Family Aidan Quinn

Sensory Strategies | Latest Research | Healing Through Nutrition Family Wellness FEB-MAR 2014 Healthy ISSUE 54 Mind, Body & Spirit Providing Hope and Help for Autism Families Green Home– Aidan Healthy Kids Top family health Quinn strategies from Speaks out on Deirdre Imus parenting, vaccines, and unmet needs Toxins, Allergens, in the ASD community & ASD Bestselling author Dr. Doris Rapp with what you need to know NOW

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POLLY’S PIECE Remembering Avonte Wandering incidents continue taking a toll on autism families… BY POLLY TOMMEY

s the world now knows, the autism community lost another inno- Acent life last month. Fourteen-year-old Avonte Oquendo wandered away from his school in Queens, New York during a transition period this past October. The wide scale search for Avonte POLLY TOMMEY ended tragically on January 17th Editor-in-Chief when his remains were discov- Polly Tommey is one of the ered along the shore of the East world’s leading advocates for children and families impacted River. A deeply disturbing and by autism spectrum disorders. painful reminder of just how vul- She has presented at the European Parliament and nerable our children with autism given voice to autism issues are, Avonte’s death has sparked before leaders of industry and government. She is the founder an outpouring of sympathy and of both The Autism Channel, on compassion from families around Europe’s Sky Television, and also Autism File magazine, where she the world who know the horror of serves as Editor-in-Chief. Her having a child who goes missing. book, Autism: A Practical Guide Wandering incidents are on the rise in the autism community and to Improving Your Child’s obviously, they pose serious physical risks to our loved ones. In a study Quality of Life conducted in 2012 by the Interactive Autism Community (IAN), 29% of (co-authored with Jonathan parents reported that their child had wandered from a school or classroom. Tommey) is According to the National Autism Association (NAA), “There is no mandate available via Amazon.com. that requires schools to report a wandering or bolting incident, so we suspect the actual number is much higher.” Because the many risks to our children are so real and so serious, we have placed the topic of safety high on our priority list for discussion at our b Give Autism A Chance Summit on April 12, 2014 in Austin, Texas. NAA President Wendy Fournier will be on hand to provide crucial strategies to “Wandering incidents counter wandering and keep our families safe. In addition to Wendy and the safety panelists, we’ll have other experts gathering together to discuss every day issues as well as “big picture” topics are on the rise in the such as the future of our children with autism. As the panels will operate in a question and answer format, you’ll be able to ask our panelists anything you’d autism community and like. A list of our panelists and the topics covered along with where to get tickets—and they’re very limited—can be found at www.theautismtrust.org. Our celebrity guests are Aidan Quinn and Rob Schneider and many obviously, they pose of you will recognize high-proﬁle professionals and parents as well. Of course, Autism File will be there so you will be able to meet our Editor, Rita Shreffler, and our team which includes Kimberly Linderman and Maria serious physical risks Milik. Additionally, we’ll have many siblings present to interview parents and vendors during session breaks and report from their craft table. to our loved ones.” As we continue our preparations for the Summit in Austin, we will keep Avonte in our hearts with the hope that future wandering incidents can be effectively avoided. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Avonte’s family a and friends. _ 2 FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

Jodie A. Dashore, OTD, MS, OTR/L, HHP Editor-in-Chief Polly Tommey [email protected] Dr. Dashore is a Board Certified Doctor of Occupational Therapy, special- Executive Editor izing in pediatric neurology. She completed her BS and MS (Pediatric Rita Shreffler [email protected] Neurology) in 1991 from King Edward Medical School in Bombay, Art Director India and her Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University in 2004. Dr. Mary Francis McGavic [email protected] Dashore received a post-doctoral certification in Sensory Integration from Editorial Assistant University of Southern California and is Board Certified in Holistic and Energy Medicine Mollie Shreffler [email protected] and Homotoxicology. Dr. Dashore is the founder and Medical Director of Integrative Advertising Director of Advertising and Marketing Neuro-Sensory Associates, LLC , a functional medicine and Sensory Integration practice Kimberly LindermanLMJOEFSNBO!BVUJTNñMFDPNr in Marlboro, NJ working with children and adults from across the country who suffer Advertising Account Executive from autism, Lyme Disease, PANDAS, autoimmune disease, and much more. Aimee AllenbackBJNFF!DJSDMFNHNUDPNr Louise Goldberg, MA Editorial Advisory Board Louise Goldberg is the author of Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Mary Holland, Esq. Mary Holland is managing director of the Elizabeth Special Needs, published by WW Norton in August, 2013. She has taught Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy, and a board yoga to students of all ages for over 30 years and is on the faculty of the member of the Coalition for Vaccine Safety. Yoga Teacher Training at the YogaCenter of Deerfield Beach, Florida. She Julie Matthews, CNC leads certification trainings across the country for yoga teachers, educators, Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant specializing in autism, and author of Nourishing Hope for Autism and Cooking to Heal. therapists, and parents in Creative Relaxation® Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Maria Milik Needs. Louise has a DVD, featuring children on the spectrum, and is co-author of S.T.O.P. and Maria Milik is the mother of two boys on the autism spectrum Relax ©2010, a curriculum for visual learners, used in programs internationally. She has been and a long-time advocate for families affected by autism. She has a consultant to the Broward Schools since 1982 and teaches yoga at the Miami Children’s developed a wide network of parents and professionals seeking answers for the many challenges an ASD diagnosis brings with it. Hospital-DanMarino Center summer camp. Louise is a licensed massage therapist specializing James A. Moody in cranial sacral therapy, and has taught remedial reading and English at the middle school, Jim Moody is a practicing attorney and Founder of Citizens high school, and college levels. Visit Louise online at http://yogaforspecialneeds.com/. for a Competitive Economy. He is very active in cause- related advocacy and has dedicated himself to serving Deirdre Imus the autism community for nearly two decades. Shannon King Nash, Esq., CPA Deirdre Imus is president and founder of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Shannon is an attorney who has been featured as a tax, Health Center® at Hackensack University Medical Center, founder finance and legal expert in numerous publications. She is of dienviro.org, a website devoted to environmental health, and co- co-founder of Colored My Mind, an autism outreach nonprofit. founder/co-director of the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer. Stephen Shore, EdD She is a New York Times best-selling author, and a frequent contributor Stephen Shore is an assistant professor at the Ammon School of Education at Adelphi University, teaching to FoxNewsHealth.com, and Fox Business Channel. In her quest to clean up the environ- special education with an emphasis on autism. ment for our kids, Deirdre developed the award-winning Greening The Cleaning® program Chantal Sicile-Kira and product line, which replaces the hazardous ingredients commonly found in cleaning Chantal Sicile-Kira is an award-winning author, speaker, and leader agents with non-toxic plant-based ingredients. Deirdre has been the recipient of numerous in the field of adolescence and the transition to adulthood. She is the past co-chair of the South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce of the awards and honors for her impact as a leader in the field of environmental health. California Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders. Carol Stott Brian R. King, LCSW Carol Stott is a Chartered Psychologist and epidemiologist Brian R. King is a bestselling author, 25-year cancer survivor, and is specializing in the identification and assessment of children and adults with autism and related conditions, and the co- diagnosed with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Asperger’s. He’s also the father of founder of BeginningwithA, (BWA), a diagnostic training three sons on the autism spectrum. Brian is known worldwide for his and assessment consultancy based in Cambridge, UK. books and highly engaging presentations that teach the power of con- Eric Uram nection and collaboration. His strategies empower others to overcome Eric Uram is Executive Director at SafeMinds, a non-profit dedicated to helping our children by stopping the environmental exposures their differences so they can build powerful and lasting partnerships. Brian’s motto is: triggering the epidemic of autism and its related problems. We’re all in this together. Anju Usman, MD Anju Usman specializes in biomedical interventions for children with Doris Rapp, MD ADD, autism and related disorders, and is co-founder of the Autism Center for Enlightenment, a non-profit which supports research, Dr. Rapp is a board-certified environmental medical specialist, pedi- education and biomedical therapies for families in need. atric allergist and a homeopath who practiced traditional allergy Paul Whiteley, PhD medicine for 18 years. After learning about environmental medicine in Paul Whiteley has researched autism spectrum and related conditions 1975, Dr. Rapp began to incorporate the principles of environmental GPSZFBST)JTCMPH XXXRVFTUJPOJOHBOTXFSTCMPHTQPUDPN focuses on discussing various facets of autism and related research. medicine into her pediatric allergy practice. A past President of the Andrew Wakefield, MB, BS American Academy of Environmental Medicine, Dr. Rapp is also the author of 11 books Andrew Wakefield is an academic gastroenterologist who has including the bestsellers Is this Your Child? and Is This Your Child’s World? She has also QVCMJTIFEPWFSPSJHJOBMTDJFOUJñDBSUJDMFT CPPLDIBQUFST BOE produced numerous educational videotapes and audiotapes for the public, educators invited scientific commentaries. and physicians. Dr. Rapp believes it is imperative that both the public and physicians The content of the letters/articles and advertisements in Autism File reflect the views of the respective contributor/advertiser, and not recognize that multiple body areas and a wide range of symptoms can be produced in those of the editor/publisher. allergic patients who have unrecognized and atypical forms of allergies. 3 4

Intuitive and Fun Picture-to-Speech ® Communication for Nonverbal Children

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Why Avatalker AAC? Avatalker® AAC is designed for easy communication of wants, needs and What kind XLSYKLXWXLVSYKLERIJ½GMIRXERH intuitive interface, with two levels for of bird do a wide range of ability. We minimized XLIRYQFIVSJ½RKIVXSYGLIW you see? needed for phrase building to ensure the user always knows where to ½RHXLIMVRI\X[SVH*MRHMRKERH selecting symbols/words is a breeze with Avatalker® AAC! I can Available on Apple App Store see a see Avatalker AAC under Education. cardinal Watch our recent interview with Polly Tommey of Autism File magazine

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www.avatalkeraac.com FEBRUARY–MARCH 2014 in this issue… features

` ALL IN THE FAMILY By Deirdre Imus ...... 26 Employ healthy strategies to keep you & your family at your best. Since the health status of any individual ` CONNECTING THROUGH MOVEMENT By Louise Goldberg ..30 impacts the entire family, work together 26 to keep you and yours functioning in Kids on the spectrum can ﬁnd huge health beneﬁts through practicing yoga. top form. ` TIES THAT BIND By Brian R. King ...... 36 Effective communication between parents boosts the entire family.

` CHRONIC INFECTIONS AND ASD By Jodie A. Dashore ...... 41 Many behavioral and sensory symptoms can be triggered by underlying infections.

` TOXINS, ALLERGENS, & AUTISM By Dr. Doris Rapp ...... 46 Exposure to environmental toxins can have profound health consequences. departments Yoga offers families the opportunity to ALL WE CAN HANDLE ...... 10 have fun together while building healthier ` By Kim Stagliano 30 bodies and promoting self-esteem. The further we get from diagnosis, the more we need our fellow ASD parents. ` AN INTERVIEW WITH...AIDAN QUINN ...... 13 The father and actor reﬂects on parenting an adult on the spectrum.

` NUTRITION FRONT By Julie Matthews ...... 16 Nutritional evaluation is critical for children with autism.

` SENSORY SMARTS By Lindsey Biel ...... 20 Use these cold weather strategies to ensure your child stays active and healthy.

` AGES & STAGES By Chantal Sicile-Kira ...... 24 Redeﬁning “family life” when autism is a factor. Maximizing communication skills ` NUTRITION SOLUTIONS By Elouise Robinson ...... 54 36 between you and your partner allows Quick, delicious—and all GF/CF! you to truly work as a team.

` SAFEMINDS: SPECIAL REPORT By the SafeMinds Team ...... 58 Conﬂicting evidence of mercury toxicity.

` ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES By Debbie Lundgren ...... 62 Autism and CEASE Therapy. regulars ` POLLY’S PIECE ...... 1 ` TIPS FROM THE TEAM ...... 52 ` FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS ...... 2 ` RESEARCH ROUNDUP ...... 65 ` MIND’S EYE ...... 6 ` QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ...... 60 Dr. Doris Rapp, author if the bestselling ` GIVE AUTISM A CHANCE ...... 9 ` SPECTRUM MUMMY ...... 69 book Is This Your Child?, explains the THE WAY I SEE IT ...... 23 46 ` connection between toxic exposures and adverse health outcomes in children. ON THE COVER: Actor, producer, and autism parent Aidan Quinn. 6 HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Mind’s Eye Art Across the Spectrum

“GIRL KISSING DOG” CHARCOAL DRAWING BY JUSTIN CANHA

“I started creating pet portraits, exotic plants and ﬂowers, Hair Salon, which sells my Etsy line of art before I was and children’s wall art, which you can Children’s Wall Art. I love to inspire chil- talking,” says Justin buy on Etsy.com.” dren and help bring out their creativity.” Canha. “Drawing The young artist also has a business Justin also enjoys listening to classical and painting are drawing children’s favorite animated music, baking and decorating cookies, my special gifts and the way I connect characters at parties and events. In cakes and cupcakes, horseback riding, with people. My dream is that I will be December, he volunteers a lot of his taking art classes at the School of Visual able to support myself independently time helping out children’s organizations Arts in New York, watching animated through selling my art and teaching and at hospital holiday parties. “Seeing movies and working out. “My parents classes.” Justin’s work has been dis- children laugh and smile makes me so and teachers taught me how to prepare played in many galleries and universities happy,” says Justin. meals, take care of our dog and travel by throughout the United States. He’s rep- Teaching is another of his passions. bus and train so I’ve learned to become resented by the Ricco Maresca Gallery Currently, he teaches at two elementary pretty independent, which I enjoy.” in New York City. schools in his hometown of Montclair, Please LIKE Justin’s Facebook page Justin’s favorite things to sketch are NJ as well as at the McCarton School www.facebook.com/justincanhasart. Looney Toons, Disney and Sesame Street for students on the Autism Spectrum Justin is part of The Art of Autism ex- characters as well as animals. “I love to in New York. According to Justin, “This hibit in February at the Good Purpose paint in watercolor and am an expert year, I will also be teaching cartooning Gallery in Lee, Massachusetts www. in mixing colors,” he commented. “I’ve classes to autistic students through the the-art-of-autism.com. His art is fea- also worked with charcoal and pastels. ‘Train the Talent’ program in Brooklyn, tured on the cover of the book The Art Right now, I’m mostly painting custom NY and at the Pigtails & Crewcuts of Autism: Shifting Perceptions. _ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 7 Speak Your Mind

That’s the Spirit! son was getting sicker and sicker and What a treat your holiday issue was! we had no clue why even after just Such a beautiful cover and so many about every kind of test imaginable. helpful articles that I’ve shared with We ﬁnally found we had mold in our family and friends far and wide. I kitchen ceiling and moved into an especially liked the thoughtful article apartment while that whole part of the by Christina Adams on autism and house was re-built. I can’t stress enough faith and the holiday recipes were how dangerous toxic mold can be— fabulous too. Many thanks for this thank you for this article, Autism File. incredible resource—keep it coming, —Alicia Autism File! —Amanda The VICP’s Stacked Deck Many thanks to SafeMinds and the Thank you for the latest issue Autism File for speaking out about the (which I still can’t believe is a free VICP—which truly is a hopelessly download—thanks for that too!). I was broken system. It’s appalling that feeling a bit down at the beginning families adversely affected by vaccines of the holiday season as each year blessing at times. Thanks for are expected to just endure whatever I’m reminded of how differently I’d addressing it in the magazine. injuries their children have sustained. envisioned spending Christmas and —Michael Because of this program, what incentives New Year’s with my children who both do vaccine makers have to ensure their were diagnosed with autism many Autism and Mold Toxicity products are safe? None. With no threat years ago. The article on autism and What an eye-opener the piece on spirituality struck a chord with me and mold toxicity from Dr. Berndtson was.

46 ADVOCACY brought me out of my slump. I don’t Although our home doesn’t have these The VICP’s Stacked D Advocates call for overhaul—or abolition— think any of us would have chosen issues, I do notice that sometimes when of a hopelessly broken vaccine injury compensation system…eck BY THE SAFEMINDS TEAM this particular journey but it helps we visit a friend of mine for more than ontrary to what the govern Cment and media would like- us to believe, vaccine injury in this country is hardly rare. More than 30,000 “adverse events” get reported an nually to the official federal monitoring knowing that we’re not alone. a few hours, my daughter and I both - program for vaccine safety, with 424,135 cases listed since 1990. Many experts, however, believe the public underre ports injuries by a factor of up to one —Kathryn seem to develop respiratory issues and hundred times because no legal require- - ment exists for reporting adverse events to the system. This means up to 42.4 million Americans have experienced an adverse event from a vaccine. just don’t feel well overall. My friend Thankfully, for those events reported, most (roughly 85%) were considered mild (localized pain and swelling, low- grade fever, etc.), but the others were far more serious, including encephalopa Autism on Stage thy (brain damage), seizure disorders, has had one health issue after another chronic arthritis and neurodevelopmen - tal disorders including, as many parents argue, autistic regression. To put it another way, at least 4,500 serious vaccine injuries get reported every year in the - United States. I loved the piece by Sally Rubin ever since she moved into her home Bigstock b groups strongly believe the VICP Many of the injured, including chil- should be dismantled. Barring that, dren (most cases are now brought by “Unfortunately, by the it must be quickly and radically over adults), become eligible to file for mon- hauled to make it fulfill Congress’ etary damages from the Vaccine Injury intent for compensating the vaccine-- about her son’s upcoming opera, a few years ago. I’m now wondering Compensation Program (VICP), which time we found out and injured. Despite these intentions, some people incorrectly call vaccine VICP and the associated programs “court.” Sadly, staggeringly few cases in Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting have actually received compensation. realized he was suffering System (VAERS) have resulted in Last year, 2,697 claims were filed indefensible vaccine safety efforts, Samlandia, in your December/January if there may be a mold issue and am and all but 258 (9.5%) were dismissed. inadequate warnings about vaccine Since 1990, just 3,400 cases (about with autism induced by risks and insufficient compensation 25% of the total) have been paid for many of the vaccine-injured. out, even though the true number of potentially eligible cases was unques What follows describes the pro mercury neurotoxicity, gram, a list of needed reforms, and issue. My daughter also has an sending her the link to the article. tionably much higher. As of October - information parents need to know. 17, 2013, $2.8 billion has been award- ed, which may seem like a lot, but VICP 101 averages out to only $823,530 per per - we were outside the Congress established the VICP in son, often just enough to cover lifetime 1986 to standardize the national autism diagnosis and perfect pitch as Even if it doesn’t turn out to be a mold expenses but not any damages. - statute of limitations.” immunization program that indem This system could not be more bro- nifies the medical and pharmaceuti ken. SafeMinds and other advocacy cal industries from lawsuits, com- pensates those injured, and promotes- well so I enjoyed reading about this issue, at least it’s something she could a safer vaccines in the war on com - municable disease. VICP was seen as - young man’s progress. The ability to rule out. Thanks for publishing this identify sounds in this unique way important information! still amazes me although it seems —Debbie of legal or financial repercussions—

a mixed 27 and government agencies with which ATIVITY ART AND CRE TheT article on toxic mold they share a revolving door—drug

ATIVITY AND CRE 26 ART wasw great and it’s so makers can pretty much do whatever Autism importantim for families to they want, raking in astonishing

Takes a Bigstock beb aware of this potential proﬁts while maiming and even killing Bow threat. The story about innocent children. I can’t think of

Samlandia From Scene One of R U B IN ASK CLOWN— what happened to any other industry that enjoys this GAS M New opera reflects upon the epicBY SALLY hero’s PARK journey that is life on the spectrum… as Sam you’re always at theLet’s mercy get him of stormy weather. — Clay David as Valier and Sam Rubin - TAKING THE STAGE g as an inde talking. Let’s get him holding a ? you name it. In in Samlandia hy Samlandia he name of the opera— pencil. Let’s... - in the hero’s journey and Sam finding his footin ford. Sam, at Samlandia: A Gondola our case, because of the finan pendent, capable young man in the world. W the Presson family is level of protection from liability for TV drama, TRide Through Love and cial toll that autism took on - The West Wing Because our kids are heroes and this story represents one Washington D.C., Sam met actor Bradley Whit —evokes many our family, I was always look nds. Brad invited possible and hopeful conclusion for the epic hero’s journeypecial Out of Autism that time, a devoted follower of t. ing for out-of-the-box ways that autism is. images, one being a placid gon- was inspired by Brad. They became frie en in anima- to educate Sam, to make the- Clay David, himself, is the brother of someone with s - dola ride through, as the But,play Sam to the set of the show and the die was caso, Sam’s always calls it, a sensory sea of love. world relevant for him, to con And one more thing: Sam’s dad and I have be needs. So, Clay understands in his bones the intricacies of practically identical to faulty products. Samlandia, Clay plays Valier, for Sam Rubin and his fam- nect the dots. And, because tion and video production for our careers. S navigating the world when a child’s or sibling’s situation de these kids get therapized to mands it. In addition to directing ily, as with all families with been exposed to cameras and editing equipment.th He in can’t front a child with special needs, it death, we just needed to find remember when he didn’t have a camera to his eye. Sam’s the adult caretaker who represents parent, helper, and teacher. hasn’t been smooth sailing. ways to lighten things up so education has been a hybrid of stage and film, bo - that every day wasn’t about irected, and shot Cue the music Still, as Sam (who plays therapy. of the camera and behind it, participating in San Francisco’s ong the cadre my family’s story. Our —Bob school and - Rocket in the internet TV se-) Film Workshop for Teens in which he wrote, d award at The lyrics, written by Sam, Clay and Sally, are jauntily sup ries The Rocket Family Chronicles For example, Sam wasn’t several short films which have shown Dreamat festivals in Color from LA to ported by a prolific and fluid musical score. Am says, “When you’ve been giv- understanding the concept of Milan and have won Sam the Target’s of composers working on the score is Sam, whose composi en a lemon, make lemonade. dialogue. Once he started to the Los Angeles Film Festival for directing when he was fifteen. tions, inspired by such composers as Legiti and John don’t Cage, natu- Autism’s my lemon.” Diagnosed- talk, he had it wired up that include sounds from machines and the naturalth sensitive landscape, ears with high-functioning au if “I’m talking, only I talk.” Finding Samlandia something that people on the autism spectrum ions are ARDS— Sam receiving the Target “Dream in high school, tism at age three years seven REAPING REW tival for directing “Lipstick,” a If he’s talking, only he talks. Fast forward to high school graduation. Now what? After rally filter out; that, as Sam says, “People wi re, songs, And we were unable to undo hear as part of everyday music.” Sam’s composit months, Sam’s parents did what Color Award” at the LA Film Fes the grueling experience of getting through y Theatre, this habit in Speech Therapy. haunting and dissonant, providing both overtu every parent does when autism student film about gender identity. e they enacted we decided that Sam should take a GAP year. g,He and kept piano. up ey. moves in with them, they got with acting through classes at Berkeley Repertor and an underscore that carries the show forward ethrough sidebar.) we want to hear from you! responds, back AP year. And to work dealing with the many So, we put him in a youth acting class wher studied Italian, German, classical vocal singin the various moods evoked along the journ Email your letters and photographs to us at l systems-failure commercials. Child A says a line. Child B David, a former Sam has a genetic gift called, for example,perfect pitch. plays (Seunder a scene layers of illness associated with isorder. By It went so well, we decided to do a second G Samlandia. and forth between A and B. That did the trick. But, more His Cinq Niveaux de Tristesse This is my journey of journeys it and the many facets of developmenta it was during this time that he and Clay ump of ideas s of a sensory sea / caused by an underlying systemic autoimmune d than that, we discovered that we had an actor on our Broadway actor himself, conceived the idea of entitled “Silkworm” when he sings, ke sense to e, making up for hands. So, I let him try out forthat Tiny theatre Tim director in a production Clay David of ight scenes for / Through the eye of the needle / Along the wall the Autism File, [email protected] may be edited for length, clarity, and age thirteen, Sam was, more or less, back on-line and making ity college. Clay got together with Sam to do a brain d , he and Valier Dickens’ A Christmas Carol And what I’m quietly yearning / Is to have it (all) ma up for time lost in development. But, of cours (Sam’s brain) which coalesced into the e isolation of in Sam’s case, was directing and producing at a local commun , an operatic and theatrical experience which takes me.” Then, when Doctor Neuroticus comes on lost time includes numerous fronts: reading, writing, learning l of his plays and Samlandia the ropes of the social-emotional landscape and, Sam got the role. And since that time, it’s been at all the about New the audience on a trip from the depths of the style. Your correspondence is important to us and we value your input; however we’re unable dealing with math dyscalculia. acting and singing. Clay cast him in severa , in a chance autism through the tricky maze of special education, ending helped Sam to get an internship at age thirteen at. You keep ye specialist in Staying afloat Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. Earlier n affected with meeting while on a visit to a developmental e to publish or respond to every letter. All letters submitted become the property of the Autism As we’ve all experienced, autism’s like a bo tone and throwing money at it just to keep the perso it afloat. It’s always about the next little miles File magazine. 8 PRODUCT PICKS

