supportingthepieces - Recently Updated Pages

Calendar of Events

10 things every child with Autism Wishes You Knew

Support Group Meeting Information

Toilet Training information and links

Resources

Supporting The Pieces

ZAC Browser Information

What Heavy Metals are in your children's bodies?

Dietary Information

biomedical on a budget

chelation

More Autism Studies

Autism Studies

Oklahoma Develpmental Disabilities Council

DDSD, TEFRA and other valuable resources

Poems

what to expect from a support group

Mercury and Autism

PEGASYS

WE ARE ON PEGASYS

supportingthepieces - Recently Updated Pages

Calendar of Events

January 2009

February 2009

March 2009

April 2009

May 2009

June 2009

July 2009

August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

November 2009

December 2008

Some of these resources are for the State of Oklahoma. You can contact your local Department of Human Services for listings in your area.

NOT JUST AN AUTISM GROUP!

ASPERGER'S AND AUTISM

January 2009

February 2009

March 2009

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just1piece — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:43:50 CST

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just1piece — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:49:59 CDT

Ten Things

Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

by Ellen Notbohm

from the book Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew (2005, Future Horizons, Inc.)

Some days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute -- the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it. The child who lives with autism may look "normal" but his behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult. Autism was once thought an "incurable" disorder, but that notion is crumbling in the face knowledge and understanding that is increasing even as you read this. Every day, individuals with autism are showing us that they can overcome, compensate for and otherwise manage many of autism’s most challenging characteristics. Equipping those around our children with simple understanding of autism’s most basic elements has a tremendous impact on their ability to journey towards productive, independent adulthood. Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues. And though these four elements may be common to many children, keep front-of-mind the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder: no two (or ten or twenty) children with autism will be completely alike. Every child will be at a different point on the spectrum. And, just as importantly – every parent, teacher and caregiver will be at a different point on the spectrum. Child or adult, each will have a unique set of needs. Here are ten things every child with autism wishes you knew: 1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily "autistic." My autism is only one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)? Those may be things that I see first when I meet you, but they are not necessarily what you are all about. As an adult, you have some control over how you define yourself. If you want to single out a single characteristic, you can make that known. As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of. Defining me by one characteristic runs the danger of setting up an expectation that may be too low. And if I get a sense that you don’t think I "can do it," my natural response will be: Why try? 2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. Sensory integration may be the most difficult aspect of autism to understand, but it is arguably the most critical. It his means that the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself. Here is why a "simple" trip to the grocery store may be hell for me: My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today’s special. Musak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in overload! My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out. I am dangerously nauseated. Because I am visually oriented (see more on this below), this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is not only too bright, it buzzes and hums. The room seems to pulsate and it hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces off everything and distorts what I am seeing -- the space seems to be constantly changing. There’s glare from windows, too many items for me to be able to focus (I may compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in constant motion. All this affects my vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and now I can’t even tell where my body is in space. 3. Please remember to distinguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to). Receptive and expressive language and vocabulary can be major challenges for me. It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s that I can’t understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: "*&^%$#@, Billy. #$%^*&^%$&*………" Instead, come speak directly to me in plain words: "Please put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time to go to lunch." This tells me what you want me to do and what is going to happen next. Now it is much easier for me to comply. 4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally. It’s very confusing for me when you say, "Hold your horses, cowboy!" when what you really mean is "Please stop running." Don’t tell me something is a "piece of cake" when there is no dessert in sight and what you really mean is "this will be easy for you to do." When you say "Jamie really burned up the track," I see a kid playing with matches. Please just tell me "Jamie ran very fast." Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm are lost on me. 5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you what I need when I don’t know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express. Be alert for body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that something is wrong. Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound like a "little professor" or movie star, rattling off words or whole scripts well beyond my developmental age. These are messages I have memorized from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits because I know I am expected to respond when spoken to. They may come from books, TV, the speech of other people. It is called "echolalia." I don’t necessarily understand the context or the terminology I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the hook for coming up with a reply. 6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please show me how to do something rather than just telling me. And please be prepared to show me many times. Lots of consistent repetition helps me learn. A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your day-timer, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transition between activities, helps me manage my time and meet your expectations. I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as I get older, but my "level of representation" may change. Before I can read, I need a visual schedule with photographs or simple drawings. As I get older, a combination of words and pictures may work, and later still, just words. 7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do. Like any other human, I can’t learn in an environment where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m not good enough and that I need "fixing." Trying anything new when I am almost sure to be met with criticism, however "constructive," becomes something to be avoided. Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one "right" way to do most things. 8. Please help me with social interactions. It may look like I don’t want to play with the other kids on the playground, but sometimes it’s just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you can encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be included. I do best in structured play activities that have a clear beginning and end. I don’t know how to "read" facial expressions, body language or the emotions of others, so I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper social responses. For example, if I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the proper response. Teach me to say "Are you OK?" 9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented. Keep a log noting times, settings, people, activities. A pattern may emerge. Try to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. It tells you, when my words cannot, how I perceive something that is happening in my environment. Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent behavior may have an underlying medical cause. Food allergies and sensitivities, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems can all have profound effects on behavior. 10. Love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts like, "If he would just……" and "Why can’t she….." You did not fulfill every last expectation your parents had for you and you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded of it. I did not choose to have autism. But remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you – I am worth it. And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I’m not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh. They may have had autism too. The answer to Alzheimer’s, the enigma of extraterrestrial life -- what future achievements from today’s children with autism, children like me, lie ahead? All that I might become won’t happen without you as my foundation. Be my advocate, be my friend, and we’ll see just how far I can go. © 2005 Ellen Notbohm
Please contact the author for permission to reproduce in any way, including re-posting on the Internet. Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew, and The Autism Trail Guide: Postcards from the Road Less Traveled, all ForeWord Book of the Year finalists. She is also co-author of the award-winning 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a columnist for Autism Asperger’s Digest and Children’s Voice, and a contributor to numerous publications and websites around the world. To contact Ellen or explore her work, please visit www.ellennotbohm.com .

puzzled — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:19:32 CDT

June 19th 2008- We had our group meeting at the usual time and place. Our turnout was not as large as we have been seeing but we did have another new member join us that evening. We discussed our future meetings and planned our picnic that is going to be Sat. Aug. 9th at 6 pm. We want everyone to know that your extended family is invited but we request the number of family members that will be joining us that evening.

May 29th 2008- Our group met at the oklahoma play therapy center to recieve our play therapy training given by Connie O'Brien. We learned many things during the training and also had alot of fun! Thanks Connie for an evening of learning and laughs.

May 16th 2008- We had a large turnout again with a few new faces and many returning faces. Our 2nd meeting concentrated on what kinds of financial assistance is available through federal and state programs. Our guest speaker on the subject was Sandy Homier from DHS. She provided the members with informational handouts on financial assistance. She also gave us some resource information such as The JD McCarty Center located in OKC. If anyone has questions or needs more information you can call Sandy Homier at (580) 548-8927 or you can go by the DHS office on overland trail in Enid.
We also had the opportunity to meet Connie O'Brien, M.ed., LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), RPT (Registered Play Therapist).
Everyone was eager to learn more about this kind of therapy offered in Enid, Ok. Connie has offered to teach and train our members on play therapy at her office on 502 W. Randolph, Enid. We plan to meet there on May 29th at 6:00 P.M. If anyone else is interested in joining us please call Helen at 370-5081 or Theresa at 977-7479. If you have any questions for Connie she can be reached at (580) 234-8000 or you can email her at okplaytherapy@suddenlink.net . After the training we will have a short meeting on when and where everyone would like to have our group picnic.
I would like to thank everyone that attended the meeting on May 15th and hope to see the same faces in future meetings. Our group has only just begun. I foresee wonderful things in the future for "Supporting The Pieces".
Thank You,
Helen (Puzzled)

April 17th 2008- We held our first support group meeting on April 17th 2008 at 6:30 p.m. It was a large turnout! Our introductory meeting was all about getting to know one another. We all share one thing in common....a concern for our children. Some of us were parents who had their child recently recieve an official diagnosis and some of us had been down the road for a long time. We all learned from one another and I think will continue to learn. We had a group of outstanding parents.
Some of the group members would really like more information on DDSD and SSI. Theresa and I will try provide information at the next meeting.
The group members would also like to have guest speakers join us in future meetings on various topics.
I see this as just a beginning to our little group.

I would like to say thanks to everyone who attended last night, and also agree with Puzzled that we all share a common bond. It was great to sit there and know wow your child does that or omg I can't believe I am not the only having trouble with that. I think this is just the beginning of some great friendships, and also lots of information! If you live in the Enid, Ok area and are interested in attending one of our meetings please contact myself just1piece or puzzled for more information on times and location.

Also, just1piece and I would like to give a huge THANKS to Lisa Simmons, Sooner Success Coordinator in Garfield County. She has really been a ton of help. We could not of made "Supporting The Pieces" as successful without her!

just1piece — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:57:42 CDT

this is from the autism/pdd network:

Good informational articles on potty training for autistics:

http://www. sensory-processing-disorder. com/The_SPD_Companion -SPD-and-potty-training.html - The Sensory Processing Disorder Companion newsletter issue devoted to potty training.

http://www. epinions. com/content_4025262212 - description of one autism mom's experience. She includes links to visual aids/PECS.

http://www. teacch. com/toilet. html - advice from TEACHH. Includes a checklist, which some kids find motivating (task completion).

http://www. nas. org. uk/nas/jsp/polopoly. jsp?d=528&a=3366 - from the National Autistic Society in the UK

http://www. autismsa. org. au/pdf/strategies/IS20_Toileting. pdf - Information sheet from the Autism Association of South Australia.

Sample social stories:

http://www. setbc. org/pictureset/resources/potty_story/potty_ story.

pdf - with illustrations

http://www. polyxo. com/socialstories/ss0004. html -

http://www. autism-india. org/apr00. html

http://www. butterflyeffects. com/tips/toilet-training-tips-so cial-story-for-toilet-training.

aspx

http://www. frsd. k12. nj. us/autistic/Social%20Stories/Pages/go ing_to_the_bathroom.

htm

http://etd. lib. ttu. edu/theses/available/etd-10212006-124110/ unrestricted/Brown_Donna_Diss.pdf - page 183 in the document (page 193 according to the viewer), specifically about flushing.

http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=wSznf5We2Jc - video social story about using the bathroom at school instead of peeing outside on the playground.

