Autism
Auitsm & Bowel Disease
Suzanne, mom of an autistic child provides a comprehensive list of wonderful references on research relating to autism and bowel activity.
She writes: "I post this list for parents who tirelessly search for clues that might spare their children from the ravishes of Regressive Autism and its accompanying bowel diseases. Good luck and never surrender. You are not alone."
Here is the link http://autismmomrising.blogspot.com/2011/01/vast-list-of-research-on-autismimmune.html
January 13, 2011
Autism - Getting Past the Diagnosis
Usually the time immediately after the diagnosis is a difficult one for families, filled with confusion, anger and despair. These are normal feelings. But there is life after a diagnosis of autism. Life can be rewarding for a child with autism and all the people who have the privilege of knowing the child. While it isn't always easy, you can learn to help your child find the world an interesting and loving place.
Understanding Autism for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2006) by Dr. Stephen M. Shore and Linda G. Rastelli, MA, outlines the following 10 steps families should take after a diagnosis.
1. Learn and read as much as possible.
Although the glut of available information may seem overwhelming, the more you read and discover, the easier it will be to understand new information. However, always consider the source of any information you find. And do not focus exclusively on one intervention or therapy; no one treatment works for everyone. You need to find the right combination for your child.
2. Network with other families.
Families in similar situations often provide the most important support system of all. Get active in the autism community by attending support group meetings and conferences to meet other parents who are going through the same struggles and are happy to share their experiences. Visit ASA’s online database, Autism Source, for listings of parent support groups and other organizations.
3.Test, Test, Test.
Test your child early to get a baseline picture of where he or she is. A clear picture of your child’s biological condition provides a roadmap for treatment and therapies to follow. If you can’t afford all of the tests you need up front, prioritize them with your medical providers’ help.
4. Investigate sources of financial aid.
Autism can quickly exhaust your resources, but, fortunately, funding and assistance do exist. Financial aid is generally available at the county level for children under the age of 3 (you’ll need to apply for the Medicaid waiver). Also, keep good financial records, and avoid using the words “autism” or “PDD-NOS” with insurance companies, especially HMOs, as many exclude autism in their policies. If there is a biological abnormality that’s being treated, have the doctor code it as such.
5. Consider major lifestyle changes.
As autism treatment can seriously affect your financial resources, you may have to make major changes (such as changing your job or downsizing your home) or short-term sacrifices to allow for the funds you need to treat your child. Also, if you have a spouse or significant other, you need to establish a division of labor and responsibilities regarding the care of your child. Autism treatment takes sacrifice, but the hard work pays off. Many parents will tell you that the emotional rewards are much more lasting than any hobby or house can bring.
6. Set up an educational/behavioral program in your home.
If you can afford it, a structured one-on-one program focusing on education and behavior works for many children with autism. Make sure the program is reputable and that it shares your expectations and goals. You and your tutor/consultant should both sign a contract stating who is responsible for what.
7. Begin therapies.
You may be referred to other specialists for therapy, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. These therapies will help your child gain communication, social and physical skills. Insurance providers, including Medicaid, often cover the cost.
8. Address diet and nutrition.
Since dietary sensitivities affect many people with autism, consider trying special diets (such as wheat-free/dairy-free) for your child. Based on medical testing and your doctor’s recommendations, you should also start your child on vitamin/mineral supplements geared to his/her needs. Be sure to consult with a nutritionist and pediatrician with expertise in autism.
9. Don’t give up.
Attitude is everything! Try to be a morale booster for your family and your team of professionals. Educate doctors who are unfamiliar with autism and provide up-to-date information for those who can help. Be patient as many treatments and interventions take time to produce results. Most importantly, remember to laugh and have fun together as a family.
10. Get out and relax.
Make time for yourself. You must take care of yourself to be of any good to your child. Encourage your spouse/significant other to take time to recharge as well.
Autism - Screening & Screening Instruments
While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism, several screening instruments have been developed that are now being used in diagnosing autism:
CARS rating system (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), developed by Eric Schopler in the early 1970s, is based on observed behavior. Using a 15-point scale, professionals evaluate a child's relationship to people, body use, and adaptation to change, listening response, and verbal communication.
The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is used to screen for autism at 18 months of age. It was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen in the early 1990s to see if autism could be detected in children as young as 18 months. The screening tool uses a short questionnaire with two sections: one prepared by the parents; the other by the child's family doctor or pediatrician.