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READ ALL ABOUT IT… 32 Tips that Could The Other Half of The Independent Woman’s Save Your Life Asperger Syndrome Handbook for Super Written by New York This is an updated Safe Living on the Times bestselling author, second edition of the Autistic Spectrum Doris J. Rapp, MD, this is first book ever pub- This handbook serves as a handy guide for recog- lished for partners of a guide for women with nizing and avoiding individuals diagnosed autism and Asperger’s toxins in everything from with Asperger’s for self-protection in a foods and drinks to cleaning products Syndrome (AS). The wide variety of real-life and flooring. Case histories involving author, who has been a counselor situations. Through toxic exposures are provided through- for couples affected by Asperger’s for surveys and interviews out the book to illustrate how toxins the past 10 years, explains what AS with women both on and off the spec- can be effectively eliminated. Dr. Rapp is and offers straightforward strate- trum, the author has compiled a points out that allergies can affect any gies for coping with relationship wealth of information to help readers area of both the body and the brain. challenges in areas as diverse as recognize potential risks to personal The book also provides a wealth of effective communication, handling safety. Practical skills for avoiding tables for quick identification of the financial matters, and parenting. threats to one’s safety are explained in sources of many toxins and in what The second edition of this handy areas including friendship, sex, alco- manner they can adversely affect relationship guide will be available hol, drugs, finances, employment, and human health. For more information in March, 2014. online activity. from Dr. Rapp, see page 46 of this Maxine Aston Robyn Steward issue of the Autism File. (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) (Jessica Kingsley Publishing) Doris J. Rapp, MD (Perfect Bound Marketing) Send your tips on great reads and useful products to info@autismfile.com GIVE AUTISM A CHANCE 9 Meet James Bye

Navigating the workplace and beyond…

ames Bye, an 18-year-old with J autism, gains work experience every Wednesday morning at The Autism Trust’s UK headquarters in Sunninghill. He prefers doing behind the scenes jobs for Polly’s Place, The Autism Trust’s social enterprise store, like making labels for the new aa BEHINDB THE SCENES—James Bye plays an impor- products and preparing them to go tanttant role in making stock checks and taking inventory on sale in the shop and gallery. His at PoPolly’slly’ Place. thoroughness makes him great at stock checks and the Polly’s Place team can enthusiasts. Currently, James is sell- perfect directions on the UK motor- always count on him for help with taking a range of handmade key chains ways. His mom says he’s better than ing inventory. featuring planes and birds in the store. her GPS! “I love having him in the car He also sells his own work in the He loves seeing his items sell and when with me—we never get lost!” _ store, earning money and giving him asked what he’ll do with the money even more insight into personal ﬁnanc- that he earns from the social enterprise FIND OUT MORE es and careers. Fueled by his interest store, he said, “I think I’ll buy some You can see all of James’s amazing work in planes, he made an entire series airplane models.” on sale at Polly’s Place in Sunninghill or online at www.theautismtrust.org.uk/ of models of his favorite planes that He’s also amazing at navigation collections/vendors?q=James+Bye sold out within weeks to other plane and while he doesn’t drive, he can give

NOW IN PAPERBACK!

www.kimstagliano.com 10 ALL WE CAN HANDLE Widening the Family Circle The further we get from the time of diagnosis, the more we need our fellow autism parents…

BY KIM STAGLIANO

love the theme of this is- recall. In January of 2000 I wrote I sue of Autism File: “Whole in upper case letters across the Family Health.” At first calendar (paper back then, glance, you might think not on a smart phone) that means the physi- “WE WILL FIX THIS!” cal and perhaps mental Then I embarked on find- health of your immediate ing people to help. It’s a family. Mom, Dad, kids. lonely time for us. We’re But that’s just the start of often sent home with a series of ever widening our diagnosed child and concentric circles that we Bigstock precious little else. The call “family.” And “health” autism scavenger hunt is more than just what is begins—which treatments, happening in the body or which educational pro- mind. In one of my usual grams, which doctors, meds, analogies (Hi, I’m Kim, have supplements, “that” diet... It’s a we met?) I would say the circles wonder any of us survive the first are akin to the police investigative year after diagnosis. technique of looking at those closest to And while I haven’t “fixed” my the victim first and then opening up girls’ autism, we’ve come a long way the search to people further removed. in 15 years and now find ourselves on And health? That’s as much about the the brink of young adulthood. Mia is ability to function in peace and some 19. Gianna will be 18 this summer form of happiness as it is about choles- and “baby” Bella is already 13. terol and blood pressure. But survive we do—and then we For the most part, our children start to realize there is another circle have been diagnosed at a pretty young in our family. In-laws. Aunts and age—usually under four or five. I to let that pit in your stomach dissi- uncles. Closest friends. Therapists. know there are those kids diagnosed pate—I remember ours in November Teachers. From there we find the later, especially those with Asperger’s, of 1999 as if it were yesterday) we “kindred spirit” circle of family. but for the sake of argument, let’s use tend to hunker down into immedi- Those friends who have walked our “preschool” as the age I’m discussing. ate family mode. Mom and/or Dad walk. They are the Facebook friends takes control of setting up schooling, who “get it,” and are always there to REMEMBERING D-DAY medical and biomedical care, chang- lend a comforting word or to swear At that time, D-Day, D for diagno- ing diet, revamping the household for right along with you when the you sis, (oh, feel free to take a moment safety. It’s an introspective time, as I know what hits the floor—er...fan! Then there’s one more circle KIMKIM SSTAGLIANO...TAGLIANO.. waaaaay out there that we sometimes ...I’m Kim Stagliano, wife, mom, writer, tired! My husband and I have three gorgeous neglect to acknowledge, and that is girls—who have autism. Kind of impossible, considering autism affects boys 4:1 the autism community in general. over girls. Mark and I have learned that impossible is often inescapable though. My book, All I Can Handle: I’m No Mother Teresa, is a humorous look at a life that has been Our autism family. And that’s where anything but ordinary or easy—and yet is full of laughter, joy and love. I promise, you things can get sticky. The autism won’t need a Prozac to read it. I’m Managing Editor of www.ageofautism.com, the community is fractured and there nation’s first daily web newspaper about the autism epidemic. I also write forThe Huffington Post and the MSNBC TodayMom’s blog. I graduated from Boston College with a certain autism are squabbles that have taken up our dad named Doug Flutie. My husband Mark and I live in CT with Mia, Gianna and Bella. _ time and sapped our energy. ALL WE CAN HANDLE 11

ACROSS THE DIVIDE I am chatting with moms and dads That doesn’t mean I will compromise As Managing Editor of Age of Autism who maybe don’t really like me. And my ethics, my beliefs in autism causa- I have a bird’s eye view of the com- I mean in the old fashioned emotion- tion, my fervent desire for treatment munity—the good, the great, the bad al way, not a click on social media. and yes, a cure, and my girls’ bio- and yes, the ugly. And in 2013, there Yes, there are many folks who have medical needs. Not for a moment. But was enough of each to go around, a preconceived notion of who I am. in the grand scheme of the nation, a come back, and go around again. I’m I am sharing ideas with parents who fragmented autism community will kind of done with that. Neither my have been on the other side of the not have access to the money and laws girls nor I have the time or luxury divide that exists in the autism com- we are going to need as the epidemic of in-ﬁghting. munity. And you know what? That’s ages into adulthood. With age come wrinkles, but also OK. Everyone with a child on the I am opening my arms to new fam- a bit of wisdom. And I am learning spectrum is in a similar boat—albeit ily members for the sake of my girls’ that my girls are part of a larger com- there are many decks. (Insert poop future. One of the first companies I munity than just our household—or joke here.) worked with when the girls were di- their classroom—or the biomedical agnosed was an Occupational Therapy and vaccine safety autism commu- FINDING COMMON GROUND catalog called, “Different roads to nity. As I am starting to dip my toe I want my girls—who are each quite learning.” I chuckle today, a decade and (tentatively, trust me, I’m scared to different from one another—to have a a half later, that those different roads death) into the reality of post high safe, happy, productive life. Gee, that may converge in some way—and I’ll school and housing and employ- sounds like every parent in the world, call it “Different roads to living.” ment, I am coming into contact with doesn’t it? There are bright minds from So, my family members—yes, new friends who haven’t been on the all walks of life and backgrounds who you—who wants to host Thanksgiving same path as I have—as many of us make up our autism community fam- this year? We’re going to need a big, have—in terms of treatment and ily and I’d be a fool to dismiss them big, big table... And a separate dish for autism approaches. because of differences here or there. the gluten-free stuffing._ 12 THE INTERVIEW THE INTERVIEW 13 Speaking His Mind

Not one to back down from controversy, Aidan Quinn reﬂects on vaccine injury and the autism epidemic…

INTERVIEW BY POLLY TOMMEY, AUTISM FILE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

n addition ` PT: How is the Ito his many Center financed? film and Through fundrais- TV roles, actor ing? and producer Aidan Quinn is ` AQ: Fundrais- known among ing is a crucial autism parents and an impor- for speaking out tant component, on the link be- but that alone tween vaccines isn’t enough and autism— to sustain the no small un- program, or dertaking given any program of the potential this magnitude. pushback from Eventually, the publicly taking government has on what’s con- to get involved sidered a con- in such a huge troversial topic. and complex Mr. Quinn is also on the board of endeavor because even if personal directors of the Center for Discovery, b wealth is a factor, you just can’t a national specialty center for the ad- keep things moving forward to vanced care of children and adults meet the level of needs. It does get with severe and complex disabilities People have a right to complicated when state and federal located 100 miles northwest of New governments become involved as it York City. His daughter, now 24, was gives them some decision-making diagnosed with autism 22 years ago know everything— power—but it’s absolutely neces- and now resides at the Center for Dis- sary for sustainability. covery. Autism File Editor-in-Chief Polly Tommey recently met with Mr. good or bad—about ` PT: Can you give our readers an over- Quinn in New York to discuss the view of the Center for Discovery? Center and what the future holds for the vaccines given to individuals with autism. ` AQ: The atmosphere is really more like a university than just a resi- ` Polly Tommey: I’m very impressed their children and they dential facility and it’s doing some with all I’ve heard about the Center extraordinary things. We have an for Discovery. How did the program incredible director, Patrick Dol- get started? also have every right lard, who’s very forward-thinking and has this amazing and dynam- ` Aidan Quinn: It was started 60 years ic energy, and we’re blessed with ago by a group of parents as a to ask questions about a remarkable and dedicated staff. facility for individuals diagnosed Patrick has been instrumental in as medically fragile or with Ce- getting the involvement of politi- rebral Palsy. Now, however, be- vaccine safety. cians and others in the commu- cause of the autism epidemic, nity so that they really want to be about 40% of the residents are supportive of our efforts. We also on the spectrum. a have an organic, biodynamic farm 14 TTHEHE IINTERVIEWNTERVIEW

that feeds not only the residents exponential increase in autism casein sensitivities and other gas- but the staff as well. Additionally, rates and the unmet needs of so trointestinal problems. the farm allows as many people as many of those affected by autism. possible to have productive jobs. ` PT: Is your daughter on the GF/CF Having a a healthy food system ` PT: What kinds of work and activities diet? is very important to children and do they have for the residents? adults with autism. ` AQ: Yes, she is. I don’t know what ` AQ: My daughter works from 8:30 condition she’d be in if we hadn’t ` PT: That’s brilliant. It sounds like the in the morning until 2:30 in the implemented the diet. She had ex- Center has experienced a lot of afternoon mucking stalls, feeding treme bowel problems and while growth in the past 60 years. hay to the horses, gathering eggs she still has issues and it’s an on- from the chickens—she’s become going struggle, she’s much health- ` AQ: Yes, it has. We currently employ a farm girl. She really likes all the ier than she would be without the over 1,500 people and have 330 movement; she’s not wired to just diet. It’s tough to stick with, but it’s full-time residents, plus 110 day sit still so this is great for her. For been well worth the effort. students, and we serve hundreds of others who don’t have that kind people through our medical clinic. of mobility, there are jobs like ` PT: You’ve spoken publicly about your We’ve had to grow because of the taking care of the herbs, separat- stance on the question of a link being seeds, etc. Our daughter tried tween vaccines and autism. Can you that for a couple days and it really tell our readers about that? wasn’t for her—she has to be on the move. ` AQ: My daughter was one of the kids adversely affected by the ` PT: What about the food there? Do MMR and vaccines in general. they accommodate people on special She was developing normally and diets? then everything changed. I feel a deep conviction that her regres- ` AQ: Absolutely. Not only are they sion and subsequent autism di- very accommodating to special agnosis are absolutely attributable diets but some of the grant money to vaccine injury. they’re pursuing for scientiﬁc research has to do with gluten and ` PT: Are you angry about what happened with the vaccines?

AQ: _IN CHARACTER—Aidan Quinn currently ` I think what troubles me the plays Captain Thomas Gregson in the popu- most—and actually makes my lar CBS series Elementary which airs Thursday blood pressure go through the nights at 10:00 Eastern. roof—is what’s happened to good THETHE IINTERVIEWNTERVIEW 15

people who even suggest that vac- aCENTER FOR DISCOVERY—The Discovery Health Center is the nation’s first healthcare facility to be registered with the U.S. Green Building Council. The Learning Center (below) is home to cines should be investigated for a several classrooms and a therapeutic swimming pool among other facilities. possible link to autism. People have a right to know everything—good or bad—about the vaccines given cines played a part in their child’s tual lifetime costs of autism care— to their children and they also have autism. Shouldn’t they know? and they really start to hurt. The every right to ask questions about medical establishment also needs vaccine safety. What happened to ` PT: What do you see in the future for an overhaul in its approach. There Andrew Wakefield is unconscio- families dealing with autism? What are a lot of people making a lot of nable—and sends a message to oth- needs to change? money because of autism, yet prac- ers in the medical community who tically no attention is being paid to might also want to ask questions ` AQ: It’s a tough situation as there’s causation or the treatment of un- about vaccines: you risk everything. so much fear around the subject of derlying medical conditions people What’s particularly galling to me is autism. As a parent, when you’re with autism have. That needs to how we, as a culture, a society, can in the midst of struggling with all change. I would also like to see completely discount the direct hor- the various challenges involved, much more interest in fundrais- riﬁc experiences of the parents of you often can’t see the forest for ing for adults with autism because children with autism. In my infor- the trees. I hate to say it, but I don’t in the overwhelming majority of mal survey of parents over the past think things will change until in- cases, autism is a lifelong affliction. 20 years, at least 75% believe vac- surance companies realize the ac- ` PT: What advice do you have for parents of a newly diagnosed child?

` AQ: I’d get into biomedical treatments from the get-go and look at all the possibilities out there, starting with the GF/CF diet. In our daughter’s case, it did make a big difference behaviorally but it couldn’t reverse brain damage. It deﬁnitely made a huge difference in her ability to be functional in the world and in our family. _

FIND OUT MORE

` Center for Discovery www.thecenterfordiscovery.org/ 16 NUTRITION FRONT Nutrition & Autism: A Critical Combination

New Pediatrics case study underscores necessity The boy in this case study ate only chicken nuggets, crackers, cookies of nutritional evaluation for children on and water—a diet not uncommon for the spectrum… a child with autism. He would not eat fruits, vegetables, juice, or vitamins. BY JULIE MATTHEWS This boy developed a limp, fol- lowed by coughing, tachypnea, hypoxia, and tachycardia. He was admitted to the hospital and later diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). His entire medical team was stumped; they could not identify a source to the varied ailments the boy suffered from. His health declined and heart problems arose. Then, on a lark, the boy’s mother mentioned what she thought was an unrelated symptom—that her son had bleeding gums. Shortly afterwards, one doctor recognized that as a symptom of scurvy. He immediately called for a medical work up that identified severe nutritional deficiencies, including “undetectable” levels of vitamin C (cause of scurvy), as well as low vitamin B1, B6, B12, and vitamin D. This boy with autism was suffering from severe malnutrition. Once his nutrient levels were re- plenished, the metabolic bone disease he experience of a boy hos- issues and behavioral symptoms and pulmonary hypertension were Tpitalized for heart issues has that are influenced by the foods they reversed—and a healthy boy revived. shed light on the need for eat and the nutrition they receive. This case study’s findings dem- nutritional evaluation in children And when you consider that picky onstrate that not getting essential with autism—something that the eating is also common with autism, nutrients in the diet can be detri- biomedical autism community and it’s easy to imagine that nutritional mental, and possibly life threatening. I have been shouting for years. His deficiencies may result. Parents try It is one example, but likely not case study was published in the pres- to get calories into their kids how- too uncommon. No child should tigious medical journal, Pediatrics.1 ever they can, though the day-to-day needle s sly suffer bec ause we do not rou- Children with autism routine- struggles often result in less then tinely consider the importance of food ly suffer underlying physiological optimal choices. and nutrition. I don’t want you to worry about JULIEJULIE MATTHEWS...MATTHEWSW this, but please DO understand the …Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant specializing in autism seriousness of nutrient deficiencies, spectrum disorders. She provides dietary guidance backed by scientific research and applied clinical experience. Her award winning book, Nourishing the importance of guarding against Hope for Autism, has helped people around the world to make food and them, and the need to give specialized nutrition choices that aid the health, learning, and behavior of those with attention to food and nutrition. Work autism, ADHD, and other developmental delays. She presents at leading autism conferences in the US and abroad. Julie has a private nutrition practice in San with your doctor, have proper testing Francisco, California, and supports families and clinicians from around the done, and monitor diet and nutritional world. Visit http://NourishingHope.com _ status. Get support from a nutrition NUTRITION FRONT 17

professional to improve nutrition in- eBook: Using Food and Nutrition to a bakery box filled with brownies and take and nutrient supplementation. Improve ADHD & Autism. leaves them on the counter or dishes When necessary, seek out a feeding 1 Duvall, Melody G., et al. “Pulmonary Hypertension them out at the dinner table for dessert. Associated With Scurvy and Vitamin Deficiencies in an therapist who can help a child expand Autistic Child.” Pediatrics 132.6 (2013): e1699-e1703. You’d begin to feel tempted or frus- food and supplement options. trated that you cannot eat them—and Sadly, the mainstream is not yet DIET AND MEALS FOR THE (all too likely) you might reach for one. up to speed about this. This case WHOLE FAMILY It’s even tougher for the child on a study is a stark example of what can When you’re following a special diet for special diet. When the rest of the family happen, and hopefully will open your child—be it gluten-free, allergen- is not on the same diet and meal plan, some eyes and change the narrative: free, grain-free, or other—your strategy they can feel singled out, frustrated, or adequate nutrition and attention to for family meals can make or break angry. And while you may not suffer diet is essential for those with autism. your success. Imagine being on a sugar- from a minor brownie infraction, un- SEE BELOW about getting my Free free diet, and your spouse brings home necessary temptation or access to food allergens can really impede a child’s therapeutic progress. The ADHD and Autism Nutritional I’ve personally supported hun- Supplement Handbook (Fair Winds Press, 2013) dreds of families with children on the autism spectrum. One factor that By Dana Godbout Laake and Pamela J. Compart certainly correlates with success in sustaining a special diet is inclusive- Getting adequate nutrition is vital for children ness. When possible, have the whole with autism. A nutritious diet is important for family follow the same diet and eat the same meals. Avoiding problem- getting nutritional needs met, but supplemen- atic foods and eating more nutritious tation can be necessary too. But there are few easy-to-digest foods is something that informational sources on the specifics of nutri- benefits everyone under the roof, and ent supplementation for children. Books that no one will feel ostracized. And given DO include vitamins and other nutrients often that you likely come from the same “genetic stock,” dietary strategies that do not provide suggested doses or acceptable help one family member often help ranges for children. others as well—sometimes in different ways. For example: in a child with The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement autism, gluten may cause diarrhea and Handbook is one of my favorite books on my inattentiveness, while for another fam- bookshelf. Written by both a licensed nutritionist and developmental pediatrician, ily member going gluten-free may help this book offers great details on nutrients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other address their constipation, anxiety, anemia, or fertility. nutrients. It includes supplementation information based on specific signs and I cannot count the number of times symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. The book includes information on various condi- a mom has told me about peripheral tions and which supplements are most helpful in addressing them. It discusses and “side effects” when they put their child compares various forms of nutrients (for example: magnesium citrate, magnesium (and the entire family) on a specialized diet. They begin making new meals oxide, vs. magnesium glycinate), and provides recommended daily doses based on for the whole family—little Billy feels age. It includes information on multivitamin/mineral formulas and contains a lot of included, and mom, dad, and sis all practical information. The charts are very useful and easy to read. eat the same things—then during a follow-up appointment, I hear that As a fellow nutrition consultant, I have had the pleasure of knowing and working Dad’s migraines have cleared. with Dana Laake for years; I’ve listened to her lecture on nutrients and supplements. If it’s not too restricting, find the Her knowledge on the subject is vast. Laake and Compart do an excellent job refer- subset of foods that everyone in the family tolerates—let’s assume that’s encing scientific studies, and the book includes their vast experience as practitioners gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. If who have supported children with autism and ADHD for many years. The ADHD and someone wants something outside of Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook is a great book to add to your library. I refer- this diet on occasion, choose that food ence it often, and I bet you will too. when you are away from home and not with the child who can’t have it. 18 NUTRITION FRONT

This strategy will also make meal- bar. A food bar allows families to eat time much easier for the cook in the together, while each person enjoys the family by only needing to prepare one foods they like. Parents choose/pre- meal. And now everyone can enjoy pare the various food options and chil- meals, eat together as a family, and dren are given the flexibility to select feel satisfied. which items they want to eat. It’s fun to assemble your food yourself, and picky FOOD BARS ARE FUN! eaters have an added sense of control. _ Here’s a fun and innovative idea for family meals—food bars! For example, a homemade salad bar or taco Scientific evidence continues to validate that food and nutrition matter for those with autism spectrum disorder. Learn how to use diet and nutrition Here are some of choices to help your child with Autism, my favorite Asperger’s, or ADHD by getting my FREE e-book, Using Food and Nutrition to food bars and

Improve ADHD and Autism. It explains ingredients: . cy sou WHY and HOW diets help, and WHAT to San artine do to get started. TACO BAR: Meat, beans, lettuce, Photo by M When autism is accurately seen as a whole sauerkraut, non-dairy cheese, sliced avocado, and gluten-free wraps. body disorder, parents and physicians are more likely to identify the physical symp- SALAD BAR: Lettuce, carrots, kale, celery, red pepper, jicama, salami, fruit such as toms that routinely get overlooked. With pomegranate seeds or strawberries, and a salad dressing or two. this broader comprehension, it becomes apparent that there are many things you GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA BAR: Sauce, dairy-free can do to address these challenges and cheese, olives, bacon, ham, mushrooms, broccoli help children improve. Parents are ﬁnd- or other vegetables. ing improvements in many areas: speech, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, irritability, OMELET OR FRITTATA BAR: Eggs, olives, anxiety, as well as physical symptoms potatoes, kale, green onion or chives, dairy-free when improving their child’s diet. cheese, ham, cooked sausage or bacon (I’ve even The FREE eBook comprises four articles included blueberries for a sweet frittata). that are simple enough for anyone to un- BANANAS ON STICKS FOR A HEALTHY derstand. They also include the scientiﬁc referencing many people want to see. DESSERT: Bananas on a popsicle stick, nuts, honey, raisins, optional chocolate chips. ` What the Science Says : Explains the underlying biochemistry of ADHD, Simply set things up on the kitchen table or coun- Autism and childhood disorders, and tertop, arrange like you’d see it if you were out in a www.sxc.hu the scientific rationale for food and restaurant. Grab your plate, select your items and nutrition choices. arrange on plate, pick up utensils and napkins, get a drink, then find your seat! Any bit ` Diets and Nutrition That Help: of fun routine breaks the monotony of dinnertime and engenders positive associa- Highlights the top healing diets and what a nourishing diet looks like for the tion with eating and being together. Selecting what you want can be empowering, whole family. and perhaps just seeing a new item—and not having to take/eat it yet—can initiate familiarity. ` What if you have a Picky Eater : Gives practical suggestions on expanding diet RRemember,em mealtime should be a and providing adequate nutrition for ststress-free and welcome time for picky eaters. the whole family. ` How to Begin and Succeed at a Special Diet : Addresses the “How To” and practical aspects of following and Let me know about your cooking for a special diet. creative food bar or mealtime DOWNLOAD the FREE eBook at http:// idideas! Share with us on Facebook NourishingHope.com/Get-Started-Guide www.sxc.hu at: NNourishing Hope for Autism • EGG FREE FISH SHELLFISH GMO GLUTEN WHEAT FREE • PEANUT TREE NUT DAIRY FREE • TREE NUT FREE • GMO FREE • FREE FROM • EGG FREE • GLUTEN FREE • WHEAT FREE MO FREE •

