Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Happy family
This is the closest we've come lately to a full family picture. :) If Lucy looks tired to you, it's because she has been taking extremely short naps! Sleeping at night is still OK though.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Starting the diet
Yesterday I went to Mother's Market and bought lots of gluten-free/casein-free-friendly items, like gluten-free (GF) all purpose baking mix, white rice flour, GF cereal, and casein-free (CF) vanilla rice milk. Today was Nate's first full GFCF day. It went well until tonight, when we were over at Ray and Colleen's (I bring the children over there and Colleen watches them while I teach my flute lessons) and everyone else had pizza (pretty much Nate's favorite food). Poor Nate didn't understand why I wouldn't let him have any; instead he had a GFCF waffle, baby food fruit (he still eats these), and popcorn. He got over the pizza thing once we put it away and everyone was done.
It's interesting that he has been asking for cookies and crackers all day and then rrrreally wanted the pizza tonight. That seems to confirm the idea that his body is addicted to those things.
We will continue doing the enzymes with Nate, but since we'll be doing the diet too, I won't have to be so strict about enzymes with every bite he eats. I'm wondering if it might also work the other way around--that I might not have to be so strict with the diet since he's using enzymes. I'll have to ask about that.
Here are some sites I've found helpful in this very new venture:
Information on flour alternatives - what each kind of flour is good for, substitutes to use for gluten (which is needed to make foods stay together and have a good texture)
Recipes and meal planning ideas - the chicken fingers look good.
Yummy cookie recipe - this blog has several good-looking recipes, many GFCF.
I'll add more as I find them. :)
12/3/07 Wow, this girl has a lot of great information (includes casein-free too):
Cooking & Baking Gluten-Free: Tips from a Gluten-Free Goddess
It's interesting that he has been asking for cookies and crackers all day and then rrrreally wanted the pizza tonight. That seems to confirm the idea that his body is addicted to those things.
We will continue doing the enzymes with Nate, but since we'll be doing the diet too, I won't have to be so strict about enzymes with every bite he eats. I'm wondering if it might also work the other way around--that I might not have to be so strict with the diet since he's using enzymes. I'll have to ask about that.
Here are some sites I've found helpful in this very new venture:
Information on flour alternatives - what each kind of flour is good for, substitutes to use for gluten (which is needed to make foods stay together and have a good texture)
Recipes and meal planning ideas - the chicken fingers look good.
Yummy cookie recipe - this blog has several good-looking recipes, many GFCF.
I'll add more as I find them. :)
12/3/07 Wow, this girl has a lot of great information (includes casein-free too):
Cooking & Baking Gluten-Free: Tips from a Gluten-Free Goddess
Monday, November 26, 2007
What's new with us
I received a Nannie request for a blog post, so here's what's new with us!
Nate's Monday-Wednesday-Thursday therapy schedule is going well. He's still adjusting to the group therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays; it's a much different setup, and he still has to learn the "wait your turn" concept, but he's doing well and it's great for him.
This week he just started saying something lots of children say, and I think it's so cute. When he wants to be held, he says, "Hold you." I love that.
Lucy is sitting relatively well and is scooting around on the floor but not getting onto all fours yet. Soon!
Thanksgiving last week was really nice. We went to Jon's parents' house for the meal and had a great day. I must say I do miss my mom's creamed onions. (Mama, can we have that at Christmas?) :)
Jon and I are about to sit down to a homemade pizza and watch the Clipper game!
Nate's Monday-Wednesday-Thursday therapy schedule is going well. He's still adjusting to the group therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays; it's a much different setup, and he still has to learn the "wait your turn" concept, but he's doing well and it's great for him.
This week he just started saying something lots of children say, and I think it's so cute. When he wants to be held, he says, "Hold you." I love that.
Lucy is sitting relatively well and is scooting around on the floor but not getting onto all fours yet. Soon!
