Drew's Autism Recovery Diary

Attn Military Families Facing Autism

2012-01-25T12:04:00.001-05:00

Please read this post and ACT! This is our chance to tell our stories!!!

http://adiaryofamom.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/the-stage-is-yours/

Camel Milk One Month

2012-01-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

Drew has been on Camel Milk for a little over a month. I really cannot believe that 1. I'm giving him milk and 2. said milk is from a camel. Nevertheless, he's drinking camel milk!

We have noticed absolutely zero skin reactions to the milk. Drew was never a skin allergy type kid though. We have noticed zero coo-coo ness (which I would expect if casien were presenting a problem). We noticed a very brief yeast die off period which consisted of some hyperactivity and a red ring on the bum. We noticed a viral die off consisting of lots of drainage and cold symptoms. I saw some ginormous BM's in the beginning...like, did that all just come out of you, kind of BM.

Drew is only drinking maybe 6 oz per day which are split up. I give him about 2-3 oz in the morning before school and another 2-3 oz in the afternoon either alone or as a smoothie or milkshake. In the beginning, he begged for it. Now, he only begs for it if nothing else is available. He still seems to think it is ok though.
One time, I noticed a strange smell to the milk but other than that, it is usually odor free.

Biggest things that I've noticed are: the ability to control his mood better, better social tolerance including transitioning and trying to activities, and the biggie for us...NO OXALATE REACTIONS to medium oxalate containing foods. I am not pushing this...so, I may give him some cherry tomatoes and a muffin made with medium oxalate foods both in the same day. Or, maybe I'll give him potato chips on the same day as pumpkin butter. The big test came at school last week when they were doing a project requiring rice cakes. Let me just tell you that in the past, rice cakes in any amount caused major oxalate symptoms (terrible behavior, urination pain, and mush poop). It was ugly. I decided to give it another go. For the project, I sent in three rice cakes just in case he needed them but was hoping they would only use one. Well, he had two at school and then the third one on his way home from school (because I gave in). We had ZERO reaction. NONE. Absolutely zilch! HUGE HUGE HUGE. Again, I'm not going to push it that much because I am confident that with flares of certain things, we might get oxalate symptoms. But, for now, something in this camel milk is helping Drew with his oxalates. And, that my friends, is a huge answer to prayers!

Now, if I can just find a camel to buy and land to keep it....

We're on YouTube!

2012-01-21T17:47:00.000-05:00

In case you have nothing better to do with your time, feel free to head over to our YouTube channel. I've been trying to upload our videos to YouTube for easier access. If they have been posted on the blog, you can still access them on the "Videos" link above.

If you do venture over to our YouTube channel, please don't judge... :) Some of our videos are from RDI sessions, some are random, some are for documenting. I'm just keeping them all in one place. I have more that I need to upload. Will add that to the To Do list.

Off to help shave and bathe Kane. And eat pizza. And ice cream. And watch a couple of the Young & the Restless episodes from before Christmas (because that's how behind I am). And be thankful that we live closer to family so that we can have nights like these.... Drew's at Grandma's.

Errr. Error.

2012-01-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

It has come to my attention that some of my pages and links have not been working. If you have experienced this problem, my apologies. I have looked into the situation and it appears to be a Google Engineering issue. There were a few suggestions listed to help the problem and I have made all the recommended changes. Also, it seems to only be a problem for Internet Explorer users. Again, I am so sorry...I really want you to read...if you so desire.

When I click on the previously broken links, they are working now. I hope that you are able to use them. Please let me know if you are still having trouble.

Thanks!!!!!

Pushing and crying = No Empathy

2012-01-13T21:08:00.001-05:00

(Explanation at bottom of post)

Hmmmm. Something happened at glorious school yesterday. Not to worry, it's nothing negative about the school...I'm still in love. It was Drew.

I picked him up and he was incredibly happy...like, happy, happy. "Hi Mommy! I love you one hundred times!" *smooch smooch* Yay, a good day. Until. His teacher said, "could you please pull up a minute, I need to talk to you about something." Oh snap.

I know, she's either going to tell me about some awkward thing that Drew said, or maybe a concern about him spinning in the corner, or maybe she'll just reiterate how smart she thinks he is and how he should be tested for gifted. And then, I thought that maybe it was something else. "Drew, were you a good boy today?" I asked. Drew answered, "Yes Mommy!" *happy, happy, smile* Oh yes, it's just to tell me that he should probably skip kindergarten and go straight to first grade.