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Be creative to ensure your child stays active and healthy during the cold winter months…

BY LINDSEY BIEL, OTR/L

intertime can be a won- SAD, including therapy with sunlight floor. If you have a physioball in Wderland or a nightmare or bright lights, cognitive behavioral the house, stabilize it with your for kids, teens, and adults therapy, melatonin, ionized air, and in legs in a corner and help your with sensory processing issues. Peo- some cases, antidepressant medication. child climb on to jump. For more ple who feel invigorated by the cold For most kids and adults, winter intense input, pull the cushions and love outdoor activities like sled- is a mixed bag. While it’s tempting to off the sofa or set up a big pile of ding, skating, and skiing may be in hibernate through the winter and to pillows or bean bag chairs and their element. Even so, dry heating, increase screen time in front of the TV, have your child crash into them. bulky clothing, and reduced expo- computer, or Wii, we all need to stay You can make a big bag out of sure to fresh air and Vitamin-D proactive during the winter months to sheets, fill it with big foam blocks, ducing sunlight may still make the keep our brains and bodies function- and sew it closed. Move any winter months challenging. ing at their best. Here are a few ideas: furniture or breakables out of the Those who prefer warmer months— way, making sure everything is with less clothing and more sunshine ` Jump and crash! Consider getting soft and cushioned. If your child and fresh air—may have an exception- a mini-trampoline and also a is very young, or you have safety ally hard time. Some people experience Hop-It Ball so your child can get concerns, have him wear a bicycle SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a bouncing and pounding input helmet. mood disorder with depressive symp- that boosts body-awareness. If toms that occurs only in winter you’re cramped for space, or just ` Step it up! Staircases can be months. If you suspect you or your don’t want to add a trampoline beneficial too if your child is able child has SAD, consult with a doc- into your home, create a jumping to use them safely. Some kids get tor. There are different treatments for pad by putting a mattress on the the heavy work input they need by taking a few flights of stairs LINDSEYLINDSEY BBIEL,IEL, M.A., OTR/L... in an apartment building or up ...a pediatric occupational therapist based in Manhattan, where she evaluates and down house stairs several and treats children, adolescents, and young adults with sensory processing times. Add interest by having issues, developmental delays, autism, and other developmental challenges. them count the steps. Teach Lindsey is coauthor of Raising a Sensory Smart Child, with a foreword by Temple Grandin, and author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with them to make a Slinky “walk” Kids and Teens. She is also co-creator of the Sensory Processing Master Class DVD down the stairs; they can retrieve program. She is a popular speaker, teaching workshops to parents, therapists, it, take it back to the top, and doctors, and others on practical solutions for developmental challenges and sensory strategies at home, school, and in the community. _ do it again. Children can jump SENSORY SMARTS 21

off the bottom step or even moistening ingredient the second step for extra like honey or olive pounding. Again, you must oil. Rub it on the skin determine if this is a safe using gentle circular activity for your child. motions to avoid irritation, avoiding ` Swing! Get to the playground super-sensitive skin or to use the swings even if it’s around the eyes or genitals. lousy out if that is the one thing www.funandfunction.com that seems to really regulate your ` Right after a bath or shower, firmly child. If you have the room and apply body lotion (with glycerin is the budget, there are great indoor aSWING TIME—Consider an indoor often best), using long firm strokes, swing set-ups in therapy catalogs swing when outdoor play isn’t an option. focusing on arms and hands, legs such as Southpawenterprises.com and feet. Again, you can use a and Funandfunction.com and store-bought preparation or make less expensive options at Ikea and with snow or even ice cubes. it yourself using recipes you can elsewhere. You and another adult Try building a snow pyramid or easily find online. can create an instant hammock an ice cube igloo. You can get swing by having the child get into fake snow online from www. ` Provide sensory input before a blanket as the adults hold each snowinseconds.com or www. piling on cold weather clothing. end, lift, and gently rock her. sno-wonder.com. Give a deep pressure scalp massage before putting on a hat. ` Spin! Get a Sit ‘n Spin or Dizzy ` Heave ho! Move furniture, Give deep pressure to hands and Disc Jr. spinning toy to help your carry books, push a grocery feet before putting on boots and child get vestibular movement. cart. Outdoors, make a snow gloves. Discuss desensitization Spin on an office chair, play Ring castle using buckets. Carrying techniques with an occupational Around the Rosie, and even do heavy snow from one place to therapist if you work with one. the Hokey Pokey for this input. another provides wonderful proprioceptive input. ` Many kids who dislike light ` Dig it! Set up an indoor sensory touch dislike loose layers against bin. If your child self-soothes ` Hit the slopes! Sledding is their skin. Try a snug-fitting shirt playing in the sandbox, it’s easy thrilling, as is going downhill on and leggings from companies to replicate one at home without a piece of cardboard, cafeteria such as Under Armour beneath making a sandy mess. Get a tray, or by log rolling. All of the rest of the layers. You may big plastic bin with a cover. It this is great vestibular input for also find that your child does should hold at least 20 gallons. sensory seekers, but for kids better with a tighter fitting hat Get the largest size your child who tend to be sensory avoiders, and gloves along with tighter can reach into from a sitting just watching others or going socks. At the same time, the position without pulling it over. downhill slowly on your lap may absolute reverse may be true: Then fill it about halfway with be challenging enough. your child may be happier with inexpensive dry rice and beans. loose layers against the skin. Also Add some plastic cups, spoons, ` Get in the groove! Put on some experiment with clothing weight. and small plastic toys. Have your high energy music and dance Some kids are calmed by heavy child pour rice and beans from with your child. layers (including a weighted vest) cup to cup, use spoons to fill while this may really aggravate cups, bury and find “treasures,” PREPARE FOR COLD others. Lighter layers include sort out and count beans, and WEATHER TACTILE ISSUES down and polar fleece. Heavier do other interesting things. ` Slough off itchy dead skin cells layers include wool. Be creative. Best of all, a sensory bin is a with an exfoliant. You can While your child may not be able fun way to desensitize hands purchase a scrub online or in to tolerate snowpants, she may and even feet. If your child has a store or make one at home, be warm and happy with fleece trouble tolerating snow or ice, a fun sensory activity in itself. leggings worn under rain pants. you can use your sensory bin For a homemade exfoliant, mix While he might refuse to wear a to work on that too. Take out a dry, coarse ingredient like hat, he may be fine with a hood the usual contents and fill it sugar or ground almonds with a or earmuffs. 22 SENSORY SMARTS

` Avoid overheating. There’s a season, you and your child may wind oil on a tissue or handkerchief, tendency to pile on clothing up with clogged, swollen sinuses that or add eucalyptus oil or actual while still indoors, and some kids make you both miserable. Here are a leaves to boiling water, turn can’t tolerate getting heated up. few quick tips: off the stove, and breathe in You may need to put on the final the steam. Or try putting a few layers outdoors. It’s better to have ` Use a plain, drug-free sterile dabs of a balm such as Vick’s your child ask for his hat when saline nasal solution to rinse out VapoRub beneath the nostrils. he realizes his ears are cold than and moisturize nasal passages It’s a very intense smell with a to have him melt down in the and thin out mucus. Try Simply warming sensation that you house and refuse to wear his hat Saline or Little Noses, available at and your child will either love because his ears are so hot. most drugstores. or hate.

` If your child is hyposensitive to ` Use a humidifier in your bedroom ` If you or your child has chronic temperature, he or she may not or work area, being sure to keep sinus problems, consider the have those numb, achy warning it clean. possibility of food allergies or signs of being too cold. Be sure sensitivities. Try eliminating ALL to stop and visually check your ` Steam up the bathroom and dairy for two weeks and see if child’s hands, ears, nose, and breathe deeply. This is great for that helps. Or try eliminating even feet every so often to keep your skin too. ALL wheat products for two winter play safe. weeks. Work with a nutritionist ` Essential oils can help open up or allergist if you suspect food TAKE CARE OF SINUSES TOO nasal passages. Sniff eucalyptus, reactions. Between moldy fallen leaves, dry rosemary, lavender, or a household heating, and cold/flu “respiratory” blend of essential Have fun out there! _ THE WAY I SEE IT 23

for Family Health: Laughter

Just a Spoonful of “Sugar”...

BY SAM RUBIN

ighteenth century philosopher screamed with me. Then, they would E Immanuel Kant said that there (purposefully) burst into laughter. are two things that don’t have The consequence of this strategy is to mean anything: one is music, the that I began to develop a funny bone. other is laughter. Neurobiologists be- This is not to say that my scream- lieve that laughter emerges from the ing fell on deaf ears. On the contrary, “pre-cognitive brain,” that it’s deep in iStock screaming and laughing took on dif- our animal nature to laugh. Both mu- ferent tones with different meanings, sic and laughter tap into our pleasure Three Stooges, Arthur, and The Simpsons like a kind of bird language between centers in the deepest neurological all have great screaming characters.) us—shrieking and laughing. Since it sense. In my experience, both have Through the repetition of the explana- felt better to laugh than scream, laugh- been transformative and healing. tions and reenactments, laughter began ter triumphed. I began to shift. When I was first diagnosed with to connect me to action and language. The way I see it, laughter is a useful autism and everyone was depressed (ex- When I screamed (because that tool for bonding. I love to laugh. But, of cept me, of course, since I had no idea I was something I did), my parents course, I’ll always love a good scream. _ had it), my parents resorted to watching classic comedies with me—like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Vaudeville, Looney Tunes, and Mel Brooks’s Young The perfect place Frankenstein among other funny stuff— mostly to relieve their own pain. to get together. They knew that I didn’t really understand what we were watching. But, as we all know, laughter is contagious. Eventually, I laughed with them. I was probably just mimicking their laughter. But something in this strategy had a positive effect on all of us. They would stop the tapes and explain why the shows were funny, even though they knew I didn’t have a clue about what was so funny. Sometimes they would reenact the skits. I recall that I was particularly interested in people comedically screaming. (The

SAMSAM ETHANETHAN RRUBIN...UBU I …is a 20-year-old actor, From relaxing hammocks to 14 places to eat and drink and a dedicated activities center filmmaker, writer and for kids, TradeWinds has all you need for the perfect beach getaway. vocalist. He is the author of And...Action! My TAKE on s All rooms are non-smoking with refrigerator and microwave Autism (and Life), available s Newly remodeled rooms and suites at Island Grand and Guy Harvey Outpost on Kindle, and plays the s Designated as an Autism-Friendly business character Rocket in “The s Host hotel for National Autism Association’s Annual Conference Rocket Family Chronicles” (The Autism Channel). His new book, Heretic, is due out this Spring and he is in pre-production on a new film. He lives JustLetGo.com/autismfriendly | 800.808.9834 | Florida’s West Coast with his family in Oakland, California. _ 24 AGES & STAGES Redefining “Family Life” When autism becomes a factor, parents may need to adjust long-held expectations to optimize the family dynamic…

BY CHANTAL SICILE-KIRA

amily life with autism is never to raise them with the kind of family communication challenges, misun- Fboring—overwhelming and at life I grew up with. derstanding of social cues, and lack of times monotonous—but never I had to learn to let go of my ex- emotional understanding, thus affecting boring. And for most of us parents, pectations, change my perception of every relationship in the family. In mar- it doesn’t resemble the family life we what family life meant, and ﬁgure out riage, if one of the partners is on the grew up with. In my newly revised what we could still do together as a spectrum, there will be more difficulties award-winning book, than the usual mari- Autism Spectrum Disorder tal conflicts. Sibling (Penguin, January 2014) issues are exacerbated family relationships are by having a sibling discussed as well as how with autism and/or a therapists can help sup- parent on the spec- port families with autism. trum. Communication It’s not easy striking a and social challenges balance between family can also impact the life and all that is inher- adult’s work situation. ent to having a child with Grandparents are con- autism. You probably cerned about the effects will not have the fam- of autism on their adult ily life you envisioned. children (the parents), In my case, I was raised other grandchildren, one of six children; my and future generations. parents had emigrated This is a lot for any

from France. We did Photojournalism Epic couple to survive, no everything together: ate matter how strong dinner every night, rode our bikes on THE SICILE-KIRA FAMILY— Daniel, Rebecca, they are. In the past, it had been estimat- the weekends, played tennis, went to Jeremy, Chantal. ed that the divorce rate was in the 80% Catholic mass, and socialized with oth- range for families with children who er families from church. So I had always family and what we would have to do have autism. The good news is that ac- expected that when I had a family, we separately. We had to create our own cording to a 2010 study, the divorce rate would have the same kind of close-knit version of family life. We are still a for parents of children with autism actu- family life full of shared activities. This family—we just do things differently. ally hovers at the same rate as those with was important to me. However, raising The reality is that many parents who neurotypical children—64 %—accord- two children who were basically living have neurotypical children do not have ing to researcher Brian Freedman, PhD, on separate planets (Jeremy is severely the family life they envisioned, either. clinical director of the Center for Autism impacted by autism resulting in poor People get divorced, lose a partner or a and Related Disorders at the Kennedy motor and social skills; and Rebecca is child, or have other life-changing situa- Krieger Institute in Baltimore. very social and athletic) made it tough tions occur. They grieve, but then they move on and rebuild another kind of AUTISM: IT’S A FAMILY THING CHANTALCHANTAL SSICILE-KIRA’SICIL ... family life. And families of a child with Despite high rates of marital conﬂict, … passion for empowering autism need to do that as well. Grieve many couples do not reach out for cou- others has led her to become an award-winning author of five about the loss of our expectation for the ple’s therapy. Lack of respite is a major books, a sought-after speaker, family life we envisioned, and then start reason. For most, finding a babysit- and a leader in the field of building the one we will have. ter with whom they can safely leave adolescence and transitioning to adulthood. She has been Family life is all about relationships their child with autism who has toilet- involved with autism for over 25 years as both a and communication: relationships being issues, little communication skills, parent and a professional on both sides of the tween two people in love, parents and aggression and other inappropriate Atlantic. Chantal provides more information and training online at http://autismcollege.com/ children, siblings, and extended fam- behaviors on a regular basis is difficult. about-autism-college/. _ ily members. Yet, autism is all about Another reason is their belief that they AGES & STAGES 25

The first edition of Autism Spectrum Disorders (foreword by Temple Grandin Ph.D.), was the recipient of the 2005 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Book of the Year won’t find a therapist understanding of with a child who does not know how, Award and recipient of the San Diego their particular circumstances, mak- and moms become frustrated at the lack Book Award for “Best in Health.” New- ing true guidance seem out of reach. of involvements of their partners. ly revised and updated, Often they prefer to use the precious Additionally, a common pattern this award-winning time away from the child to confide in among moms is to wonder what they classic guide now en- a good friend instead. did wrong—drinking or taking medi- titled Autism Spectrum Marital stress around the child usual- cations during pregnancy, exercising Disorder: The Complete ly starts when one or both of the parents too much, allowing the child to be vac- Guide to Understand- realize(s) the child is not developing cinated—thus adding feelings of guilt to ing Autism covers every properly. Couples who have a child who an already stressful situation. Also, the aspect of understanding does not seek their attention in the usual couple eventually feels isolated because and living with autism way (i.e. eye contact, reaching out for or they feel it is hard to take their child to today. For more information, reviews giving of affection, searching for them other people’s homes and are equally and to order it, go here . . . for comfort when hurt, etc.) find it hard uncomfortable inviting people over. http://autismcollege.com/books/ not to feel rejected or unimportant to the Sometimes the couple becomes clos- autism-spectrum-disorder/ child. For those whose child develops er than ever, bonded in their shared normally and then regresses around 18- circumstances. Unfortunately, often the 24 months, there is the added loss of the stress of dealing with autism and all it Encouraging couples to regularly child they knew slipping away. Consider entails—the constant and necessary schedule time together without the also that a couple looks forward to hav- advocacy at school, the fighting for ser- children is important. However, this ing a child, and each person has his vices and supports, the added financial suggestion is useless unless the thera- idea of what the expected child will be burden, trying to handle behaviors and pist can support them in devising a like. When the child does not match the meltdowns at home—becomes a wedge practical plan for finding the respite expectation, or regresses, there is a loss pushing the spouses further and fur- help they need. The lack of qualified and anguish felt by the parent not unlike ther apart. Overwhelmed, stressed and respite workers can be a very real ob- the stages of grief that people who lose a exhausted, the couple’s communication stacle to finding time together or even loved one experience. becomes impaired and even autistic- continuing therapy. Other stages of added stress are: get- like, lacking emotion and reciprocity. The couple also needs to realize ting a diagnosis (family physicians are This can affect other children in the and accept that their partner may react reluctant to make a diagnosis on a con- family as well. differently to having a child on the dition once rare for which they have no spectrum and may have a different set treatment plan to prescribe); getting HOW THERAPISTS CAN HELP viewpoint when it comes to how much services (a constant struggle); dealing There are many ways in which thera- effort and money to put into treatment, with adolescence (sexual development pists can help the family unit. For all as well as what kinds of treatments to appears, uncontrolled tantrums can be those who need more information or pursue. Working on good communica- dangerous as the teen gets bigger); and need access to a support group and are tion skills and looking at how they can post high school (the realization that not yet hooked into resources, there support each other is important, for few adult services are available). are various support groups available in this and other reasons. Keeping any marriage healthy takes different areas. Check on the websites In the end, your family life with au- time, and all too often, time gets swal- of national organizations such as the tism may resemble more the Addams lowed up by the ASD child’s needs. Autism Mothers Facebook page, NAA, Family than the Brady Bunch. Take Many children with autism have dif- TACA, and the Autism Society, and heart in knowing that your family ficulty sleeping, meaning that at least be sure to check with local support life would probably never have re- one of the parents is sleep deprived. groups too. sembled that perfect ideal, and if it Usually, a role division takes place as Couples need to be encouraged to had, you would have been bored out one parent, usually Mom, becomes the acknowledge and face the emotions of of your skull. _ autism expert, while Dad works harder the grief cycle (i.e. denial, grief, depres- to earn money or opts out. Differences sion, anger) and the loss of the child they FIND OUT MORE of opinion exacerbate an already diffi- were expecting, and to work through ` Autism Mothers www.facebook.com/ cult situation—how much time, energy these emotions. Misdirected anger is AutismMothers and money is to be spent on helping the often released at school personnel in ` National Autism Association (NAA) child is based on personal philosophy, Individualized Educational Program www.nationalautism.org and in this the couple may clash. Over (IEP) meetings or taken out on service ` TACA www.tacanow.org time, dads become frustrated at the de- providers, thus alienating the very peo- ` Autism Society www.autism-society.org/ mands of their wives to interact or play ple who are there to help them. 26 WHOLENAA CONFERENCE FAMILY HEALTH All in the Family

The health status of any one individual affects the entire household and beyond…

BY DEIRDRE IMUS

t was wise old Ar- reinforcing such behav- I istotle, the Greek iors to your kids early philosopher, who and often. said, “The whole is greater than the sum KNOW YOUR of its parts”. This adage NUTRITIONAL feels particularly rel- STATUS evant when discussing What we eat is as impor- our health. Keeping all tant as what we don’t— the different systems of meaning, you may try the body in good work- to incorporate as many ing order adds up to a vegetables, whole grains, better quality of life. and organic foods into You are more able to your diet as possible, stay active, participate and yet if you are a veg- in social gatherings, etarian you may become focus at work—attri- deficient in iron, or vita- butes that would be min B12. The first step limited were you not to avoiding a vitamin taking care of the one or mineral deficiency is and only body you’ll getting tested by your ever have. internist to see where Aristotle’s words you stand. Knowing apply to the fam- your current levels and ily as a whole, too. If discussing any red flags one member of your with your doctor can family has an autism help nip a problem in spectrum disorder, or the bud. Crohn’s disease, or a It is imperative to broken leg, everyone discuss with a medical suffers. Other children professional any and all lose a playmate, par- supplements you are ents neglect their own taking or plan to take, Bigstock health to focus on that and anything you give of their ailing child, ev- to your kids—whether eryone misses out on birthday parties, it’s vitamin C to ward off a cold, a stan- trips to the park, and other activities. b dard multivitamin, or something less As parents, we are only as happy as our common. These products stand to im- unhappiest child. Aristotle didn’t say As parents, we are prove health enormously, but need to be that, but whoever did was just as wise. safely administered, especially to chil- For this reason (and so many others), dren taking medications for ASD-related it is essential to establish and maintain only as happy as our learning disabilities, or other conditions. healthy habits that allow every member Also, know what a vitamin deficiency of your family to function at his or her looks like, and who is at risk. Children peak, regardless of where that zenith unhappiest child. on the autism spectrum are prone to is, or what it looks like. This means en- digestive problems that may make it www.sxc.hu suring adequate nutrition, encouraging difficult for their bodies to properly ab- exercise, limiting toxic exposures, and a sorb the nutrients they need. Ditto aging WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 27

family members: older adults are at risk of developing age-related digestive symptoms like constipation, ulcers, and gastrointestinal reflux disease. Knowing what the body needs to thrive and identifying deficiencies is just one step toward achieving whole body health for your entire family. And as ever, real, wholesome, organic food is the best source out there for the nutrients our bodies crave. Seek out iron in lentils and Swiss chard; B vitamins in avocados, mushrooms, beans, beets and spinach; fatty acids in nuts, seeds, and seed oils like pumpkin and sunflower; and potassium, magnesium and calcium in bananas, broccoli, kale and bok choy. Additionally, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are loaded with phyto- nutrients, which help prevent disease and keep your body in good working order. If your child is on the autism spectrum, odds are you’re no stranger to gastrointestinal problems: children with ASD are around three-and-a-half times more likely to suffer chronic diarrhea and constipation than their normally developing peers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Probiotic supplements can help boost your entire family’s immunity, while simultaneously infusing much-needed good bacteria into their guts. Fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kimchi (a Korean cabbage), and the increasingly popular strained Greek yogurt are all probiotic powerhouses. THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN While it might seem like just another letter in the vitamin alpha- bet, getting enough vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, to name just a few. It is an immune system regulator, protecting us from the common cold and reducing the inflammation that so often leads to disease. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, and may play a key role in maintaining cognitive function as we age. The Vitamin D Council, a nonprofit working to educate the public on vitamin D, notes that you just can’t get the amount of vitamin D you need from food. They advocate obtaining vitamin D by safely exposing your bare skin to sunlight for about 15 minutes if you’re 28 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH

fair-skinned, and a bit longer if you are dark-skinned. They also strongly recommend a supplement for everyone, including infants. Discuss proper dosage with your doctor. When deciding what brand of vitamin to take, opt for whole food based vitamins, rather than synthetic ones, so that your body is better able to recognize and properly metabolize the nutrients. GET MOVING Another enormous part of keeping your whole body hum- ming along is using it for its intended purpose—to move! There are few healthcare professionals, if any, who would argue against the many beneﬁts of exercise for kids, their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. For children on the autism spectrum, vigorous exercise has been shown to decrease self-stimulatory behaviors, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury, and destructiveness, according to the Autism Research Institute. It can reduce symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety, and improve sleep, reaction time, and memory for anyone. TOXIC THREATS Another major, often overlooked aggravator of illness is exposure to toxins. Encountering a noxious substance can be obvious, like when cleaning products laden with chemicals give you a headache, or make you cough and gag. For this reason, and so many others (as I’ve written about extensively in Autism File and elsewhere), it is imperative to use non-toxic cleaning agents derived from natural sources like plants and essential oils.