Thanksgiving last week was really nice. We went to Jon's parents' house for the meal and had a great day. I must say I do miss my mom's creamed onions. (Mama, can we have that at Christmas?) :)
Jon and I are about to sit down to a homemade pizza and watch the Clipper game!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cuties
We are loving the park lately, especially now that Lucy likes going in the swing. It's nice for me now, too, since Nate is able to go on most of the structures without giving me a heart attack from almost falling.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Intro to treating autism
I'm no longer feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there on treating autism. But I remember what it was like starting out with Nate, feeling like there was so much to learn but nowhere to start. Here is my primer on treating autism, including books I've read and treatments we've tried. (I'm writing this as much for myself as for anyone else; I like to get all these thoughts down in writing but also want a place to point people to if they come to me asking about the things we've done for Nate. I am definitely NOT an expert on this subject, but I've been learning a lot through research and through friends and acquaintances who have been through it too.)
First, autism is treatable. It isn't just a brain thing. Mainstream/traditional treatments like behavioral therapy are really helpful and should be pursued. Alternative/biomedical treatments are also effective and should be vigorously pursued... as early as possible.
What are the treatments?
Mainstream - Many children with autism are put in behavioral therapy, like ABA (applied behavioral analysis). ABA is a play-based therapy where they work on social skills, eye contact, appropriate play with toys, imaginary play, whatever the child needs help with. Children may also be placed in occupational (for self-care skills, eating, oral motor movement, sensory issues), speech, and physical therapies.
"Alternative" - This is where the list of possibilities seems to go on and on. I use quotation marks because pediatricians and other doctors are often ill informed and don't know about or believe in these treatments, so they would think of them as alternative; however, they are working for many, many children. Because autism is tied up in many systems in the body, not just the brain, it seems logical to treat all of the affected areas, especially the ones that seem to start the chains of symptoms that lead to the ones in the brain. Many parents see results when they put their children on a special diet (like gluten-free/casein-free).* This is because children with autism don't seem to process certain foods correctly, and parts of those foods end up acting like drugs, attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and thereby altering behavior (among other things). Along these same lines, enzymes can be used (alone or in addition to diet). Here is my post on enzymes. Also, since their bodies often don't process nutrients correctly, these children may benefit from various (and many) supplements. The first book I list in the books section has lots of information on helpful supplements, what they do, and why they are needed. Some other biomedical treatments include hyperbaric oxygen, treating for yeast overgrowth (Candida), chelation/toxin removal, and methylation (which has shown to help over 90% of patients with autism in some way! See here, here, or here).
Books
Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians - This book changed the way I understand autism. I had read bits and pieces in other books about autism being more than just a brain thing, but Jepson's book fully lays it out. The first half is very technical and very informative, explaining what goes on inside the bodies of children with autism. He cites many, many studies and explains them in good detail. The second half spells out biomedical treatments to try. Jepson doesn't give specific dosing information, because most of the things should be under a doctor's supervision. I like that this book presents the "why" and not just the "what" for treatment.
Children with Starving Brains - Written by the grandparent of a child with autism and the founder of Autism Speaks, this book is written along similar lines as Changing the Course of Autism but is a bit more practical. I still haven't finished this book (am only 1/3 of the way through), but it is on many recommended readings lists.
Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions - This book is not particularly well written, but it details using digestive enzymes in a very practical manner. DeFelice details what enzymes are, how they work in the digestive system, how to start using them, what to expect when starting, the myriad benefits of using them, etc. It is also from this book that I found out why and how to use magnesium (in the form of epsom salt lotion).
Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life - This book is written from a strictly behavioral treatment standpoint. It explains some good philosophies for how to interact with children with autism, encourage them to use language, steer them away from stims, etc. However, it was sort of depressing for me to read: I read this book early on--before Nate was talking at all, and so many of the strategies were for children who were already talking. Overall, I wouldn't say someone should read only this book, but instead read this book in addition to some of the biomedical treatment books. This can help provide a broader, comprehensive treatment picture.
Steps to take
If your child is diagnosed with autism (or you suspect it), here is what I recommend you do:
- Get a regional center/state services evaluation. Here is the Orange County CA reg center website. This will start the process of getting traditional therapy for your child through the state.
- Attend your child's therapy and learn to interact with him/her the same way the therapists do so you can continue the learning at home.
- Look into changing diet and/or adding enzymes gradually; pay attention to your child's behavior and see if you can tell a difference. (Remember to wait out the adjustment period.)