The Autism Screening Questionnaire is a 40-item screening scale that has been used with children age four and older to help evaluate communication skills and social functioning
The Screening Test for Autism in Two-Year Olds is being developed by Wendy Stone at Vanderbilt and uses direct observations to study behavioral features in children under two. She has identified three skill areas that seem to indicate autism: play, motor imitation, and joint attention
Autism - Treatment Options
In an updated article on autism, the Autism Society of America, tells us that, finding that your child has an autism spectrum disorder can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the diagnosis may come as a complete surprise; others may have had suspicions and tried for months or years to get an accurate diagnosis. A diagnosis brings a variety of questions about how to proceed.
A generation ago, many people with autism were placed in institutions. Professionals were less educated about autism than they are today and specific services and supports were largely non-existent. Today the picture is much clearer. With appropriate services and supports, training, and information, children on the autism spectrum will grow, learn and flourish, even if at a different developmental rate than others.
They also mention that there are no cures for autism, but there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the condition. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum.
Individuals can learn to function within the confines of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.
Throughout the history of the ASA, parents and professionals have been confused by conflicting messages regarding what are and what are not appropriate treatment approaches for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
The purpose is to provide a general overview of a variety of available approaches, not specific treatment recommendations. The word "treatment" is used in a very limited sense. Typically used for children under 3, the approaches described here may be included in an educational program for older children also.
They continue to say, "Is critical to match a child's potential and specific needs with treatments or strategies that are likely to be effective in moving him/her closer to established goals and greatest potential. The ASA does not select one item from a list of available treatments. A search for appropriate treatment must be paired with the knowledge that all treatment approaches are not equal; what works for one will not work for all, and other options do not have to be excluded. Treatment plans should be chosen based on evaluations of strengths and weaknesses observed in the child."
Reference
Source: www.autism-society.org, Last updated: 23 January 2008
Author: Autism Society of America
Autism - Working with Professionals
It is important that parents and professionals work together for the child's benefit in dealing with autism. While professionals will use their experience and training to make recommendations about your child's treatment options, you have unique knowledge about your child needs and abilities that should be taken into account for a more individualized course of action.
Once an autism treatment program is in place, communication between parents and professionals is essential in following the child's progress. Here is some advice for working with professionals:
For more information on autism visit www.aap.org
Autism Diagnosis
A diagnosis brings a variety of questions about how to proceed
A generation ago, many people with autism were placed in institutions; professionals were less educated about autism than they are today and specific services and supports were largely non-existent. Today the picture is much clearer. With appropriate services and supports, training, and information, children on the autism spectrum will grow, learn and flourish, even if at a different developmental rate than others.
There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior and developmental levels. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited.
See the diagram to have better understanding of the symptoms:
At first look, many people with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing, or even odd and eccentric behavior. To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with autism. However, it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provide the basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program.
A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true condition of an individual's abilities and behaviors. Parental (and other caregivers' and/or teachers’) input and developmental history are important components of making an accurate diagnosis.
- Why Early Identification is Critical
- Screening and Screening Instruments
- Who Makes a Diagnosis?/Diagnostic Tools
- Working with Professionals
- Getting Past the Diagnosis
For more information visit www.aap.org
How do I Know if my Baby has a Language Delay?
Delays in language are the most common types of developmental delay. 1 in 5 children will show a developmental delay in the speech or language area. Some children will also show behavioral challenges because they are frustrated when they can't express everyday needs, desires, or interests.
Simple speech delays are sometimes temporary. They may resolve on their own or with a little extra help from family. Sometimes formal speech therapy is needed.
It's important to encourage your baby to "talk" to you with gestures and/or sounds before filling a need. In some cases, your baby will need more help from a trained professional.
Sometimes delays may be a warning sign of a more serious disorder that could include a hearing loss, global developmental delays, or autism. Delays also could be a sign of a possible learning problem you may not notice until the school years. It's important to have your child evaluated for autism and other conditions if you are concerned about your child's language development.
Signs of a Language delay
Language skills begin long before the first spoken words. Your child starts to communicate with you during the first year of life. She may respond to you and the world around her with eye gazes, smiles, gestures, or sounds. Later on, you'll notice more obvious "speech" skills or milestones. While children develop at different rates, they usually are able to do certain things at certain ages.
If your child seems delayed or shows any of the following behaviors, tell your pediatrician. Also, tell your pediatrician if your baby stops talking or doing things that he used to do.