With Tom and Jerry!

http://www. machkovich. com/CorysAutismRecovery/SocialStories/ GoingToTheRestroomInPublicPlaces.

pdf - about using a public restroom (with pictures)

http://www. machkovich. com/CorysAutismRecovery/SocialStories/ OnceUponAPotty_2.

pdf - about staying dry at night (with pictures)

http://sam26847. tripod. com/id5. html - potty story with pictures

http://sam26847. tripod. com/id23. html - poop story with pictures

http://www. fcps. edu/ss/its/howtos/socstor/Bathroom%20Book. pd f - bathroom story with pictures

http://www. fcps. edu/ss/its/howtos/socstor/In%20the%20Bathroo m.pdf - about leaving the classroom to use the bathroom.

http://www. fcps. edu/ss/its/howtos/socstor/My%20Potty%20Book.

pdf - about potty training (peeing only)

http://www. amazon. com/gp/reader/1853029505/ref=sib_dp_pt/104 -5219620-8195900#reader-link - an in-depth story about using the toilet and another about washing hands from Carol Gray's book "My Social Stories".

http://www. thepartnership-yh. org. uk/pages/viewpage. asp?uniqi d=62 (just lick on Social Stories - Leeds). This story is about urinals.

http://forums. rocmoms. com/viewtopic. php?t=57&postdays=0& amp; amp; amp; amp;postorder=asc&start=30&sid=bcd79481a4a6c4c7b016a 1125d7803a5 - simple social story used by a special ed teacher

Picture Checklists/Routines:

http://www. do2learn. com/makeaschedule/helpdocs/index. htm - using the toilet checklist with text and simple pictures for each step.

http://www. setbc. org/setbc/communication/frame_pictureset. ht ml?refpage=/pictureset/SubCategory.

aspx?id=50 - toilet routine

http://www. setbc. org/setbc/communication/frame_pictureset. ht ml?refpage=/pictureset/SubCategory.

aspx?id=50 - bathroom routine

http://www. setbc. org/setbc/communication/frame_pictureset. ht ml?refpage=/pictureset/SubCategory.

aspx?id=50 - boy's public bathroom routine

Kid stuff:

http://www. lil-fingers. com/potty/index. html - online potty book. Look at it alone first, to see if you want to use the sound (a talking toilet!) or read it aloud yourself.

http://www. sesameworkshop. org/sesamestreet/games/pottytime/f lash.

php?contentId=16805504 - Elmo online potty game

Other:

http://www. amazon. com/Toilet-Training-Individuals-Related-Di sorders/dp/1885477457/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-5219620-8195900?ie =UTF8&s=books&qid=1179811052&sr=8-1 - book by Maria Wheeler called "Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders", soon to be released in a new edition. Given 4 out of 5 stars by 17 Amazon reviewers.

http://www. creativepottytraining. com/index. html: An idea for doing a game instead of a sticker chart.

puzzled — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:50:48 CDT

DDSD Waiver Program - Designed to supplement the income for families with disabled children, recieve monthy check which can be used in whatever way you deem necessary, based on income, application is mailed to you, there is a waiting list and it could take several months or longer to start recieving your benefits depending on availability of funds.

4545 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 102

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

405-522-6925

1-800-522-1064

Fax: 405-522-6995

http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/dd/

CHILDCARE AND FUNDING FOR CHILDCARE

OASIS Respite Voucher Program - Recieve vouchers to help pay for childcare that you choose, can be non-licensed friends/family members, based on income level and number of children with disabilities, vouchers are good for 3 months after you recieve them, then you must reapply, application is processed fairly quickly with usually just a few weeks approval waiting time.

405-271-4550

1-888-771-4550

http://oasis.ouhsc.edu/voucher.htm

CHADD(children and adults with add)
499 N.W. 70th Ave Suite 101
Plantation Fl. 33317
305-587-3700 or 800-233-4050
http://www.chadd.org/

ADDA ( Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc.)
P.O. Box 972
Mentor Oh. 44061
800-487-2282

Autism Society of America (ASA)
7910 Woodmont Ave. Suite 650
Bethesda Md. 20814-3015
301-657-0881 or 800-328-8476
http://www.autism-society.org/

Autism Research Institute(ARI)
4182 adams Ave.
SanDiego Ca. 92116
619-563-6840

International Rett Syndrome Association
9121 Piscataway Rd. Suite 2B
Clinton Md. 20735
800-818-7388
http://paltech.com/irsa/irsa.htm

Lisa Simmons at Sooner SUCCESS
(580) 603-1580
Email: lisa-simmons@ouhsc.edu
http://soonersuccess.blogspot..com/
Lisa can help you find the right supports and services for your child!

ADHD & Autism Testing/Treatment
Dr. Suman Malhotra
600 S. Madison, St. 204
Enid, Ok. 73702
(580) 234-1946

Pure Elements Wellness Clinic
Dr. Gi Clark, ND
Board Certified
906 W. Broadway
Enid, Ok. 73701
Office: (580) 234-0177
purelements.net
Clinic Hours- M/W/F 8-5 Tu/Thu 8-12
Acupressure, Aqua Massage, Chelation therapy, Detox Foot Bath, Ear Candling, Herbal Body Wraps, Homeopathy, IV Nutrient Therapy, Reflexology, Rife Therapy, Sinus Irrigation and Skin Rejuvenation.
Natural supplements for ADHD, Heavy metal home testing kit, Detoxamin Lifestyle System for removal of heavy metals and other chemicals we are exposed to.

Oklahoma Play Therapy Counseling Center
Connie O'Brien, M.ed., LPC, RPT
Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist
502 W. Randolph
Enid, Ok 73701
Ph. (580) 234-8000
www.okplaytherapy.com
okplaytherapy@suddenlink.net

OASIS
1-800-426-2747
Information on the Respite Voucher System.
The system can provide eligible families with $400 to use for respite
care over a 3 month period. OASIS staff can also provide assistance in
filling out the respite application.
Autism Resources

The Oklahoma Family Network
links trained mentors to families who are just starting out in raising a child who has a developmental delay, medical needs or a disability. Support from a mentor is available whether the child is currently in an Oklahoma hospital or living at home.
You can check out their website at : www.oklahomafamilynetwork.org
You can also contact the Oklahoma Family Network staff for further information.
Joni Bruce, Executive Director 405 203-8745
or Heather Pike, Mentorship Director 405 401-7612

http://cecp. air. org/fba/
http://www. autism. org/
http://www. nlconcepts. com/autism-prepare. htm
www. teach2talk. com
http://www. do2learn. com/
http://www. autism-awareness. org. uk/index. asp
http://www. autism-society. org
http://iput. org/Autism101. aspx
http://www. nlconcepts. com/autism-teacherletter. htm
http://www. tulareselpa. org/Autism/Downloads. shtm
http://www. autismsolutioncenter. org/
http://www. autism. com/
http://www. thearc. org/NetCommunity/Page. aspx?&pid=183&srcid=-2
http://www. udel. edu/bkirby/asperger/
http://www. starfall. com/
http://www. howdoyoufeeltoday. com/
http://thoughtfulhouse. org/
http://www. fightingautism. org/
http://www.
brainbody. net/Welcome.

html
http://www.
wrongdiagnosis. com/a/autism/tests.

htm
http://home.
earthlink. net/~moriam/HOW_TO_hair_test.

htmlget_hair_test
http://www.
nimh. nih. gov/health/publications/autism/summary.

shtml
http://www.
pittsburghlive. com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_561195.

html
http://www.
twincities.

com/ci_8842609
http://www.
medilexicon. com/medicalnews.

php?newsid=103084
http://www. thisisoxfordshire. co. uk/display. var. 2178950. 0. autism_rise_linked_to_diagnosis. hp
http://www. huffingtonpost. com/alison-rose-levy/jenny-mccarthy-and-the-au_b_95366. html
http://www. timesfreepress. com/news/2008/apr/07/autistic-12-year-old-qualifies-third-national-kara/
http://www.
aap. org/publiced/autismtoolkit.

cfm
http://www.
danasview. net/parent3.

htmvaccines
http://www.
ldonline.

org/
http://www.
trackingvaccinations.

com/
http://www. rockforadifference. org/
http://www. poac. net/

Getting Help....
www. talkautism. org/talkautism/expertfind. aspx
www. autisticvision. com
www. tacanow. org/booklist. htm
www. tacanow. org/weblinks. htm

Therapy and Schools

Center for Autism and related Disorders (CARD) www. centerforautism. com
National ABA providers www. lovaas. com
RDI therapy rdiconnect. com (you can get a free information dvd from them about their services)
Unlimitedbrain. com

Doctors/therapists

For effective Therapies: http://www. healing-arts. org/children/lmm-autism-article1. htm
To find a DAN doctor....www. autismresearchinstitute. com

Diets

GFCF Diet- http://www. gfcfdiet. com/
Feingold Diet - http://www. feingold. org/
SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET- http://www. pecanbread. com

Sign Language Help
http://www. commtechlab. msu. edu/sites/aslweb/browser. htm

Special Needs Books

Special Diets for Special Needs Kids
By Lisa Lewis

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs...Raising the Bar of Expectations
By Judy Winter

Sensational Kids...Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
By Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.

A

The Out of Sync Child has Fun...activities for children with Sensory Processing Disorder
By Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.

A

The Out of Sync Child...Recognizing and Coping With Sensory Processing Disorder
By Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.

A

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations
By Stephanie Cave and Deborah Mitchell

Novels and books for siblings about special needs

Rules by Cynthia Lord, Keisha's Doors
by Marvie Ellis,

Everybody Is Different
by Fiona Bleach

My Brother Sammy
by Becky Edwards and David Armitage

Support

Unlocking Autism - http://www. unlockingautism. org/
National Autism Associations - http://www. nationalautismassociation. org/findafriend. php
Generation Rescue - http://www. generationrescue. org/

Yahoo groups:
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/autism-aspergers/
http://health. groups. yahoo. com/group/autism_insurance_information/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/autism_in_michigan/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/GFCFKids/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/GFCFrecipes/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/PDD-BPkids/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/pecanbread/
http://health. groups. yahoo. com/group/autismaba/
http://health. groups. yahoo. com/group/AutismBehaviorProblems/
http://groups. yahoo. com/group/children_with_autism/

100's others available...just go to Yahoo. com and search Autism in groups.
Be aware of locations of the group and number of people in the group. If you belong to a group I didn't list and you think its a great one...let me know.

