I kept Nate's fever controlled with medicine today, and he seemed fine for most of the day. I'm praying he's much better tomorrow.
It's hard to know how much of his behavior yesterday and today was from being sick and how much might be "regression" spurred by the enzymes. I've noticed quite a bit more stimming and repetitive behaviors, both things that had improved over the past month or two. Today he wanted to watch one of his videos over and over again (I didn't let him; I kept trying to divert his attention all day by playing other things with him, going on a walk, etc. He would play with me for a few minutes but then run back to the TV to ask to watch the video again. This happened well over a dozen times today. My saying no yet again to the video this evening started a long meltdown). This regression is to be expected if I go with what the book says, but it also means that it should get markedly better before too long (yay! and can I add, quickly, please?). If I knew for sure that it would get better and on exactly which day, it would make this current phase much easier! If I knew I just had to survive, say, two and a half weeks of meltdown-filled days, I would be much more sure than I am now. All of that said, I do still think this is going to work. I think Nate's physical signs are good (his diapers already seem more "normal"--TMI). It's just time for me to pray and trust in Him. :)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Asleep
It's 9:15 a.m. and Nate is still asleep. Normally this would make me jump for joy (or, more accurately, roll over under the covers for joy), but he's asleep because he's sick. He came down with an all-of-a-sudden fever in the nursery during AWANA last night. Jon gave him some children's ibuprofen at 5:30 this morning, which is why he's still asleep. Anyway, I'm hoping he has the same thing his two cousins had last week, which seemed to be just a 24-hour thing and included no throwing up (please, please no throwing up). All of this shouldn't be enzyme related (though, speaking of enzymes, I'm seeing signs that they are working well).
Lucy needs me, so I'm off!
Lucy needs me, so I'm off!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Enzyme update
I'm holding Lucy in one arm and typing with the other, so this will be short. So far, the enzymes seem to be going well! Nate's diapers have seemed a bit worse, which means the enzymes were needed and are working (cleaning out his system). His behavior has also seemed worse; however, there has been something non-enzyme-related (trip one day to Hesperia where we stayed in a strange place; 30-minute nap one day) each day that also could explain the behavior. Today we're up to a half capsule of Zyme Prime at breakfast and a full capsule at dinner. We'll be up to a full capsule at all three meals by Saturday, and then I'll start Peptizyde (half capsule with dinner) either Saturday or Sunday.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Enzymes
The enzymes came today. I gave a half capsule of Zyme Prime to Nate with dinner tonight (but he had no idea--I mixed it into his applesauce). That's how the manufacturer recommends starting--do enzymes with dinner for a few days, then breakfast and dinner, and eventually all meals. I'll probably wait a week or so before starting the Peptizyde the same way.
Cute girl
I have taken a few pictures of Lucy that make her look like my sister! I think this one does:
What do you think, those of you who would know (Mama, Nannie, etc.)?
I love this little outfit and her sweet smile (and Nate's humongous hand).
What do you think, those of you who would know (Mama, Nannie, etc.)?
I love this little outfit and her sweet smile (and Nate's humongous hand).
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Enzymes 101
I finished reading Enzymes for Autism over the weekend and ordered two types of enzymes for Nate last night. I am really excited about the possibility that these are going to help Nate a lot.
Here is a basic rundown of how I understand enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts in our bodies, and one thing they do is aid in digestion by breaking foods down. Our bodies make them, and raw foods contain them too. There is a trend that many (most?) people with autism and similar conditions also have digestive/gut issues. DeFelice writes, "This may be due to a real unidentified biological issue which is manifesting in problematic behavior." Because of these gut issues, many people with autism are put on a gluten- and casein-free diet (no wheat or dairy), and this seems to help when followed 100% (though strict adherence to the diet is very difficult, as many, many items contain gluten). However, what if, instead of removing food after food, you instead supply the person's body with the enzymes it needs to break down gluten, casein, and the other foods that have caused problems?
DeFelice found that a large majority of people (over 85%) with autism/PDD who began taking enzymes and participated in her study saw a marked improvement in/disappearance of "autistic" behavior: increased eye contact, increased language, increase in foods tolerated and foods accepted by child's choice, improved transitioning (changing activities/unexpected change in schedule), improved socialization, increased awareness. What is the connection? How can sprinkling some enzymes on someone's food every time he/she eats lead to changes in behavior? Here's what DeFelice writes:
"A fundamental issue is the fact that there is an extensive nerve network (the enteric nervous system) running along the entire gastrointestinal tract. So anything that affects the gut directly affects the nerves. This leads to digestive enzymes having a direct impact on neurology. In addition, the largest part of the immune system in our body is in the mucosal lining on the frontlines of the gut.... Many people with neurological difficulties also have general digestive problems, leaky gut, inflammation of the gut, yeast overgrowth, or other conditions that result in insufficiently digested food and poor absorption, which enzymes may help improve. Some, not all, children with autism exhibit behavioral problems that lessen with the removal of certain foods. Enzymes help break down foods more sufficiently so they will not be in a form that is problematic or causes an immune system reaction. At the same time, they may help heal the fundamental gastrointestinal issues" (349).