Red Flags for Vitamin Deficiency

Indications of a vitamin deficiency vary depending on the culprit, but Dr. Susan Blum, author of The Immune System Recovery Plan (Scribner, 2013) offered the following so-called “weird” warning signs to Details magazine: ` Cracks at the corners of your mouth could imply a shortage of iron, zinc, or B vitamins in your body ` A red, scaly rash on your face or hair loss may signal a lack of biotin, or vitamin B7 ` Red or white acne-like bumps on the cheeks, arms, thighs or butt might mean your body lacks essential fatty acids, or vitamins A and D (nearly half of Americans are vitamin D deficient, according to a 2011 study) ` Numbness, tingling, or prickling in the hands, feet or elsewhere is sometimes a sign of a B vitamin deficiency: namely B9 (folate), B6 or B12 ` Muscle cramps in the toes, calves, arches of feet or backs of legs could indicate insufficient magnesium, calcium or

www.sxc.hu potassium consumption WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 29

Less apparent are the haz- thinking of hand-washing as a ards you cannot smell, taste, or five-step process: wet, lather, visually detect. Unfortunately, scrub, rinse, dry. Use clean, such contaminants are often running water (warm or cold present in the one element we will do), and make sure to lather should hold holy above all oth- the entire hand, including the ers, if for no other reason than backs, between the fingers, and human life literally cannot ex- under the nail. It is essential, the ist without it: water. CDC says, to scrub for at least Studies have detected ev- 20 seconds (they recommend erything from arsenic and singing the “Happy Birthday” lead to prescription drugs song to yourself, twice). Dry and rocket fuel in the water with a clean towel, or air dry. To supplies of major cities in the read more about the importance United States. You may think of clean hands, go to www.cdc. drinking bottled water ab- gov/handwashing. solves you from this problem, Hand sanitizers are often but in 2009, almost 50 percent touted as a means to prevent the of all bottled water came from www.sxc.hu spread of such conditions, but municipal tap water supplies, _FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE—Proper hand washing goes a be wary of their toxicity. Popular according to Food and Water long way towards preventing the spread of disease. chemical antibacterial sanitizers Watch, a public interest group and soaps often contain triclosan, working to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is an ingredient that has been linked to liver toxicity, altered hor- safe, accessible and sustainably produced. mone regulation, and muscle weakness. They also commonly Even if your water contains trace amounts of tox- contain alcohol, which can cause babies and toddlers to be- ins, repeated consumption or usage (to shower, brush have strangely due to alcohol consumption, resulting in a trip teeth, water the lawn) can build in to the emergency room. Additionally, the body. Long-term, low level ex- the American Medical Association notes posure to toxic substances can have that triclosan may encourage bacterial different effects on the human body b resistance to antibiotics. than a single, short-term exposure; in Children on the Avoid antibacterial hand sanitiz- some cases, as with pharmaceuticals ers that contain synthetic chemicals in the water, such potential conse- autism spectrum are like triclosan or synthetic fragrances. quences remain unknown. Instead, look for products that use natu- Investing in a good filtration system prone to digestive ral antibacterial ingredients made from for your home will help rid or limit the organic pure therapeutic grade essen- amount of contaminants in your fam- problems that may tial oils like lemon, clove, cinnamon, ily’s water supply, whether it comes rosemary and eucalyptus oil to name from a private well or public source. make it difficult a few. Check out Dr. Young’s Thieves The Environmental Working Group Waterless Hand Purifier and Essential has on its website a very useful search for their bodies to Oils.(www.youngliving.com/en_US/ engine for finding the most useful wa- products/home/natural-protection/ ter filter for your needs—from simple, properly absorb the thieves-waterless-hand-purifier) cheap carbon filters to those that re- The human body is a complicated move specific contaminants. Check it nutrients they need. place to live. Taking care of it for the out at www.EWG.org. long haul, and encouraging your en- a tire family to do the same, can be CLEAN UP YOUR ACT simple, as long as you’re equipped Another key piece of the whole body health puzzle is with the right tools and accurate information. The sum of preventing viruses and infections from entering your all this knowledge will make your whole body and your household. Whether it’s a stomach bug, the flu, sinusitis, or whole family greater than you could ever imagine. _ something else, kids are germ machines, likely to give and receive innumerable illnesses every year. Note: Information provided herein is not intended to treat or diagnose any Your first and best line of defense against sickness is health conditions. As always, consult your healthcare provider with any keeping everybody’s hands clean. The CDC recommends questions or health concerns. 30 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH Connecting Through Movement Ed Zeiss Images (edzeissimages.com)

For kids on the autism spectrum, yoga therapy can yield big beneﬁts for body, mind, and spirit…

BY LOUISE GOLDBERG, MA

oga is a movement therapy that offers families a Poses can be practiced seated in a chair or on the floor, Yway to have fun together. There is no competi- standing up, or lying down, depending upon your child’s tion in yoga, promoting a sense of community strengths, challenges, energy level, or mood. You can truly and increased self-esteem. Yoga provides tools to build meet each child exactly where he is through yoga therapy. strength, flexibility, and bilateral coordination while also improving balance. Additionally, it helps in devel- EXERCISE, STRESS RELIEF oping motor skills, body-awareness and self-control, AND MINDFULNESS leads to improved social interaction and play skills, We know that increased stress levels exacerbate the many and teaches relaxation techniques. By creating a quiet, challenges already facing our children. Recent research uncluttered environment, with personal space clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of physical activity, includ- delineated by the placement of the mats, you offer re- ing yoga, in improving children’s social interactions, their spite for the sensory sensitive child. ability to attend to a task, as well as their overall health. Yoga is not dependent on cognitive ability or language What’s more, yoga is a system designed to ease stress. skills. Visual cues are effective for teaching poses, and Research by Dr. Chris Streeter of Boston University and the practice sessions can be as short or long as the child’s her colleagues (2007, 2010) suggests that yoga practice comfort and attention span permits. Within the structure elevates GABA levels. GABA is a brain tranquilizing agent of a yoga routine, there is room for play and creativity. produced within the body which increases parasympathetic WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 31 b In yoga, unlike other forms of exercise, a child learns to become aware of his body and breathing—how it feels when he is still and how it feels when he moves. These aspects of mindfulness provide an opportunity to connect with a deeper sense of self. a dominance of the autonomic nervous system. Chest opening postures REAPING THE REWARDS deepen respiration; deep flexion within the joints induces calm. With After actively engaging with yoga ther- repetition of such postures, many children learn to self-regulate. apy on a regular basis, participants will In yoga, unlike other forms of exercise, a child learns to become aware begin to experience benefits in the fol- of his body and breathing—how it feels when he is still and how it feels lowing areas: when he moves. These aspects of mindfulness provide an opportunity to connect with a deeper sense of self. Because there are so many variations and acceptable ways to do pos- Strength tures, yoga gives you a chance to be fully accepting and present for your Yoga therapy strengthens muscles, child, without judgment. Never doubt the transformative powers of ac- bones, and joints. As a child strength- ceptance and loving kindness. ens his back muscles, he is able to sit up straighter in his chair and walk with PLAY: CONNECTING WITH OTHERS greater ease. A child’s posture affects IN A NATURAL SETTING how his peers and teachers perceive We adults sometimes forget how important it is for a child to play. This is him, in turn affecting his or her self- how children discover boundaries, learn to get along with others, experi- esteem. Being able to stand up for one- ence empathy, develop imitation skills, and release the stress of their day. self often begins with feeling strong Partner postures teach children about appropriate social interaction and enough to stand up straight. how to take turns. In yoga games, they learn to follow instructions and imitate others’ movements. For children who do not spontaneously imitate animals or create silly Fle x ib ility games, it’s helpful to be guided in play activities. In yoga, you can model Increasing physical agility brings greater playful, silly behaviors, by teaching your child to meow like a cat or hop ease in movement. As a child releases like a frog. He can experience how it might feel for a dog to wag his tail tension from her limbs and spine, she or for a butterfly to fly through the air. You help him curve his lips into a may experience a new sense of open- smile and release tension from his facial muscles. ness in her body and in her response to others. A more flexible body is a more relaxed body, and a more relaxed body b FAMILY FRIENDLY—Yoga provides a great opportunity to involve the whole family in leads to a more relaxed mind. fun and fitness. Left to right: Billy Tommy, Polly Tommey, and Bella Tommey. Balance Through the practice of balancing on one foot, as in “Tree” posture, the vestibular function improves. Because yoga exercises work each side of the body equally, opposing muscle groups are strengthened and stretched equally. Yoga postures move the spine in all directions: forward, backward, side- ways, and in rotations, and improve bi-lateral coordination. Sensory Processing Sensory integration, according to A.J. Ayres (Sensory Integration and the Child, 1995, WPS) is the ability of the brain to 32 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH

Mind Over Matter Meditation can relieve stress and anxiety in some individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome…

By Chris Mitchell

Of all the things that people with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) can be good at, one of them is worrying. One aspect of worrying that took me a long time to realize was that the sort of attention I was giving worrying thoughts was not good for me mentally—not least because being worried about past actions as well as the future was taking me out of the present. As a person with AS who has experienced low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression, I sought out meditation because of its simplicity and flexibility. `MINDFULNESS—Chris Mitchell, who began practicing meditation When considering meditation, there may initially be reser- eight years ago, is shown here with Senior Abbot during a temple stay at vations about its spiritual dimension, especially if one has the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok. had a bad experience with religion, and it’s not unusual to come across people with Asperger’s who have. Though mindfulness practice has its origins within spirituality, it can BODY LANGUAGE be practiced in a secular context. Those new to meditation The flexibility of meditation and mindfulness practice, in- may presume that it’s largely done sitting cross-legged, cluding the different techniques and postures involved, can which can discourage those with Asperger’s if they experi- also help one gain a stronger understanding of the “body ence difficulty sitting still for a sustained period of time. within the body”. It’s important to explore the sensations Meditation can also be practiced while walking, making the that are always present throughout the body in day-to-day practice more accessible for those who find sitting still for a life but are often taken for granted. sustained period of time difficult. Many who are uncomfortable with sitting meditation often take surprisingly well to It’s well-known that many people with Asperger’s Syndrome walking meditation practice. have difficulties with understanding body language. Not only can facial expressions and eye contact be problematic, but LETTING GO many also have difficulty in being aware of the effects of their own non-verbal presentation on others. Using the breath as While having the advantage of being flexible to suit indi- the main focus of attention, when slowly expanding aware- vidual needs, mindfulness practice can also help cope with ness throughout the body, one begins to notice how the body difficulties including stress, anxiety and depression. Obses- moves involuntarily, including facial expression. This is often very sive-compulsive tendencies that often accompany AS can noticeable when practicing in a standing posture, where one make it difficult to let go of worries, to the point where they notices the body swaying. I feel this has helped me become induce high-level stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Initially, more aware of my non-verbal presentation in social situations. one may want to react to worries or negative thoughts by pushing them away, but this can only lead to further frustra- FINDING FLOW tion when they keep on coming back. Over time, having practiced meditation and related mindful- However, by finding a way to change the relationship ness practices, including basic yoga stretching since 2005, I that an individual has with worry, negative thoughts and also feel that I have slowly noticed where the effects of the low self-esteem, he can then control it rather than al- practice unfold within life beyond practice. Ultimately, I feel lowing these factors to control him. Stepping back from that this has helped me be able to “flow”, rather than being the flow to meditate is a starting point in noticing one’s trapped within worry and anxiety. thought patterns.

With practice and patience, mindfulness can be beneficial CHRISCHRIS MITCHELL....MITCHELL in cultivating the mind and concentrating mental energy. It …is Operational Manager at Autism Works and gives talks, seminars and workshops on Asperger’s allows the individual to acknowledge the rising and pass- Syndrome, including on mindfulness techniques to ing of thoughts, gaining a better understand of the thought help cope with stress and anxiety. His third book, process itself. Stepping back from the flow to practice medi- Mindful Living with Asperger’s Syndrome, published tation, I feel that I have been able to gain control over how I by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, is due out later this month. _ respond to worries and thoughts, both negative and positive. WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 33

Quick Tension Release

Five-minute (or less) stress relief seated in chair: receive, organize, and use sensory information to perceive . HUH BREATH — inhale shoulders the body as well as the outside world, and to learn and up, exhale drop (3 times) develop adaptive behaviors. 3 BELLOWS BREATH — interlace Yoga is an effective therapy for improving propriocep- fingers behind the head. Inhale tion (awareness of where the body is in many different look up; exhale look down. positions) and postural control. By breaking postures down into incremental steps and providing visual and $ BUTTERFLY HANDS — flutter tactile prompts, yoga therapy can help improve motor your hands like butterflies: up planning as well as motor skills. There is increasing and down and all around evidence that improving motor skills has a correlative BUTTERFLY MEDITATION — effect on improving language and social skills. By using / postures and variations that a child can perform comfort- gaze at the butterfly in your right ably, yoga provides a movement therapy that is beneﬁcial hand; then your left. Repeat Ed Zeiss Images (edzeissimages.com) to children of varying strengths and challenges. 1 HALF FISH — Hang backward over your chair to open the chest

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS 4 CHAIR FOLDED LEAF — Stretch forward over the knees Creative Relaxation® is the program to hang down, or rest your head on the knees I developed for training therapists, 2 CHAIR PRETZEL — reach your hands across your body educators, yoga teachers, and par- and twist right, then left. ents in yoga therapy for children with autism and special needs. It adapts yoga exercises for ( HUH BREATH use at home, in public school education, and varied thera- (Excerpted from Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs peutic settings. While Creative Relaxation® may be used by Louise Goldberg. Copyright © 2013 by Louise Goldberg. with all children, it is specifically designed for those with With permission of the publisher, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.) autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, emotional behavioral disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing disorders, physical and learning carpet may be more comfortable for lying on the ground, disabilities, and children with anxiety. but it’s not necessary. Soft lighting and quiet music (or The four principles of Creative Relaxation® are: Create a silence) will make your yoga zone more inviting. Sacred Space, Engage the Child, Provide Tools for Success, Confirm with your child’s physician if there are any and Develop Opportunities for Independence: positions that your child should avoid. Children with a history of seizures or heart disease should avoid inverted postures with the head below the heart. Children with 1. Create a Sacred Space joint instability should do postures on the ground rather Find a cozy corner in your child’s room or family area for than standing. Consult a yoga therapist if you are not con- yoga practice. Keep the child’s yoga mat rolled up in that fident in your ability to create a safe routine for your child. corner. Set a specific day and time for practice—once or twice a week. Make the space spare and free of clutter. A 2. Engage the child Remember that yoga is a therapy that is fun. Choose bSHARING A BREATHER—When a child feels your slow steady breath- poses that feel good or create a positive response from ing, you teach him without words how it feels to relax. your child. Note the things that she or he can do better than you! Experiment with pillows and blankets until you find a way for your child to be comfortable in poses. Keep the practice brief, especially at first. You may take a few minutes to roll out the mat, and then ask the child to sit, stand or lie down on it. Begin with three or four postures, ending the session before your child is anxious or bored—even if after just a single pose. Take control of the conclusion of the session, explain- ing, “We’ll do one more pose (or take one more deep breath) to end our yoga class for today.” Be sure to let your child know how much you appreciated his doing yoga with you. Ed Zeiss Images (edzeissimages.com) 34 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH

` TOOLS FOR SUCCESS—In her new book, Louise Goldberg offers techniques for using visual and tactile prompts. Partnering with a child creates stability and connection. 3. Provide Tools for Success Give instructions as simply as you can. Avoid over-correcting or over-prompt- ing the child. The key here is to encourage and acknowledge his or her effort. Model the postures for the child by doing them with him or in front of him. Getting down on the ﬂoor with your child is a wonderful way to connect at eye level and truly experience the world from his or her perspective. It’s often helpful to use visual cues, such as illustrations of poses and de- marcations for hands and feet. Once you ﬁnd a sequence that works for the child, stay with it. Let him or her enjoy the success of accomplishing

a routine before adding something new. Photos are courtesy of Ed Zeiss Images (edzeissimages.com) Gradually add one new posture at a time when the child is ready for an additional challenge— but not before. In this way you prevent frustration and proceed at a comfortable pace for your child.

4. Develop Opportunities for Independence Staying on task and following instructions can be very challenging for children on the spectrum. Many educators and parents ﬁnd that increased structure in the form of schedules can be very helpful to children. In fact, schedules are recommended by Project aCREATING CALM—“Baby” pose is soothing to most children. TEACCH (University of North Carolina) to assist children in transitioning between activities with greater independence. Share what you’ve developed with his teachers and Here’s where yoga can be especially beneﬁcial. Including therapists so they can reinforce this method of self-calm- yoga breaks within the child’s daily schedule provides a ing. Remind your child to practice MY Time during quiet tool to de-escalate tension as your son or daughter navi- periods of the day—before his favorite TV show or after gates through his or her day. It helps kids blow off steam the bath, so he associates the pose with calm. If she or he is before their tension levels become unmanageable, and may growing agitated, immediately prompt your child to use his reduce meltdowns and promote self-regulation. MY Time pose. In this way, he learns how it feels to calm himself down before he falls over the abyss of no-return. MY TIME© Suggest changes in MY Time postures as they are You can assist your child in creating My Yoga Time, or needed, and be sure that your child chooses postures “MY Time,” by selecting his or her favorite posture for yoga that are safe for him to do independently. _ breaks. It may be a pose that deepens her breath or makes her smile. Children may have several MY Time poses: one for outside use such as “Shake it Out” (jogging/hopping in FIND OUT MORE place while jiggling every part of the body); one for inside, ` Louise Goldberg is the author of Yoga such as “Folded Leaf” (seated forward fold); and one for Therapyfor Children with Autism and waiting in line, such as “Tall Tree” (up on the toes and Special Needs (W.W. Norton, 2013) available on Amazon. down). If bedtime is challenging, try a little time in “Baby” www.amazon.com/Therapy-Children- pose, curled into a fetal position, just before going to sleep. Autism-Special-Needs/dp/0393707857 Also, teach your child to use the most calming of his MY ` She leads trainings on Creative Time postures, such as “Rag Doll” (standing forward bend) Relaxation® nationally. Visit her at to self soothe. If he’s having a tough time during therapy or http://yogaforspecialneeds.com/ with homework, cue him to use this posture for a yoga break. enhancing social & emotional qualityty of lifelife

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Until now, there has not been a line of clothinging for children to play or work in total temperaturee comfort. Wearingng weightedweightweighted clothingclothing andand compressioncompression clothingclothin Specifically made with special needs childrenn in mind, is a nanaturaltural wayway to givegive a childchild sensorysensory proprioceptiveproprioceptive these shirts are just as advantageous for anyy child iinput.nput. ThisThis givesgives us a sensesense ofof bodybody position,position, playing sports or going outside. organization,o sensesense ofof calm,calm, andand calibrationcalibration ofof mommovement.vement. Outlast® technology provides the benefit of proactive temperature regulation that manages heat and moisture. We have the technology Simple,mple, nonon-invasive,nonn-invasive, and safe to provide more comfortable PProvidesrovides a deep calmincalmingg input to the childchild's's solutions to everyday life. When nnervouservous syssystemtem you manage temperature, heat, DDecreasesecreases unwanted stimustimulili to empower thethe and moisture your children can chchildild always feel "just right". HHelpselps tthehe childchild to unwind and relaxrelax and eenhancesnhances aattentionttention Fabric is infused with Outlast Patented Phase Change HHelpselps decrease sensory seekingseeking bbehaviorehavior Material used in certified space technology. HHelpselps decrease anxious behaviorbehavior Soft comfortable fabric with just enough stretch. Tagless and Non-restrictive tŚǇdĂŐůĞƐƐ͍tŚǇ dĂŐůĞƐƐ͍ Proactive technology-starts to work as soon as you put it on Children who are sensitive to Tested and proven touch or textures may be greatly Uses space age technology developed for NASA affected by tags and seams and Decreases perspiration therefore suffer a great Controls skin temperature and the impact of moisture discomfort, which can interfere Combined with reactive technology-wicking, with their everyday life. These antimicrobial, and odor control feelings can be sensed as pain and Helps to conserve Metabolic Energy by minimizing lead to agitation, distraction, temperature swings tears, and disorganization. Sweat less, chill less Not a heater, not an air conditioner, just right

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Ties That Bind

Accept differences to create effective family communication… BY BRIAN R. KING, LCSW FAMILY WELLNESS 37

_IT TAKES TWO—Curt and Kim Linderman reflect on keeping the family strong when autism is a factor.

s the father of Athree boys on the and I began dating, we autism spectrum both valued communi- and a coach for parents cation—a huge improve- who have children with ment over our previous ADHD and/or autism, relationships. I’ve learned that if any- The result of the rules thing is going to sabotage for communication we a couple’s ability to ef- agreed to with one an- fectively raise their child, other has resulted in our it’s their inability to com- growth as individuals and municate effectively with each other. parents. The growth our three boys As parents live their lives attending on the spectrum have experienced to seemingly endless to-do lists, their b has been mind-blowing. In short, existence becomes more about doing they’ve progressed from meltdowns than being; hurrying, pacing, and lec- When you’re able to to increased resilience, and from self- turing instead of listening. In the end, contained classrooms to mainstream. their lives become about putting out communicate more Here’s what Cathy and I did. fires instead of laying foundations. Not We began by acknowledging that exactly the life they signed up for, is it? ideas about communication—what it is This is even more exasperating effectively, you’re able and what it should look like—vary from when you have two parents with com- person to person. We realized that we peting beliefs about what it means to had ways we learned to communicate be a human being, a spouse and a to better and more versus the “right way” to communicate. parent. They both want to be happy Together, we needed to establish “our and raise happy children, and yet they quickly connect with way” of communicating. It’s been said can have such different ideas about that communication starts with listen- how to go about it that they end up ing. But it actually starts much sooner sabotaging each other and confusing one another—and as than that. Communication begins be- their children in the process. tween your ears, with your beliefs about Then, as they try to deal with the communication, right? frustration of this discrepancy and get a result you can truly Misunderstandings take root when on the same page, they do it according you and your partner have different to the rules of conflicting communica- work as a team. beliefs about what it means to commu- tion styles. I’ve seen marriages end nicate. It’s critical that you understand needlessly over unexamined, compet- each other’s ideas. The “dos and don’ts” ing beliefs. I want to say to every parent a (see page 40) I’ve created for parents will out there right now, your marriage and not only improve your communication your children are more important than as a couple but, when you model them your ego. for and practice them with your children, they’ll adopt Are you ready to get things on course? Great, let’s start these rules as well. with improving your communication as a couple. When you’re able to communicate more effectively, you’re able to DEFINING COMMUNICATION better and more quickly connect with one another—and as What is communication? First, answer this question for a result you can truly work as a team. Raising a child on the yourself. Do not do it quickly. Rather, think about it long and spectrum is stressful enough, but it can consume you when hard. Figure out how you know you are being listened to and you feel alone even with your partner by your side. Let’s how others should let you know they are listening to you. begin laying a foundation so you’ll never feel alone again. Once you figure this out for yourself, explore the answers with your partner. The better aligned your definitions of FIRM FOUNDATIONS communication are, the quicker you can begin speaking My first marriage ended in hostile fashion with deeply the same language. hurt feelings as a result of horrible communication. Ask yourself: what are my responsibilities to my Having fallen in love and married again, I knew I couldn’t partner when communicating, and what are his or her

www.sxc.hu afford to make the same mistakes twice. When Cathy responsibilities to me? 38 FAMILY WELLNESS

Do you and your partner yell or interrupt? Is always it is vital that you examine the experience of communicat- needing to be right a major part of your communication ing with you—and what it actually looks like—so people style or approach to working with others? Do you expect will not feel dread every time you approach them. your partner to read your mind on a consistent basis? Will this clear you from having to ask for what you truly want? THE COURTESY “DO-OVER” The individual who initiates communication sets the How can you be sure if the exact meaning of your words is tone for the quality of that communication. Consequently, being conveyed? According to George Bernard Shaw, “The

