specialized training. There is often a waiting list of 12 to 24 months or more for a dog, but that time is used for assessment of your needs and personality, plus training and support for you and your child. Week 50: Christmas and Holiday Tips

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic

December always seemed to take Take a leisurely approach: Give yourself permission to not me by surprise. I never had time Some children preferred to send out holiday cards every year. to decorate or bake. Then I unwrap gifts over several days or This was very freeing for me. realized that I could start putting weeks to keep from being Personal record for taking down up a few things every week overwhelmed. the tree: April 10! starting November 1, and voilà—I was actually ready for Christmas!

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) Blend or AM www.Choclat.com makes Holidays can get loud, bright, and #8 before or with breakfast gorgeous holiday-themed GFCF cluttered. Arrange a “safe” room chocolates for all the major where your child can go to Be sure to continue your child’s holidays. We always ordered privately calm down, even when soothing “sensory diet” ahead and asked the school to visiting other homes. throughout the day. See Week use them for those times when 10. children get candy at school.

Sunday  Use electric candles. I became the “hottest” hostess in town DE x all one year after setting the table on fire (in a big way!) during Probiotic my husband’s annual company Christmas dinner. AM Blend or AM #9  One of our earliest Christmas trees went down 9 times before Christmas. On the tenth time being knocked over, Alan put it Build a gluten-free gingerbread up in the basement and locked the door. It went down three house for Valentine’s Day, Easter, more times on Christmas Day. Boys - sheesh! Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Store  We installed a swivel eyebolt in the ceiling and strung 1500- leftover candy in the freezer for pound fishing line to the tree to keep it from being knocked next time. over.  Put the tree in a corner to protect it on two sides.  We decorate with (unbreakable) stuffed animals and characters from our favorite children’s movies, and it makes a very charming tree. Week 51: Yay, LEGO Week!

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic

LEGOs are great for: Resource: Fan the imagination with this  Math skills The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel awesome book:  Matching games Lipkowitz   Fine motor skills LEGO Play Book: Ideas to Bring  Learning colors Your Bricks to Life by Daniel Lipkowitz

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) Blend or AM Ready to start your own LEGO International LEGO Therapy #10 before or with breakfast Club? Advocacy for Autistic Kids: Get the book: www.asdaid.org Tip: LEGO blocks get dirty, and LEGO-Based Therapy: your child can have some great How to Build Social Competence sensory fun by washing them all Through LEGO-based Clubs for in a sink full of soapy bubbles. Children with Autism and Related Conditions by Daniel LeGoff, et al.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic “I’m not sure what to call ‘LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary.’ AM Blend or Sac b Nonfiction? Movie/toy fiction? But it is any LEGO/Star Wars kid’s dream. Call it spectacular.” Jon Scieszka LEGOs are a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with your child. Week 52: What’s on the Radar Screen?

Monday Tuesday Wednesday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic with dinner Probiotic Probiotic

Broccoli sprout extract, rich in Fecal transplants to “reset” and Whipworm therapy and hot sulforaphanes, may help reverse restore the microbiome63,64— baths—both seem to trick the the effects of neuroinflammation, brace yourself, they are coming! immune system into an anti- oxidative stress, low glutathione, inflammatory response.65 and reduced mitochondrial function.62

Thursday Friday Saturday DE x all DE x all DE x all Probiotic Probiotic Probiotic Antimicrobial (AM) Blend or AM Therapeutic cannabis oil66 for I was really surprised to see that #1 before or with breakfast behavior67, calming, and appetite. some researchers are looking into the effects of ecstasy (MDMA or Expect to see a lot more research Molly) for the social anxiety on the gut-brain-immune Many of my patients feel more component of autism.68 connection. connected and social when they use Charlotte’s Web hemp extract formulations.

Sunday DE x all Probiotic Today’s Laugh: AM Blend or AM #2 When discussing the gut-brain connection, a friend of ours asked, “So The relationship between we really do have shit for brains?” environmental toxins and ASD will be getting a lot of attention as well.

Wow, there are so many ideas it was hard to fit them all into one calendar year. This is a huge change from 1995 when I first had children. As you work your way through the year, if you run into any setbacks or unexpected roadblocks, be sure to check Chapter 10, where I offer some trouble-shooting suggestions. If yours aren’t listed, be sure to write to me and let me know what they are.

References for The Online Acon Plan A Year of Ideas to Keep You going

1. Chandler, S., et al., Parent-reported gastro-intesnal symptoms in children with ausm spectrum disorders. J Ausm Dev Disord, 2013. 43(12): p. 2737-47. 2. Keshavarz Afshar, M., et al., Lavender fragrance essential oil and the quality of sleep in postpartum women. Iran Red Crescent Med J, 2015. 17(4): p. e25880.

3. Field, T., et al., Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. Early Hum Dev, 2008. 84(6): p. 399-401.

4. Dietrich, C.G., T. Komann, and M. Alavi, Commercially available probioc drinks containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 reduce anbioc-associated diarrhea. World J Gastroenterol, 2014. 20(42): p. 15837-44.

