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Intestinal hyper permeability syndrome or as it is commonly known Leaky gut syndrome is something that is very commonly found in children on the autism spectrum. I have previously addressed how to tests for leaky gut syndrome and here I will briefly touch on one of the important components in treating a leaky gut syndrome. Dealing with leaky gut involves removing any dysbiosis (growth of bad bacteria,, parasites or yeast ) in the intestinal tract , controlling blood sugar levels, and taking specific supplementation to repair lining. Stress is a factor which can also influence your attempts to repair the lining of your gut. One of the most important parts of a program to repair intestinal hyper permeability is to remove irritants. This is done through the elimination diet. Here is a nice link giving you the basics of the elimination diet. This information is not from in autism web site but the basics of the diet are the same. http://www.curezone.org/faq/q.asp?a=4,99,699&q=54
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I was recently asked about H1N1 vaccine for those on the autism spectrum. I posted a few sites with contrasting information. This isn’t scientific but this video is so strong that I had to post it. It is not an autism video but it is relevant to the autism community as vaccines are such an integral part of this community.
http://www.generationrescue.org/desiree_jennings.html
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Greetings!
I just wanted to let you know about the World Premiere screening of Autistic License at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on November 1st.
Autistic License is a surprisingly funny, heartbreakingly tragic, authentically surreal and unflinchingly honest play which offers a glimpse of the rewards and struggles of raising a child with autism. This critically-acclaimed play goes beyond the statistics and divisive headlines to provide audiences with the personal experience of living with disability. Autistic License is ultimately about family, love and relationships. Autism may be the vehicle that drives this theatrical piece, but the true message speaks to anyone who thought their life was going in one direction, only to find themselves on a completely unintended journey. Autistic License shows how we can love someone for who they are and not for who we thought they would be — or even who we wanted them to be.
We are teaming up with many organizations across the world, across demographics, and across agencies to promote these areas and create change. We have two worldwide events scheduled for January 31st, and April 9-11th.
AUTISTIC LICENSE’s World Premiere is just the beginning. I hope you can join us November 1st, 10:30 am, Cinema Paridiso, Ft.
Lauderdale.
We are also have educational versions of the DVD available, accompanied with a 16-page Discussion Leader’s Guide to assist in promoting awareness, building community, producing educational events and generating political action.
Please share this with your mailing lists!
You can see the trailers and audience commentary at www.
autisticlicenseplay.com.
You may view the festival details
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Shine!
Julie Rappaport
President, Smokin’ Yogi Visions, LLC
Executive Producer, Autistic License
612-867-3877
www.autisticlicenseplay.comwww.smokinyogi.comhttp://www.fliff.com/film.asp?filmID=2674&submit.x=132&submit.y=19
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Yesterday, I received an e-mail from someone in our support group www.hitautism.net inquiring as to whether they should vaccinate their child who is on the autism spectrum with the H1N1 vaccine. This person had heard that the vaccine contained thimerosal and as would be expected for anyone in the autism community was concerned. This question of course is the subject of great debate. There are different points of views with different risk/reward ratios to be considered. My opinion is that the vaccines are one of many epigenetic triggers that can affect a prediposed child. Was your child’s autism temporally related to the vaccine? Is his detoxification system more developed now than it was before? In the end this is an individual decision. This is one however that should be made on an informed basis. I have provided below three links with different perspectives on the subject. Ultimately, this is individual decision but one that should be made on an informed basis. I hope that these three links provide enough information for you to make your decision or at least provide you a place to begin your search. Please continue to look up information until you are comfortable with your decision.
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/top-stories/autism-activists-question-h1n1-vaccine-1.1815379#
http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/09/thoughts-from-the-vaccine-frontier—cdcs-novel-h1n1-stakeholder-engagement.html
http://autismsciencefoundation.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/novel-h1n1-vaccine-and-autism-what-you-need-to-know/
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This past Saturday was our first buddy baseball game. We sponsored a team that were almost all kids that treat at the office. These kids need social exposure as well as involvement in mainstream type games as a therapy and as for social integration . I always say that none of this happens in a bubble. The kids got a chance to participate in a non competitive atmosphere and have all the positive reinforcement that they could get. The smiles on the kids and parents faces were great. The sense of accomplishment was great. For some it was a bit overwhelming but I am sure as the weeks go on it will get easier. We sponsored a team but the real credit goes to Russ Oberbroecking for putting it all together. For more information about something great to do in your city go to www.buddybaseball.org
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Pear upside down cake. This looks delicious. Easy instructions, nice pictures and great taste. Enjoy!!
http://afewshortcuts.com/2009/10/snackurday-pear-upside-down-cake/
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There is so much talk about vaccines in the autism community. Let’s go back to basics and take a look at what exactly is in the vaccines. Here is a link to some info from the CDC, a reliable source. I am not saying that vaccines cause autism. As most of you know my concept is that the vaccines may be an epigenetic trigger especially in susceptible children who are predisposed. However, facts are facts, this is what is in some of the vaccines many of us are given or have taken. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf
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Here is a report suggesting that corporal punishment in the school system is used more on children with disabilities than on the general population. To me, it is simply a reminder that we have to be watchful, communicate and be aware of what is happening to our children while they are at school. Obviously, parents of more lower functioning and/or lower communicating children need to be more concerned and diligent. Fortunately, there are watchdog groups and organizations keeping tabs on these types of situations and reporting back to the general public.
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2009/08/11/impairing-education-0
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Bonefish is one of my favorite restaurants whether my party is eating gluten free or not. The twin lobster tales are my favorite. My son Steven loves the lobster also. Lately, the menu has been less expensive reflecting the economy. I have been able to find them in most cities as they are part of the Outback chain. In fact, this Labor Day weekend we were in Daytona Beach and ate at Bonefish. So go out and enjoy a meal out or give a gift certificate to a family that has a child on the autism spectrum that you know is on the gluten free diet. If your child is able , this is a nice night out. http://www.examiner.com/x-15655-Columbus-GlutenFree-Food-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Glutenfree-dining-at-Bonefish-Grill
If you do not like seafood, perhaps you like italian food. Here is a link with some suggestions at Maggiano’s. We all need a break. if your child and buget can handle it, here are two fairly available (location ) and delightful options.
http://www.glutenfreehomemaker.com/2009/08/maggianos-restaurant-gluten-free.html
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Mercury levels whether from vaccines or elsewhere are certainly on the list of epigenetic triggers associated with autism spectrum disorders. For children and their families who are currently on the autism spectrum looking forward is definitely something that can be both therapeutic to the family as well as others. Those who have had that epigenetic switch flipped will have to engage in therapeutics of their choice to try to remedy the situation. In my office, we obviously favor functional medicine and functional neurology to address these issues. Something that we can all do is try to help future generations that are not yet affected avoid this thing that is autism spectrum disorders. Here is an article from Age of Autism with some information for those of us that what to be pro active and help others by trying to influence the legislating process. thttp://www.ageofautism.com/2009/08/from-safeminds-how-to-help-stop-two-sources-of-mercury-poisoning-.html