She said… By Kim Linderman With all this in mind, I gave him two books to read. As a freight train engineer, he’d be gone for days at a time and had some Raising a family is hard enough, but throw autism into the mix downtime to read while on the train. I told him if he wasn’t and you find out what you and your partner are really made of. on board with me after reading these books, I’d need to forge There are certainly no easy “fix-it” manuals for this journey. ahead solo. The books were Let Me Hear Your Voice by Catherine I started to realize there was actually more to deal with than the Maurice and Evidence of Harm by David Kirby. That’s all it took: usual things autism parents hear: I’d baited the hook, given him a fight—and reeled him in, hook, 1. Boys develop slower than girls. line and sinker. 2. Your older children do everything for him, so why should he talk? 3. He has hearing loss due to so many ear infections. This also meant I’d need to relinquish some of the “mom power”— 4. You baby him too much. my obsession in doing everything for the children, being in total control so nothing else “bad” happened to my family. I had to The list goes on and on. But when your husband actually tells share childcare without nit-picking everything my husband did. you that the reason your child has regressed is your fault—his And due to a life threatening fungal lung infection, I was forced to children are perfect and you are just babying him too much—it’s relinquish some control. time for action. It had gotten to the point that if he wasn’t going to get on board with me in regaining our son’s health, he need- I was hospitalized for over a month and my husband gained ed to break camp and get out of my way; I was on a mission. complete control of our family. Guess what: Nothing bad happened! In the process, he quickly realized everything I’d been I realized that in order to help my son, I needed a strategic plan to dealing with on my own. Not only did nothing bad happen, but recruit the assistance of my husband. I reflected upon what made I realized he was better at certain aspects of raising the children me fall in love with him in the first place, and thought about what than I was. He wasn’t afraid to let our son do things for himself, made him tick—what he loved, who he truly was deep in his soul: and they formed an unbreakable bond. 1. My husband was a painter, carpenter, and then a freight train engineer by trade. But those were his career choices—helpful, We were now a team, partnering with our strengths. Our love but not “what made him tick”. for each other grew stronger than I could have imagined. Every 2. Raised by a single mom, he didn’t have the storybook child- marriage goes through rough waters; it’s finding your way out of hood I had. With no real “father figure” in his life, he ultimately the storm together that makes or breaks you. We’ve become the became independent and self-sufficient. team that navigated the family through the storm to more calm 3. He enlisted with the Army after high school and was a Tanker waters albeit it not entirely tranquil. We are still on our journey. in Germany for his tour of duty. This taught him discipline and gave him his patriotic ideology and self-esteem. Learning what drives your partner—what they love, their 4. He’s an avid fisherman, not your regular throw-a-pole-in- strengths and passion—is the key to surviving the autism di- and-wait-for-the-bite kind of guy. We’re talking about intense agnosis. Remember why you fell in love with your partner and gone-all-day fishing. This helped me understand his patience, capitalize on it. Build each other and your relationship around his drive for the thrill of the catch, and his strategic planning in those things and no one and nothing can break you. knowing where the big fish were. 5. Most importantly, in every part of his being, he was a fighter. He KIMBERLYKIMBERLY LINDERMAN...LINDER …Kimberly’s youngest child, Kaden, was vaccine was a two-time Kuk Sul Won (Korean martial arts) World Cham- injured at 20 months and is recovering from pion. He loved to fight and strived to be the best at everything “autistic-like” symptoms. She is the co-host of he ever did. He has strong opinions and is very educated on Linderman Unleashed on Natural News Radio, and is the Marketing Director of Autism File Magazine. issues important to him. (You do not want to debate him. I call _ him “The Extreme”. He is an all or nothing kind of guy.) FAMILY WELLNESS 39

single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that nobody is perfect at selecting the right words each that it has taken place.” and every time. It’s not uncommon for individuals to be better at knowing what they mean, rather than being able to translate THE Q & A their meaning into language. As a result, it’s important One of the best ways to ﬁnd out whether the intended mes- to extend each other the courtesy of a “do-over” when it sage has, in fact, been received and understood correctly is comes to the words that leave your mouths. Remember simply to ask. Ask your partner what action he or she will take

He said…. By Curt Linderman My wife was dead serious about divorcing me, and after read-reading those two books I couldn’t blame herr a bit. The difference I’m lucky enough to be married to my best friend. I never was that I now knew that there was no way I could allow that to thought I’d be able to say that, but this is one of the seriously happen. This woman was amazing! Shee was taking on this fight strange things that happened as a direct result of our youngest without any help from anyone—I hadd to man up! son’s autism diagnosis. I didn’t always feel this way and I can assure you that the animosity was mutual. TheTh respect that I gained for my wifee that day will last a lifetime. The respectres that I’ve gained from herer since will last an eternity. Autism had taken its toll. Our marriage was in shambles and I wanted to place all the blame firmlyon on the the shoulders shoulders of of the the But whatwhat’s most important for me is the look of respect and woman I’d married and vowed to spend the rest of my lilifefe love that I sesee in her eyes when shehe looks at me today. After with—through sickness and in health.ealth. (I didn’t realize at the knowingknowing whwhata she had gone throughugh during the early days after time the vow should also apply to all of the little lives that we thethe diagnosis,diagnosis, I truly believe that I will spend the rest of my days mutually created.) tryingtrying toto makemake it up to her.

When we first married, I was a apaintinginting contractor/smal contractor/smalll busi busi-- An aautismutism didiagnosisag normally leadsads to one parent staying home ness owner. After marriage and children,hildren, we made the decisdecisionion andand ononee goinggoin to work. When Kim came down with a serious ill-ill- that I needed to go out and “get a real job”.job”. I waswas hiredhired on aass a ness,ness, I ststayedayed home for a monthonth with our children while she was freight conductor for the Union Pacificific RRailroad,ailroad, quiquicklyckly m ovmoveded in thethe hospitalhosp and recoveringring at her parents’ house. I realized up the ladder, and eventually became an engineer.engineer. I spentspent a lot thatthat the one who stays home is the one who’s really working. I of time away from home: my first year on ththee rarailroadilroad I Ispe spentnt couldn’tcoul wait to get backck to the railroad! 265 nights in a hotel room or on a train. I encencourage dads too do what they need to take care of their The defining moment in my life came on the day my wife families—providefamilie for them—but never forget what their handed me two books as I was getting ready to leave for yet spousepouuse does for thee family. RememberRemember that being a ffatherather and another three-day train trip to Chicago. The books were Let Me husbandband is about being there and supporting each other. I have Hear Your Voice and Evidence of Harm. She handed them to me a pictureure of my firstborn son inn aa frameframe by by my my bedside bedside that that saying, “Read these. If you come home and you’re not on board reads, “Anyoneyone can be a father.r. It takes someone special to be a with me, I want a divorce.” Let me take a bit of this back: that wasn’t the defining moment. To be perfectly honest with you, I daddy.” I’d takee it oneo step further:ther: Anyone can be a husband, it was ready for the damn divorce. takes someone specialciaial to be a partner.artner.

The defining moment was when, while parked at a crossing, wait- And last but not least: When times get hard, remember why ing for train traffic ahead to clear, I decided to start reading the you married that woman in the first place and everything books she handed to me. Let Me Hear Your Voice tore me apart. I you’ve been through—and man up! remember the look on my crewmember’s face (there are two people on the locomotive) as I was literally crying my eyes out. CURTCURT LINDERMAN,LINDERMAN SR. .. What the author of this book, Catherine Maurice, went through was …is the father of four children.hildren. He has been a vocal advocate exactly what my wife was going through—alone! I wasn’t there to for autism-related issuess since his youngest son Kaden, now 11 years old, was diagnoseded with autism at the age of three. support her. I wasn’t doing anything but hindering her and making Curt hosted “Linderman Live”e” on Autism One radio for four her life miserable as she was trying desperately to help our child. years and is currently the host of “Linderman Unleashed” airing Monday through Friday on Natural News Radio. He is The second book, Evidence of Harm by David Kirby (that I ended married to Autism File Director of Marketing Kim Linderman. They live with their family in northeast Missouri where they operate Box Organix, up finishing at the hotel after the trip to Chicago), made me a wholesale organic foods distributor (boxorganix.com). To access “Linderman angry and gave me the fight that my wife knew I needed. Unleashed”, visit naturalnewsradio.com. _ 40 FAMILY WELLNESS

based on the contents DO DON’T partner’s clariﬁcation, of your conversation. ` Consider your definition of ` Overlook the need to instead of criticizing Instead of repri- communication. How do accept each other’s them for their opinions manding your partner and feelings. your beliefs shape what you opinions because your for not listening, it’s Be sure to keep in critical to develop ways say and how you say it? partner has insights you mind that telling your of respectfully letting ` Reflect on responsibilities. don’t, and vice-versa. partner only what he or each other know when How have you agreed to talk she wants to hear is not something is not work- ` Tell your partner only what helpful to your commu- to and listen to each other? ing. This is necessary he or she wants to hear nication. This will not so you can correct ` Offer courtesy do-overs because communication keep your lines of com- the problem. Partners because we don’t always is about creating results as munication open. The must feel safe in ask- choose the perfect wording well as respecting feelings. healthiest and strongest ing for clariﬁcation on relationships require communication. They the first time. ` Forget to ask for ongoing open and honest com- must be able to do this ` Ask if your message was feedback to make sure you munication at all times. without the fear of be- understood correctly are hearing as well as being While this is clearly ing scolded by their easier said than done, it because clarification is key. heard. partner. is extremely important The only way in- to accomplish. dividuals will feel comfortable in letting you know how communication can be ONGOING FEEDBACK improved is when the feedback results in a feeling of apprecia- Develop the habit of having regular conversations with tion and understanding. So, be sure to listen and accept your your partner which focus on these questions: “What is going well with us?” and “What can we do to make our relationship even better?” These questions will help you The Autism Media Channel was understand how you are doing as a created to provide help and support partner, as well as how your partner to individuals with autism and their is doing as a partner. By having regu- families. We work with professionals lar conversations on this topic, you can ask these questions, receive feed- from around the globe to present back, and understand what to keep practical strategies for all the chal- doing and what to do differently. lenges autism families face on a These types of conversations are daily basis. From designing a sup- essential for strong communication plement protocol to toilet training, because it is far easier to give a car a tune-up than to rebuild the engine. Keep in mind that it is better to and from creating viable work- begin discussing what is working places for adults with autism well, instead of what is broken. The key to strong family com- to finding support for siblings, munication is understanding each we gather the best possible other’s beliefs on what it means to input from physicians, thera- communicate, and by regularly and pists, nutritionists and more to openly discussing opinions, feel- present on our website. ings and ideas with one another. Tony Robbins, life coach and mo- tivational speaker, said it best: “To Visit us at effectively communicate, we must www.autismmediachannel.com realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use for more information this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” _ WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 41 Chronic Infections and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Speciﬁc events can trigger behavioral and sensory symptoms…

BY JODIE A. DASHORE OTD, MS, OTR/L, HHP

`STREPTOCOCCUS BACTERIA—Strep and other infections like Lyme can trigger an autoimmune response in susceptible individuals.

cientific studies show that autism and Autism Spectrum BUGS IN THE BRAIN? SDisorders (ASD) can have multiple causative factors. Research has established that certain bacteria, viruses, and Recent research has been focused on the roles of molecu- parasites can infect the brain causing meningitis, encepha- lar mimicry, immunopharmacology, nutrigenomics, chronic litis and widespread inflammation. These can bring about underlying coinfections and neuro immune syndromes in biochemical and physiological changes which in turn result the clinical dynamics and prognosis of children diagnosed in a wide variety of symptoms that can present as autism with ASD. Many children with ASD regress around the age and other neurological conditions like mood disorders, of three, often after a specific event such as reaction to vac- depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and more. Some cination, infection, stress or trauma implying some epigenetic of the infectious microorganisms transmitted through the triggers, and may constitute a distinct phenotype. ASD chil- bite of a tick have been identified as Borrelia Burgdorferi, dren respond disproportionally to stress and stress affects the Bartonella Henselae, Babesia Microti, and Babesia Duncani. functional vitality of the immune system quite profoundly. These and certain viruses and parasites can result in symp- Often children diagnosed with ASD present with certain toms consistent with the above diagnoses. subtle but distinct clinical characteristics that, upon careful Lyme Disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria (spi- scrutiny, can provide valuable clues to underlying issues and rochete) called Borrelia burgdorferi. The Lyme spirochete covert infectious pathology. can cause infection of multiple organs and produce a wide 42 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH

Robert C. Bransfield, MD, 2011 range of symptoms. Case reports in the medical literature ticks appear to be a speck of dust but are equally virulent document the protean manifestations of Lyme disease, and when it comes to transmitting disease. Dog ticks, fleas, head familiarity with its varied presentations is key to recognizing louse, the white footed mouse, mosquitoes, and horse flies disseminated disease. are the other vectors known to transmit Lyme disease and Research has shown that spirochetes can paralyze multiple co-infections. aspects of the immune system and the person is left without These microorganisms have also been shown to influ- adequate defenses against many other infections and toxins ence one of the major detoxification pathways of the body, one may subsequently come in contact with. Based on cur- namely the liver cytochrome p450, and down regulate the rent statistics, a significant activity of this vital pathway. number people who contract Cytochrome P450 enzymes Depression Lyme disease are misdiagnosed are present in most tissues of during the early stages, leading the body, and play important to a chronic form of the disease Mental Illness roles in hormone synthesis which can prove even more and breakdown, cholesterol difficult to diagnose and treat. synthesis, and vitamin D me- Lyme disease is often referred to Rheumatoid tabolism. Cytochrome P450 as the “great imitator” because arthritis enzymes also function to it mimics other conditions in- FibromyalgiaLyme ADHD metabolize potentially toxic cluding autism, often causing Mimics compounds, including drugs patients to suffer a complicated Multiple Sclerosis and products of endogenous maze of doctors in search of ap- metabolism such as bilirubin, Hypochondria propriate treatment. ALS principally in the liver. The Cytochrome p450 issues can WIDESPREAD HEALTH also impact sensory process- COMPLICATIONS ChronicSyndrome Fatigue ing and cerebellar vestibular Recently, the CDC released pathways and function. information that nearly In genetically susceptible

300,000 cases of Lyme are lymedisease.org children, the presence of some diagnosed in the United States THE GREAT IMITATOR—Lyme disease can produce a wide range microbes can produce an ab- every year. Even if 1% of those of symptoms resembling numerous other conditions making it very normal immune response of are manifesting as or compli- difficult to diagnose. molecular mimicry where the cating ASD, that’s 3,000 chil- child develops auto antibodies dren a year who could be helped. Contrary to popular belief, against certain areas of the brain that contain proteins that Lyme disease is not just an “East Coast” problem. In fact, in the are similar to microbial proteins. P.A.N.D.A.S. (Pediatric last ten years, ticks known to carry Lyme disease have been Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with identified in all 50 states and worldwide. Strep) occurs when the presence of streptococcus bacteria Often, people don’t recall being bitten by a tick. Nymphal induces an autoimmune reaction in the body. Lyme and ticks can be as small as other Tick Borne Infections (TBI) have also been shown to a pin head and larval cause autoimmune reactions and the production of anti- neuronal antibodies. WHERE TO BEGIN? _ TINY THREATS—Al- though ticks can be as small The first step is to find a knowledgeable clinician who is as the size of a poppy seed, able to discern these differences and guide you through tick borne illnesses pose serious further investigation of causative factors and a different

California Department of Public Health. Public of Department California risks to human health. treatment regimen. WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH 43 Brandon’s case

Diagnosed with ASD at age 2.8 years, Brandon was four sedimentation rate (ESR), high titers for Epstein Barr and Cyto- years old when I first met him. He had a very poor atten- megalo Viruses, positive testing for anti-neuronal antibodies, tion span and severely impaired processing speed; limited positive Strep antibodies, and inability to make antibody to speech; deficiencies in auditory, visual, and spatial process- vaccines. He was also diagnosed with P.A.N.D.A.S. ing; and problems with ordering, organizing, and planning. He was also noted to have severe separation anxiety and intense obsessive compulsive disorder with several repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. Additionally, he experienced social anxiety, emotional lability, lashing out/hitting/biting, restrictive eating/skipping meals, contamination fears/ hallucinations, demanding defiance, OCD measurement rituals, OCD repetitive questioning, movement abnormality, illegible handwriting/fine motor tremor (includes dropping things/clumsiness).

I also observed that Brandon: ` Wanted to make friends but didn’t know how to engage. ` Was very bright, with an incredible memory and attention to detail, excellent with puzzles, had multiple areas of academic

interest like books, numbers, computers, and music. Courtesy of Teresa Conrick and Adriana Gamondes, Age of Autism. ` Was small for his age and appeared to have trouble gaining weight in spite of a good appetite. Brandon’s treatment and recovery: ` Was able to achieve skills with sensory integration therapy ` His parents chose to pursue sensory integration, biomedical but never sustained any of those positive changes. and natural therapies along with conventional antibiotics ` Had predominantly vestibular and proprioceptive sensory needed to treat the infections. processing challenges. ` Sensory Integration Therapy focused on regaining and strengthening the vestibular feedback mechanism and processing along with proprioceptive skills and perceptual Information obtained from the parent interview indicated that reframing therapy based on a specialized protocol created Brandon was developing normally until the age of 2.4, and by Dr. Dashore for children with ASD comorbid with then simply stopped making any further progress in multiple areas of development, especially in social skills and language. underlying infections. At nine months of age, during the summer, he developed a ` Strategies were implemented to decrease sensory overload cold with some flu-like symptoms which was deemed a viral and to minimize exposure to electro magnetic frequencies infection. A few weeks later, he developed a red rash in small at home. patches on several areas of his body. This was deemed eczema and treated accordingly. Around the age of 18 months, Bran- ` Biomedical therapy consisted of neuro biofeedback, don came down with an episode of high fever with nausea, microbial entrainment, singlet oxygen, pulsed gagging, refusal to eat, profuse sweating, and rapid eye blink- electromagnetic frequencies, Klinghardt Matrix Therapy, ing which lasted less than a week. He would develop these Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, methylation support, fever episodes every 8-10 weeks and was diagnosed with specialized detoxification of microbial endo- and exo-toxins, chronic cyclical fever syndrome. neurotoxin elimination, homotoxicology treatments, and When I met Brandon, the fevers were still continuing, being targeted nutritional protocols based on specific underlying treated symptomatically, and Brandon had also recently de- infections found. veloped several other “stims” like eye rolling, head nodding ` After 18 months of intensive multifaceted treatment, and facial grimacing. Brandon went on to make a full recovery. He started Upon laboratory testing, Brandon had positive results for growing and gaining weight, and developed language Lyme disease, Babesia Microti, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, low at age appropriate level. The diagnosis of ASD no longer IgG, low white blood cell count, anemia, high erythrocyte applies and Brandon is in mainstream education. 44 WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH

Parents of children with ASD are not strangers to specialized laboratory tests that are sometimes needed to look at the deeper issues underlying behavioral and sensory manifestations of ASD. (See sidebar.) Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers for ASD. However, there are several biomarkers for inﬂammation, and for viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections.

THE ANTIBIOTIC DEBATE Recovering from Appropriate antibiotics, in the correct doses, for adequate Chronic infections duration have been shown to result in improvement—and even cure—in a number of cases. If Lyme (or another ` Address all aspects of Lyme and co-infections including: pathogen) is the underlying etiology for an autism pre- ` The presence of spirochete infection and coinfections sentation, the child might not improve without adding an antibiotic regimen to the ` The illness-producing effects of microbial exo- and treatment plan. endo-toxins produced in the host in response to Looking into Many kids with autism- microbial triggers Lab Work? like syndrome associated with TBIs get better on an- ` The immune reactions provoked by both the toxins and If you’re just getting on board with tibiotics when nothing else microbes. These depend on various factors like genetics, biomedical interventions for your has worked. They may re- epigenetic exposure, and emotional trauma. child and suspect an underlying lapse when antibiotics are ` Treat the underlying infection/s with an adequate dose of infection, ask your health care stopped. When you see an medication for an adequate amount of time provider about investigating, start- autism-like presentation, ing with these lab panels: especially if the child is ` Control, or ideally eliminate, inflammation using nutritional ` WBC (White Blood Count) not responding to conven- strategies tional therapies, put TBIs ` Enhance and support the immune system ` ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation on the differential diagno- Rate) sis list, investigate further, ` Provide mitochondrial support for adequate energy to heal ` CRP (C-Reactive Protein) run the requisite labs, and and repair rule out underlying infec- ` Metabolic Panel tions. Every child deserves ` Support methylation. Provide symptomatic support until healing occurs ` Lymphocyte subset panel 1 a thorough investigation of all possible causative fac- ` Epstein Barr IgM and IgG ` NEVER GIVE UP! tors before being deemed ` Cytomegalo Virus IgM and IgG as autistic for life. There are many new and emerg- looked very much like ASD and have even been diagnosed ` Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgM ing research studies into as being “on the spectrum” during PANDAS exacerbation. and IgG vector borne infections. They have since healed medically and psychologically, the ` HHV6 IgM and IgG ASD behavior set has faded as well, and no one applies that ROAD TO RECOVERY ` IgG subclasses 1,2,3 and 4 diagnosis any more. (Immunoglobulin G) Chronic underlying infec- Lyme literate therapists work closely with the treating tions can often be the physicians to coordinate and customize treatment modali- ` IgA total (Immunoglobulin A) missing component of ties at various stages of recovery. In my clinic, the last year ` IgE total (Immunoglobulin E) neurological and immuno- alone, 11 out of 28 children diagnosed with ASD were found logical recovery. Adequate to have underlying infections and were treated accordingly. ` Serum Folate treatment and resolution Of those, seven have lost the diagnosis and the others are ` MTHFR mutation (Methyl Tetra of these infections, and making excellent progress towards the same. Hydrofolate reductase) the biochemical and physiological changes brought Acknowledgement: I would like to acknowledge my teachers, ` ASO (strep antibodies) about, can often dramati- mentors and guides without who this amazing journey of heal- ` Anti Dnase B (strep antibodies) cally increase positive out- ing my child and so many others would never have happened. comes for children with Special thanks to the world renowned healers, Dr. Charles Ray ` Lyme Western Blot IgM and IgG ASD. Several children in Jones MD, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt MD, PhD and to www. ` Candida IgM, IgA, and IgG my practice, including my ILADS.org for being a great advocate and resource for patients son, had behaviors that and physicians. _ content that matters AutismMediaChannel.com The Autism File’s [IFWMXILEWRS[QIVKIH[MXLXLI%YXMWQ1IHME'LERRIPXSMRGPYHI[MHIP]HMZIVWI GSRXIRXMRFSXLXI\XERHZMHISJSVQEXW(IWMKRIHXSFISJMQQIHMEXIFIRI½XXSSYVVIEHIVWSYV GSRXIRXEHHVIWWIWXLIRIIHWSJXLIIRXMVIWTIGXVYQJVSQJEQMPMIWSJXLIRI[P]HMEKRSWIHXSWIEWSRIH EYXMWQZIXIVERWERHIZIV]SRIMRFIX[IIR3YVTSTYPEVIPIXXIVGSRRIGXW[MXLXLSWIWIIOMRKXLI PEXIWXHIZIPSTQIRXWMREPPXLMRKWEYXMWQTVSZMHMRKXMTWWXVEXIKMIWERHWSPYXMSRWIEGL[IIO