5. Can, M., et al., Prophylacc Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevenon of anbioc-associated diarrhea: a prospecve study. Med Sci Monit, 2006. 12(4): p. PI19-22.

6. Micklefield, G., [Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment and prevenon of anbioc-associated diarrhea]. MMW Fortschr Med, 2014. 156 Suppl 1: p. 18-22.

7. Flora, K., et al., Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol, 1998. 93(2): p. 139-43.

8. Huang, P., et al., Factors associated with driving in teens with ausm spectrum disorders. J Dev Behav Pediatr, 2012. 33(1): p. 70-4.

9. Cox, N.B., et al., Brief report: driving and young adults with ASD: parents' experiences. J Ausm Dev Disord, 2012. 42(10): p. 2257-62.

10. Sterzing, P.R., et al., Bullying involvement and ausm spectrum disorders: prevalence and correlates of bullying involvement among adolescents with an ausm spectrum disorder. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2012. 166(11): p. 1058-64. 11. Pan, C.Y., Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquac skills and social behaviors in children with ausm spectrum disorders. Ausm, 2010. 14(1): p. 9-28.

12. Papageorgiou, N., et al., Divergent an-inflammatory effects of different oil acute consumpon on healthy individuals. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2011. 65(4): p. 514-9.

13. Das, U.N., Essenal fay acids and their metabolites could funcon as endogenous HMG-CoA reductase and ACE enzyme inhibitors, an-arrhythmic, an-hypertensive, an-atheroscleroc, an-inflammatory, cytoprotecve, and cardioprotecve molecules. Lipids Health Dis, 2008. 7: p. 37. 14. Chen, X., et al., Interleukin-10 mediates the neuroprotection of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury in mice. Neuroscience, 2014. 266: p. 235-43. 15. Chen, L.F., et al., Repetitive hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides better effects on brain inflammation and oxidative damage in rats with focal cerebral ischemia. J Formos Med Assoc, 2014. 113(9): p. 620-8.

16. Lavrnja, I., et al., Repeve hyperbaric oxygenaon aenuates reacve astrogliosis and suppresses expression of inflammatory mediators in the rat model of brain injury. Mediators Inflamm, 2015. 2015: p. 498405.

17. Krajcovicova-Kudlackova, M., et al., Plasma concentraons of selected anoxidants in ausc children and adolescents. Brasl Lek Listy, 2009. 110(4): p. 247-50.

18. Taner, G., et al., Modulang effects of pycnogenol(R) on oxidave stress and DNA damage induced by sepsis in rats. Phytother Res, 2014. 28(11): p. 1692-700.

19. Foundaon, C. Therapeuc Use Of Fish Oil for Apraxia, Ausm and Other Communicaon Impairments. Available from: hp://www.cherabfoundaon.org/2014/therapeuc-use-of-fish-oil/.

20. Chez, M.G., et al., Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-carnosine supplementaon in children with ausc spectrum disorders. J Child Neurol, 2002. 17(11): p. 833-7. 21. Chen, X., et al., Interleukin-10 mediates the neuroprotection of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury in mice. Neuroscience, 2014. 266: p. 235-43.

22. Chen, L.F., et al., Repetitive hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides better effects on brain inflammation and oxidative damage in rats with focal cerebral ischemia. J Formos Med Assoc, 2014. 113(9): p. 620-8.

23. Chungpaibulpatana, J., et al., Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Thai ausc children. J Med Assoc Thai, 2008. 91(8): p. 1232-8. 24. Rossignol, D.A., et al., Hyperbaric treatment for children with ausm: a mulcenter, randomized, double- blind, controlled trial. BMC Pediatr, 2009. 9: p. 21.

25. Duan, S., et al., Angiogenesis contributes to the neuroprotecon induced by hyperbaric oxygen precondioning against focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Int J Neurosci, 2014.

26. Halepoto, D.M., L.Y. Al-Ayadhi, and A.A. Salam, Therapeuc use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with ausm spectrum disorder. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak, 2014. 24(7): p. 508-14.

27. Moreira, P.I., et al., CoQ10 therapy aenuates amyloid beta-pepde toxicity in brain mitochondria isolated from aged diabec rats. Exp Neurol, 2005. 196(1): p. 112-9.

28. Paradies, G., et al., The effect of aging and acetyl-L-carnine on the pyruvate transport and oxidaon in rat heart mitochondria. FEBS Le, 1999. 454(3): p. 207-9.

29. Menor, C., et al., Azathioprine acts upon rat hepatocyte mitochondria and stress-acvated protein kinases leading to necrosis: protecve role of N-acetyl-L-cysteine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2004. 311(2): p. 668-76.

30. Arivazhagan, P., K. Ramanathan, and C. Panneerselvam, Effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on mitochondrial enzymes in aged rats. Chem Biol Interact, 2001. 138(2): p. 189-98.

31. Liu, J. and B.N. Ames, Reducing mitochondrial decay with mitochondrial nutrients to delay and treat cognive dysfuncon, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Nutr Neurosci, 2005. 8(2): p. 67-89.

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