Myspace Groups:

http://groups. myspace. com/lovingsomeonewithasn
http://groups. myspace. com/positivelyautistic
http://groups. myspace. com/AutismWorld
http://groups. myspace. com/autismsolutioncenter
http://groups. myspace. com/TreatingAutism
http://groups. myspace. com/autieparentsunited
http://groups. myspace. com/HappyGFCFKids
http://groups. myspace. com/SpectrumParentsEducatingtheWorld
http://groups. myspace. com/asperger07
http://groups. myspace. com/autismcure
http://groups. myspace. com/shadesofautism
http://groups. myspace. com/autismunplugged
http://groups. myspace. com/autismisreal
http://groups. myspace. com/somewhereontheautismspectrum
http://groups. myspace. com/gfcfkids
http://groups. myspace. com/autism
http://groups. myspace. com/AutismAwareness
http://groups. myspace. com/ilovesomeonewithautism
www. myspace. com/shesabutrfly
http://groups. myspace. com/rockforadifference
http://groups. myspace. com/aspieprincess

http://www.cindysautisticsupport.com/

' Created by an autistic support teacher; Includes picture examples of
schedules, structure & classroom setup, an autism awareness unit to use in
the classroom, autism information for kids, file folder printables,
ready-made Boardmaker printables and much more.'

puzzled — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:55:06 CDT

A very special thanks to Jess Mitts for our group logo.

We are a support group for anyone whom is touched by any of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger's syndrome, Rhett's syndrome; Childhood Disintegrative disorder and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, Sensory processing disorder and ADD and ADHD. Everyone of these disorders are different but yet alot alike just like the children we are supporting.

SUPPORTING THE PIECES GROUP MEETING NOTES AND INFO

CLICKABLE LINKS

AUTISM

What is Autism?

Autism
click on photo for info.

Autism and Potty Training

ASPERGER'S SYNDROME

what is the difference between high functioning autism and asperger's syndrome?

click on the above image to find out!
RHETT'S SYNDROME

Rhett's Syndrome

Cause of Rhett's Syndrome

CHILDHOOD DISINTEGRATIVE DISORDER

childhood disintegrative disorder

PERVASIVE DELOPEMENTAL DISORDERS NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

What is sensory processing disorder?

ADD and ADHD

Signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

videos

just1piece — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:29:58 CDT

This is awesome the ZAC Browser stands for
Zone for Autistic Children, and is a Free safe browser for children, designed for children with autism by a grandfather.

ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC.

ZAC is the zone that will permit your child to interact directly with games (a LOT of games) and activities (focused on MANY interests) that cater specifically to kids who display the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, like impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. ZAC has been an effective tool for kids with low, medium and high functioning autism.

ZAC focuses on the children and their interaction - But we also provide an excellent forum for parents, caretakers, teachers, and others to share their experiences, tools and resources and to unite as a caring, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable community. It is said that "it takes a village to raise a child", and that is exponentially true for raising a child with autistic spectrum disorders. The power of your experience yesterday is going to be instrumental in helping someone successfully tackle the circumstances of today.

Check it out at -http://www. zacbrowser. com/

puzzled — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:31:48 CDT

mercurychelationHeavy Metals | Sources and Effects

Heavy Metals	Sources	Effects
ALUMINUM	Alum, aluminum foil, animal feed, antacids, aspirin, auto exhaust, baking powder, beer, bleached flour, cans, ceramics, cheese, cigarette filters, color additives, construction materials, cookware, cosmetics, dental amalgams, deodorants, drinking water, drying agents, dust, insulated wiring, medicinal compounds, milk products, nasal spray, pesticides, pollution, salt, tap water, tobacco smoke, toothpaste, treated water, vanilla powder.	ALS, Alzheimer's, anemia, appetite loss, behavioral problems, cavities, colds, colitis, confusion, constipation, dementia, dry mouth, dry skin, energy loss, excessive perspiration, flatulence, headaches, heartburn, hyperactivity, inhibition of enzyme systems, kidney dysfunction, lowered immune function, learning disabilities, leg twitching, liver dysfunction, memory loss, neuromuscular disorders, numbness, osteoporosis, paralysis, Parkinson's disease, peptic ulcer, psychosis, reduced intestinal activity, senility, skin problems, spleen pain, stomach pain, weak and aching muscles

ARSENIC	Burning of arsenate treated building materials, coal combustion, insect sprays, pesticides, soils (arsenic rich), seafood from coastal waters, especially muscles, oysters and shrimp	Abdominal pain, anorexia, brittle nails, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chronic anemia, burning in mouth / esophagus / stomach / bowel, confusion, convulsions, dermatitis, drowsiness, enzyme inhibition, garlicky odor to breath / stool, hair loss, headaches, hyper-pigmentation of nails and skin, increased risk of liver / lung / skin cancers, low grade fever, mucous in nose and throat, muscle aches / spasms / weakness, nervousness, respiratory tract infection, swallowing difficulty, sweet metallic taste, throat constriction

CADMIUM	Airborne industrial contaminants, batteries, candy, ceramics, cigarette smoke, colas, congenital intoxication, copper refineries, copper alloys, dental alloys, drinking water, electroplating, fertilizers, food from contaminated soil, fungicides, incineration of tires / rubber / plastic, instant coffee, iron roofs, kidney, liver, marijuana, processed meat, evaporated milk, motor oil, oysters, paint, pesticides, galvanized pipes, processed foods, refined grains / flours cereals, rubber, rubber carpet backing, seafoods (cod, haddock, oyster, tuna), sewage, silver polish, smelters, soft water, solders (including in food cans), tobacco, vending machine soft drinks, tools, vapor lamps, water (city, softened, well), welding metal	Alcoholism, alopecia, anemia, arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid), bone disease, bone pain in middle of bones, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cavities, cerebral hemorrhage, cirrhosis, diabetes, digestive disturbances, emphysema, enlarged heart, flu-like symptoms, growth impairment, headaches, high cholesterol, hyperkinetic behavior, hypertension, hypoglycemia, impotence, inflammation, infertility, kidney disease, learning disorders, liver damage, lung disease, migraines, nerve cell damage, osteoporosis, prostate dysfunction, reproductive disorders, schizophrenia, stroke

COPPER	Birth control pills, congenital intoxication, copper cookware, copper IUDs, copper pipes, dental alloys, fungicides, ice makers, industrial emissions, insecticides, swimming pools, water (city / well), welding, avocado, beer, bluefish, bone meal, chocolate, corn oil, crabs, gelatin, grains, lamb, liver, lobster, margarine, milk, mushrooms, nuts, organ meats, oysters, perch, seeds, shellfish, soybeans, tofu, wheat germ, yeast	Acne, adrenal insufficiency, allergies, alopecia, anemia, anorexia, anxiety, arthritis (osteo & rheumatoid), autism, cancer, chills, cystic fibrosis, depression, diabetes, digestive disorders, dry mouth, estrogen dominance, fatigue, fears, fractures, fungus, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Hodgkin's disease, hyperactivity, hypertension, hyperthyroid, hypoglycemia, infections, inflammation, insomnia, kidney disorders, libido decreased, lymphoma, mental illness, migraines, mood swings, multiple sclerosis, myocardial infarction, nausea, nervousness, osteoporosis, panic attacks, paranoia, phobias, PMS, schizophrenia, senility, sexual dysfunction, spacey feeling, stuttering, stroke, tooth decay, toxemia of pregnancy, urinary tract infections, yeast infections

IRON	Drinking water, iron cookware, iron pipes, welding,. foods: blackstrap molasses, bone meal, bran, chives, clams, heart, kidney, leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, meat, molasses, nuts, organ meats, oysters, parsley, red wine, refined foods, shellfish, soybeans, wheat germ, whole grains	Amenorrhea, anger, rheumatoid arthritis, birth defects, bleeding gums, cancer, constipation, diabetes, dizziness, emotional problems, fatigue, headache, heart damage, heart failure, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hostility, hyperactivity, infections, insomnia, irritability, joint pain, liver disease, loss of weight, mental problems, metallic taste in mouth, myasthenia gravis, nausea, pancreas damage, Parkinson's disease, premature aging, schizophrenia, scurvy, shortness of breath, stubborness

LEAD	Ash, auto exhaust, battery manufacturing, bone meal, canned fruit and juice, car batteries, cigarette smoke, coal combustion, colored inks, congenital intoxication, cosmetics, eating utensils, electroplating, household dust, glass production, hair dyes, industrial emissions, lead pipes, lead-glazed earthenware pottery, liver, mascara, metal polish, milk, newsprint, organ meats, paint, pencils, pesticides, produce near roads, putty, rain water, pvc containers, refineries, smelters, snow, tin cans with lead solder sealing (such as juices, vegetables), tobacco, toothpaste, toys, water (city / well), wine	Abdominal pain, adrenal insufficiency, allergies, anemia, anorexia, anxiety, arthritis (rheumatoid and osteo), attention deficit disorder, autism, back pain, behavioral disorders, blindness, cardiovascular disease, cartilage destruction, coordination loss, concentration loss, constipation, convulsions, deafness, depression, dyslexia, emotional instability, encephalitis, epilepsy, fatigue, gout, hallucinations, headaches, hostility, hyperactivity, hypertension, hypothyroid, impotence, immune suppression, decreased IQ, indigestion, infertility, insomnia, irritability, joint pain, kidney disorders, learning disability, liver dysfunction, loss of will, memory loss (long term), menstrual problems, mood swings, muscle aches, muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, myelopathy (spinal cord pathology), nausea, nephritis, nightmares, numbness, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, psychosis, psychomotor dysfunction, pyorrhea, renal dysfunction, restlessness, retardation, schizophrenia, seizures, sterility, stillbirths, sudden infant death syndrome, tingling, tooth decay, vertigo