Ahem.

Not.

It seems that ol' Happy Happy was not so good at school that day.
Apparently, he went up to two friends (whose moms have been so kind to take me under their wings already) and push them off the playground equipment, from behind, for no apparent reason. Both boys instantly ran and told on Drew and one was actually hurt and crying. The teacher was so surprised because (and I quote), "Drew has been a model student. I thought for sure it was an accident." She then went on to tell me that when questioned as to why he pushed them, Drew just smiled and said that he didn't know. She showed him that his friend was crying and he continued to grin from ear to ear. He was proud. She was concerned. "It's just not normal for a child to see a peer crying and to just stand their grinning and show no concern." Yes, that's right...it is normal. But, this is where I'm reminded that Drew's not normal. She tried to make him take a seat when he refused to apologize (still smiling). He then became completely defiant when she demanded he come with her to sit down. It was only when she threatened to take him to the principal's office that he showed emotion. And, this emotion was all about him...no remorse. She said that he got really upset and did not want to go to the principal's office; so they tried to talk through it since he now seemed to be emotional and not grinning. She also said that she DID feel that he was punished enough in the end because he was very upset and did finally give a nice apology along with, "Please don't tell my Mommy because if you tell my Mommy, she will tell my Daddy and my Daddy will tell all his friends." Huh? I don't know. Nevertheless.

She said she paired Drew the rest of the day with the child who he had hurt; and they played great together. I made him make the little boy a card (of which he seriously did not want to do). His teacher just said that she was confused as to why he was grinning and why he pushed them to begin with. She said that maybe I could dig into it further.

Well, I tried but all I got out of him when asking him, "Is there anything that happened at school today that you think you should tell Mommy about?" was, "I know Mommy, we made snowflakes." He never brought it up; so eventually I had to. When I did, he immediately said that he had said he was sorry. We talked about it but he still had no answer as to why he did it to begin with.

Here's my theory and I promise, I'm not trying to make excuses for him or his behavior.
Over the holidays, Drew had LOTS of play time with his older cousins. Four of them boys. Drew is already obviously socially immature. He is great at parallel play but not so great with interactive play. He can and will; but when left to initiate it, he definitely struggles with exactly what to do for extended periods of time. He is also the type that only does what he knows...or only does what he has seen or been shown. He MUST be shown something before doing it. He can then do it perfectly and generalize; but the original concept must be presented to him. SO... he had all this cousin time. What did all those boys do? What boys do...they wrestled, they chased, they played shoot'em up, etc. Drew LOVED it. He had a blast with those kids. He was also being introduced to much more social play because all of those kids (cousins) were older than him. He took it all in. I've also noticed over the past month that Drew has had a habit of pushing in to me and Hubby. Typically, this is when he's excited and/or playing chase. It drives me nuts. I also feel it is a sensory thing too. But, he really enjoyed this type of play and it was ok then because those kids were bigger, they understood, they knew when it was ok/appropriate. My theory is that Drew really wanted to play with those boys on the playground. He wasn't exactly sure what to say to them to initiate play with them. So, in order to illicit their attention and to perhaps have them run and chase/try to get him, he ran up to them and gave them a shove/push. Yes, I'm sure it was hard. but, I seriously don't think it was malicious. I think it was aggressive but not because he was trying to hurt them. I think he wanted to play with them and only did what he knew how to do. I believe that the whole grinning thing was shock and embarrassment. Drew is very new to experiencing those feelings. I don't think he knew what to think when he got in trouble for something that he perceived as playing. And, I don't think that he had the ability to say, "Well, I pushed them so that they would want to come run after me and get me."

That all said, he is very defiant. Unexcusably defiant. Bad parenting defiant. It needs to stop. Now. Hubby and I have talked about it and have both talked to Drew. We've discussed how crashing and pushing friends is unacceptable and punishable. No crashing or hitting Mommy or straight to time out. We've discussed the backtalking and defiance. He'll probably struggle with this one; but Hubby and I are going to be consistent about punishing him and not accepting it. He is talking to us about it and seems to understand. Fortunately, there were no incidents today and he even told his teacher his new rules.

I feel sad for him though. I know he just wanted to play with them and didn't know how. :( I hope that changes soon. FYI- In RDI, we are in the stages of addressing this empathy concept along with Drew feeling new emotions and dealing with them.

then again...no empathy? Check out the picture Drew colored (top of page). And, after being shown pictures of children who are poverty stricken, he was asked what his "dream" (in the spirit of MLK Day) for these children would be... Check out his answer. COMPLETELY a Drew answer!