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'YWXSQEHZIVXMWMRK Making a difference online by: TEGOEKIWERHWTSRWSVWLMTW Our weekly e-letter XEMPSVIHXSQIIX]SYV includes: 'SRRIGXMRKZMWMXSVWXSE[IEPXLSJ YRMUYIHMKMXEPKSEPW MRJSVQEXMSRVIPEXIHXSEYXMWQWTIGXVYQ 3ZIV20,000STXMRVIGMTMIRXW HMWSVHIVWRI[P]HMEKRSWIHPMZMRK[MXL 8LIEFMPMX]XSVIEGL TIV[IIO EYXMWQHMIXERHRYXVMXMSRXVIEXQIRXERH FI]SRHHMWTPE]EHW 1EMRWTSRWSV´WFERRIVEHETTIEVW XLIVET]IHYGEXMSRWGMIRGIERHVIWIEVGL F]IRKEKMRKSRPMRI [MXLMRIQEMPERHPERHMRKTEKI VIWSYVGIWERHQSVI YWIVW[MXLIFSSOW (IPMZIVMRKSZIV65,000TEKIZMI[W HS[RPSEHEFPIFVERHIH 3XLIVEZEMPEFPIEHTPEGIQIRXWXS TIVQSRXL TVIQMYQWERHSXLIV FIWXWYMX]SYVKSEPW YWIJYPVIJIVIRGIW

Contact Kim Linderman, Advertising Director “I love Autism File and OPMRHIVQER$EYXMWQ½PIGSQ always recommend it to friends and fellow support or %MQII%PPIRFEGO Account Executive group members. It truly EMQII$GMVGPIQKQXGSQ is a springboard for recovery. I love that!” Autism File, a bi-monthly publication, is now available ‘‘Sylvia, Granite Bay, CA as a FREE digital download when you click here to sign up! 46 BIOMEDICAL UPDATE

Toxins, Allergens, and Autism Toxic environments can have profound effects upon the behavior, learning ability, and overall health of our children…

BY DORIS RAPP, MD

utism rates in America are increasing practically by the TOXIC EXPOSURES Aminute. In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Increasingly, researchers and parents believe that exposures Prevention (CDC) estimated that autism affected about to toxins and/or allergens are major contributors to the one in 150 children. By 2012, the CDC development of autism and many other estimate had increased to one in 88. Now, diagnoses. Dust, pollen, chemicals, and according to the latest revision of the b foods can cause illness in any area of the estimate recently released, autism affects body or brain. There are some simple one in 50 children. This is a 300 percent Many of these ways to help many people pinpoint the increase in 11 years. In addition to autism, exact causes of their illnesses. Once other diagnoses such as ADHD are on the vaccines are given those causes are known and addressed, rise and in 2011, the CDC reported that many children—and adults— will begin one in six children has a developmental at the same time to feel better. Additionally, it is often disability. possible to treat the affected individuals As stunning as these numbers are, even though the without prescription drugs which can surprisingly little has been done to find have serious side effects. out the reasons behind them or what can safety and long term Heavy metal poisoning from mercury be done to prevent a diagnosis such as and other toxic metals is another probable autism or ADHD. Often, the answers are effects of giving factor in the development of disease. Some there, but the right questions aren’t being vaccines—including most flu shots—still asked. Do you ever wonder why a child multiple vaccines in contain mercury in the form of the preser- learns well one day and not the next? Are vative thimerosal. Additionally, the bodies you perplexed by sudden, totally inexpli- combination have of many mothers become mercury-laden cable changes in a child’s gait, speech, through amalgam dental fillings or simply writing, behavior, and activity? These not been adequately from breathing contaminated air or eating things can often be explained by taking a certain foods that contain trace amounts look at the child’s surroundings. Honing researched. of mercury, lead, and arsenic. (Some arti- in on what he’s been touching, smelling, ficial colors contain these toxins and must and eating will yield some tell-tale clues. a be avoided.). BIOMEDICAL UPDATE 47

One study in the journal Pediatrics from August of 2008 Tips for helping your child cope found that 85% of neonatal infants who were given two or more vaccines at once developed evidence of inﬂammation in with food diets their blood. Within 48 hours after the vaccines, given alone or together, 16% of all infants had episodes when they stopped A child will not be happy to hear that he can’t have his fa- breathing. Those who received multiple vaccines also devel- vorite foods and has to eat things he may not necessarily oped hemorrhages in their brains, upset stomachs, or reﬂux. enjoy. To help with these normal feelings, try some of the Much of the past and present research has emphasized genetic predilection and defects in intermediate metabolism following: rather than looking at toxic exposures including vaccines. ` Have your entire family do the diet. You may find One must surely ask who paid for studies which state vaccines are not a factor. In those studies stating there is no answers to medical or emotional problems in several relationship, were the infants given one vaccine at a time members because allergies are usually not confined to one rather than administering multiple shots as they are cur- member of a family. rently? As pediatricians, we are advised to give children as many as 48 doses of vaccines before the age of six. Many of ` When starting the diet, offer your child a reward these vaccines are given at the same time even though the allowing some of the favorite foods, even some of those safety and long term effects of giving multiple vaccines in that caused mild symptoms. (Try one teaspoon of baking combination have not been adequately researched. soda for children or two teaspoons for teenagers or adults, AVOIDING AUTISM dissolved in a half cup of water, to lessen the symptoms Less than 1% of all doctors in the USA are aware that vita- caused. Most people do not know baking soda can stop min C takes all minerals, including heavy metals, out of an allergic reaction within five the body. This is not true chelation, as vitamin C combines metabolically, but it’s the same result. You are helping to to eight minutes.) However, take out toxins—and putting back in—what is needed. this will only happen if he or Most doctors even believe that the RDA (recommended daily she does not cheat and eat allowance) of 75 mg is correct for good health. But 4000 foods that are not allowed. mg is the RDA for a 150 pound ape—and is actually more on target for humans. Mineral analysis of people who use Keep to your word. 2000-5000 mg (2-5 grams) per day of vitamin C for a year ` Ask your children to show heavy metal toxicity so low it is immeasurable. We have an epidemic of autism which in some cases I believe to participate in meal be caused by mercury, aluminum, and/or lead toxicity. This preparation. Teach them to toxicity is increasing in our culture—and pregnant women bake foods they love to eat. are more and more subject to environmental poisoning. This Children are more apt to eat is creating toxicity before birth because the infant’s liver may be overloaded with toxins which in turn can actually something they normally kill brain cells. don’t like, if they helped to A simple and cheap prevention? Pregnant women need prepare it. an intake level of four grams per day of inexpensive vitamin C. (Less than $30 for a nine-month supply at Costco). If Note: It is important to note when trying a food allergy diet, that expectant mothers take two 1000 mg tablets at breakfast, many will feel worse the first few days after they avoid certain pre-natal vitamins at lunch, and then two more 1000 mg foods, similar to a withdrawal reaction. The common complaints vitamin C tablets at dinner, the “shared” blood stream of mother and fetus will be gradually be cleared of mercury and include irritability, malaise, fatigue, headache, and nausea. These other heavy metals. This allows for the birth of a healthier withdrawal symptoms, however, will usually disappear on their baby who will be better able to handle further toxic insults own. This withdrawal happens because those with allergies after entering the world. Autism is a “bankruptcy” disease tend to crave or be addicted to the very foods to which they are to families. Instead of spending millions on “the cure”, let’s spend a small amount on prevention. sensitive. Many feel better within seven days after beginning the diet. If you are concerned by withdrawal symptoms, try one/two AUTISM AND ALLERGIES teaspoons (child/adult dose) of baking soda in ½ glass of water Many children with autism suffer from food allergies which and/or 1000 mg of Vitamin C. are often overlooked. How can you tell by looking at a child 48 BIOMEDICAL UPDATE

POTENTIAL THERAPIES that he or she is suffering an allergic reaction? They tend to have red earlobes or cheeks, dark eye circles, bags under Some of the following are relatively mainstream but oth- their eyes, nose rubbing and/or wiggly legs just before sudden unexplained changes in their activity and behavior. ers reflect thinking a bit outside the box. Let’s expand our How can you figure out the specific cause? If it is a thoughts and push the envelope. We have an epidemic with chemical sensitivity, the above changes occur within min- much too little help for far too many. Let’s consider some of utes after smelling something such as lawn spray, fabric the following: softener, perfume or a product with artificial fragrance, ` HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES (See “CEASE Therapy smelly disinfectant, dry-cleaned clothing, or perhaps a and Autism” on page 56 of this issue.) new synthetic mattress or carpet. If it is a food allergy, the changes may occur immediately after consuming a ` HERBAL THERAPY Visit http://www.autismfile.com/ certain food. Foods, especially milk, dairy, and wheat are treatment-therapy/herbal-medicines-benefit-autism known to be problematic in many children with autism. If your child intermittently acts out, talks back, uses vul- ` DETOX Chemical exposures appear to be factors in gar language or seems to have some serious emotional issues some children with autism necessitating the need like aggression, anger and depression, do not despair. There for extensive detox or cleansing the chemicals could be a very simple answer. Think of possible allergies, from the body. For example, parents report some especially if you have allergic relatives. Exposures to foods, children are repeatedly worse the day after fogging dust, molds, pollen and chemicals all can cause a child to for insects with chemical sprays. An immediate suddenly act, behave, speak, walk, write and breathe in dif- blood and urine exam could easily show if the ferent and very inappropriate ways. Many, even in the health chemicals were in excess. (AccuChem Lab is one profession, are totally unaware or simply don’t believe that source for this type of testing.) foods or other common allergens could cause these types of problems. Skeptics can see unquestionable proof of allergic ` LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Other methods of reactions caused by these substances on drrapp.com. detoxification include lymphatic drainage to ALLERGY INTERVENTION improve hydration (which parents can learn how to implement) and bowel cleansing. The regular use You can do a fast simple diet with your child to see what is causing the problem. The first thing to do is make a of saunas also might be helpful. list of your child’s five favorite foods and two favorite ` PROVOCATION/NEUTRALIZATION If autism was beverages. These will be the frequently requested things spotted after vaccines were administered, consider that your child just “can’t live without.” Look over the treating with Provocation/Neutralization (see list—these are your prime suspects. drrapp.com) A dilution of the same vaccines that Check with your doctor and omit all of the foods and drinks on your list for one week. Next, add them back, were given prior to the onset of autism are used. one at a time, first thing in the morning without any other This form of therapy has been helpful for post-polio foods or drinks with or before them. If there are no symp- recurrences using polio vaccine as well. toms within two hours, add back another. If there are ` P/N ALLERGY TESTING for some chemicals such symptoms, that food is probably a problem food. Don’t add as chlorine is possible. The uterine fluid and blood back another favorite food until the next day (or later, if any of newborns can contain 287 different toxic chemicals. The unborn baby can be immersed in these chemicals for nine months. There is often a correlation. ` NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION can be beneficial but the levels of nutrients need to be studied prior to and after such therapy is started. Selection of which ones are needed, the brand, type of administration, and composition of nutrients is very important. Work with an experienced nutritionist to determine what supplement protocol is best for your child. BIOMEDICAL UPDATE 49

Finding Answers Through P/N One family’s story… By Maria Milik

After 13 years of marriage and several years of trying to start a Dr. Rapp talks about P/N (Provocation/Neutralization) testing family, my husband and I were blessed with our first son in the in her book. Initially hesitant to turn to this type of testing (it winter of 2002. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, involves several hours over several visits of getting a shot every I started planning how I was going to raise my child, research- 10 minutes), I nonetheless made an appointment with an envi- ing and reading every parenting book out there. By the end ronmental allergist. of nine months, I had a birth plan and a draft schedule for my child’s life up through college. The upshot of P/N The shots themselves weren’t nearly as bad as I’d feared. Most As the saying goes, “The best laid plans of mice and men amazing was how Leo reacted—behaviorally and physically— often go awry”. What I hadn’t prepared for was having a child to a problematic substance. Banana (the only fruit he ate every with medical issues. Leo spent his first four days in intensive day) gave him instant diarrhea. He also had problems with care because of poor feeding and excessive crying. The hospi- cashew, tomato, olive, soy and the list went on. tal couldn’t determine causes so recommended we follow up with his pediatrician. When tested for environmental triggers, we found that Leo was highly allergic to tree pollen. His eczema flared immediately and Unanswered Questions he became congested and had slurred speech. He tested posi- Leo continued to cry inconsolably for 12-20 hours a day. Every tive for mold, dust mite, cockroach, horse and cat. time he ate, he would vomit and have diarrhea. After a week, The most amazing discovery we found was that he was aller- he developed eczema over his entire body. This continued for gic to sweet clover (prevalent in the Midwest, where we live). months, even after seeing 12 different specialists. Each doc- Before being tested for sweet clover, Leo was calmly reading a tor would put him on a different medication for his skin and book. After getting the first injection, he became hyperactive, tummy. Nothing relieved his symptoms. got down on the floor, started crawling under chairs, and bit my ankle so hard it drew blood. This repeated during the test- One day, my neighbor brought me the book, Is This Your Child? ing for over an hour until they could find his neutralizing dose. by Dr. Doris Rapp. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t As soon as they did, he threw his hands around me, said he put it down. I felt as if the book was written about Leo. Why was sorry, then sat quietly reading his book as if nothing had didn’t any of our pediatricians ever mention allergies? Leo’s happened. If I weren’t there to experience it, I wouldn’t have doctor assured me that if he did have allergies, chances are believed it! he’d outgrow them by the time he was on solid food. P/N testing and treatment was critical for my son. Leo no At 17 months, Leo was showing signs of delayed development longer has problems with vomiting, diarrhea and rarely gets and was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive. I kept Dr. Rapp’s eczema. He has better focus and attention and no longer has book at my bedside and referred to it often. It was time for me aggressive outbursts. I truly don’t believe my son would be to take my son’s health into my own hands. where he is today not had I not read Dr. Rapp’s book.

Taking action I have since learned that my best laid plans don’t always go as I would like them to but following my instincts or “mommy I began by taking Leo off gluten and dairy at the recommenda- gut”, hasn’t failed me yet. Thank you, Dr. Rapp, for all you have tion of a local nutritionist who was also familiar with Dr. Rapp’s done to educate people on the myriad physical and emo- book. By the forth day on the new diet, Leo stopped vomiting tional changes that can happen to children with allergies and and was happier than I’d ever seen him. Within a month, his environmental illnesses. developmental therapist said she couldn’t believe he was the same child. He continued to make progress with speech and MARIAMARIA S.S. MILIK...MILIK OT but continued to have gastrointestinal issues and eczema. … has two special boys, Leo, 11, and Joey, seven. Passionate about advocacy for autism since Leo was a At this point, I implemented the rotation diet that Dr. Rapp toddler, Maria has read and researched extensively about talks about in her book and this article. Leo seemed sensitive ASD and potential treatments. Vowing that no parent should have to go through this alone, she has developed a to many foods—and we saw improvement in behaviors when national and international network of parents, educators, those were eliminated—but I knew we could do better. therapists, nutritionists, and doctors. _ 50 BIOMEDICAL UPDATE

Allergy Symptoms Caused by Common Food Suspects Allergy Symptom Often Caused By: Allergic-Tension Artificial coloring, cane or beet sugar, milk, corn, cocoa, wheat, corn, oranges, apples, grapes, peanuts, Fatigue Syndrome tomatoes, eggs, food additives, artificial flavorings, and preservatives Aphthous ulcers Citrus, pickles, apples, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, nuts, potatoes (canker sores) Asthma Milk, eggs, wheat or any other grain, fish or shellfish, peanuts, cocoa, corn, nuts, wheat, onion, garlic Pork (bacon, ham, etc.), lard, milk, chicken, chocolate, wheat, coffee, eggs, artificial food coloring, corn, Arthritis fish, turkey, lamb, spinach, cinnamon, and yeast Colitis Milk, wheat, eggs, corn, cocoa, nuts, orange, pork, beef, chicken, peanut, sugar Eczema Eggs, milk, chocolate, nuts, eggs, peanuts, yeast Fluid retention Pork, milk (dairy) Gall bladder disease Coffee, chocolate, eggs, pork, onion, chicken, oranges, corn, beans, nuts, cheese, fatty foods Milk, eggs, citrus, corn, wheat, pork, tomato, chicken, cola, cocoa, onion, fish, cinnamon, apple, peanuts, Bladder problems fruit juices, artificial color, preservatives Milk, chocolate, chicken, coffee, eggs, corn, peanuts, peas, beans, cinnamon, pork, garlic, food color- Headache ing, wheat, orange, tea, mushrooms, peas, cane sugar, yeast Chocolate, milk (dairy), eggs, peanuts, cinnamon, preservatives, strawberries, melon, tomato, artificial Hives coloring or flavoring or any other food Otitis (ear infections) Milk, wheat, eggs, chocolate, peanuts, corn, chicken Nose Allergies Nose allergies: Milk, orange, corn, wheat, artificial food coloring, eggs Chocolate, corn, nuts, pork, peanuts, coffee, milk, wheat, rice, beef, shrimp or other seafood, chicken, Blood vessel disease apples (and many chemicals)

symptom has not disappeared completely.) If you do not see any change Use Enzymes to Better Digest Foods in your child after adding any of the foods back, the culprit is elsewhere. If you have no idea which food could be causing the problem, do Enzymes have a long track record of safety and effectiveness for my Multiple Food Elimination Diet. digestive help. They work by breaking down foods into more (Found on drrapp.com or in the absorbable components. TriEnza comes in capsules, chewable book titled Allergy Answers.) This diet tablets and a powder. involves leaving many common al- lergenic foods out of your diet for one Try TriEnza week. The second week you add them Broad-spectrum enzyme product back one per day, just as suggested above. This diet is surprisingly use- Better tolerate problem foods ful and can show you exactly what is Digest proteins, carbohydrates, causing changes in how a child feels, sugars, fats and phenols acts, behaves or learns. A Multiple Food Elimination Diet removes the most common highly al- lergenic foods. This diet quickly lets you detect which foods are causing which symptoms. If several basic foods are found to be major problems, a well-trained nutritionist will be Watch the video above to learn about multi-enzyme product TriEnza needed. This is not a long term diet. It is essential to expand this diet after you have ﬁgured out which foods are www.houston-enzymes.com problematic. You must be certain that 5PMM'SFF tJOGP!IPVTUPOFO[ZNFTDPN your child’s diet is nutritionally sound to ensure healthy growth. _ 51 52 TIPS FROM THE TEAM The Emotionally Healthy Family Caring, respectful household rules can strengthen family bonds while enhancing physical health…

BY LAUREN ZIMET, M.S.,CCC/SLP

ealth. Do you like the sound the physical and emo- Hof the word “health”? I do. I tional wellbeing of your like having it, feeling it, see- children. ing it and enhancing it. I like sharing Yet as the parent of a healthy thoughts and healthy, posi- child with special needs, tive energy with others. you know how easy it is to What is health? We may describe put your needs last, trying health as good, bad, stable, weak, etc. to get this and that done Health can be nurtured and health first for your child, and can be ignored. Health can be defined then seemingly forget and as a state of complete physical, men- neglect your own wellbe- tal, and social well-being, not merely ing. While you may believe www.sxc.hu the absence of disease or illness. you are doing what is best for your model for your children. Actions Health is often thought of in child, like the previous scenario with speak louder than words; practicing terms of physical health—how the broken foot and damaged knee, self-care is a true demonstration of does my body feel, how is my body parents who neglect their own well self love. What better gift can you working? Imagine now that all your being cannot adequately oversee the give your whole family? _ children have the flu. You have bro- physical and emotional health of the ken your foot and your significant whole family. other is recovering from knee sur- What is emotional health? It Tips to Strengthen gery. Who will nurse the children encompasses mental health issues Your Whole Family back to health? How can your family like depression and anxiety as well Health: make it through this? It’s obvious as many other conditions. But be- that if the caregivers aren’t healthy, ing emotionally healthy also means .Establish caring, respectful the children are less likely to get managing life’s daily stressors, using family rules. their needs met. It’s easy to see the coping skills, making and keeping 3Make time to get outdoors importance of physical health for friendships, changing old habits that (fresh air recharges the soul). your children and for yourself. don’t serve you, using your creativity, finding ways to bring joy into $Drink plenty of H20 to keep CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER your life. Total health depends on your brain hydrated. Just as important, but possibly given a healthy mind as well as a healthy /Sleep! And have a healthy less attention, is emotional health. body, so it’s important to make time consistent sleep routine. You may be conscious of your desire to nurture both. for your children to be emotionally 1Consume brain foods including healthy, but how much attention do SELF-ASSESSMENT EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) and you give to your own emotional well This month, take time for a self-assess- eat a rainbow each day with being? Your emotional health plays ment. Examine both your physical fruit, veggies, and lean proteins. an enormous, and often unrealized, and your emotional health. Just set- 4Laugh. Look for things that role in your physical health and in ting aside some time to reflect on your make you joyful and don’t own state of health raises your aware- take yourself too seriously. LAURENLAUREN ZIMET,ZIMET, MS/CCC/SLP...M ness. This is the first step to achieving 2Express gratitude. Notice and ... is a speech language and living a balanced life in which all pathologist and the founder state aloud those things great aspects of health are attended. of The Healthy Foundations and small for which you are Program. She is the Once you are more aware, you grateful. (A great family activity.) co-developer of Personal are empowered to make choices— Power Tools for Self Management and Social choices you never realized you had. (Show self-compassion. Navigation.™ Lauren specializes in pragmatics Making choices for healthy change Recognize that mistakes are and picky eating. She utilizes current research on can happen in small steps, but each opportunities for new learning brain development and nutrition to educate and empower her clients and their families to make step takes you closer to a healthier and re-setting neural pathways. healthy choices. _ family system. You serve as the role TIPS FROM THE TEAM 53 Healing Through Nutrition From use in cooking to removing makeup, coconut oil offers a wealth of health benefits…

BY BARRY SMELTZER, MPAS, PA-C

he fragrance of a coconut im- OXIDATIVE STRESS Tmediately induces visions of Unlike so many of the vegetable oils warm, tropical beaches with utilized primarily for cooking (canola, hammocks, suntan lotion, and tropical corn, and soy), coconut oil does not drinks—for me at least. So it is only fit- become oxidized, or rancid, when ting that during the dog days of winter, cooked at higher temperatures. The www.sxc.hu we highlight the considerable health rancid oils are then rendered useless for and home benefits of this amazing oil. energy by the body and are full of free MCT (from coconut oil) or LCT oil. Coconut oil has been and will con- radicals that contribute to oxidative Thirty minutes later they were offered tinue to be one of the most versatile stress and inflammation that plague so lunch in which they could choose and and beneficial oils you can have in many with chronic health issues. eat as much as they wanted. The women your pantry. It has so many uses and who had the MCT oil before the meal ate benefits that entire books are written WEIGHT LOSS less food, and as the authors of the study about it. What makes it so beneficial, Coconut oil is more satisfying than other stated, “significantly decreased caloric so versatile, and so wonderful? fats. When added to meals people tend intake in the lunch.”1 to eat less food and feel fuller longer so There are multiple uses for co- ANTIMICROBIAL they don’t eat as much at the next meal. conut oil in addition to those listed Coconut oil contains the highest per- For example, in one study women were above. Dr. Joseph Mercola published centage of lauric acid in any food in given a drink which contained either some of these on his website: the world. The body, in turn, con- verts it into monolaurin. Monolaurin Makeup Remover Swipe on with a moist cotton ball. Wipe off with a clean cotton has been extensively studied for its ball or wet washcloth. antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal Facial Cleanser Massage a dollop of coconut oil onto face and neck. Wash off properties. There are studies showing with wet washcloth and pat dry. that coconut oil is more effective than permetherin for treating head lice. Body Scrub Mix equal parts coconut oil with organic cane sugar and rub on dry skin prior to your shower. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS Shaving Lotion Apply a thin layer of coconut on area to by shaved, and shave Coconut oil is comprised of mainly as usual. The lauric acid in the coconut oil will also serve as an medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). antiseptic for cuts that may result from shaving. Medium chain fatty acids do not require Face and Body You can use it either by itself, or add your favorite high quality bile salts from the liver in order to be Moisturizer essential oil rated safe for topical use. broken down for absorption, unlike Eye Cream Apply a thin layer of coconut oil around your eyes to soften long and very long fatty acids. This is wrinkles and counteract thinning, sagging skin. very important when it comes to children on the spectrum with any history Deodorant Applying a small amount of coconut oil onto your armpits can help keep odors at bay, courtesy of the oil’s antimicrobial prop- of malabsorption or maldigestion issues. erties. If you prefer, you can add a small amount of baking soda, The MCFAs are readily absorbed in the or make a homemade deodorant using coconut oil, baking correct form and taken directly to the soda and arrow root powder. liver for energy production.