MERCURY Smoking Teeth = Poison Gas Click here to see the evidence.	Adhesives, air conditioner filters, algaecides, antiseptics, battery manufacturing, body powders, broken thermometers, burning newspapers and building materials, calomel lotions, cereals, congenital intoxication, cosmetics, dental amalgams, diuretics, fabric softeners, felt, floor waxes, fungicides, germicides, grains, industrial waste, insecticides, laxatives, lumber, manufacture of paper and chlorine, medications, mercurochrome, paints, paper products, pesticides, photoengraving, polluted water, Preparation H, psoriasis ointment, seafoods (especially tuna and swordfish), sewage disposal, skin lightening creams, soft contact lens solution, suppositories, tanning leather, tatooing, water (contaminated), wood preservatives	Adrenal dysfunction, allergy, alopecia, anorexia, anxiety, birth defects, blushing, brain damage, cataracts, cerebral palsy, poor coordination / jerky movements, deafness, depression, dermatitis, discouragement, dizziness, drowsiness, eczema, emotional disturbances, excess saliva, fatigue, gum bleeding and soreness, headaches (band type), hearing loss, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, forgetfulness, immune dysfunction, insomnia, irritability, joint pain, kidney damage, loss of self-control, memory loss, mental retardation, metallic taste, migraines, nervousness, nerve fiber degeneration, numbness, pain in limbs, rashes, retinitis, schizophrenia, shyness, speech disorders, suicidal tendencies, tingling, tremors (eyelids, lips, tongue, fingers, extremities), vision loss

NICKEL	Butter, fertilizers, food processing, fuel oil combustion, hydrogenated fats and oils, imitation whipped cream, industrial waste, kelp, margarine, oysters, stainless steel cookware, tea, tobacco smoke	Anorexia, kidney dysfunction, apathy, disruption of hormones, fever, hemorrhages, headache, heart attack, intestinal cancer, muscle tremors, nausea, oral cancer, skin problems, vomiting

just1piece — Tue, 27 May 2008 22:55:50 CDT

Remember to find a quality multi-vitamin and Omega-3 suppliment also....Containing No artificial dyes, preservatives, etc.

Phenols, Salicylates & Additives

Phenols, salicylates and additives are a problem that typically needs to be addressed after the Gluten Free / Casein Free (GCFC) diet has been started. Generally it is recommended to address foods high in phenols or salicylates, and additives about 2-6 months after you start a GFCF or other similar diet.

Phenols are a unique properties that can be high or low in foods. The higher level of phenols found in food seems affect children on the autistic spectrum or individuals with sensitive guts or immune systems. In addition, salicylates and additives can also have a negative affect and in many cases these need to be avoided all together.

It is important to note that almost all foods have phenols, just some have more phenols than others, and a child with PST has trouble processing them, so you want to reduce the HIGHLY phenolic foods so the child's body does not get overloaded in trying to process the phenols it is getting anyway.

People who eat a large quantities of phenolic foods or foods containing salicylates or additives can experience some of these negative side affects:

* laughing at in appropriate time (at night or when something is not funny.

)
* strange rashes that appear on the body
* erratic behaviors and moods
* self stimulatory behaviors
* night wakenings
* have a difficult time with their stools (with constipation, diarrhea or undigested foods.

)
* headaches

It is important to note that these symptoms above can also be due to autism, or other medical issues. It is also common for some to experience some of the issues above and not all of them. For many families with children on the spectrum by eliminating or greatly reducing phenols, salicylates, and additives they had a child that was much happier and had less issues.

In the case of my son, I also found he craved foods high in phenols, salicylates or that contained additives. For example, he would crave and eat as many bananas that I would let him (up to six a day,) or seek foods that caused him to feel poorly and experience many of the symptoms above.

The only way to know if phenols, salicylates or additives affected him was to remove them as much as possible from the diet. Within 2 weeks of eliminating foods high in phenols and removing foods that contained salicylates or additives my sons symptoms for the most part his negative symptoms went away only to return when there was a forbidden food infraction.

There are hundreds of products that contain high phenols, salicylates and countless food sources with dyes and additives. This is the list I work off of and keep out of his diet as much as possible.

It is important to not that my son was a very limited eater and EVERYTHING he eats now is LOW in sugar (or no sugar,) NO yeast and completely gluten free, casein free, soy, egg, and yeast free as well.

These items we eliminated: TRY THESE IN THEIR PLACE!

* Anything with a name you cannot pronouce! JUST AVOID!!!
* food dyes just avoid!
* tomatoes just avoid for a period of 3-6 months!
* apples Pears are a good replacement
* PEANUTS Almonds & Cashews in stead!
* Bananas Fresh Pineapple, Mangos & Papaya are good!
* ORANGES See other fruits!
* Cocoa Try GFCF Carob
* red grapes Try GREEN grapes (sparingly)
* Vanilla w/ alcohol Frontier vanilla without alcohol
* DYES Anything with a dye – RUN!
* Preservatives Common preservatitves are BHA and BHT – AVOID!
* Natural Flavors RUN! Or verify what these flavors are!

Some good fruit choices include FRESH: orange, persimmon lemon, coconut, cherries, kiwi’s, avocado, peaches, nectarines, plumbs, strawberries, apricots and cranberries.

It is important to note:

* Some phenols are concentrated in the skin and the seeds.

* Roasted nut, juices, and dehydrated foods can cause a phenolic response. It is best to go for raw alternatives.

* Yeasty based foods such as bananas can cause a negative but different reaction. It is worthwhile to test yeast levels as well. (For some families it is not clear if their child has a yeast OR phenol/additive issue. Sometimes they have both issues. Both yeast and phenol/additive issues need to be addressed and monitored in many children.

)
* Avoid natural flavors or processed foods (my rule, anything with more than 10 ingredients DOES NOT make it in my sons stomach!)
* KEEP A food journal. Track what your child eats and watch bevaviors (extra hyperness, stimmy outbreaks,) rashes on face / bottom, violent outbreaks, or night wakenings. My son used to laugh at night for an hour (scary!) I removed bananas and these episodes are gone! We replace them with PEARS, MANGOS and do not have a problem.

There is some great information on phenols from www. feingold. org.

Feingold recommends to avoid phenolic fruits that are"colored fruits". Watermelon is red, so that is a definite flag, cantaloupe is orange which is better.

PHENOLIC AND SULPHUR TRANSFERASE ABSNORMALTIIES TECHNICAL DESRIPTION

Sulphur Transferase Abnormalities
Waring (1993), encouraged and supported by O'Reilly (1993) and other parents, has published data which convincingly demonstrates deficiencies in the sulphur- transferase capabilities of people with autism. They have demonstrated also that this inadequacy is the consequence not of an absence of the responsible enzyme (sulphur transferase) but of the sulphate ions which are needed if the sulphation is to be accomplished.

If this sulphation process is not functioning satisfactorily there are many possible consequences which may be of relevance in the autistic syndrome. These have been described elsewhere (Waring 1993). It is worth recording that similar deficiencies have been reported in people with migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, jaundice and other allergic conditions all of which are frequently reported as being common in the families of people with autism. I am unaware of any survey which actually demonstrates this and nothing better than anecdotal evidence exists.

Clearly, if there is a deficit of available sulphate in the body attempts can be made to replace it. Unfortunately, sulphate ions are not absorbed from the gut so this route is not a possibility. The main source of free sulphate in the body is the amino acid "cysteine" which is obtained from the breakdown of appropriate protein material and it is this stage which may be faulty in people with autism. Some parents have attempted to combat this by feeding their children with abnormally large doses of cysteine in tablet or powder form but, as far as I am aware, the only result is a high concentration of urinary cysteine. Other parents have introduced other sulphur containing amino-acids to the diet and claim these to be beneficial.

Unfortunately the claims are difficult if not impossible to assess since those parents experimenting with this intervention are likely to be experimenting simultaneously with many others. Interestingly, the sulphur containing amino-acid "Taurine" which may be given to patients for this purpose, is reported as having an anti-opioid effect (Braverman 1987).

Since free sulphate is not absorbed orally, parents have been experimenting with alternative routes. One route which is increasing in popularity, is the percutaneous one. Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts) are placed in the bath water in the hope that the sulphate will enter the body, if not via the back door, via an alternative route. Many parents have claimed benefits from this therapy and some high functioning adults have tried it for themselves. The majority claim positive changes in behaviour but some of the high functioning people have reported increased irritability (and so stopped using this therapy). Any perceived benefits may, of course, be totally unrelated to the sulphate element of the salts. It could be that the Magnesium (which is often supplied as a supplement to people with autism,) is the significant component.

The question arises as to whether sulphate ions could enter the body in this way but, if so, it could provide an intellectually satisfying explanation for the long history of the use of spas in the treatment of rheumatic conditions.

Sulphur transferase activity is important for many biological reaction in the body and some of these may be of relevance in the aetiology of autism. For example, the system is involved in the breakdown of bilirubin and biliverdin, the breakdown products of haemoglobin which are seen where bruising has occurred. It may be pushing speculation a long way but it is possible that the dark rings so often seen around the eyes of people with autism may be evidence of a lack of activity within this system. This system is also required for the breakdown and removal of phenolic compounds, indeed the tests used for estimation of its activity relies upon the conversion of paracetamol to its sulphate.

An inadequately functioning system will also result in abnormal metabolism of some neurotransmitters. In particular, serotonin, (5-HT) metabolism will be affected and the appearance of unusual metabolites (such as the hallucinogen bufotenin) could be predicted. Such an observation has been reported (Himwich 1972) but its significance is uncertain.

Other Interfering Foodstuffs
As indicated above, an adequately functional sulphur transferase system is a prerequisite for the removal of phenolic compounds from the body. Since the availability of available sulphate ions is finite, the same will apply to the ability of the body to deal with such compounds. Thus when certain foodstuffs with high phenolic content are eaten they will utilise the available sulphur transferase resources of the body and thus exacerbate the problems referred to above.

Many parents have observed that apples, oranges and other citrus fruits, chocolate (possibly on account of the phenol flavouring vanillin) and certain other foods will induce severe deterioration in the behaviour of their children with autism. Interestingly, two parents (who must remain anonymous) have contacted me independently and stated that when this situation arises, they have observed that "Cranberry Juice" will markedly reduce or even eliminate these effects. Whether this due to the sulphur content of the juice or some other mechanism or whether the effects are imaginary remains to be determined.