DeFelice goes into much further detail in the book; she also gives practical suggestions on how to get children to take the enzymes and what to expect when starting on them. They come in capsule form but can be broken apart and sprinkled on food or in a drink. I can also open a capsule and freeze the bad-tasting enzymes into a chocolate wafer. Also, I know to expect that the first one to three weeks on enzymes might make Nate seem worse physically and behaviorally, since 1) the enzymes will be cleaning out his system and 2) "the use of enzymes that break down casein, gluten, or any other 'addictive' substance may cause a withdrawal effect [for those not already on a casein-free, gluten-free diet].... This is because of the decrease in peptides in his or her system" (347).
I ordered Peptizyde and Zyme Prime for Nate. Peptizyde is for the breakdown of proteins, which means it works directly on casein, gluten, and other "problem" foods. Zyme Prime is a "broad spectrum" enzyme product, so it contains lots of different kinds of enzymes, and it works on carbohydrates, fats, starches, and proteins.
I will be sure to report on when the enzymes come, when I start Nate on them, and if he makes any progress!
Here are some links with more information:
www.enzymestuff.com
Enzymes and Autism Yahoo group - I just joined
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew - PDF file
Edited to add: Every time I reread this post, I think of more things I should write about (e.g., information on why some with autism might be "addicted" to gluten and casein, more on what I read in the book about how enzymes heal the gut and thereby affect behavior). But hey, I have two kids and no more time! :)
Here is a basic rundown of how I understand enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts in our bodies, and one thing they do is aid in digestion by breaking foods down. Our bodies make them, and raw foods contain them too. There is a trend that many (most?) people with autism and similar conditions also have digestive/gut issues. DeFelice writes, "This may be due to a real unidentified biological issue which is manifesting in problematic behavior." Because of these gut issues, many people with autism are put on a gluten- and casein-free diet (no wheat or dairy), and this seems to help when followed 100% (though strict adherence to the diet is very difficult, as many, many items contain gluten). However, what if, instead of removing food after food, you instead supply the person's body with the enzymes it needs to break down gluten, casein, and the other foods that have caused problems?
DeFelice found that a large majority of people (over 85%) with autism/PDD who began taking enzymes and participated in her study saw a marked improvement in/disappearance of "autistic" behavior: increased eye contact, increased language, increase in foods tolerated and foods accepted by child's choice, improved transitioning (changing activities/unexpected change in schedule), improved socialization, increased awareness. What is the connection? How can sprinkling some enzymes on someone's food every time he/she eats lead to changes in behavior? Here's what DeFelice writes:
"A fundamental issue is the fact that there is an extensive nerve network (the enteric nervous system) running along the entire gastrointestinal tract. So anything that affects the gut directly affects the nerves. This leads to digestive enzymes having a direct impact on neurology. In addition, the largest part of the immune system in our body is in the mucosal lining on the frontlines of the gut.... Many people with neurological difficulties also have general digestive problems, leaky gut, inflammation of the gut, yeast overgrowth, or other conditions that result in insufficiently digested food and poor absorption, which enzymes may help improve. Some, not all, children with autism exhibit behavioral problems that lessen with the removal of certain foods. Enzymes help break down foods more sufficiently so they will not be in a form that is problematic or causes an immune system reaction. At the same time, they may help heal the fundamental gastrointestinal issues" (349).
DeFelice goes into much further detail in the book; she also gives practical suggestions on how to get children to take the enzymes and what to expect when starting on them. They come in capsule form but can be broken apart and sprinkled on food or in a drink. I can also open a capsule and freeze the bad-tasting enzymes into a chocolate wafer. Also, I know to expect that the first one to three weeks on enzymes might make Nate seem worse physically and behaviorally, since 1) the enzymes will be cleaning out his system and 2) "the use of enzymes that break down casein, gluten, or any other 'addictive' substance may cause a withdrawal effect [for those not already on a casein-free, gluten-free diet].... This is because of the decrease in peptides in his or her system" (347).
I ordered Peptizyde and Zyme Prime for Nate. Peptizyde is for the breakdown of proteins, which means it works directly on casein, gluten, and other "problem" foods. Zyme Prime is a "broad spectrum" enzyme product, so it contains lots of different kinds of enzymes, and it works on carbohydrates, fats, starches, and proteins.
I will be sure to report on when the enzymes come, when I start Nate on them, and if he makes any progress!