- Find a DAN! doctor. Many successful biomedical treatments (like supplementation or chelation) should be attempted under a doctor's supervision.
- Read, read, read!
- Have someone to talk to--it doesn't have to be someone who has a child with autism, but at least someone who can sympathize, lend a listening ear, and encourage.
- Remember that your child is still your precious, unique child!
Websites
Talk About Curing Autism - This Southern California-based organization's website has lots of resources for parents, including help with special diets, vaccine recommendations, support meetings, and more.
Autism Research Institute - Home of Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!), the ARI website also has many resources, including an overview and myths about autism, a recommended reading list, a video "My Child Was Just Diagnosed With Autism -- What Do I Do Tomorrow?" (under "First Steps"), and the official list of DAN! doctors.
GFCF Diet - Help with starting the gluten-free/casein-free diet.
Kirkman Labs - Supplier of many supplements, enzymes, and other products many parents use.
Houston Nutraceuticals - Where we get Nate's current enzymes, Peptizyde and Zyme Prime.
Enzymes & Autism Yahoo Group - Forum where you can ask questions about enzymes and other biomedical treatments.
Autism Speaks - Contains current news, videos, and research information.
* We still haven't put Nate on a special diet, but in anticipation of being asked to do it when we take Nate to the Rimland Center next month, I have removed straight milk. He hasn't seemed to miss it. Next will be yogurt. It will be hard to get rid of cheese since Nate has a quesadilla at least 6 times per week.
First, autism is treatable. It isn't just a brain thing. Mainstream/traditional treatments like behavioral therapy are really helpful and should be pursued. Alternative/biomedical treatments are also effective and should be vigorously pursued... as early as possible.
What are the treatments?
Mainstream - Many children with autism are put in behavioral therapy, like ABA (applied behavioral analysis). ABA is a play-based therapy where they work on social skills, eye contact, appropriate play with toys, imaginary play, whatever the child needs help with. Children may also be placed in occupational (for self-care skills, eating, oral motor movement, sensory issues), speech, and physical therapies.
"Alternative" - This is where the list of possibilities seems to go on and on. I use quotation marks because pediatricians and other doctors are often ill informed and don't know about or believe in these treatments, so they would think of them as alternative; however, they are working for many, many children. Because autism is tied up in many systems in the body, not just the brain, it seems logical to treat all of the affected areas, especially the ones that seem to start the chains of symptoms that lead to the ones in the brain. Many parents see results when they put their children on a special diet (like gluten-free/casein-free).* This is because children with autism don't seem to process certain foods correctly, and parts of those foods end up acting like drugs, attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and thereby altering behavior (among other things). Along these same lines, enzymes can be used (alone or in addition to diet). Here is my post on enzymes. Also, since their bodies often don't process nutrients correctly, these children may benefit from various (and many) supplements. The first book I list in the books section has lots of information on helpful supplements, what they do, and why they are needed. Some other biomedical treatments include hyperbaric oxygen, treating for yeast overgrowth (Candida), chelation/toxin removal, and methylation (which has shown to help over 90% of patients with autism in some way! See here, here, or here).
Books
Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians - This book changed the way I understand autism. I had read bits and pieces in other books about autism being more than just a brain thing, but Jepson's book fully lays it out. The first half is very technical and very informative, explaining what goes on inside the bodies of children with autism. He cites many, many studies and explains them in good detail. The second half spells out biomedical treatments to try. Jepson doesn't give specific dosing information, because most of the things should be under a doctor's supervision. I like that this book presents the "why" and not just the "what" for treatment.
Children with Starving Brains - Written by the grandparent of a child with autism and the founder of Autism Speaks, this book is written along similar lines as Changing the Course of Autism but is a bit more practical. I still haven't finished this book (am only 1/3 of the way through), but it is on many recommended readings lists.
Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions - This book is not particularly well written, but it details using digestive enzymes in a very practical manner. DeFelice details what enzymes are, how they work in the digestive system, how to start using them, what to expect when starting, the myriad benefits of using them, etc. It is also from this book that I found out why and how to use magnesium (in the form of epsom salt lotion).
Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life - This book is written from a strictly behavioral treatment standpoint. It explains some good philosophies for how to interact with children with autism, encourage them to use language, steer them away from stims, etc. However, it was sort of depressing for me to read: I read this book early on--before Nate was talking at all, and so many of the strategies were for children who were already talking. Overall, I wouldn't say someone should read only this book, but instead read this book in addition to some of the biomedical treatment books. This can help provide a broader, comprehensive treatment picture.
Steps to take
If your child is diagnosed with autism (or you suspect it), here is what I recommend you do:
- Get a regional center/state services evaluation. Here is the Orange County CA reg center website. This will start the process of getting traditional therapy for your child through the state.
- Attend your child's therapy and learn to interact with him/her the same way the therapists do so you can continue the learning at home.
- Look into changing diet and/or adding enzymes gradually; pay attention to your child's behavior and see if you can tell a difference. (Remember to wait out the adjustment period.)
- Find a DAN! doctor. Many successful biomedical treatments (like supplementation or chelation) should be attempted under a doctor's supervision.
- Read, read, read!
- Have someone to talk to--it doesn't have to be someone who has a child with autism, but at least someone who can sympathize, lend a listening ear, and encourage.
- Remember that your child is still your precious, unique child!
Websites
Talk About Curing Autism - This Southern California-based organization's website has lots of resources for parents, including help with special diets, vaccine recommendations, support meetings, and more.
Autism Research Institute - Home of Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!), the ARI website also has many resources, including an overview and myths about autism, a recommended reading list, a video "My Child Was Just Diagnosed With Autism -- What Do I Do Tomorrow?" (under "First Steps"), and the official list of DAN! doctors.
GFCF Diet - Help with starting the gluten-free/casein-free diet.
Kirkman Labs - Supplier of many supplements, enzymes, and other products many parents use.
Houston Nutraceuticals - Where we get Nate's current enzymes, Peptizyde and Zyme Prime.
Enzymes & Autism Yahoo Group - Forum where you can ask questions about enzymes and other biomedical treatments.
Autism Speaks - Contains current news, videos, and research information.
* We still haven't put Nate on a special diet, but in anticipation of being asked to do it when we take Nate to the Rimland Center next month, I have removed straight milk. He hasn't seemed to miss it. Next will be yogurt. It will be hard to get rid of cheese since Nate has a quesadilla at least 6 times per week.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Videos
I've been working on a super-long autism-related post, which is why I haven't posted in a few days. But I just had to come on and link to these videos, one of Nate singing "Jesus Loves Me" and one of Lucy laughing last night.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Beds and car seats
This weekend we took apart Nate's crib and set up his toddler bed. He was so excited about it... until we told him he had to sleep in it. :) So Jon sat in the room with Nate for an hour or so that first night, but the two nights since then have been a breeze (in part because we installed a bed rail the next day), AND he has still been taking a nap! The transition was easy, and Nate is proud of himself and his big boy bed.It's about time for Lucy to switch to a bigger car seat, so I was planning on giving her Nate's and getting a new one for Nate. This is where I need some help: what "next step" car seats do you all use or have liked in the past? So far I've looked at the Britax Regent, which is huge but really safe; the Cosco Summit, which keeps him in a 5-point harness until 40 pounds and then switches to a seatbelt booster; and the Evenflo Generations, which is like the Summit. Nate weighs 32 pounds right now. What do you all recommend?
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Rimland Center
I'm really excited tonight because we got an appointment for Nate at the Rimland Center. It's a new, state-of-the-art autism treatment center in Lynchburg, VA, the town where my parents live. Here's a news article about the center. Several of the doctors there are DAN! doctors, knowledgeable about biomedical treatments like diet change, supplementation, yeast treatment, etc. My mom attended the grand opening this past Saturday and relayed to me how wonderful the place seems. (An interesting note: one of the speakers at the open house was Dr. Houston, the creator of the enzymes we give Nate.) I downloaded and filled out the paperwork (30 pages!), faxed it to my mom, and she brought it to the center. We were praying that they would be able to take Nate some time during the week between Christmas and New Year's, since that is when we are already going to be in Lynchburg (airline tickets already bought). Today we found out that they are able to take us! I am thrilled and really anxious to get moving on these next steps for Nate.