Some parents have found that there ate other foodstuffs which can cause problems; in particular they have removed all traces of pigment form the diet of the child (Johnson 1995). Since all of these dietary exclusions tend to be in addition to gluten and casein removal, it is difficult to ascertain precisely which elements of the exclusion are of relevance to any reported improvements.

Synthetic Colourings
There has been considerable discussion in the media for many years about the involvement of synthetic pigments, in particular tartrazine, in worsening the symptoms of autism. Considerable anecdotal evidence exists for their role in increasing hyperactivity (where autism is not involved). Parental reports suggest that removal of synthetic pigments from the diet have, in the vast majority of cases, made no difference whatsoever.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salycilates Technical Summary

ELIMINATE SALYCILATES, ARTIFICIAL COLORS, FLAVORS, PRESERVATIVES

SALICYLATES: naturally occurring chemical compounds thought to interfere with the production of several brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine. Foods containing salicylates include apples, apricots, berries, oranges, nectarines, grapes, peaches, plums, cucumbers, tea, and tomatoes.

Also cut out aspirin-containing compounds and perfumes.

FOOD DYES AND OTHER ADDITIVES: it has been found (Dr. Feingold, Dr. Stephen Lockey, and others) that food dyes and food additives were responsible for the hyperactivity in many of the hyperactive children they had seen in their practice. In particular red, orange, and green dyes were to worst offenders. Preservatives should also be eliminated, especially MSG, BHA and BHT.

2000-2007 Talk About Curing Autism Hosted by GoLiveHost

puzzled — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:51:30 CDT

Biomedical Treatment on a Budget! By Holly Bortfeld
A lot of people ask, “Why are biomedical treatments so expensive?” We are at an exciting time in medicine for autism as we are learning more every day about the disorder and it’s co-existing conditions. Sadly, science is much slower than we would like, and insurance coverage is even slower. This means that there are no approved or insurance-covered “treatments” for autism as there are with most other disorders.
This is a very frustrating situation. Parents have been working in many states to get autism parity legislation for health care coverage but we hope the following will help parents control the costs of treating their children biomedically.
Here are some suggestions for you to consider:
1. Educate yourself. Learn how to research treatments and determine if the chances are good that your child will respond to them.
Read books, websites and use the medical libraries at your local hospitals (these are often open to the public for free). Read about treatments, lab tests, and information you wish to discuss prior to your doctor appointments. Use the appointment time to discuss the treatments and review what you know. Come to the appointment with an agenda and stick to it! Try not to use this time to educate your self from the beginning of a treatment concept as time is money.

2. Know your child. Keep copies of all medical records. Learn what the external signs of conditions look like in your child so you can report and treat them properly.
Create a profile for your child through his/her test results and responses to treatments. Learn what it means if your child has poop that floats or what that ammonia urine smell means so you can report it accurately to the doctor and treat it in a timely manner. Keep a journal when trying new treatments of any kind. Keep copies of every lab test, doctors appointment, therapist, school IEPs, etc. Scan them all to CD for safekeeping and ease of records tracking. Go back to all past practitioners and get record copies before they are destroyed.

3. Use your insurance for all doctors and labs possible. Code treatments for the actual disease, not the autism umbrella.
Unfortunately, not all doctors accept insurance, especially in autism. If you need a doctor who takes insurance, vote with your money and only use them. Explain to the doctor that you need to use insurance-covered labs whenever possible, not the boutique/specialty labs unless there is a really good reason and then they need to limit those to fit your budget. If the doctor is not willing to work with you on this, you might need to consider finding a physician who can help you help your child without bankrupting you.
Coding is a very important part of medical insurance reimbursement. Bad coding can get your entire visit refused. Never bill anything under autism, as there are no “treatments” for autism. Our children have co-existing medical conditions, like constipation, allergies, etc., that need to be treated. The tests and treatments for these conditions need to be coded for the actual conditions and you are much more likely to be reimbursed. There is a great Yahoo! list to help too at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autism_insurance_information
Labs – find out what the lab charges the doctor to submit the lab and then bills you for, versus what the lab would charge you if you ran it through insurance or if you prepaid it. Labs are usually half the cost if you prepay them!
Often parents are told “we don’t cover that for autism.” It is also important to read this important California law about “equal parity for insurance coverages”. It is important to read this link.
4. Use your state’s Medicaid or waiver programs to cover what the insurance doesn’t.
Medicaid programs usually will not cover any autism “specialists,” tests or treatments, but they will generally pick up co-pays for visits and prescriptions and lab tests performed at hospitals. Bill your primary insurance first, and use the Medicaid payer of last resort. Remember, Medicaid is state-specific so you can only use it in your state or in a neighboring state if your state has a reciprocal agreement with the other state. You can get a copy of what the state covers from your caseworker or from the state’s Medicaid website.
5. Find out if your insurance will cover compounded vitamins and supplements. Start with trial-sized bottles of vitamins first to see if your child will tolerate them before you spend a lot of money.
Some insurance companies will cover vitamins and supplements if you have them compounded into liquids or powders to fit a prescription from a physician. Some of the better supplement companies offer samples or trial sizes of their products which you can purchase to see if your child can tolerate before purchasing the larger bottles.
6. Cook your own special diet foods. Cook like before stuff came in boxes.
Do you remember seeing your grandma cook dinner when you came to visit? There were no boxes. Just real, whole foods. Cook a meat, a vegetable and a starch per meal. It’s much cheaper than anything pre-made or partially prepared. Cook in large batches and freeze. Buying special flours in large quantities and making your own mixes is considerably cheaper than buying premixed mixes too. I make mixes for muffins, cookies, breads, etc. I do this every few months, and they are quick and easy and tailored to my child’s tastes and allergies.
7. Never start more than one treatment, of any kind, within a 2-3 week period. If there is a problem, you need to know what it is, rather than pull everything back out and start all over again.
Starting with a new doctor can be overwhelming and there can be 20 new supplements or treatments all at once! But if you tried to start them all at once and you child reacted badly to even one of the vitamins, you won’t have any idea which one was the problem. This will cost you a lot of time and money. You will have to stop EVERYTHING and restart them one by one and keep a journal of your child’s reaction to each. You don’t want to overburden your child. Think smart, think long term, go slow.
8. Get your local insurance-covered pediatrician to rewrite the DAN doctor scripts so that your insurance will cover them.
If you must use a specialty doctor that isn’t on your insurance plan or a specialty lab, find out if your insurance covered physician is willing to rewrite the prescriptions so that your insurance will cover the tests and/or treatments. Make sure that copies of all tests go to both physicians and that you keep both updated on any treatments and reactions. Please see #3 about coding.
9. Don’t keep wasting time and money on a doctor or treatment if you are not seeing results.
Just because a doctor says, “Ninety percent of my kids do well with this,” doesn’t mean your child will be one of that 90%. If you feel like your child is doing poorly with a treatment, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor you want to discontinue the treatment. Remember, they work for your child, and if your child is not improving on that treatment, pull them off. If the doctor refuses, then it might be time to find another physician.
Not all resources are perfect in their bed side manner, treatment protocol and experience. That is why it is sincerely recommended you read about managing professionals and the parent bill of rights.
10. Find creative ways to pay for your biomed program – bake sales, bartering, grants, family gifts, etc. and write it all off on your taxes.
There are many creative ways to fund your biomedical program. Foundation grants (google for "foundation and autism," or treatment). Bake sales, car washes, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners generate a nice amount usually. Asking that all family birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc presents be in the form of payment to your doctor, or cash for same works too! If you have a skill that the doctor needs (cleaning the office, filing, etc), you might be able to barter services with them. Look into medical and health savings accounts too. If all that fails, pull your 401k or savings. Don’t forget that most of this is tax deductible too so check with your tax advisor.

puzzled — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:47:33 CDT

In the Autism community over the past few years glutathione, detoxification, and all related methylation issues have been the “hot topic” at many of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) conferences, other conferences, and with many of the current medical practitioners treating autism. There is also some recent, excellent studies by Drs. Jill James and Richard Deth on this highly debated and important topic as possible treatments for children on the spectrum.
The process of the methylation and detoxification pathways is a highly complex process and still requires more research. Treating children affected by autism with glutathione to promote detoxification is not a perfect solution or cure for autism. It COULD BE an important piece of what COULD NOT be functioning properly in autism spectrum disorders for some of the affected children.
This document attempts to provide some base information about Glutathione, reading sources, and options available for your review. It has been written by a mom of a child affected by autism with no credentials or medical training. I have simply provided reading materials that have helped me, research references and personal experiences with one child. Please work with your doctor on the proper testing and the unique needs of your loved one.
Overview: Glutathione and Its Potential Uses :
www.drlera.com/specialty_formulas/Glutathione.htm

Glutathione

Aging
AIDS
Alcoholism
Atherosclerosis
Cancer
Chemotherapy recovery
Dental fillings

Detoxifier
Drug addiction
Emphysema
Glaucoma
Hepatitis
Hypoglycemia
Kidney disease

Liver disease
Liver cancer
Lungs
Mercury poisoning
Parkinson's disease
Respiratory problems
Smoking
Tuberculosis

Glutathione helps to defend the body against damage from cigarette smoking, exposure to radiation, cancer chemotherapy, and toxins such as alcohol. As a detoxifier of heavy metals and drugs, it aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.

Glutathione protects cells in several ways. It neutralizes oxygen molecules before they can harm cells. Together with selenium, it forms the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes hydrogen peroxide. It is also a component of another antioxidant enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase, which is a broad-spectrum liver-detoxifying enzyme.