Here are some links with more information:
www.enzymestuff.com
Enzymes and Autism Yahoo group - I just joined
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew - PDF file
Edited to add: Every time I reread this post, I think of more things I should write about (e.g., information on why some with autism might be "addicted" to gluten and casein, more on what I read in the book about how enzymes heal the gut and thereby affect behavior). But hey, I have two kids and no more time! :)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The kids
At my parent meeting for Nate at the therapy center yesterday, the head therapist told me how much better Nate is doing. He isn't crying during his sessions at all (only cries now for the initial goodbye with me and then if he happens to see me at all during the morning, which I make sure to avoid), and he's making good gains toward his goals. Yay!
Here's the closest thing I could get to a smile on camera from Lucy last night (but she did smile for real at Jon):
All that smiling makes a girl tired!
Here's the closest thing I could get to a smile on camera from Lucy last night (but she did smile for real at Jon):
All that smiling makes a girl tired!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Six weeks
Lucy is six weeks old today. She should start sleeping even better at night soon (I hope--though she sleeps pretty well already--6 hours last night) and smiling socially any day! She almost smiled at Jon yesterday. :)
Friday, May 11, 2007
Today
Well, I didn't get another 7-hour night from Lucy last night, but I will gladly take her going straight back to sleep after she nurses (which she did).
Today has been kind of a frustrating mothering day, mostly because Nate has been unexplainably whiny. However, he is now sitting here in my lap, looking into my face with his big brown puppy dog eyes, and I forget everything that has happened today 'til now! He's my boy.
(Lucy's asleep in the next room, and she's my girl!)
Today has been kind of a frustrating mothering day, mostly because Nate has been unexplainably whiny. However, he is now sitting here in my lap, looking into my face with his big brown puppy dog eyes, and I forget everything that has happened today 'til now! He's my boy.
(Lucy's asleep in the next room, and she's my girl!)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Hallelujah!
Lucy slept for 7 hours last night! I'm not a superstitious person, but the three nights over the past couple of weeks that Lucy has slept the best, she has been wearing the same pajamas (picture from a month ago).
Coincidence? Last night, though, I gave her 3/4 of a dose of gripe water with her last feeding at 10:30. When she woke me this morning at 5:30, I rejoiced!
Also, here's Lucy helping me with laundry this morning while Ray took Nate to therapy.
And then later getting a bath.
Coincidence? Last night, though, I gave her 3/4 of a dose of gripe water with her last feeding at 10:30. When she woke me this morning at 5:30, I rejoiced!
Also, here's Lucy helping me with laundry this morning while Ray took Nate to therapy.
And then later getting a bath.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Baby steps
Though Nate has had no "amazing breakthroughs" with his therapy or developmental progress, I can't overlook the small steps he has taken. Those small steps really add up!
- Yesterday, Nate brought a book to me so I would read it to him.
- When he finishes a puzzle, he claps for himself and/or looks to me for praise.
- He signs "more," "please," "all done," and "thank you."
- He is now quite adept at using a spoon to feed himself.
- He understands and will sometimes obey when I ask him to pick up an object and give it to me.
- He also understands and follows (the "follow" part is key, since he understands a LOT but doesn't necessarily do) a number of simple commands like "put in" or "give Mama."
- He waves hello and goodbye to people with little or no prompting.
- Just now, Nate came across the house from his room to ours with a puzzle piece (a snake) to show it to me and show me how he can say "snake" (it sounds more like "nah"). Sweet boy! So now I'm going to take a break from writing and go play with him. ;)
I'm back.
- At therapy, the therapists say, "Ready, set, --" and try to encourage the kids to point or make some sort of gesture for "go" if they can't say it. I do this at home too. Nate has started waiting for the appropriate time (after the person has said the first two words) and then saying an enthusiastic "gah!"
- He makes much better eye contact.
- He responds much more often when his name is called.
- If he needs help with something (putting in a puzzle piece, getting a toy unstuck), he says "buppa"--"help." Sometimes he needs to be prompted/reminded to do this (he whines/cries first), but he's getting better!
- Just this past week, he began nodding his head to answer "yes" to questions.
- He likes to "tickle" Jon. He wiggles his fingers on Jon and Jon laughs and squirms as if it tickled. Nate loves it. (This is another good social/interactive thing.)
These are all things Nate wasn't able to do months or even weeks ago.
Here are some cute things Will, Nate's in-home therapist, told me this morning:
- When they are playing a game, Will will purposely look away to see if/how Nate will try to gain his attention. He said Nate did the sign for "more" but realized Will couldn't see him. So Nate moved into Will's line of sight and did the sign again. (Trying to gain an adult's attention is a great social step, even if Nate didn't try tapping Will's shoulder or something like that.)