New Year and changes

2012-01-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in my last post that I have made a change for Drew. It was something that has been weighing on me for a couple months but I just felt terrible making this particular change.

I did it, again. I switched Drew's preschool, again. This decision was very difficult for many different reasons but the biggest reason being that I didn't want to cause more anxiety for him. The original move from Texas put us in to a pretty big downward spiral. Anxiety was the cause (rightly so) but it spiraled into major OCD. The school that he's been at since August is a Montessori school. I had very high hopes; but I did have some reservation. The thought of Drew being independent was wonderful; and the thought of Drew being independent was terrible. Drew learning how to do things for himself, independently is wonderful. Drew working on worksheets or the same math project, independently, day in and day out is terrible.

The montessori is a good school. It really is a good school and if I had a child who was socially advanced, he would be there. I have a child who is academically advanced (not complaining); but socially delayed. The montessori way is all about letting the child lead the way. Letting them explore what they want to explore or work on INDEPENDENTLY. And, at this school, it was all about what they work on, they don't play. Drew was doing number or counting activities everyday for hours at a time all by himself. He was already obsessed but it became out of control. He was not being redirected AT ALL. When I asked them to please redirect Drew to try something new, I was told that he was just having a "math explosion". (It had been 4 months.) I also feel like they weren't doing enough group projects to give Drew the opportunity to socialize. There were something like 36 kids in the class with 3 teachers...that's kind of big.

Also, I just wasn't clicking with the teachers...in particularly the lead teacher. Here's the thing...I've never met a teacher or aide that didn't fall in love with Drew or at least very intrigued by him. Look, he's handsome...he's quirky....and he is smart. But, she never took to him. I'm not exaggerating. She never even said hello to him in the morning. He did finally get comfortable and did make friends...kind of. He talked about the kids but many, many times, he just said how they were mean to him. I witnessed that on numerous ocassions. I felt like he was losing his spirit and sparkle in his eye.

There's way too much for me to write as to why I was never satisfied with that school. Beyond the number obsession with zero redirection, beyond the teacher and her coldness, and beyond the potential bullying in PRESCHOOL, there was something else...I just had a gut feeling.

Oh, and in case you've forgotten, this was not his first preschool after our move. If you follow us, you may remember how many we've gone through but I'm too embarrassed to tell you. (My archives detail it.) And as I've mentioned MANY times, YES, we were spoiled by Drew's first preschool and preschool teacher. So to find another Ms. Patti would be near impossible. I've accepted it. But, I was just looking for something close. Someone with experience, someone who cares about her job, and someone who cares genuinely for the kids. It's preschool... Also, why was it so hard to find a preschool that does preschool type activities? I don't need him to learn multiplication right now. I need him to learn to cut with scissors. I don't need him to be writing full sentences right now. I need him to play leap frog with his friends. I don't need him to learn about classical composers right now. I need him to learn how to work as a team to make a giant gingerbread man out of some random materials. Now, you might disagree and think that academics are way more important than glueing raisins on to cut out snowman. But, I disagree. Drew is very smart. He learns academic skills in a second. It's easy for him (at least right now). But, he can't use scissors very well, he can't climb up the playground equipment nearly as well as his peers, and he would much rather write numbers all day than do some art project with a partner! These, to me, are all prerequisites to other life skills that he has not learned. And, to me, those are the things to be taught in preschool. Of course, I don't want him to fall behind with learning things but I really don't see that as a potential problem. And, any preschool that I put him is still going to meet academic requirements (age/grade appropriate).

So, I researched and researched and researched. Hubby was annoyed. Another move? I'm just going to move him and then find something else to hate about the next school...or so he thought. I weighed the pros and cons like a hundred times. None of the pros were for me...as a matter of fact, it was going to be much harder on me (and this is how I know that I'm doing what is best for Drew and not me).