Glutathione protects not only individual cells but also the tissues of the arteries, brain, heart, immune cells, kidneys, lenses of the eyes, liver, lungs, and skin against oxidant damage. It plays a role in preventing cancer, especially liver cancer, and may also have an anti-aging effect. Glutathione can be taken in supplement form. The production of glutathione by the body can be boosted by taking supplemental N-acetylcysteine or L-cysteine plus L-methionine. Studies suggest that this may be a better way or raising glutathione levels than taking glutathione itself.
Glutathione is not technically an amino acid, however, due to its close relationship is normally grouped with the amino acids. Most glutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies many harmful compounds to be excreted thru the bile. Some glutathione is released directly by the liver into the bloodstream where it helps to maintain the strength of your red blood cells and also protecting your white blood cells.
Glutathione can also be found in the lungs and in your body's intestinal tract system. It is required for carbohydrate metabolism. Glutathione also appears to have anti-aging effects by aiding in the breakdown of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis. As we get older glutathione levels in the body get lower and this can cause an increase in the aging process. Thus glutathione supplementation is useful to prevent this from occurring.
Glutathione deficiency maybe indicated by: coordination problems, mental disorder, tremors, twitching, nervous system disorder, and difficulty in balancing. Currently, believed to be caused by lesions in the brain.
Latest Research on Glutathione:
Neurotoxicology - Volume 26, Issue 1, January 2005, Pages 1-8
*Thimerosal Neurotoxicity is Associated with Glutathione Depletion:
Protection with Glutathione Precursors * *S.J. James, William Slikker III, Stepan Melnyk, Elizabeth New, Marta Pogribna and Stefanie Jernigan *
1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
2 Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
Abstract
Thimerosol is an antiseptic containing 49.5% ethyl mercury that has been used for years as a preservative in many infant vaccines and in flu vaccines. Environmental methyl mercury has been shown to be highly neurotoxic, especially to the developing brain. Because mercury has a high affinity for thiol (sulfhydryl (single bondSH)) groups, the thiol-containing antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), provides the major intracellular defense against mercury-induced neurotoxicity. Cultured neuroblastoma cells were found to have lower levels of GSH and increased sensitivity to thimerosol toxicity compared to glioblastoma cells that have higher basal levels of intracellular GSH. Thimerosal-induced cytotoxicity was associated with depletion of intracellular GSH in both cell lines. Pretreatment with 100 /?/M glutathione ethyl ester or /N/-acetylcysteine (NAC), but not methionine, resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH in both cell types. Further, pretreatment of the cells with glutathione ethyl ester or NAC prevented cytotoxicity with exposure to 15 /?/M Thimerosal. Although Thimerosal has been recently removed from most children's vaccines, it is still present in flu vaccines given to pregnant women, the elderly, and to children in developing countries. The potential protective effect of GSH or NAC against mercury toxicity warrants further research as possible adjunct therapy to individuals still receiving Thimerosal-containing vaccinations.
An Important Related Study to Dr Jill James :
Dr. Richard Deth’s studies as it relates to detoxification and metals can be found on the Autism Research Institutes (ARI) website at www.autism.com/ari.
And the direct link: www.autismwebsite.com/ari/dan/deth.htm
More links from ARI on this topic: www.autismwebsite.com/ari/vaccine/thimerosalreferences.htm
Other important research papers :
[1] Wu, J et al. Mercaptoethanol and N-acetylcysteine enhance T-cell colony formation in AIDS and ARC. Clin Exp Immunol 77:7-10, 1989.
[2] Lund, ME et al. Treatment of acute methylmercury ingestion by hemodialysis with N-acetylcysteine. Toxicol Clin Toxicol 22:31-49, 1984.
[3] Henderson, P et al. N-Acetylcysteine therapy of acute heavy metal poisoning in mice. Vet Hum Toxicol 27:522-5, 1985.
[4] Keith RL, et al. Utilization of renal slices to evaluate the efficacy of chelating agents for removing mercury from the kidney. Toxicology 1997 Jan 15;116(1-3):67-75.
[5] Zalups RK, et al. Interactions between glutathione and mercury in the kidney, liver and blood. In: Chang, LW, ed. Toxicology of Metals. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1996; 145-63.
[6] Shenker BJ, et al. Mercury-induced apoptosis in human lymphoid cells: evidence that the apoptotic pathway is mercurial species dependent. Environ Res 2000 Oct;84(2):89-99.
[7] Thompson SA, et al. Modulation of glutathione and glutamate-L-cysteine ligase by methylmercury during mouse development. Toxicol Sci 2000 Sep;57(1):141-6.
[8] Gong Z, et al. Effect of chelation with meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) before and after he appearance of lead-induced neurotoxicity in the rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997;144:205-214.
[9] Witschi Z, et al. The systemic availability of oral glutathione. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992;43(6):667-669.
Testing for a Glutathione Deficiency?
There is no one test that demonstrates a glutathione deficiency with 100% accuracy. But there are some good tests that your doctor can order that will provide important clues if there is a deficiency, methylation dysfunction, or inability to detoxification.
Some tests available today are:

Lab: Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs: www.gsdl.com / Test: Plasma Sulfate & Plasma Cysteine. Test Type: Blood
Lab: Integrative Genomics www.integrativeinc.com / Test: “Enhanced Cardio Panel” test Test type: Swab of the mouth

These test kits are ordered by your doctor and via prescription only. For my family, the test results have been accurate and helped provided important clues for treatment protocols that have significantly helped my son.
Resources – What & Where to buy Glutathione Products:
Supplementing with Glutathione does not always solve the methylation and detoxification problem for ALL CHILDREN. But with a doctors assistance on dose and form of Glutathione – it can help many children.
Some doctors recommend Glutathione in several form:

Oral (liquid or capsule)
Topical (a lotion or crème)
Nebulized (inhaled - similar to an asthma treatment,) or
IV (intravenous drip or IV push.) It is important to note:

NOTE: FOR SOME CHILDREN ORAL GLUTATHIONE CAN EXASBERATE YEAST AND GUT INBALANCE. Be sure to work with your doctor on the right form for your child.

Wellness Pharmacy , in Alabama, makes LipoCeutical Glutathione and their main website is www.wellnesspharmacy.com From the home page. Scroll down and you'll see a box in which the product is discussed. Their phone number is 800-227-2627. This product is a liquid and taken orally. (Note: we put the liquid into capsules for easy swallowing to avoid the flavor!)
Kirkman Labs has glutathione in several variations (topical and oral) at www.kirkmanlabs.com. E-mail: sales@kirkmanlabs.com for questions about product information. Phone numbers: (800)245-8282 outside Oregon and (503) 694-1600 inside Oregon / Fax (503)682-0838 – these folks provide a variety of supplements and forms for glutathione.
McGuff Pharmacy in California www.mcguffpharmacy.com Telephone: 877 444-1133 • Fax: 877 444-1155 Info: pharmacyanswers@mcguff.com. These folks with doctors prescription provide the IV solution and nebulized versions of glutathione.
Lee Silby Compounding Pharmacy www.leesilsby.com Toll-Free Phone: 800-918-8831 - Fax: 216-321-4303. E-mail: info@leesilsby.com - These folks provide transdermal glutathione and other useful products.
Note; I am sure there are many more sources for Gluathione and similar products. These are the products I am familiar with. It is important to find sources that meet dietary restrictions (gluten free, casein free, dye free, additives free) and do not have additives. Sometimes these additives can mask any benefits of glutathione supplementation.
Some Personal Experiences with Glutathione for One Child:
My son’s medical tests demonstrated over several years and many types of tests he had a glutathione deficiency and other issues. Over the past five years we have found glutathione based treatments have greatly assisted him. I have attempted to outline some of our findings for one case: my sons.
WHAT WE TRIED:

Oral Glutathione – it increased a tremendous yeast outbreak
Topical Glutathione – it caused a bad rash and undesired behaviors – this is an understatement
(at the time there was only a soy based glutathione – this was 2 years ago)
The first dose IV Glutathione: 250 mg (it is really an IV Push – 5-10 minutes.)
Some hints: We brought a portable DVD Player along, and prepared his arm with a big glob of EMLA cream prior to infusions.
At the time Jeff was 5 years old – around 40 lbs. The first treatment was Fall 2002.
Nebulized Glutathione – 2 mls – 2 times a day

just1piece — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:39:39 CDT

Sticky Blood Protein Yields Clues To Autism
ScienceDaily (Mar. 6, 2008) — Many children with autism have elevated blood levels of serotonin -- a chemical with strong links to mood and anxiety. But what relevance this "hyperserotonemia" has for autism has remained a mystery.

New research by Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators provides a physical basis for this phenomenon, which may have profound implications for the origin of some autism-associated deficits.

In an advance online publication in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Ana Carneiro, Ph.D.

, and colleagues report that a well-known protein found in blood platelets,

platelets, integrin beta3, physically associates with and regulates the serotonin transporter (SERT), a protein that controls serotonin availability.

Autism, a prevalent childhood disorder, involves deficits in language, social communication and prominent rigid-compulsive traits. Serotonin has long been suspected to play a role in autism since elevated blood serotonin and genetic variations in the SERT have been linked to autism.

Alterations in brain serotonin have also been associated with anxiety, depression and alcoholism; antidepressants that block SERT (known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) block SERT's ability to sweep synapses clean of serotonin.

Working in the lab of Randy Blakely, Ph.D., Carneiro was searching for proteins that interact with SERT that might contribute to disorders where serotonin signaling is altered.

"Levels of SERT in the brain are actually quite low, so we decided to see what progress we could make with peripheral cells that have much higher quantities," said Blakely, the Allan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Molecular Neuroscience. "This took us to platelets.

"

In platelets, SERTs accumulate serotonin produced in the gut. SSRIs or genetic deletion of SERT in animals prevents serotonin uptake in the platelet.

"Prior research had fingered the integrin beta3 gene as a determinant of blood serotonin levels and, independently, as a risk factor for autism," Blakely said.

In the current study, Carneiro identified a large set of proteins that "stick" to SERT, presuming they might control SERT activity. One of these turned out to be integrin beta3.

Once they confirmed a physical relationship between the two proteins, Blakely's team investigated whether the interaction can change SERT activity. They found that cells lacking integrin beta3 exhibit reduced serotonin uptake and that integrin beta3 activation or a human integrin beta3 mutation greatly enhances serotonin uptake.

"We found that integrin beta3 can put the serotonin transporter into high gear," said Blakely. Notably, Edwin Cook, M.D., at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a co-author on the study, had shown that the same integrin beta3 mutation that elevates SERT activity also predicts elevated blood serotonin.