BARRYBARRY SSMELTZER,MELTZEZ R MPAS, PA-C... ` TIP: When choosing a coconut oil to ...is the owner of Healing Provisions PLLC in San Antonio and specializes in biomedical and use, be sure to look for a cold expeller environmental medicine interventions to assist in healing the body. He has dedicated his pressed virgin organic coconut oil in order career to healing children and families after his own son was diagnosed with multiple to maximize the benefits of the oil and medical conditions, from which all he has significantly improved. Barry has presented to minimize contamination and oxidation. both local and national organizations including TACAnow, Holistic Mom’s Network, San Antonio Natural Parenting, Any Baby Can, National Autism Association and Autism One. He 1 Rolls, B.J. et al. 1988. Food intake in dieters and has also written several articles for the Autism File and Autism Science Digest. Barry is happily nondieters after a liquid meal containing medium- married to his wife of 15 years, Linda, and is the father of five wonderful children. chain triglycerides. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 48(1):66 5454 NUTRITIONNUTRITION SOSOLUTIONSLUTIONS

www.sxc.hu GUILT-FREE Goodness Fast, delicious—and all without the gluten or the casein…

BY ELOUISE ROBINSON

ost of us lead busy lives so Thai Prawns with fried ricece M when time runs short, these Serves 4 recipes can be whipped up quickly without too much washing up Ingredients afterwards either. These are all gluten- 2 tablespoons olive or rapeseed oil 1 cup peaseas Bigstock and casein-free, with a healthy balance 3 eggs 1 cup baby corn of ingredients, packed with vegetables 1 tablespoon gluten free tamari 300g peeled prawns and some fruit so you can feel guilt- soya sauce (defrosted frozen are fine) free making them—and still have time 1 heaped tablespoon of Thai red 1 lime, zest and juice left to spend with family and friends. curry paste 2 teaspoons fish sauce 4 cups leftover cooked and cooled rice 2 tablespoons sesame oil ELOUISEELOUISE ROBINSON,ROBINSOS N DIETITIAN...... Elouise is a Dietitian who Method studied at Leeds Metropolitan University. During her place- 1. In a jug mix the eggs, soya sauce and curry paste together. ment year she found a passion for working around health 2. In a large frying pan or wok add the oil and let it heat then add the cold cooked rice, prevention, and was invited peas and baby corn; gently move around the wok till the rice is thoroughly heated. by the public health team she spent time with, to work with them after complet- 3. Push the rice to one side and pour into the empty part of your wok or pan the ing her degree; this allowed Elouise the opportu- mixture from the jug; tilt your wok to allow maximum exposure to the heat and nity to work with families, education settings food allow the mixture to start cooking, moving it around in the empty space created. companies and catering departments. Moving on Elouise has then specialised in working around 4. Once you have lightly cooked scrambled eggs then mix into the rice. health promotion for children, including working to support families with all types of food allergies 5. Add in your prawn and lime juice, zest and fish sauce. and conditions which require therapeutic diets out in the community to be able to have school 6. Finally stir through your sesame oil and serve. meals. Elouise has a passion for cookery and developing new recipes and has written many recipes to support families including a recipe booklet for ` NOTE: If you wish, finish with extra chili or herbs like cilantro or for a nice fresh fussy eaters. _ crunch, slices of cucumber or peppers work well. NUTRITION SOLUTIONS 55

Noodle pots

Ingredients 80g vegetables e.g. stir fry vegetables like carrot, baby corn, spring onions, bean sprouts, and peppers 50g rice noodles 1 heaped teaspoon curry paste ¼ gluten free stock cube 1 dessertspoon tomato puree 60g cooked protein e.g. prawn, chicken pieces (optional) Boiling water to taste Crushed red pepper flakes to taste chopped

Method 1. In wok or large pan add the Bigstock tomato puree and curry paste veg and noodles; stir fry for 2 minutes. Winter Soup 2. Place the mixture into your Serves 4 chosen serving pot with your chosen protein and red pepper Ingredients flakes and stock cube. 1 tablespoon oil e.g. olive or rapeseed 1 medium leek, cleaned and sliced 1 small onion, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely 3. When ready to eat, add the 1 clove garlic, minced chopped 1 boiling water and stir to create a ⁄2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 1 225g can cannellini beans, drained sauce and serve. flakes and rinsed 1 teaspoon chili powder Salt and black pepper to taste ` NOTE: Frozen vegetables 1 teaspoon cumin 1 can chopped tomatoes such as peas and sweetcorn 2 carrots sliced 2 cups water can be used instead of stir fry 1 large sweet potato, peeled and 1 gluten free stock cube, vegetable or vegetables. cubed chicken

Method 1. In your large soup pan add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes adding the garlic, chili, cumin and red pepper flakes for the last minute. 2. Add all the other ingredients; bring to a low steady simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the sweet potato and carrots are fully cooked.

Alternatively, this can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for about 6-8 hours.

` NOTE: If desired, add in a couple of cups of cooked meat e.g. chicken or ham. Bigstock 56 NUTRITION SOLUTIONS

Spicy Chicken with pepper and potato Serves 4

Ingredients 500g (about 8) boneless and skinless chicken thighs 3 medium red onions cut in to thick wedges 500g/1lb. 2oz. baby potatoes

cut into thick slices tock

2 red peppers, deseeded and BigstockBigs cut into bite sized pieces 2 cups cherry tomatoes Method 2 garlic cloves, chopped peeled 1. Preheat oven to 200 degree/gas mark 6. and minced 2. In a large oven tray put the chicken, onion, potato, tomatoes and peppers. 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons smoked 3. In a small pan add the dry spices and gently toast to allow the flavors to paprika release, then add in the garlic, oil, lime zest and juice and pour over the 1 teaspoon ground coriander chicken and mix through. Zest and juice of one lime 4. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, turning the ingredients around at the 3 tablespoons olive oil halfway point.

GUT Over It! Apple Mug cake Recipes That Heal The Gut, To Heal The Brain Ingredients (for one large mug cake): iStock by Jane Casey 3 Tablespoons ground almond 1 Tablespoon shredded coconut Method 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar or 1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees/gas light muscovado sugar mark 4. 1 ⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon 2. In a heat proof mug add all the dry Zest of half an orange (optional) ingredients; mix together with a fork. Pinch salt 3. Add the apple puree and egg mix 1 egg until well combined. 1 ⁄3 cup apple puree or unsweetened 4. Place your mug(s) on a cookie sheet sauce and bake for 25 minutes.

` NOTE: Serve with a diary free cream or ice cream if desired. _ “When the solution is simple, God is answering” – Albert Einstein FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about a gluten and casein free diet, join Order Now! The Autism Food Club www.janecaseyskitchen.com/ at www.theautismfoodclub.com Bigstock or find us on Facebook and Twitter NUTRITION SOLUTIONS 57

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Is the Seychelles Autism/Mercury Study Really Reassuring? A critical look at recent conclusions…

BY THE SAFEMINDS TEAM

n 2012, Drs. Philip Landrigan, ILuca Lambertini and Linda Birn- baum wrote in Environmental Health Perspectives that the top ten potential environmental triggers to autism were under investigation, and recognized that: Exploration of the environmental causes of autism and other NDDs (neuro-developmental disorders) has been catalyzed by growing recognition of the exquisite sensitivity of the developing hu- www.sxc.hu man brain to toxic chemicals (Grandjean TROUBLE IN PARADISE—The Seychelles have long been studied for the effects of mercury upon and Landrigan 2006). This susceptibil- the health of humans through fish consumption. ity is greatest during unique “windows of vulnerability” that open only in embryonic and fetal life and have no later counterpart be short-lasting, effects happening during been neglected or co-opted for many (Miodovnik 2011). rapid brain development could have con- pollutants, resulting in absent or inap- Listed among the top culprits for sequences that are lasting. For example, if propriate public health messages. As concern was methylmercury, the or- the migration of brain cells is halted, the a result, concerns continue to grow ganic form of mercury found in the brain architecture may become abnormal, in the community-at-large about the fish, rice and waterfowl that, when eat- even if the chemical interference is long sources and magnitude of influence en, is transferred through the umbilical gone. However, biochemical effects could on public health policies—including cord from mother to developing child. be long-lasting if they interfere with the those regarding mercury. Citizens de- As we enter 2014, the US EPA and FDA DNA in brain cells. DNA methylation serve to know if the science has been will again review their assessments is thought to be crucial both for brain done correctly. The public is educated of health implications for mercury development and for the plasticity that enough to be able to assess the data and methylmercury exposures and underlies learning and memory. for themselves. how the public health information should be communicated—primarily CONCERNS ABOUT ONGOING STUDY: to women of childbearing years—to UNDUE INFLUENCE FACT OR OUTLIER? allow them to determine what diet and The public’s concerns regarding the One widely referenced ongoing study lifestyle choices they should make. validity of the research used to set regarding methylmercury issues is the Concerns about mercury need to go public health policy are warranted. Seychelles Childhood Development further than just during direct expo- Environmental pollutants, including Study (SCDS), an ongoing study on sures to neurotoxic chemicals. As Dr. mercury, continue to be linked to trig- a subset of the 87,785 inhabitants on Philippe Grandjean writes on his web- gering diseases in children—including the 115 islands that make up a nation site Chemical Brain Drain referencing those resulting in lifelong negative just off of Madagascar. These people his book, Only One Chance: inflammatory, immune, metabolic and get exposed to mercury from eating Many biochemical processes can go cognitive outcomes. fish caught from the Indian Ocean. wrong when exposed to a toxic chemical. There are well-documented ex- The University of Rochester Medical Although some of these deviations may amples where science has either Center (URMC) has been following SAFEMINDS: SPECIAL REPORT 59

this population since 1989 and had institutions) continue to find signifi- time to study the parents and children b cant neurodevelopmental impacts and over the ensuing 24 years. Numerous autism-like behaviors as a result of papers have come out comparing the “Many biochemical prenatal methylmercury exposures, studies from the Seychelles with other while studies out of Rochester have studies on mercury exposure. uniquely and continuously exonerated The most recent SCDS paper was processes can go wrong methylmercury. So, SafeMinds is won- published in the July 2013 issue of dering, why does the NIEHS position Epidemiology. “This study shows no when exposed to a toxic appear to go from one conclusion to evidence of a correlation between another after this publication? low level mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among chemical. Although some SAFEMINDS REVIEW children whose mothers ate, on aver- After SafeMinds reviewed the URMC age, up to 12 meals of fish each week research, we came to the conclusion this during pregnancy,” said Edwin van of these deviations may paper should do little—if anything—to Wijngaarden, Ph.D., an associate profes- calm parents’ fears over mercury in all sor in the URMC Department of Public its forms—regardless of whether the Health Sciences and lead author of the be short-lasting, effects exposure is organic or inorganic; eth- study. “These findings contribute to the ylmercury or methylmercury; or even growing body of literature that suggest happening during rapid prenatal or postnatal. Even if this study that exposure to the chemical does not did show that prenatal methylmercury play an important role in the onset of exposure is not associated with ASD— these behaviors.” brain development could something we contest—it still should The Rochester group’s most recent not exonerate the totality of other forms study was referenced in a URMC press of pre- and postnatal exposures (i.e. air release as “reassuring” news about have consequences that pollution, dental amalgams, mercury mercury and developmental welfare by in other food products, thimerosal in the NIEHS. Cindy Lawler, Ph.D., act- are lasting.” vaccines, etc.). ing NIEHS branch chief stated, “The SafeMinds has long held that all studies conducted in the Seychelles forms of mercury and all routes of ex- Islands have provided a unique op- posure must be thoroughly investigated portunity to better understand the a as a synergistic, cumulative whole. relationship between environmental Further, other chemicals that affect neu- factors, such as mercury, and the role rological outcomes should be included they may play in the development of in the communications with the public diseases like autism. Although more on what needs to be done to protect research is needed, this study does health—especially those most sensitive present some good news for parents.” to impacts either prior to or during the The implication is that there is no genesis, development and maturation of connection between neurological im- the brain and nervous system. pacts, ASD behaviors and mercury. In We also have several concerns fact, the headline of the press release about the methodology used in this where this appeared states, “Study: No “reassuring” paper from the URMC Link Between Mercury Exposure and and the potential to “spin” the out- Autism-like Behaviors”. comes. Specifically: Similar studies in Minamata, the High Drop-Out Rate and Large Faroe Islands, Iraq, New Zealand, and Exclusion Numbers In the study Peru (conducted by well-respected re- sample, only 40% of those eligible searchers from other universities and completed the investigation, indicating a very large ratio of dropouts. The authors state in their findings `THE MERCURY CONNECTION—Exposure that, “A number of children enrolled in to mercury has the potential to create a long list of the study have been excluded over time adverse health outcomes, many of which mirror for illnesses or injuries known to be

the symptoms of autism. www.sxc.hu highly associated with developmental 60 SAFEMINDS: SPECIAL REPORT

problems. These include children with closed head trauma and meningitis.” There were 62 exclusions, repre- senting 8% of the sample population. From the implication of the statement, a child with a known condition (including autism) that impacts their neurodevelopment would be excluded from the study. Why? Because the researchers claim they were trying to measure the subtle effects of mercury. They assumed none of these conditions were related to mercury, validating their decision to exclude them. As a result, most children with autism— unless they were mildly affected by Asperger’s Syndrome—would likely have been excluded from this study. In addition, would children already af- TOXIC WARNING—In general, the larger the fish, the greater the risk for mercury exposure. fected by mercury be more susceptible to other injury or illness and be eliminated from consideration? Apparently, validated in this population (see the a lot of fish, their mercury exposure UMRC failed to look into this. following). As a result, the scores may levels depend on the type of fish eat- Effects of Small Sample Size Even actually mean very little, and if so, en. Most fish eaten in the Seychelles though researchers investigated 1,784 should not be relied on for making the are smaller, and further down the children, adolescents, and young adults, conclusions undertaken here. food chain, without the dangerously this results in a small total number Possible SCQ Score Mismatch With high levels found in top ocean preda- for an autism study. Given prevalence US Before using a screening tool in tor fish such as tuna, mackerel and trends in the USA, SafeMinds esti- a new country, researchers need to swordfish, which are standard fare mated ASD rates in the Seychelles at prove its validity. The testing instru- in many countries. Even the authors the time of the research to be around ments need to be calibrated to the conceded that, “While the amount 1-in-500. This means only about three study population (Seychelles culture), of fish consumed in the Seychelles is children diagnosed with ASD would not just translated into their language. significantly higher than other coun- have been present in this study group. Verification of cut-off points used in tries in the industrialized world, it is Even if the rate equated with the US, at their model requires validation for still considered low-level exposure.” A 1-in-88, there would still only be a total both sensitivity and specificity. The continuous low-level exposure would of 20 children identified as having an existing cut-off points were generated not create bolus dose exposures (a ASD. As the authors state, 62 children from a US population and only verified highly elevated spike) like those seen were excluded from the study for ill- in a limited number of non-US popu- in other populations that consume the ness and injury. lations of which a small portion were highly-contaminated fish not seen in Questionable Diagnostics Rochester non-Western. The cut-off point of 15 the Seychelles diet. researchers relied on a pair of question- for ASD in the SCQ was calibrated for Muddled Conclusions The authors naires to determine which children a US population to maximize sensitiv- failed to find “no association” between had problems with language skills, ity and specificity for an ASD. If that exposures and results from the ques- social communication, and repetitive cut off point doesn’t fit a culture, it tionnaires; they found “no consistent behaviors. There were no actual ASD can include or exclude too many chil- association.” And they did find an as- diagnoses included in the data, just dren. It appears the SCQ calibration sociation between prenatal mercury questions about social responsiveness. for the Seychelles is off since a higher and risk for ASD after adjusting for These tests “do not provide a defini- percentage (8%) were at or above the maternal and paternal age and sex, but tive diagnosis,” the authors concede, 15 SCQ cut off score, whereas in the conclude it was unlikely to represent a “but they are widely used in the U.S. US population, only 4-5% score 15 or meaningful association. They then go as an initial screening tool.” An initial higher. The validation of the testing is on to say the association was only seen screening tool is not the equivalent never referenced in the paper. in the smaller main cohort sample. of clinical diagnosis. Moreover, it is Low-Level Mercury Exposures Even Nonetheless, an association was found unknown if this study tool has been though people in the Seychelles eat but not given credence in their article. SAFEMINDS: SPECIAL REPORT 61

Genetic Susceptibility There is a to environmental toxins like mercury CONCLUSIONS growing body of evidence to show that might be more acute in infants than In the absence of overwhelming sci- some subpopulations are more suscep- fetuses, who are protected to some ence supporting the Rochester conclu- tible to toxic environmental exposures degree from toxins by the mother’s sions, one wonders why the NIEHS that others, possibly due to genetic, placenta. Rochester has data on pre- could come out with such statements. epigenetic, or even environmental natal and postnatal exposure, but they In fact, many health experts say the factors such as stress, pollution or only included prenatal ones in this precautionary principle, using the even vaccinations. It is not feasible to study, even though their paper tries to worst case scenario as the benchmark generalize epidemiology from a geneti- disprove a postnatal thimerosal link. for everyone, should be exercised when cally distinct “sentinel” location and What about the other studies dem- scientific clarity doesn’t demonstrate a population (the isolated Seychelles) to onstrating links? Many autism studies clear path forward. the global population, which is much show a positive correlation between Instead of applying the results from more genetically diverse. mercury exposures, both prenatal and the Seychelles to the rest of the world, Discussions currently focus on postnatal, and autism risk. Several of perhaps the URMC and NIEHS should predispositions and sensitivities to these papers focus on air pollution, and consider the Seychellois people unique mercury in individuals as the key to all of them name mercury as one of the and study them for their ability to de- protecting populations. In this in- most highly associated chemicals, if toxify mercury more effectively than stance, the Seychellois may be stronger not the most highly associated. For ex- any other populations. Good news for in their nature. In fact, they could be ample, this 2008 paper documented the the Seychellois, but not for anyone who superior to other populations in their damaging effects of methylmercury on can’t claim Seychellois ancestry. Clearly, ability to detoxify or tolerate mercury. unborn children, and warned that mer- statements coming from NIEHS should The finding cannot be taken as a scien- cury pollution and other environmental not extrapolate conclusions, where con- tific certainty that all other individuals toxins may have caused neurological tradictory science already exists. would have similar capacities. harm, including ADHD and autism, in up As a result, SafeMinds wonders, Relationships with Nutritional to 1-in-10 kids in the world. when will we get to the science that truly Status Another possible explanation The study, published in the reflects reality instead of the influence of for the apparent lack of injury from International Journal of Environment big money politics or profit-driven cor- prenatal mercury exposure involves and Health, says that the methyl form porate activism or even pre-conceived Vitamin D levels. Exposure to sunlight of organic mercury (found in fish) can notions by scientists about the truth? (the body’s main source of Vitamin D) harm fetuses at levels that, until now, One has to wonder how far this influ- is significantly higher in the Seychelles, have been considered to be safe. The ence has gone in affecting the science which are just south of the equator, finding “suggests that we should take guiding current policy. And, if policy than more northern latitudes. Higher a precautionary approach to this and and science currently reflect such a de- levels of Vitamin D are associated with similar compounds to protect un- viation, will it ever correct to the truth? lower risks for autism. Meanwhile, born children from irreversible brain For the sake of our future and our chil- the vitamin has been shown to have a damage,” Science Daily writes. The dren, one certainly hopes so. protective factor against mercury tox- researchers also found that even very Be sure to follow www.SafeMinds. icity because it increases production small amounts of methylmercury org to monitor public comment win- of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant can cause damage to the developing dows for EPA and FDA efforts to and detoxifying agent. brain, and to a much greater degree address mercury and help make sure Postnatal Mercury Exposures This than it would in adult brains.” our kids grow up with SafeMinds. _ study glossed over postnatal exposures to mercury, including infant consump- FIND OUT MORE tion of methylmercury in fish, other “Chemical Brain Drain” website of current affairs related to Only One Chance forms of pollution, mercury in vac- by Dr. Philippe Grandjean http://braindrain.dk/ cines, and other sources. One recent Center for Science in the Public Interest’s coverage of a report on concerns about study showing an association with children’s fish consumption https://www.cspinet.org/new/201209191.html ASD and air pollution found that the Article indicating FDA sued to improve fish advice http://www.seafoodsource.com/en/ risk was higher among the post-na- news/food-safety-health/14957-fda-sued-over-mercury-in-fish-advisory tal exposure group than the prenatal Mercury Policy Project mercury in seafood section http://mercurypolicy.org/?cat=17 group. Prenatal exposure increased Natural News lab results on heavy metals in foods the adjusted odds ratio of developing http://labs.naturalnews.com/News-2014-01-08.html an ASD by 98%, but exposure in the Environmental Working Group efforts on mercury first year of life increased the odds ratio http://www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/mercury by 310%. This indicates that exposure 62 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Autism and CEASE Therapy tinpalace

A unique blend of classical homeopathy and other individualized therapies is restoring health to some children on the spectrum…

BY DEBBIE LINDGREN

EASE therapy—Complete Elim- b even those not labeled as toxic, could C ination of Autism Spectrum Ex- be causative factors for autism and pression—was developed by other developmental disorders. He Dutch physician Tinus Smits, MD, who During his research spent a significant amount of time was looking for a way to help children interviewing parents and caretakers with autism in his practice overcome of autism, Dr. Smits to help identify the proper treatment underlying medical issues. Dr. Smits plan for each individual child, believ- used this technique to considerably im- ing that there is not one reason for prove—and in some cases recover— noted how certain autism; rather, it is an accumulation of over 300 children diagnosed with au- different causative factors. Dr. Smits tism. The aim of CEASE therapy is to substances, even those also believed and demonstrated that systematically detoxify causative factors, children could be helped even during leading to step-by-step improvements adolescence and adulthood. and restoration of health. not labeled as toxic, During his research of autism, Dr. NOURISHING THE BRAIN Smits noted how certain substances, could be causative AND BODY CEASE consists of combining isother- DEBBIEDEBBIE LINDGREN...LINDGRE factors for autism and apy, classical, and inspiring home- ... is a married mother of two opathy with orthomolecular medicine sons, a certified homeopath (nutritional supplements in therapeu- and a freelance writer. Lindgren tic doses) to nourish the brains and became very interested in other developmental health and healing after her bodies of children and help to detoxify youngest son was diagnosed the substances that are impacting their with lead poisoning—an issue disorders. mental and physical health. that affects as many as one in six children under the age of seven in the U.S., and can be misdiag- Isotherapy is the method of re- nosed as ADHD and autism. _ a moving the ill effects of heavy metal ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES 63

The CEASE Practitioner

Dr. Smits helped hundreds of children and trained a number of practitioners prior to his death in 2010. One of these practitioners is Sima Ash who treats patients in California. Sima became interested in natural healing after her daughter Sadaf was diagnosed with autism and conventional therapies were providing little results.

On the advice of a friend, Sima tried homeopathy and saw improvements in Sadaf’s behavior and responsiveness. Intrigued by this, Sima delved into studying homeopathy and became a clinical homeopath. She then heard about Dr. Smits and CEASE and traveled to the Netherlands to learn his methods, eventually becoming one of the few CEASE-certified practitioners in the United States. She immediately implemented his protocol into her practice and with her daughter, and Sima Ash was thrilled with the results both her clients and her daughter were experiencing.

For the initial visit, patients complete a comprehensive questionnaire and this along with other diagnostic tools are used to help determine the proper homeopathic remedies, supplements and other treatments for optimum benefit. In addition to the CEASE protocol, Sima has had success treating her daughter and patients with infrared sauna, UNDA homeopathic remedies, Original Quinton Seawater Minerals, probiotics, and other nutritional products to help with the healing process.

“My daughter is my life and truly a gift to me from God,” says Sima. “After years of not seeing a response from her, my prayers were answered when I asked her a question and she shook her head and was able to say no. It was such a relief to know that she understood me and let me know I was on the right track. I’m so grateful to see continued improvement in my daughter and am committed to helping other parents and adults see results.”

Utilizing CEASE, Sima has helped countless children and surprisingly, adults who have struggled with various issues their entire lives. Deborah Merlin, author of the book Victory over ADHD (Healthy Living Publications, 2009), chronicled her CEASE Therapy experience with Sima on her blog, and credits CEASE with an improvement in her attention and overall wellbeing. “It was incredible to watch the toxic chemical DDT that I have been carrying in my body for over 50 years, being gently lifted and pushed out of my body with the homeopathic CEASE protocol. Sima guided me through the detox beautifully.”