But, I found it. I found the preschool that I've been searching for. And, even better....he can go there for kindergarten. Even better....wait for it...he can go there through 12th grade! Of course, have you met us? We never stay in the same town long; so that is so unlikely. Nevertheless, I am very happy with this school. Ever so important, I am extremely happy with his new teacher. Whoa. It's about time we found another good teacher. She is fantastic! Experienced, genuine, caring, smart, and willing to take individual approaches with each child. She's got Drew's number and I haven't said anything about autism. She has picked up on his anxiety. She has also told me on numerous ocassions that she thinks he is highly intelligent...very nice to hear! The class only has nine kids! They do real preschool projects and games. They work on letters, numbers, math, and reading in appopriate amounts of time and all together. They play in structured centers. They do art projects. She even sends an email out after school everyday to tell the parents everything that happend during the day. Hello? How awesome is that?

Most importantly, Drew loves it. He transitioned BEAUTIFULLY. He's so happy and everyone is noticing. His day is a little shorter and he comes home and has lunch with me. He is playing new things at home and they are directly related to what he has played at school. He told me today that he wants to have a slumber party at school for his birthday. :)

So folks, I'm thrilled. My gut is happy now. That said, I'm running around like a crazy person because my day is shot. His school day is almost three hours shorter than the previous school; so by the time I drop him off, drive home, prepare his lunch, straighten the house, I'm back in the car to go get him (Oh, because this school is 30 minutes from here). It's all worth it though. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Never underestimate the power of the Mother's Intuition.

Now, we've just got to get Drew comfortable...meaning, he's always on edge that things are going to change again. It's not until he's comfortable that the real social learning happens. Unfortunately, that's typically when we make changes in his life to throw him right back off balance again.

Deck the halls with....

2012-01-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

Oh...that's right, Christmas was two weeks ago and I'm just now writing about it. Hey, at least I finally went outside and unplugged our outside lights. When we were the last one in the neighborhood still lit up at night, I felt it might be time to take my lazy butt outside and pull the cord out of the socket. (just did that 2 days ago)

Well, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and hopefully had some magical moments with your kiddos.

All is well here. Christmas was quick, the week after a bit longer and more chaotic, and well- this past week has been the craziest of all (that comes in tomorrow's post). We had Christmas at home and my family came to visit. It was actually a lot of fun. Too quick. They barely stayed any time at all...perhaps that was why it was so fun. I don't mean that in a bad way. The day after Christmas, Hubby's family came to stay. We haven't seen his brother, wife, and four kids in four years. It was adventure packed; but good.

This was by far the most involved Drew has ever been for Christmas. He was sooooo excited for Santa to come although he thought he only had to be good the day of Christmas... Maybe next year I'll try The Elf on the Shelf. He even went to bed super quickly when I told him that Santa wouldn't come until he was asleep. This was also the first time that he really unwrapped his presents...he didn't even need help. He was very sweet with comments like, "I've always wanted one of these." and "Thank you Santa Claus, I love it!". It was also the first year that toys REALLY were a big deal for him. He came in to our room Christmas morning and said, "Mommy, Santa came! He left presents in my stocking!" (Apparently, he missed the huge pile of presents in front of the tree that he probably nearly tripped over when discovering the stocking presents.) In all the years past, even last year, he might have looked at something for five seconds but then moved on. And, I mean, he moved on for good not coming back in the days to come. I believe there were one or two toys from last year that we got him to play with Christmas Day but that was it. This year, he wanted toys...and, my friends, he got toys!! I'm so thankful that he likes them now. I feel bad that I got rid of all the toys of the years past now that he's in to them. It was just depressing seeing a thousand toys that were basically just collecting dust. And, aaahhh, he entertained himself with his new toys...YES! I've been waiting four years for this kid to find toys interesting enough that he would play with them alone for maybe 5 minutes. This year, we might even be getting eight minutes out of some of them. :)

I won't write much more except that it was great seeing all of our family. My sister's two boys always mesmerize Drew; so it was great for them to have time to play. They would all three be up in the playroom for over an hour without supervision (Best Mom Award). Bliss though. And, his four cousins from Hubby's side did an amazing job of entertaining Drew all week. He hasn't seen these kids since he was five months old; but you would think that he played with them everyday by their comfort level. They were awesome with him! Their youngest is just two weeks older than Drew. It's always been difficult over the years to hear about him because of where Drew was developmentally. I worried about it. It proved to be no big deal. And, honestly, the only thing that stood out to me was that Drew's gross motor skills weren't as advanced. I like to remind myself that his cousin has three older siblings to run after and share attention with...so it's no wonder he's a little gymnast.

Here they are at five months old:

And, here they are four years later (yes, at the beach for Christmas...it's Florida!)

Now, for some Christmas pictures.