"Most investigators studying this integrin beta3 mutation have focused on how its high activity state changes platelet clotting and never looked at its impact on serotonin levels or SERT function," explained Carneiro. "Now they have a reason to.

"

"We don't think the platelet itself contributes to autism," said Blakely, "but rather we believe that the brain's serotonin transporter may be controlled by integrin proteins in a very similar manner.

"

Carneiro and Blakely believe that too much SERT activity imposed by abnormal integrin interactions could restrict availability of serotonin in the brain during development, as well as in the adult.

"What is even more striking is that this is the second time we have found elevated SERT activity associated with autism," said Blakely. In a 2005 study, Blakely and Vanderbilt collaborator James Sutcliffe, Ph.D., identified mutations in the SERT gene that triggered elevated SERT activity.

Carneiro is now hot on the trail of integrin interactions with brain SERT as well as engineering mice that express human integrin beta3 mutations.

At a February Keystone Conference, Blakely described preliminary studies with mice that his lab has engineered to express hyperactive SERT mutations. "Together, these new animal models offer an unprecedented opportunity to peel away the complexity of autism and possibly develop new therapies," he said.

This research also may uncover new ways of treating depression. "Current antidepressant mechanisms still essentially work in the same way they did 25 years ago -- by targeting transporter uptake of neurotransmitter directly," Carneiro said. "Now we may have a completely new way to go about it.

"

These new studies represent an early success of Vanderbilt's recently established Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research, an NIMH-sponsored program designed to investigate the genes and proteins that control serotonin signaling during development and in the adult, Blakely noted. The research was also supported by the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD).

http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2008/03/080304170255. htm

just1piece — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:05:07 CDT

The following information is not necessarily supported by this group however we are just providing information on ongoing studies. For more information on this product you may visit the following link http://www.maxgxl.com.

You may also contact the following distributer

Barbara Watkins
www.mymaxgxl.com/lookup
252-531-7008

For Dr. Allen's talk go to:
www.smilin2themax.com
then go to recorded calls and her's is the call for Dec. 29.
The autism part begins around 14 minutes to about 23 minutes.
Also go to her February 9th call for more information.

Product MAX GXL

Important if you know anyone with autism or brain damage
NOTES: from a call on MAXGXL and how the glutathione levels in people today (especially children) are alarming low. Mercury and lead are a huge problem, and are FOUND IN OUR FOOD SEEDS. Please read..........
Subject: Maxgxl Max International training call with Dr. Corrine Allen, M.D.,,,,,,,,,,,specialist on Brain learning and behavior problems. Really important information for EVERYONE. Example of today's food source seeds: Wheat seeds are full of heavy mercury and she and her daughter were eating wheat bread (all organic) and her daughter got high levels of mercury. Got off wheat and got on MAX……all levels of metals went down. Seeds sent over to Iraq were ground up and they ate the seeds alone ground, and died. Many vitamins have toxic levels of metals as well as our food. Glutathione is able to bind to the heavy metal and eliminate it. MAX is very gentle and she gives it to her children in smaller amounts. What happens when people feel bad on MAX,,,,,,,,,need to increase fluids and get bowels regular and allow the detoxification. Autism - very serious problem in the US today. They have found that autistic people have very low levels of glutathione in body. (Test - Autistic children could NOT remove the mercury from their body ) Study in Little Rock , AK showed that glutathione could remove mercury from body. Kids took all kinds of detox and anti-ox’s and didn’t do the job. 1 in 166 children have some type of this disorder. 1 in 6 has some learning affects of toxic metals. We have an epidemic. Found autistic children have very high levels of lead and mercury and very low levels of glutathione. MaxGXL allows body to produce its own glutathione. We will be able to take care of the daily occurrences of environmental toxics of lead and mercury as well as other chemicals we ingest everyday. This generation that are bombarded by HEAVY toxins are starting to realize how urgent the problem is among their children. Now discovering that all these can be greatly improved with glutathione. MaxGXL does not have glutathione, it allows the liver to produce the body’s own glutathione. It is the #1 master antioxidant in your body. When their glutathione levels are increased to the maximum level, Dr. Allen has seen remarkable results in children with these serious brain and focus problems. Mom’s have a problem today with staying up late with kids, drinking coffee in morning, and take diet drinks with little food nutrients. Soon conditions such as cancer and other diseases occur. Tylenol and other acetemophin ingredients are lowering glutathione levels and destroying the liver. We have the answer that the world needs. It is a worldwide problem, but US is over the top. People taking huge amounts of prescription drugs. Q. Is there a problem taking MAXgxl with prescription drugs? When the body has a natural substance such as glutathione, then the body will accept it and be safe. Glutathione raises energy in the cell so be careful that they are not increasing the effectiveness of the drugs. So,,,,,,,,have Dr. monitor your levels and dosages. Most drugs are petrochemicals and chemical derived, so the cell is full of chemicals when on drugs. The body’s natural way to clean cell is with glutathione. Because of these responses in our environment or injuries, etc, we have extreme inflammation in our bodies. Stimulating the production of natural glutathione will reduce all inflammation of cells and give relief too many inflammatory diseases. Finally........................... Info from Dr. Corrine's web page... a research paper worth reading... http://www.brainadvance.org/members/719612/uploaded/Autism_in_the_The_American_Journal_of_Clinical_Chiropractic.doc These findings from research is expressed by Dr. John Nelson, former President of the AMA………………”this product, in my opinion, represents the single most important breakthrough in health that I will witness in my lifetime, that this product will revolutionize change and transform the practice of medicine world wide and make Dr. Robert Keller more famous than Jonas Salk who created the polio vaccine.” Dr. Allen's call is now available on: www.smilin2themax.com. Go to recorded calls and her's is the top call on the left - notes from the call are also available so I have included them here for you:
Notes from phone call with Dr. Corrine Allen February 9th, 2008
As many of you know, or by way of a flood of e-mails, are to their dismay soon finding out, I personally really enjoy the information end of this business, and the amounts of information that renowned medical professionals are providing us with in support of our company’s product, MaxGXL. I take copious notes on the information I am given by these professionals and transcribe them for distribution to others, as it is my great hope that others benefit from this information as I have. I figure that if I need this information, then there are others out there that need it, as well. Sincerely, Teresa Smith (the minute’s gal) The following is a paraphrased and summarized version of my personal notes on the phone call with Dr. Allen from today, February 9th, 2008. I would like to preface these notes with a bit of information on Dr. Allen herself. Dr. Allen has over 28 years of research experience and is credited with developing an advanced, hi-tech, effective and powerful learning program. This advanced concept was not like other programs for improved learning, academics, behaviors, social and emotional issues. It addressed re-education of the auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, emotional, motor and speech pathways of the brain. The retraining process centers on the individual issues and training protocols where areas of the brain are not communicating and need stimulation for these neurological connections to grow or be unblocked. Her program got to the root of these issues. After 28 years of working, studying, and implementing brain, neurological and learning support through supplements, homeopathy, detoxification, diet, allergy elimination, functional neurological training and energetic re-balancing of the whole body, Dr. Allen has put a combination of functional methods together for superior results. Quote from Voltaire: "But nothing is more estimable than a physician who, having studied nature from his youth, knows the properties of the human body, the diseases which assail it, the remedies which will benefit it, exercises his art with caution, and pays equal attention to the rich and the poor." MaxGXL helps the body take care of the elements naturally. Q: Why is glutathione essential for each and every one of us? A: Each day, we are exposed to an estimated 60-80,000 toxins and radiations. Free radicals come at us from every direction, in the environment and in our food. Glutathione is what the body uses to accomplish that task. It is the job of the cells to remove those external toxins, but the external toxins we encounter require SO MUCH glutathione to remove them, and if they are not removed, then the result is cellular DNA damage. Heavy metals are being found in our bodies in quantity. These metals, such as mercury, have been found in study after study to be directly related to autism and other neurological disorders of the brain. Glutathione binds to the heavy metals and mercury in the body and removes them from the cells and eliminates them from the body. It actually targets heavy metals for elimination. It is gentle and can even be used with children and the elderly. Keep in mind, increased fluid intake is critical to aid glutathione in elimination of wastes and toxins. (As a personal side point, you may ask persons if they have ever visited a chiropractor or massage therapist that told them to increase their fluid intake because after treatment toxins had been released from the tissues and your body would require increased fluid intake to aid in the elimination of those toxins. The principle is the same, but this familiar example may be helpful.) GLUTATHIONE IS THE DETOXIFIER OF MERCURY, FREE RADICALS, AND TOXINS IN THE CELLS OF THE BODY. Autism Study after study done on autism has shown the same results in patients with this problem. They have an inability to remove mercury from their bodies, as "normal" persons do, as well as severely decreased glutathione levels (remember from the notes above: without adequate glutathione, their body CANNOT remove the mercury). Over the years, patients who had exposure to therapies such as chelation and other natural therapies utilized these means attempting to remove mercury from their systems. Glutathione can accomplish this task. "...an epidemic." Today, an estimated 1 in 166 children have an autistic disorder. What is more, is that 1 in 6 (this is a phenomenal rate) have some form of behavioral or developmental disorder. Dr. Allen states, "this is an epidemic!" Dr. James also reported a biochemical anomaly in patients with autism that was unusually low levels of glutathione. Consistently studies and evidence is supporting this. Mutations and anomalies (such as autism) like these are being treated with glutathione to allow the body to heal itself by enabling the body with what it needs to maintain healthy cells. Today’s children with autism are the product of parents that grew up in a world of microwaves, fast food, artificial ingredients, preservatives, etc. that result in a lack of proper nutrition. We live in a world full of heavy chemicalization with disregard for proper nutrition. If you produce the gene for reduced glutathione - you can greatly reduce that problem with glutathione supplementation. That is not to say artificial glutathione injection, but a way to introduce into the body the components that the body needs to produce glutathione on its own. That way is MaxGXL. Exposures to mercury and heavy metals are thrown at us from an early age on in life. Examples of this are dental amalgam fillings, immunoglobulin/immunization shots that have high levels of mercury. Dr. Allen says that detoxification + increased glutathione is the answer on how to reconstruct the brain. Q: Does prescription drug intake preclude intake of MaxGXL? A: The body produces this product naturally; this product enhances, supports, or accelerates production of glutathione. BUT prescription drugs manipulate ATP* (please see footnote for information on ATP). It is possible that glutathione could enhance this effect. Dr. Allen recommends that patients on prescription drugs for chronic conditions maybe want to start off at 1 or 2 capsules instead of three capsules twice per day, and gradually work their way up to the recommended dosage. However, professional help from a physician may be required for monitoring as prescription drug levels may need to be DECREASED. Many people you talk to will tell you that they want to discuss their intake of MaxGXL with their physician before starting on the product because of possible interactions or side effects with their prescription drugs they are currently taking. If they ask their physician about glutathione, it is likely that they will not be very familiar with the benefits of glutathione. Dr. Allen says that if you have any questions whatsoever, or if your physician has questions about glutathione in regarding your treatment, please email her at: brainadvance@gmail.com or refer to her web site at www.brainadvance.org Dr. Keller’s research has shown great benefit in persons with immunodeficiency’s on MaxGXL. Studies have also shown that most medical problems are a direct result of inflammation, and MaxGXL has been shown in medical study to reduce inflammation naturally (please refer to notes from last week’s meeting with Dr. Keller where he states that his study showed a 55% reduction in inflammation). Whether the root problem is with the brain, allergies, toxins, etc., inflammation is the result. Intake of MaxGXL promotes increased absorption of nutrients and aides in recycling and production of glutathione, as a result of that, removal of toxins - WHICH IS KEY FOR ALL CELLULAR FUNCTIONS. Every day we are exposed to a slew of toxins....GLUTATHIONE IS OUR DEFENSE, AND NOW IS THE TIME TO FIGHT BACK. Dr. John Nelson, the 159th, president of the AMA (American Medical Association), spoke at the Max International meeting, a network marketing company. Paraphrasing his comments, this product, in his opinion, represents the single most important breakthrough in health that he will witness in his lifetime. Further, he believes that this product will revolutionize, change and transform the practice of medicine worldwide and will make Dr. Robert Keller more famous than Jonas Salk, who created the polio vaccine. bio for Dr. Nelson http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/37/bio-nelson.pdf Final words of wisdom and inspiration from Voltaire "God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." "Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her; but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game." A personal note from Teresa Smith (the minutes gal) : In my personal estimation, for whatever it is worth, we have all been dealt a hand genetically on what we may be "predetermined genetically," so to speak, to be susceptible to disease-wise. Dr. Keller has given us all a tool to fight back, to have an ACE up our sleeve, as it were. If there was a chance that you could tip the table to your advantage, why would you not want to try? If you could buy yourself one more day with your family and loved ones, what would that one day be worth? What we have before us, in my opinion, is a vehicle to not only improve our quality of life in the here and now, but as near as I can tell...to quite possibly give our body what it needs to live longer and healthier. The two quotes from Voltaire above highlight the importance of being self aware of our bodies needs, and giving it what it needs to sustain itself for as long as possible and to function to maximum efficiency. If Voltaire is right, and it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well with the lives that God gave to us...well, then my questions to you are simple...."how will YOU choose to live?...and how will you play YOUR cards?" Footnote on ATP *Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a multifunctional nucleotide that is most important as a "molecular currency" of intracellular energy transfer. In this role, ATP transports chemical energy within the cells for metabolism. It is produced as an energy source during the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and consumed by many enzymes and a multitude of cellular processes including biosynthetic reactions, motility, and cell division. In signal transduction pathways, ATP is used as a substrate by kinesis that phosphorylate proteins and lipids, as well as by adenylate cyclase, which uses ATP to produce the second messenger molecule cyclic AMP. The structure of this molecule consists of purine base (adenine) attached to 1' carbon atom of pentose sugar (ribose). Three phosphate groups are attached at the 5' carbon atom of the pentose sugar. ATP is also incorporated into nucleic acids by polymerases in the processes of DNA replication and transcription. When ATP is used in DNA synthesis, the ribose sugar is first converted to deoxyribose by ribonucleotide reductase. ATP was discovered in 1929 by Karl Lohmann, and was proposed to be the main energy-transfer molecule in the cell by Fritz Albert Lipmann in 1941.

