•
There is a new social networking web site for gluten free dieters that functions like face book. Share recipes, stories and frustration. The web site seems to be geared toward celiac disease but gluten free is gluten free. It has blogs and forums. It has events listed in different cities around the country. The emphasis doesn’t appear to be on the Autism Spectrum but I am sure you can find ideas here to make your life easier.It really looks like a good place to get some gluten free info. Here it is http://www.glutenfreefaces.com/
•
Whenever I find something interesting or that can give you an inside perspective, I like to share it. This is a web by a parent who has experience with both hyperbaric and stem cells. I can usually handle most of the HBOT questions even though it is not something we do at our office. Stem cells and all the ins and outs relating to autism is something I really dont know much about. Here is a parent who chronicles his journey. I think this is worth the read even if you are not considering stem cells www.recoveringMatthew.blogspot.com I found him while checking out the Jenny McCarthy site.
•
Another nice gluten free site had a list of gluten free candies. Once again, this site is not just for those on the autism spectrum http://glutenfreeislife.wordpress.com/gluten-free-candy-list-2008/
•
Many parents who have children on the autism spectrum turn to the biomedical approach for answers. The Autism Spectrum includes A.D.D., A.D.H.D., Sensory Integration Disorder, Processing Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome, O.C.D. and Autism. Whether I am approaching the child with the intent to use a functional neurology approach, Hemispheric Integration Therapy or as a functional medicine practitioner, the point is to treat findings. The decision as to what test to order simply comes down to three issues:
- One – What are we looking for? This should be narrowed down as to reasonable suspicions after a thorough history and functional neurological examination.
- Two - What can the child tolerate? Many times although a blood test may be the most accurate way to test for a particular problem , many children have had horrible experiences with phlebotomists, including being strapped down, and can not emotionally deal with a blood draw.
- Three - What can the parents afford?
The intestinal permeability test is a simple, relatively inexpensive urine test that can be done with little aggravation to the child and in my opinion should be near the top of the list when considering a functional medicine analysis of a child on the Autism Spectrum. Many of the lab findings with children on the Autism Spectrum such as dysbiosis, yeast, gluten/casein sensitivity, allergies, autoimmune disorders are found associated with intestinal hyperpermeability or as it is commonly known a leaky gut. The gut barrier allows assimilation and absorption of vital nutrients as well as excluding toxic substance and antigens. Increased gut permeability, leaky gut, can cause toxins to exceed the livers capacity to detoxify the body. It can also cause an overly sensitive immune system which translates to allergies. Leaky gut can also lead to autoimmune issues, the body’s immune system attacking itself including nervous tissue in responses due to cross reactivity.
How does this test work? First a urine sample is taken. Then the patient drinks a solution containing two sugars. For simplicity, one sugar, a smaller molecule should be absorbed and pass through to the urine and another larger molecule should be only slightly absorbed. The urine is then collected over the next six hours. The amount of the two sugars in the urine sample is then measured. Too much of the large sugar and you have a leaky gut. Too little of the small sugar and you may have some malabsorption. Obviously, other factors have to be considered but you now have an intro 101 to intestinal permeability testing.
Here is the important part regarding leaky gut and supplements. If the gut is inflamed due to a leaky gut, you probably have absorption issues. Which means that even if you are giving your child five million milligrams of vitamin D, it may not be getting through. You may be just as well pouring the supplements down the toilet. That is where they are ending up anyway. I am in Florida and we have patients that come from other states and other doctors and a substantial amount have never had an intestinal permeability test done. This does not mean that your doctor should not be looking at many other possible problems such as yeast. Yes, if yeast is found, it would be a top priority. It does mean that treating your child is a little more complicated than finding out that he tested low for vitamin “x” and giving it to him. Or that if a new study comes out showing an association between a mineral “z” deficiency and Autism you should automatically run out to the health food store to purchase it. Let us use our energy and resources, including money efficiently. Why is he or she deficient in vitamin “x”? Perhaps, it is due to a leaky gut or gut inflammation or perhaps something else. Always investigate so you do not end up feeling frustrated or worse yet quit an approach that may have helped your child if applied properly.
•
Many times I am asked about things that one can do to help a child from a functional medicine stand point that does not involve testing. Let’s face it, if we test every thing it can start to get expensive. Some parents have a lot of money and want to know exactly what is wrong with their child in order to have the most accurate and efficient treatment possible. Others are limited in funds but not in passion or the amount of effort they are willing to put out for their child. The elimination rotation diet deals with food sensitivities and we all know that kids on the spectrum have issues with food sensitivities and allergic responses. Frankly, this diet is something that we all could do and would benefit from. Here is a nice post on a web site that gives a nice explanation regarding what this diet is all about. http://www.nourishmd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260:elimination-rotation-diet-plan-&catid=206:food-allergies&Itemid=557
•
I am not a big fan of chelation for reasons I will discuss in a later post but here is a web site with a nice concise intro 101 on chelation and autism http://www.autisminfoblog.com/about-chelation-autism/
•
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!!
•
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.
•
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.