With my family:

Twice baked potato (acorn squash)

E and Drew giving us a Christmas concert w/ Drew's new guitar and microphone set.

Three Little Pigs

Dancing w/ Mickey (and scary morning face=me)

Drew has some love for his cousin N.

And, we decided that this should be the new "planking"...The Three Monkeys

And, our visit with Hubby's family:

(And, yes, they went swimming!)

Drew had to play doctor with each one of them (while Grandma and Grandpa babysat)

Good times! I'm so glad that we got to see everyone. AND...we successfully endured at least 3 restaurants with all five kids!

I'm ready for 2012! Stay tuned for what change I made early into this new year!!

Low Oxalate Diet- Recipe Resource!!

2011-12-29T15:45:00.000-05:00

My Christmas post is coming soon; but first, I want to introduce you to Heidi. She is the mom of two adorable boys and they all follow the low oxalate diet. She has a great blog with low oxalate information and posts new recipes regularly. Something great about her blog is that after each recipe, she posts additional information such as tips for the picky eater, other diet info, and detailed oxalate content. Very useful! Thanks Heidi for sharing your recipes with us!! I'm looking forward to trying both of your chili recipes!! YUM YUM!

Low Oxalate Family Cooking

Before the chaos...let me report

2011-12-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

As the title reveals, I am expecting chaos- on all levels. Before it happens, I need to journal some things before I forget, or my opinion changes, or is skewed.

First...if you have recently sent me an email (thank you...love hearing from you!), please accept my apologies for not responding (if I haven't). My head is in a fog again, thank you sugar and chocolate, who are supposed to only be for Christmas guests- but will probably be completely gone before Christmas day. Sugar seriously now wreaks havoc on my brain. So I will slowly start going back through emails that I probably missed because I can't see straight, feel dizzy, and am nauseous until approx 2pm everyday.

Second, camel milk: here is what I'm noticing after 9 days- definite improvement socially. Drew is able to hang in social situations longer without need for prompts. He's more aware of others emotions and attempting to offer comfort...i.e. "I'm sorry that you were in alot of traffic today." and "Awww, I'm sorry little hamster that you have an itch." It's complete with a tone of voice change, too. Toy play is significantly better!!!! See below for why that could be the case. Language is more complex. Numbers/counting are slowly going way. HALLELUIAH!!!!!! Still there but rare....ok, seldom...ok, partly there. Nighttime rituals are diminishing. Need I say more? I'm beginning to think that his blood sugar is leveling out (or whatever it is supposed to do) because 1.) he is eating slower and 2.) is not begging and tantrumming for food all day and instead is able to understand that lunch is at noon and dinner at five (and yes, he gets two snacks in between; but previously, he would need 13!). His BM's look fabulous. Large and in charge! He's got more energy and is even commenting on how he has more energy. He is playing outside for an hour instead of five minutes. However, I'm wondering if something yeasty is going on. Maybe a die off? Seeing suspicious looking signs and it was cleared up after that last round of kefir. He is on about 4 oz of camel milk per day. A doctor that we consult with suggested 3/4 C in the AM and 3/4 C in the PM; but I'm not comfortable with that yet. I do expect some sort of die off whether it is viral, yeast, bacteria or all of the above.

Third, homeopathy: we are STILL on the same potency; however, I'm guessing it's time for a change. We're not seeing immediate results. We're not seeing bad things- just not immediate Angel Child. Actually, the last two times that I've given him his remedy, he has immediately reacted hyper and almost aggressive which is similar to his yeast symptoms. I will have to watch this pattern. Overall, his remedy has proven to be miraculous for his mood and tolerance.

Fourth, physical issues: he has had a stye on his eye since Thanksgiving that will not go away. His homeopath said to let it run its course but I may have to try something for it. Height/weight- he had gained almost two pounds since starting the camel milk; but after the enormous BM's, it's more like 1.5 pounds. Keep in mind, he hasn't gained weight since June 2010. I'm not sure about height, will be checking that soon.

Fifth, RDI: Still love this therapy! We suck at it. But I love it. There are three main things that we are really trying to continuously work on. He's mastered the first two but they need to be our way of parenting which takes time and practice: 1.Coordinating 2.Referencing 3.Setting limits. The third one will probably be one that we'll be on until at least spring....Thank goodness we can work on other things too. Nevertheless, Drew is really expanding his flexibility to trying new activities. He's being much more open to "new" and that is tremendously helpful!!!