Sima’s website www.healing4soul.com has detailed information on the CEASE Therapy protocol as well as her recommendations for supplements and other informative articles on a wide variety of health- Deborah Merlin related topics.

toxicity, vaccination, and allopathic and tics, while classical homeopathy help with digestive issues, Natrum drugs by means of identical, poten- is prescribed according to one’s per- Muriaticum can address constipa- tized homeopathic remedies. For sonalized needs. For instance, Nux tion, and Sulphur may help with the example, if you are suffering from Vomica or Arsenicum Album can “indifference” sometimes observed in the side effects of penicillin, using individuals with autism. potentized penicillin will help you overcome the symptoms and elimi- ORTHOMOLECULAR nate the substance from your body. TREATMENT Common detoxification symptoms Orthomolecular treatment typically include runny nose, ears and/or eyes; includes omega-3 fatty acids, water, diarrhea, sweating, skin eruptions and fat-soluble vitamin C to restore and fever. the copper/zinc ratio which reacti- Inspiring homeopathic rem- vates metallothionein. Other supple- edies such as Cuprum Metallicum ments are used based on the indi- and Saccharum Officinale are used vidual’s needs and the use of healthy, to help heal some of the common organic foods—without sugar and symptoms of autism including obses- other additives such as artiﬁcial colors siveness, inﬂexibility, head banging, and MSG—is critical. 64 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

One Family’s Journey with CEASE Therapy Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial Holistic Physical Therapist, energy role in brain formation and function- healer and NAET practitioner Vivian ing. Studies have shown they not only Castillo heard about CEASE Therapy help strengthen the immune system, and wanted to try it for her five-year- but may also play an important role old son Dylan who is diagnosed with in increasing attention, addressing autism. Vivian found Sima through an learning issues, and decreasing ASD internet search and began working symptoms. Found in flaxseed, fish with her a few weeks later. After the and walnuts, supplementation is of- first week, Vivian noticed a decrease ten recommended to ensure sufficient in Dylan’s sensitivities. For example, intake levels. Symptoms of omega-3 he was able to hold a basketball with- deﬁciency include: ` out experiencing the skin irritations Excessive thirst ` Frequent urination he typically developed due to his Vivian and Dylan Castillo ` Rough, dry skin and hair rubber/latex allergy. ` Eczema Dylan continued to show improve- ` Asthma ` ment and Vivian added other modalities into the protocol—including NAET, Yuen Visual symptoms such as “dancing letters” Method, and Reiki—and states that all produced benefits. She decided to receive ` Attention disorders treatment from Sima for her own issues that developed after taking prescription ` Emotional hypersensitivity drugs during pregnancy. Vivian noticed that as she detoxed and became more re- ` Sleeping problems laxed and optimistic, Dylan continued to make progress. She notes that she has also seen CEASE Therapy make a difference for those suffering with chronic diseases, Research has shown that using both ADD, ADHD, emotional disturbances, and lack of clarity or focus. fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamin C is important: Fat-soluble vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate) can cross the blood brain barrier, and water-soluble vitamin Want to Read More About C is used to support the rest of the body. Vitamin C is part of the anti-oxidative CEASE and Homeopathy? process and: ` Check out these helpful resources: aids in the excretion of copper, mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel ` is required for the formation of Autism, Beyond Despair—CEASE Thearpy by Tinus Smits, M.D. and Tim Owens. L-carnitine; helps transform folic (Emryss Publishers, 2010) Dr. Smits reveals the step-by-step method which he has acid into folinic acid used for more than 300 children with autism. In many cases, the parents have ` loosens the stool in severely declared their children 100% cured; in others, the process is still underway with constipated children significant improvements noted. Metallothionein is present in the Impossible Cure by Amy Lansky. (R.L. Ranch Press, 2003) Amy Lansky chronicles her mouth, stomach and intestines. It pro- son’s recovery from autism through homeopathy, providing an in-depth and excit- tects against intestinal infection and is ing account of the history, philosophy, and experience of homeopathic medicine. an important supplier of zinc to the cell. It also includes dozens of other testimonials of homeopathic cure for a variety of Additionally, metallothionein protects the body from accumulating heavy met- physical, mental and emotional conditions. als. In order for this protein to function A Drug-Free Approach to Asperger Syndrome and Autism: Homeopathic Care properly, a sufficient amount of zinc and for Exceptional Kids by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, Robert Ullman, Ian Luepker, amino acids needs to be present. _ and Bernard Rimland. (Picnic Point Press, 2005) This book includes 17 actual cases FIND OUT MORE drawn from the authors’ extensive clinical experience treating a wide range of chil- To find a practitioner in your part of the dren with developmental, behavioral and learning challenges using homeopathy. world, visit http://www.cease-therapy. The authors believe homeopathic medicine offers renewed hope for parents of com/, click on “make an appointment” children on the autism spectrum without the use of conventional drugs. and follow the instructions to get a complete list. RESEARCH ROUNDUP 65

Online Overload

Technology can improve communication for many on IODINE DEFICIENCY AND AUTISM the spectrum but should be offset by physical activity… utritional deficiencies are a fre- Nquent topic of discussion when it comes to possible causes and treatment options. A recent paper from Rasha Hamza and colleagues assessed the iodine nutritional status in 50 Egyptian children with autism and their mothers. Along with 50 controls, all study participants were clinically evaluated for urinary iodine (UI) levels, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid volume (TV). The results showed that in the group of children with autism and their mothers, 54% and 58% respectively were deficient in iodine. According to the researchers, “ID is prevalent in Egyptian autistic children and their mothers and was inversely related to disease severity and could be related to its etiology.” “Iodine deficiency is the world’s

www.sxc.hu leading cause of preventable intellectual disability, affecting over two SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS mitochondrial dysfunctions, children billion people,” said Dr. Usman. AND AUTISM with ASD may be less inclined to engage “Checking thyroid status is common ust about every parent these days in physical activity,” said Autism File edi- place in pregnant moms but looking Jworries about the amount of time torial Advisor Anju Usman, MD. “It is closer at iodine, which is essential for their child spends in front of a TV screen important for parents and therapists producing thyroid hormones may be or computer monitor. New research in- to work on motivating and engaging needed as well, especially in cultures dicates that children with autism spend children to seek out movement and car- where nutrition is an issue.” even more time with electronic activities diovascular type exercise.” Earlier research has suggested an than their typically developing peers. According to Autism File editorial increased risk for having offspring with A paper by Avivia Must and col- advisor Dr. Paul Whiteley, “This and autism for mothers deﬁcient in thyroid leagues compared a group of children other research on activity levels and hormone. “While this was a small study on the spectrum with a group of age- autism perhaps represent the other side with some level of subjectivity, it’s none- matched control children and found of the research coin in terms of the theless of interest and merits further that “…children with autism spectrum increasing interest in the use of technol- study,” said Dr. Whiteley. disorder spent an hour more in seden- ogy to improve quality of life for those ` Hamza RT. et al. Iodine Deficiency tary behaviors on weekdays compared on the autism spectrum. The ongoing in Egyptian Autistic Children and to typically developing children.” rise in tablet technology for example, Their Mothers: Relation to Disease The researchers also reported that while often a signiﬁcant step forward for Severity. Arch Med Res. 2013 Oct 9. pii: S0188-4409(13)00222-1. doi: the increased sedentary behavior was some on the autism spectrum, isn’t nec- 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.09.012. largely due to an increase in time spent essarily great news for levels of physical watching TV or engaging in various activity if it’s replacing time that could computer games and activities, and that be used on non-sedentary activities.” AUTISM PREVALENCE IN “sedentary behavior is linked to relative THE MINNEAPOLIS SOMALI weight status” in the group of children ` Must A. et al. Comparison of seden- POPULATION tary behaviors between children with with autism. autism spectrum disorders and typically fter years of speculation re- “Due to possible medical issues such developing children. Autism. 2013 Oct 10. Agarding reported higher in- as seizure disorders, hypotonia, and cidence rates of autism among the 66 RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Somali population in the city of The participants included children Minneapolis, a team of researchers from 146 families in the Twins Early led by Amy Hewitt has published Development Study (in which one or “The Minneapolis Somali Autism both children in each family had an Spectrum Disorder Prevalence autism diagnosis) and 80 control fami- Project.” In collaboration with the lies divided into four groups: ASD, University of Minnesota, the Centers Broader Autism Phenotype (twins of for Disease Control and Prevention the ASD group who exhibited traits of (CDC), and Autism Speaks, the study autism but had no official diagnosis), aimed to determine if there are in unaffected twins of the ASD group, fact disparities in the numbers of and controls. children of Somali origin presenting The results, based on parent-rated with autism. scales, found that children in the The researchers collected informa- ASD and BAP groups scored sig- tion by reviewing health records from nificantly higher than controls for a total population of over 12,000 7- symptoms of anxiety, without a sig- to 9-year-old children in 2010. Key niﬁcant difference between those two

findings of the project include: Istock groups. However, the “unaffected” co-twins, when compared with ` The autism prevalence rate in the data indicating that almost 1 child controls, showed significantly height- Minneapolis was estimated to be 1 in every classroom aged between 7-9 ened Social Anxiety, Generalized in 48 children. This figure covered years old will potentially present as Anxiety, and symptoms of Panic. The all children irrespective of any being on the autism spectrum,” said authors summarize that their find- ethnicity differences. Dr. Whiteley. “The fact that Somali ings generate “…questions about the ` Specifically looking at children of children, and indeed white children, potential etiological overlap between Somali origin, 31 children out of a presented with prevalence estimates ASDs and anxiety. Progress in this total of 1007 children were judged of autism above that of other ethnic area now depends on more refined to be on the autism spectrum, groups potentially offers some clues as anxiety measurement in ASDs and equating to a prevalence of 1 in 32 to where research might next head in continued investigation of interrater children. Nearly half of the Somali terms of genetics, epigenetics and even differences.” children identified as being on the environmental differences tied into “Although the concept of anxi- autism spectrum were done so such categorizations.” ety disorders and ASD has not been via inspection of a combination of ` Hewitt A, Gulaid A, Hamre K, Esler A, extensively studied, children with school and health records (48%). Punyko J, Reichle J. & Reiff M. (2013). autism do have numerous metabolic Minneapolis Somali autism spec- issues that could lead to symptoms of ` Within the range of other ethnic trum disorder prevalence project: anxiety such as abnormal response to Community report 2013. Minneapolis, groupings examined, 120 out of a stress (cortisol), imbalance between total of 4,336 white children were MN: University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration, Research and excitation (glutamate) and inhibition also judged to be on the autism Training Center on Community Living. (GABA), PANDAS /PANS type issues, spectrum, making a prevalence and dysautonomia,” said Dr. Usman. estimate of 1 in 36 children. “This area of study holds huge promise ` All the Somali children with HEIGHTENED ANXIETY IN for improving the quality of life for so autism were reported to have CHILDREN WITH AUTISM many kids.” some degree of Intellectual hile quite a bit has been pub- “These findings certainly do gen- Disability (ascertained as an IQ Wlished about the many children erate questions,” said Dr. Whiteley. level below 70). diagnosed with autism who also ex- “Of particular interest is whether the perience anxiety, a new study from broader autism stereotype (BAP) might ` The average age at diagnosis for Victoria Hallett and colleagues sheds have another potential diagnositic Somali children was 5.3 years, more light on the topic. The research- string to add to its bow.” exceeding all other ethnic groups ers assessed anxiety in a population of and above the overall mean age at twins ages 10-15 years old, using pho- ` Hallett V. et al. Exploring anxiety symp- diagnosis of 4.9 years. notypic analysis to investigate symptoms in a large-scale twin study of children with autism spectrum disorders, toms of anxiety in children with au- their co-twins and controls. J Child Psychol “There’s obviously a need for quite tism, their typically developing twins, Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;54(11):1176 -85. _ a bit more research into this area given and a control sample. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 67

Tantrum-Free Dentistry

A ﬁrst-time dental visit can be a scary proposition, but a little research can ease the way…

My six-year-old boy, who has an au- edible objects to meet a Qtism diagnosis, is just now starting to sensory need can con- sprout permanent teeth. I know I need to tribute negatively to oral take him to the dentist, but I also know he’ll health. Some diseases,

throw major tantrums in the clinic. Any like diabetes, certain Stock.Xchng suggestion on how I can do it? This will be eating disorders, heart his first dental visit. and cardiovascular disease and some be expected of him, be sure to have cancers, can affect the gums, lips, the a conversation about what it’s like to Oral health can be affected by teeth and the enamel of the teeth. go to the dentist. Break down the rou- Anutrition, by medical conditions Maintaining proper nutrition through tine into steps he can understand and and even by behaviors. Behaviors, like a healthy diet and establishing an oral be sure to use words that he’ll likely sucking, biting and chewing on non- health care routine both at home and hear: enamel, gums, plaque, polish, with a dental professional are good flossing, etc. Tell him other words CATHYCATHY JJAMESON...AMESON. practices for everyone. But for children commonly used in dental offices like …is a former educator. Having on the spectrum, especially for those x-ray, cavity, and filling. Also tell him stepped away from the with sensory issues, finding the right the names of the dentist and hygienist classroom to raise her five children, Cathy is now a full-time dentist and maintaining good oral and that they will be there to help him mother, advocate, and writer. hygiene may be difficult. so that there are little or no surprises When her son Ronan started to If you haven’t found a dentist yet, the day of the exam. show signs of developmental delays, Cathy embarked on a mission to find answers, call some in your area and ask if they If sensory changes in the environ- help and healing—a mission she continues to this serve the special needs/autism popula- ment are problematic for your son, day. She now writes regularly about Ronan, vaccine tion. If they don’t, university hospitals explain the different types of things injury, special education, and parenting a special needs child with typical siblings. She writes with the usually have dental clinics (and some- he’ll see, feel, smell, hear, and taste. hope that sharing her experiences might help other times a dental school) that may have He’ll feel the chair that goes up and families in similar situations. Cathy is a Contributing options for your son. Once you find down. He’ll see the bright exam light Editor for Age of Autism and has had her work featured in the Autism File, Pathways to Family Wellness someone, ask questions such as: How that will be on while his teeth are being Magazine, Metro Parent Magazine, Holistic Parenting long have you worked with kids on the counted and cleaned. He’ll hear new Magazine and on Mercola.com. She is Co-Founder of spectrum? What steps would you take if sounds like the polisher as it cleans The Thinking Moms’ Revolution and has a chapter in TMR’s book, Autism Beyond the Spectrum. _ my son is too nervous or won’t open his his teeth and taste the different brand mouth for the exam? Do you have spe- of toothpaste the dentist uses. Think MARIAMARIA S.S. MILIK...MILIK cial hours for special patients where there about creating a visual schedule or … has two special boys, Leo, 11, and Joey, seven. Passionate may be less activity in the office (and less social story to include what behavior about advocacy for autism since noise and distractions)? Then, share your is acceptable at the dentist’s office and Leo was a toddler, Maria has child’s specific needs and ask if he can also look at YouTube for some “Going to read and researched extensively about ASD and potential accommodate them. Some accommo- the Dentist” videos other parents have treatments. Vowing that no dations may include refusing fluoride made to help their children. parent should have to go through this alone, treatment, asking for BPA-free sealants Keep in mind that for some kids she has developed a national and international network of parents, educators, therapists, (if needed) and requesting composite their first visit is just that—a visit. No nutritionists, and doctors. _ fillings (not the silver/mercury amal- dental cleaning will be done just yet as gams). If you feel this dentist can treat it might take two or three more visits RUTHRUTH EE.. SSNYDER,NYDE RN... your child, the next step would be to before the child is comfortable enough …is a nurse specializing in high-risk pregnancy and natural childbirth. ask if you can bring your son to their to sit for the exam. If it takes a few She is the mother of four children, clinic for a tour. visits, help your son build trust with two of whom were diagnosed A few weeks before the dental visit, his new provider. Encourage him to with autism. Ruth is an author and advocate dedicated to improving if you anticipate your son will be anx- ask questions or voice his concerns. the lives of those with autism. _ ious about the new routine that will Continue to encourage him by reading 68 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

or viewing the “Going to the Dentist” the water, it means that he isn’t thirsty Supplements can be very beneficial social story or videos. anymore and there’s no reason he needs Afor many of our children with au- When he’s ready, put the dental visit to have the sippy with him. The key here tism because of the nutritional deficits and cleaning on the calendar so that is to not acknowledge the bad behavior many of them have. Which supplements your son knows the day is coming for at all. Eventually, he’ll get bored with it and what amount is never as simple as his exam and teeth cleaning. When that and will realize that his cup is for drink- suggested in the well-meaning advice of day comes, and if it is successful, give ing only. another parent. Well intentioned parents your son a pat on the back and let him may enthusiastically want to share what know what a great job he did. His next Positive reinforcement As with any they have found to make a noticeable visit, usually scheduled six months later, behaviors, you always want to praise difference in their child, but of course will hopefully be that much easier now your child for doing something cor- there are many variables involved and that he knows what to expect. rectly. Be sure to let him know how what works well for some kids won’t —Cathy Jameson proud you are of him when he is drink- work for others. ing correctly from his cup. In the case of fatty acids, supplemen- My son is three and has recently start- tation can have many health benefits Qed spitting. He’ll take a drink from Make it a teaching moment When including the ability of Omega-3s to boost his sippy cup and then just spit it out. He your child spits out the drink and you the immune system and fight against thinks it’s funny, and he knows I don’t have taken away the cup, give him a inflammation, according to research- approve—I can tell from the look in his rag so he can help clean up his mess. I ers. Since so many individuals with eyes that he knows he shouldn’t do it! I’ve always sang the “Clean Up” song to my autism are thought to have weakened told him I don’t appreciate it and explained kids when they were little. https://www. immune systems as well as inflamma- why spitting isn’t nice, but he continues. youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9uhDzN-rA tory issues, Omega-3 fatty acids certainly What are some other things I can try to It engaged them and helped them re- seem worth a try in my opinion. stop the spitting? member what they should be doing. There is a book I highly recommend when considering any supplements You know the old reference to “The Children with ASD can be a bit more for your child with autism: Nutritional Aterrible Twos”? With both my boys, challenging than the norm and it may Supplement Use For Autistic Spectrum I found “The Terrible Threes” to be a take a bit longer for them to understand Disorders, authored by Jon B. Pangborn, more fitting cliché. It’s actually quite nor- than it would for a typically develop- Ph.D. and published through Autism mal for children of this age to do things ing child. Sometimes, especially with a Research Institute. I looked for more like this: spitting out water, blowing non-verbal child, he may not discover detailed information on Omega-3s and bubbles with their spit, picking their these types of things until he’s older. found it in this book. There’s a rather nose and wiping it on the table, etc. It’s Just have patience. He’ll catch on. complex description of why administer- all part of growing up and discovering If you have given these methods a ing this supplement might be beneficial what you can do with your body—with good fair try and you are still having is- including the fact that impaired neurons an added benefit of seeing how other sues, consult with your doctor. It could may be receptive to Omega-3s. Knowing people react to your new found “talent”. be that your child has a medical condi- that pain receptors are present in the As annoying and aggravating as it may tion, other than his ASD diagnosis, that neurons makes me wonder if fatty ac- be, it’s all part of the learning process could be perpetuating the problem. ids might help address the pain that so and there are several things you can try Barring that, eventually your child many individuals with autism have. It to put a quick end to the behavior: will not engage in this activity and will also explained why it may not work and most likely move on to another (and what to take as a precursor if required. Ignore and distract Like I said, part equally challenging) behavior. These When caring for a loved one with of what makes a child continue a behav- guidelines will apply for just about ev- autism, it’s beneficial to get information ior is because it elicits a response from his ery negative behavior that your child from both the scientific research being audience. This is the age when children comes up with. Take a deep breath and conducted and the many parents who begin to realize that what they do can remember: this is just a phase. have been in the trenches with supple- cause a reaction in others. What has —Maria Milik ments for their children for a long time. worked best for me is to ignore the be- Just keep in mind that the human body havior and immediately distract the child Help! I have a five-year-old son with is amazing, no two are exactly alike, and from what he’s doing. Give him a snack Qautism who is not on any medication. responses among individuals vary wide- or a book or ask him to get something A few mothers with children on the spec- ly. (For more information on Omega-3s, for you from the other room. When trum told me I should give my son Omega-3 see “Autism and CEASE Therapy” in this you do that, be sure to remove the sippy fish oil because they have seen their kids issue of the Autism File.) cup from his view. If he’s playing with change dramatically. What do you think? —Ruth Snyder _ SPECTRUM MUMMY 69 A Safe Space The search for night-time security takes a turn…

BY MAE FROST

ong-time “Spectrum Mummy” of paperwork to prove it will be used Lreaders may remember my rant in the correct spirit. about deadbolts some time ago. I am still a bit unsure why this is It’s a sorry saga of begging Social Ser- any different from having a little safety vices for help keeping my son safe— lock on the outside of a room but let’s which turned into them telling me I leave that for a minute. It was made should remove the lock on his bed- clear to me that when the Safespace room door and giving me very little in was installed I would be expected to the way of actual timely or useful help. remove his bedroom door completely It’s been rumbling on for some (not just the lock, the whole door) to time. In summary, my son has a love ensure I could respond to his needs of ﬁre, ﬂood and daring escapades. and requests. So, last thing at night before I go to We’re excited and grateful; it’s a sleep, I put a lock across his door be- very impressive custom-made piece. cause when I do sleep, it’s heavy—I Fully washable, strong enough to with- am easy to sneak past. He has access stand a pounding—you can put four to a loo. We are right next door to adults in and get them to leap about

jump up if he needs us, and he knows Getty Images/Hemera against the walls and it doesn’t shift (we if he thumps a toy against the adjoin- checked). It’s padded in all the right ing wall it will get my attention. The b places. Great stuff. We showed it to lock is purely so he doesn’t quietly him, made it up with all his toys in and wander and start experimental micro- After only five minutes, he was very excited too. That night we waving of electric items or breaking put him to bed, zipped him in and left out of the house or whatever else takes I heard the zzzziiiiippppp the bedroom door open. He was very his fancy in the middle of the night. happy so we went downstairs. Recently, we had a prolonged spate of the zipper opening After only five minutes, I heard the of bedroom-wrecking. I’m not talking zzzziiiiippppp of the zipper opening a little, I’m talking shredding entire and regardless of the technical details, mattresses, ripping up bedding and and regardless of Houdini was out already. He shouted pulverising bedsteads, smashing bed- down to us, “Shut the door!” I went room furniture to smithereens. In the the technical details, up, shut the door and then he shouted end, he was on a gym mattress on out “Lock it, lock it!” I put the lock the empty bedroom floor (broke my Houdini was out already. across and then heard him zipping heart—his room looked like part of himself back in again. Hilarious. the third world). We simply gave him a So here’s the thing: he loves his a new sleeping bag each day, and then Safespace, but he also wants his door with no furniture, he set to work on for strong enough furniture and/ shut and the lock in place. And here’s the electronics, windows, and curtains. or advice on making the electron- my theory: What that combination We called in Social Services, ics safe and to cut a veeeeeery long gives him is reassurance that he ab- once again in desperation, to ask story short they eventually gave us solutely can’t get out. It gives him a a “Safespace”. For those who haven’t respite break from his own compul- MAEMAE FROST...FROST... seen one, it’s made out of the same sions. He knows he is zipped away …is mom to two fabulous sort of material as bouncy castles from all those interesting things, and children, one of whom has autism. She has dim and and it’s a completely contained mini- that even if he breaks out he still can’t distant memories of wearing a safe square room made to measure get out and about, and so he can re- suit, working in management so it fits inside the bedroom. It was lax at last. A few months in, and he’s and having things like coffee and lunch breaks. These days, specially made with clever zips that never soiled or attempted to wreck it she mostly spends her time running in pursuit, can’t be undone from the inside, it’s (knock on wood—hope I didn’t just and clearing up. But in between, she writes, runs a impossible to get out of, so officially jinx everything). So yes, it is a Safe small online store importing clothing for children with sensory processing disorders, and is a trustee it’s also considered to be a restrain- Space, even if maybe not in quite the for a charity. _ ing device and therefore needs a ton way intended... _