- Doesn't cuddle like other babies
- Doesn't return a happy smile back to you
- Doesn't seem to notice if you are in the room
- Doesn't seem to notice certain noises (for example, seems to hear a car horn or a cat's meow but not when you call his name)
- Acts as if he is in his own world
- Prefers to play alone; seems to "tune others out"
- Doesn't seem interested in or play with toys but likes to play with objects in the house
- Shows a strange attachment to hard objects (would rather carry around a flashlight or ballpoint pen than a stuffed animal or favorite blanket)
- Can say the ABCs, numbers, or words to TV jingles but can't ask for things he wants
- Doesn't seem to have any fear
- Doesn't seem to feel pain
- Laughs for no clear reason
- Uses words or phrases that are inappropriate for the situation
What your Pediatrician might do.
After you share your concerns with your pediatrician, he or she may:
- Ask you some questions, or ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
- Evaluate certain aspects of your child's development by interacting with your child in various ways.
- Order a hearing test and refer you to a speech and language therapist for testing. The therapist will evaluate your child's speech (expressive language) and ability to understand speech and gestures (receptive language).
- If your pediatrician doesn't seem to be concerned and instead tries to reassure you that children develop at different rates and that your child will "catch up in time," it's OK to say you are still concerned. You might also ask your pediatrician if a referral to a developmental specialist might be appropriate.
- If any of the steps above lead to the conclusion that expressive language ONLY is delayed, you may be given suggestions to help your child at home. Formal speech therapy may also be recommended.
- If BOTH receptive and expressive language are delayed and the hearing test is normal, your child will need further evaluation. This will determine whether the delays are due to a true communication disorder, global developmental delays, autism, or some other developmental problem.
When autism is the reason for language delays, the child will also show some or all of the above-listed behaviors. Most likely, your child will then be referred to a specialist or a team of specialists knowledgeable about autism and its many related disorders. The autism specialist(s) may then recommend speech therapy but also specific interventions to improve social skills, behavior, and the "desire" to communicate.
For more Information on autism visit www.aap.org
Parents explore Diet and Autism
Autism prevention? Dr. Robert Sears believes it's possible.......
For moms-to-be:
• Avoid vitamin D deficiency before, during and after pregnancy (if breast feeding).
• Avoid mercury. Moms-to-be should have metal fillings replaced at least three months prior to getting pregnant. Request mercury-free flu shots.
For infants:
• Limit antibiotics.
• Use ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Ask for a vaccine schedule which gives no more than two shots at a time.
For infants who have autistic older siblings:
• Go GFCF from the start, including mom while she is pregnant and breastfeeding.
• Delay vaccines until your child is 3 years old; regressive autism is almost unheard of.
Gluten Free Casein Free DIET TIPS
• • • Go casein free first, because it usually involves only a few changes to the diet.
• • • Don't go cold turkey. Instead take a couple of weeks at a time to ease into changes of your child's diet.
• • • Determine how strict you need to be. Some kids can tolerate the occasional infraction.
• Don't go it alone. Find someone who can mentor you along.
Source: The Autism Book, by Dr. Robert Sears
RESOURCES
• www.tacklingautism.org
• www.theautismbook.com
• www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/
If you wish to read the whole article , read on ......
“Very nasty, very foul odor and full of undigested food particles,” said Houston resident Michelle Groogan of her then 18-month-old son's bowel movement. “It was the classic autism poop.”
Garrett was diagnosed with autism when he was 2, and Michelle Groogan began researching ways to ease her son's digestive issues, which she felt were autism-related. It wasn't long before she came across the Gluten Free Casein Free, or GFCF, diet.Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Casein is the protein in cow's milk, as well as all mammalian milk.
“It was very overwhelming,” Groogan said. “I mean, everything has gluten and dairy in it.”
Groogan said health food stores and grocery stores such as Whole Foods make it easier to find GFCF foods, but it comes with sticker shock. She spends about $75 a week on Garrett's food, the same amount she spends for food for the rest of the family. “We had nothing to lose by trying it,” Groogan said. “Within a few months we started seeing normal stools. When his digestive system was feeling better, we noticed he picked up more language.”
Garrett, now 6, has been on the diet for more than three years.
“It certainly hasn't healed him completely,” Groogan said, “But we're not ready to stop the diet any time soon.”
Katherine Loveland, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Center for Human Development Research at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, said the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement recently that said it's possible that kids with autism have some problems that are related to gastric disturbances, but they do not see evidence that this is a cause of autism.
“That does not mean it might not be important,” Loveland said. “The percentage of kids with autism that has gastrointestinal difficulties can be 10 percent or 70 percent depending whom you study and how you study them. So it's not clear how many of them have it, or how many are relieved of it through diet.”
Anecdotally, for some, the proof is in the pudding.