- Will has also done an exercise with Nate where he will put three cards/pictures in front of Nate and request one of them in particular. Will said he has to keep a total poker face, because Nate will put his hand over one of the cards and then look up at Will's face to see if it's the right one; he'll keep his eyes on Will while he hovers his hand over each card. Will has to keep a straight face until Nate actually picks up the correct card on his own and gives it to Will. (This is also an indication that Nate's making gains in social development, as he's paying attention to facial expression.)
I've been looking into the gluten-free/casein-free diet for Nate but am quite overwhelmed with the huge amount of change and work that would take. (I'm not unwilling to work, but if I can find something else that will work, like enzymes, I'd like to try that first.) I do think there is a biological/intestinal component to autism, at least in Nate's case, and so I expect we would see results if we tried some of these things in addition to the therapies we're already doing.
- Yesterday, Nate brought a book to me so I would read it to him.
- When he finishes a puzzle, he claps for himself and/or looks to me for praise.
- He signs "more," "please," "all done," and "thank you."
- He is now quite adept at using a spoon to feed himself.
- He understands and will sometimes obey when I ask him to pick up an object and give it to me.
- He also understands and follows (the "follow" part is key, since he understands a LOT but doesn't necessarily do) a number of simple commands like "put in" or "give Mama."
- He waves hello and goodbye to people with little or no prompting.
- Just now, Nate came across the house from his room to ours with a puzzle piece (a snake) to show it to me and show me how he can say "snake" (it sounds more like "nah"). Sweet boy! So now I'm going to take a break from writing and go play with him. ;)
I'm back.
- At therapy, the therapists say, "Ready, set, --" and try to encourage the kids to point or make some sort of gesture for "go" if they can't say it. I do this at home too. Nate has started waiting for the appropriate time (after the person has said the first two words) and then saying an enthusiastic "gah!"
- He makes much better eye contact.
- He responds much more often when his name is called.
- If he needs help with something (putting in a puzzle piece, getting a toy unstuck), he says "buppa"--"help." Sometimes he needs to be prompted/reminded to do this (he whines/cries first), but he's getting better!
- Just this past week, he began nodding his head to answer "yes" to questions.
- He likes to "tickle" Jon. He wiggles his fingers on Jon and Jon laughs and squirms as if it tickled. Nate loves it. (This is another good social/interactive thing.)
These are all things Nate wasn't able to do months or even weeks ago.
Here are some cute things Will, Nate's in-home therapist, told me this morning:
- When they are playing a game, Will will purposely look away to see if/how Nate will try to gain his attention. He said Nate did the sign for "more" but realized Will couldn't see him. So Nate moved into Will's line of sight and did the sign again. (Trying to gain an adult's attention is a great social step, even if Nate didn't try tapping Will's shoulder or something like that.)
- Will has also done an exercise with Nate where he will put three cards/pictures in front of Nate and request one of them in particular. Will said he has to keep a total poker face, because Nate will put his hand over one of the cards and then look up at Will's face to see if it's the right one; he'll keep his eyes on Will while he hovers his hand over each card. Will has to keep a straight face until Nate actually picks up the correct card on his own and gives it to Will. (This is also an indication that Nate's making gains in social development, as he's paying attention to facial expression.)
I've been looking into the gluten-free/casein-free diet for Nate but am quite overwhelmed with the huge amount of change and work that would take. (I'm not unwilling to work, but if I can find something else that will work, like enzymes, I'd like to try that first.) I do think there is a biological/intestinal component to autism, at least in Nate's case, and so I expect we would see results if we tried some of these things in addition to the therapies we're already doing.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Outdoors
One of Nate's favorite backyard activities these past few weeks has been finding roly polies. He picks them up, waits for them to turn into balls, then throws them.
He also likes his new bike from Nannie and Pop!
He got another new outside toy for his birthday from my parents, but I haven't put it together yet. When I do, he is going to love it. It's a table with big compartments for sand and water (a.k.a. a mess factory!).
This video cracks me up. He didn't really get hurt, so it's OK to laugh, right?
He also likes his new bike from Nannie and Pop!
He got another new outside toy for his birthday from my parents, but I haven't put it together yet. When I do, he is going to love it. It's a table with big compartments for sand and water (a.k.a. a mess factory!).
This video cracks me up. He didn't really get hurt, so it's OK to laugh, right?
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Look who's 2!
My little boy is two years old! I am so thankful for the mild, funny, smart (speaking of smart, he just memorized an entire puzzle faster than I did yesterday!), happy son God gave us.
We had a little get together at Ray and Colleen's house on Sunday afternoon for Nate. He didn't care too much about opening presents, but he had a good time. He was very impressed with the whole group singing:
Happy birthday, son!
We had a little get together at Ray and Colleen's house on Sunday afternoon for Nate. He didn't care too much about opening presents, but he had a good time. He was very impressed with the whole group singing:
Happy birthday, son!
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