Dr. Allen was been giving talks to different autistic groups about glutathione. She also has articles on her website: www.brainadvance.org or http://www.brainadvance.org/site/719612/page/937393

puzzled — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:42:04 CDT

puzzled — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:08:28 CDT

Alot of our group members wanted information about DDSD, SSI and TEFRA. If you go to our resource page you will find alot of valuable information on a variety of resources. You can also go straight to this web site for a ton of information : www.okdhs.org

puzzled — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:57:02 CDT

The Misunderstood Child
I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.
I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I am perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy - can learn if I try.
But I don't seem to know where to start.
I am the child that won't wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells,
And tastes - there are few foods that I'll eat.
I am the child that can't catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait
I am the child with whom no one will play
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.
I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You'll never know how I panic inside,
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.
I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you now that I would if I could?
I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way
Some message he sent me to share.
For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you.

The boy on the playground

There's a boy on the playground
see him over there?
He's watching all the children
and wishing he could share.

There's a girl sitting on the monkey bars
can you see her lonely face?
She turns so you wont see her tears
when she feels so out of place.

These children are the lonely ones
the ones that don't fit in.
They try each day to find a friend
someone to believe in them.

On every crowded playground
in schools throughout the land.
There are children who are lonely
who struggle to understand.

So when you put your child to bed
tonight when darkness comes.
Ask them to whisper a little prayer
to remember the forgotten ones.

So when tomorrow, they see my son
trying hard to know what to say,
they may remember the prayer they said,
and invite him to come and play.

They looked at me with compassion
I hadn't a clue why,
Then they told me my son was challenged
and I began to cry.

"Your son may be Autistic, or
have some related disease."
"I've never heard of it," I said,
"Explain it to me please?"

"It occurs one in every five hundred births,
four times more often in boys.
Families of all racial and ethnic backgrounds
Regardless of stature or poise."

"Its a Lifelong neurological impairment
That affects the ability to speak,
Play or socially interact."
I felt my knees grow weak.

My husband took me in his arms
We held each other tight,
My five year old beside me asking,
"Mommy, is Stevie all right?"

We wouldn't have known there was a problem
If not for his speech delay
We thought he was just a little shy,
and preferred solitary play.

When she said, they don't know what causes it
I just wanted to die.
" My God, this isn't happening,
They can't even tell us why?"

"God is not sleeping," I said to myself
over and over again
holding fast to my faith in God
to help me endure the pain.

Clearly there needs to be research
It’s imperative we find a way
Of getting the programs funded,
If we're ever to gain some headway.`

Our children are so precious
They look to us for care
Let's show them how much we love them,
and make everyone aware.

L. Q. Demos
Copyright 2000

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley.
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Rewriting History for Their Own Ends:
Cure Autism Now and The Mind Tree

Kiss with eyes they do
I see it all the time
God I envy people
Kissing with eyes
The love flows like
Stars like brilliant
Stars
So really loving how
I love to kiss with eyes1
The above poem was penned by a young autistic man, and published in a book of poems and stories. His mother, with some help, taught him to write. He could not speak, was presumed by many not to think, and had a good sense of humor and grasp of metaphor. He was the first person in this position to write a book in English. He told people things they had not known before about autism. One professor said, "In the poems he is talking about relationships, and shows an awareness of society and his place in it. He's aware of his own condition and of other people and how they react to him. Being able to reflect on that is something people didn't realize that autistic people did."1

The Yellow Kite

The other day
I saw a yellow kite
it was so beautiful
flying free, against
an electric blue
sky.

I thought of my
little child,
and realized
he is just like that
yellow kite
He is the kite
flying free
colorful, unique
beautiful.

I like to think
that the string
is the love
between us.

I stand and watch
him, as he soars
I pull him back
when danger
threatens
to topple him.

I give more of
the string, when he
needs it,
allowing him to
test the skies
and fly on his own.

But I love him
enough,
to reel him in
when he is
out of control
when his fears
and his tears,
send him in a
tailspin.

I pull the string gently,
I must not break
the string,
for if I let it go
my beautiful yellow
kite will be alone
and he is not ready.

Some days there
is not enough wind
for my kite to fly.

On those days, when
life is just too windy
or even too calm.

I fold him up carefully
in my arms,
hold him close,
until the time is
right to let
him fly free once more.

c.

Sally Meyer 2000

puzzled — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:03:57 CDT

What Can You Expect From Your Parent Support Group?

Provide quick solutions to problems. Often people turn to a support group with the expectation that the problem will resolved within a few sessions. Some feel that the only reason to turn to outsiders for help is to solve the problems and do so quickly, even though the problems have been building up for months or years. Many problems do not have a solution and sometimes the realization of this fact is something that is gained from participating in a support group.

Support Groups Can:

Help you feel less alone in dealing with the problem.
Provide a wealth of information from members about where to turn for help with a particular problem -- from recommended reading material, to information on dealing with agencies, courts, institutions, etc., to suggesting attorneys or therapists the individuals in the group have found to be most knowledgeable and helpful with that type of problem.
Brainstorm with the group to come up with ideas on approaches to try in dealing with a problem that have worked successfully for others in the past.
Give you courage and support in taking difficult steps that may be necessary to bring about change.
Help you to open up and express feelings (often very negative ones) with a "safe" group who understand and admit to having the same or similar feelings at various times.
Give a feeling of empowerment that comes from taking constructive action on a problem rather than denying it or sitting around and feeling helpless about the problem.
Show that there are people who are willing to share their knowledge, experiences and feelings and that they care about helping one another.
Sometimes bring about change in a community through group action in dealing with a problem.

Most adoptive and foster parent groups do much more at their meetings than sit around and talk about problems, but if you pay close attention you'll see the points listed above taking place. An arm around a shoulder, a child seeing other children and not feeling so different, a parent grateful for a listening ear - whether the focus of the meeting is social, or a guest speaker or an outing, support can and does take place. Take time to know the people, to share your concerns and to offer your experiences. The results may be surprising.
Source: Peggy Dunlop, Adoptive Families Association of Tompkins County, NY

just1piece — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:43:22 CDT

http://www.hbotnm.com/BloodHg.pdf

puzzled — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:29:32 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

puzzled — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:28:10 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

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Happy New Year