I found a nice web site that has a lot of good information regarding many aspects of living with Autism and all the related factors from treatments, diets, camps, IEPs to  awareness,http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/index.html. The site is not aware of Hemispheric Integration Therapy but hopefully that will change with time as awareness of what we are doing increases.It looks like a nice place for a new parent to get some good information.

  Here is some interesting information from the site http://physician-assistant.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?CC=41662

The summary relates to those with ADHD and speaks to the effectiveness  of current medications as well as some contraindications. Often I must remind parents that these  are spectrum disorders and there is much overlap among conditions. That is, for example, one can have a child with OCD and ADHD or Asperger’s Syndrome with ADHD. In this case, the warning is to those with Tourettes Syndrome and ADHD. Be careful of the conditions that your child may have and the medications they are given. The paragraph below speaks to a contraindication for the ADHD medication group if you have tics or Tourettes. Just in the last 3 months we have had 2 patients  treating in our Hemisperic Integration therapy Program with that exact combination.

ADHD Drug Performed Well in StudyTreatment with once-daily Metadate CD (methylphenidate) Extended-Release Capsules by Celltech Pharma was more effective in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than treatment with another frequently used drug, according to a study recently published in the online edition of the journal Pediatrics (Swanson JM, Wigal SB, Wigal T, et al. A comparison of once-daily methylphenidate formulations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the laboratory school [the COMACS study.] 2004;113:e206-e216).

Metadate CD was more effective than the other drug during the morning hours and the two drugs performed similarly during afternoon hours, according to a company press release. Both formulations provide an initial dose of immediate-release methylphenidate. The initial dose is followed by an extended, controlled delivery of methylphenidate. The study included 184 children between the ages of 6 and 12 with ADHD.

Metadate CD Capsules are contraindicated in patients with marked anxiety, tension and/or agitation; in patients with glaucoma, tics or Tourette’s syndrome; and within 14 days of using monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Metadate CD Capsules should be used with caution in patients with a history of psychosis, drug or alcohol dependence, seizures, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

The most common adverse reactions are headache, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and insomnia.

A patient of ours that has nothing to do with the Autism community sent me this today because he has seen been in the office when some of the kids are being treated and asked about what we do and how it all works. He is a missionary and is a man with a good heart. If you haven’t seen this, it’s powerful. We need to put it in context adding the last 4 years of information but it’s still an impressive video. I do not think that mercury is the sole cause of autism but certainly it has to be considered a factor in any discussion regarding possible causes. Here is the link from the Mercola site that my patient sent me http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/18/Robert-F-Kennedy-Jr-Explains-the-Autism-Coverup.aspx

I just got home from our summer conference here in Tampa. Everyone I talked to said they got a lot of information. I spoke regarding Hemispheric Integration Therapy as well as Functional Medicine with regard to Biomedical Interventions for the Autism Spectrum. Dr Knaus gave us some backround on himself as well as gave us some information regarding HBOT. Nancy Bentley informed us with regards to fermented foods and a diet which promotes digestive and general health. Suzanne Azizi ( I am a mother first) provided a passionate and inspiring story about her daughter and dealing with the educational system, IEPs and the law. The faciliies at the Children’s Board were excellent. Everyone seemed to have a good time a well as came away with some good information and it was free to all. So, I am happy with our first conference. Look for our next one!!

4 FREE Wrightslaw Conferences in Florida
SIGN UP!!!! FREE Wrightslaw Conference SIGN UP!!!
August 5, 7, 10 and 12, 2009
Boot Camp May 29 & 30, 2009
You’re invited! Join national expert Pete Wright for Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Trainings in Weston, Tampa, Gainesville and Chipley, Florida. The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is sponsoring this event.

There is no cost to attend these workshops. Attendance is FREE, however, since seating is limited, prior registration is required. Parents, families and guardians of Florida students will be given priority registration.

Register Now
Find all the details here. Parents, attorneys, and advocates will learn:
Changes in IDEA 2004
IEP and Eligibility Issues
Evaluations, reevals, parental consent
Tests & Measurements
SMART IEPs
Requirements in No Child Left Behind

Thank you to Kim Hammons for this info.

Wrightslaw programs often fill up early – don’t miss out! Register today!
What People Are Saying About Wrightslaw Conferences
“What a marvelous conference! I often leave sped presentations angry and/or guilty because of all the things that were done or not done. This time I left encouraged, inspired and armed!” – Melissa, advocate from Maryland

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To my delight, one of our moms came in this week and said that her 12 year old had recognized some words for the first time. Apparently, she was scrolling down the DVR in order to watch one of her shows. As she did this the child said “Barney” and she said “we are not watching Barney.” Then he said “Dora” and she said “no we are not watching Dora.” She then figured out that he was recognizing the words on the screen. So she pointed to them and he read them. “I almost cried” she said. Appparently, he has been at the pre reading stage for 3 years. This child is very low functioning. Since he started Hemispheric Integration Therapy with me about 3 months ago his speech therapist and O.T. have been impressed with his progress ( it all works together.)This is what makes treating these children better than anythng I have ever done.The kids and the moms are amazing.

100 Web Tools for Learning with a Disability
http://www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/100_web_tools_for_learning_with_disability

1. “Deland Bakery,” makes a “Millet Zucchini Bread”, and “Millet Cinnamon Raisin Bagels” that are both pretty good, especially when toasted, and with a casein free butter.
2. “Organic Smart Balance” Whipped Buttery Spread…very good.
3. “Tofutti” is a great alternative to Ice Cream, and comes in a lot of different flavors.
4. “Red Mill” makes a variety of mixes: Pancake Mix, All Purpose Baking, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Brownie Mix, etc. and all are pretty good.
5. “Quinoa” make some pretty good pastas.
6. “Glutino” makes some very good cookies.
7. “Tropical Source “and “Sunspire” makes some very good casein free chocolate, and goodies like chocolate covered raisins, etc.
8. “EnerG” makes great gluten free crackers.

So there you have it from a mom that has lived it for over 6 years. And in the sharing spirit of this blog told me “I really hope that this list might help even just one person, as a little bit of a guide, especially in the beginning…I sure wish I would have had it back when I was reading the millions of labels…’

Last week we had our support group meeting here in Tampa. I am so amazed and impressed with the store house of knowledge that some of our parents have regarding this broad and life encompassing subject that is the autism spectrum community. This subject is immense. I spend my time where I feel it is best allocated reading diligently about neurology or functional medicine. I have a family. I have a practice. Yet I still try to read at least an hour a night and more on the weekends. Yes, some people say I am a bit nerdy or boring because of this. For this reason I am so thankful to these parents that are really expert in subjects like I.E.P.s, home schooling, the law and legislative process and advocating for their children. Just listening to them share and help other parents is like having a private tutor on this subject. Thanks to all those who help, share and educate me and others.