Speaking of Nate, he is amazing me more every day. Today we were doing a puzzle together, and I asked him what one of the pieces was (it was the letter Y, with pictures of yarn on it). I have told him before that it is yarn, but it has been a long while--since before he was talking at all. He said, "Y ... is... yarn!" It's so cool to realize that, though he couldn't put any of the sounds together, he knew what it was, and now he totally remembers and is able to say the word without any prompting!
Speaking of Nate, he is amazing me more every day. Today we were doing a puzzle together, and I asked him what one of the pieces was (it was the letter Y, with pictures of yarn on it). I have told him before that it is yarn, but it has been a long while--since before he was talking at all. He said, "Y ... is... yarn!" It's so cool to realize that, though he couldn't put any of the sounds together, he knew what it was, and now he totally remembers and is able to say the word without any prompting!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Group
Nate started group at therapy yesterday. I stayed to observe the first several minutes while I fed Lucy her breakfast. We walked in (right on time, but people must get there early), and Nate saw the 15-20 children sitting in the circle; he walked right up and sat in the circle next to Will, his former in-home ABA therapist who is now Nate's "shadow" for group. They all sang five or six songs, and Nate joined in on the ones he knew and tried to do the motions, too. Toward the end, he started crying because 1) I was still there and 2) I think he wanted to go on the slide or something. But he got over it. After the song time, they all split into smaller groups to do what seems like a station schedule: Nate and two or three other kids went into a small room to do some sort of work, while another group went to do "gross motor" (the obstacle course/"fun stuff"--slide, ball pit, balance beam, etc.), and another group went into a different room, etc. Nate did gross motor later, too, and Will said he liked it but didn't like the taking turns/waiting for the person in front of you to go first thing. He'll catch on to that very quickly, though. Overall, I'm very pleased with this new setup for Nate and look forward to his getting adjusted to it.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Lucy - 7 months
What a joy sweet Lucy is in our lives. She is content and easy-going, with the softest cheeks and skin I might have ever felt. She has her daddy's eyes and face/head shape. I'm hoping she also inherits his good skin, generosity, humility, and even temper.
So far, Lucy has eaten baby oatmeal, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans (not a fan), and rice cereal. Here she is not enjoying the green beans (a.k.a. snaps):
She sleeps at least 8 hours at night (8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.), but I'm hoping that will stretch longer soon. (I'll probably stretch her times by half-hour increments over a couple of weeks.)
Lucy has some favorite toys: a stuffed giraffe that rattles, a plush teether toy with several colors that also rattles, and a little plastic pink and green turtle. She also loves chewing on Nate's blocks and playing in the exersaucer.
She can roll easily both ways now and sits with assistance. She hasn't gotten up onto hands and knees, but I think she'll figure that out soon. At her doctor appointment last week, she weighed 15 pounds 14 ounces (40th percentile), and her height was 50th percentile. Her head cirumference was 40th percentile.
She smiles a lot and is very content. She doesn't laugh as readily as some babies, but when she does, her eyes light up and her giggle is so cute. She laughs easiest at Nate, and he now understand what I mean when I say, "Make Lucy laugh."
I am so thankful for our little sweet pea!
So far, Lucy has eaten baby oatmeal, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans (not a fan), and rice cereal. Here she is not enjoying the green beans (a.k.a. snaps):
She sleeps at least 8 hours at night (8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.), but I'm hoping that will stretch longer soon. (I'll probably stretch her times by half-hour increments over a couple of weeks.)
Lucy has some favorite toys: a stuffed giraffe that rattles, a plush teether toy with several colors that also rattles, and a little plastic pink and green turtle. She also loves chewing on Nate's blocks and playing in the exersaucer.
She can roll easily both ways now and sits with assistance. She hasn't gotten up onto hands and knees, but I think she'll figure that out soon. At her doctor appointment last week, she weighed 15 pounds 14 ounces (40th percentile), and her height was 50th percentile. Her head cirumference was 40th percentile.
She smiles a lot and is very content. She doesn't laugh as readily as some babies, but when she does, her eyes light up and her giggle is so cute. She laughs easiest at Nate, and he now understand what I mean when I say, "Make Lucy laugh." I am so thankful for our little sweet pea!
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