“The observer is biased,” Loveland said. “That's one possibility. Or it could be that the child did have some gastric distress, pain they were not able to report, and the child is now more comfortable day to day, and therefore feeling better, so behaving better. To put it simply, it's complicated.”
Sugar Land resident Scott Jackson said he heard about the diet after his son Tyler was diagnosed with autism when he was 2.
“It seemed to be the first question people asked when they found out about Tyler's diagnosis,” Jackson said. “We decided to give it a try because just like every family desperately looking for ways to help their child, we will try most things that can help, with or without proof.”
Tyler, now 5, spent about 10 weeks on the diet without any noticeable improvement, Jackson said.
Dr. Robert Sears, who will release The Autism Book in April, said any parent starting their child on the diet should give it a good six months, but children age 7 and older need at least a year.
Food allergies, Sears said, are the single most common medical problem shared by children with autism.
He devotes an entire chapter of the book to diet changes, in which he writes about the GFCF diet. He said one survey of 1,800 autistic children revealed 65 percent showed improvement on the diet.
He said chronic diarrhea resolves, first words emerge, hyperactivity diminishes, and potty training becomes easier. Sears said the diet works best in conjunction with supplements, including digestive enzymes, probiotics, cod liver oil, vitamins and minerals.
Sears relates the stories of five families from his own practice who have had some success with biomedical treatments, including dietary changes and the addition of vitamins and minerals.
The children Sears talks about include those with classic regressive autism, which means kids who are “completely normal” the first year or two, and then go backwards developmentally, sometimes suddenly and dramatically.
Sears drives homes the point by saying early intervention “can change a life.” He also says he has had cases of children who don't fit the classic story of regressive autism with gastrointestinal symptoms, but who still benefit from the GFCF diet. One such patient didn't have constipation or diarrhea and didn't regress socially or developmentally, but was quite developmentally delayed. The child was diagnosed with autism, and Sears said he showed improvement after going on the GFCF diet, and adding vitamin B12 and zinc.
Sears wraps up his book with a chapter titled “Prevention for Your Future Children.”
“I know it's controversial to talk about prevention of autism when we don't actually know what the cause is,” Sears said. “Where I'm coming from is that a lot of similar medical problems seem to occur in kids with autism, and that when we fix those medical problems, the symptoms of the autism tend to get better. One of the main ones is food allergies. Identify food allergies early by taking colicky babies and chronic, loose stools seriously.”
Source:
Feb. 17, 2010,
www.chron.com
What is Autism?
Finding that your child has an autism spectrum disorder can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the diagnosis may come as a complete surprise; others may have had suspicions and tried for months or years to get an accurate diagnosis.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, usually impact the development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Both children and adults with autism normally show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.”
Source:
www.aap.org
Who Makes a Diagnosis / Diagnostic Tools
Whether you, parent or your child's pediatrician is the first to suspect autism, your child will need to be referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This may be a developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist or psychologist, and other professionals that are better able to observe and test your child in specific areas
Who Makes a Diagnosis / Diagnostic Tools
Whether you, parent or your child's pediatrician is the first to suspect autism, your child will need to be referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This may be a developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist or psychologist, and other professionals that are better able to observe and test your child in specific areas
This multidisciplinary assessment team may include some or all of the following professionals:
- Developmental pediatrician - Treats health problems of children with developmental delays or handicaps.
- Child psychiatrist - A medical doctor who may be involved in the initial diagnosis. He/she can also prescribe medication and provide help in behavior, emotional adjustment and social relationships.
- Clinical psychologist - Specializes in understanding the nature and impact of developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders. May perform psychological and assessment tests, as well as help with behavior modification and social skills training
- Occupational therapist - Focuses on practical, self-help skills that will aid in daily living, such as dressing and eating. May also work on sensory integration, coordination of movement, and fine motor skills
- Physical therapist - Helps to improve the use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves to develop muscle strength, coordination and motor skills.
- Speech/language therapist - Involved in the improvement of communication skills, including speech and language
- Social worker - May provide counseling services or act as case manager helping to arrange services and treatments
Why Early Identification for Autism is Critical
Autism Information Now
Some research indicates that early identification of Autistic symptoms is associated with dramatically better outcomes for individuals suffering with autism. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention approaches to treatment and education of autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism by their family pediatrician twice by the age of 2, at 18 months and again at 24 months.
The AAP also recommends that treatment be started when an autism diagnosis is suspected rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis. Go to http://www.aap.org/ to see the complete list of recommendations. The advantages of early intervention regarding autism cannot be overemphasized. Children who receive intensive therapy can make tremendous strides in their overall functioning and go on to lead productive lives.