So, I think that's it for now. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!! Every year, I cringe at how things will turn out on Christmas. We've have been pleasantly surprised in the years past...and now, that I've completely jinxed us, I hope that you all have a magical Christmas!!! Oh, and as far as the toy play recently...my Christmas present from Hubby was to build the following (It was still a wee bit under construction in these pictures):

Absolutely thrilled with it! I found one at Potterybarn Kids on SALE for $1300...he made this one for less than $300 and it is perfect. My theory is that now all of Drew's toys are on display (albeit organized) and easier for him to see and access. Ever since this new bookcase has come in to our playroom, we've seen much better toy play! Thanks Hubby! I love it! Oh, and in case you're wondering...I spray painted those little wooden circles with chalkboard paint; so that I can change them whenever necessary. :) Me=creative=twilight zone!

Merry Christmas!!

Camel Milk? Yep, we're on board!

2011-12-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

I'm going to devote another post to camel milk; but I don't have time this morning. I did want to let you all know that we have started it. Drew LOVES it. I will fill you in on all changes shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy the following videos:

Drew practicing a song for his Christmas program at school...listen closely to the words.

And this is Drew after Day 1 on Camel Milk. FYI, he NEVER shows affection to our dog Kane. He always kicks, pulls his tail, or just could careless about him. I also find it interesting when he remembers being mean to Kane...

Last minute Christmas gifts, anyone?

2011-12-13T13:10:00.001-05:00

Thank God for online shopping! Where would I be without it? Oh, richer. Anywhoo. Do you have a few more gifts to get for your little one? Want some ideas?? Want some discounts? I do what I can....

Santa may or may not be bringing some GLUTEN FREE PLAY DOH for Drew this year!

Save 15% with Code IMAGINE

Shop Special Needs at Discount School Supply Other Gluten Free Art Supplies - Don't forget the code IMAGINE to save 15%

TARGET ANYONE??

Here are some current specials/deals- MOST EXPIRE SOON:

This one is for me...it's a Win Win!!
Get a Free $20 Target Gift Card with Purchase of 1 inch Flat Iron from CHI

Drew just received an early Christmas present from Grandma made by
Melissa and Doug. He LOVES this and so do I because I get a moment...Oddly, I found it cheaper at :

They offer FREE 1-2 DAY FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49.

So, while you're at it, check out these deals too:

This is a cool store! Great toys and gear including travel gear.

THROUGH TOMORROW 12/15 ONLY 20% off. Code 20OFF .

15% off of orders of $100 or more at One Step Ahead. Shop Now!
Deal Of The Day! Daily savings on select items at OneStepAhead.com!
Free shipping on orders of $85 or more with code SHIP85 atOne Step Ahead

Well, I had planned on giving you more actual ideas but my eyes are closing... Hurry and catch some of those deals and I'll try to add more deals on a more reglar basis. :)

The Goose is Getting Fat

2011-12-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

Did you ever sing that song as a child? "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat." Why I always sing that song at Christmas is beyond me. What a weird song.

Nonetheless, it's Christmastime! And, Drew lets everyone know. To the next door neighbor, upon getting out of the car: "Hey Tiffany [kids name is Timothy], it's Christmastime." Poor Timothy looks at me, then back at Drew and says, "yep". Drew continues, "Tiffany, Christmas is actually on December the 25th." Timothy nods his head. Drew still continues, "Is your GiGi and PopPop coming to your house for Christmas? All of my six cousins are coming to my house. 1,2,3,4,5,6. SIX. Timothy says,"Hey Drew, ya wanna play with us?" (I still don't understand how/why this kid wants to play with Drew; but bless his heart. Drew says, "Um. No. Mommy, can we go have some ice cream now?"

Did I show you this?

Just so we're clear, Drew wrote everything on that paper except the drawing of the tree. Impressed? I was! You better believe Santa is working extra hard to get all those items listed on the "List". Even the Nine Planets and new chocolate cookies! Funny! :)

We finally got our tree the other night. I don't know if I have pics from last year but Drew wanted nothing (and I mean NOTHING) to do with decorating the tree last year. I'm desensitized now but it was hard the first couple of years. This year though...this year, he's all about it! I put up some decorations last week while he was staying as Grandma's. When he got home, he noticed every single decoration. And, he had all sorts of excitement about Kane having a stocking too. He believes that if you have a stocking, you are automatically a good boy and getting presents.

I'm long over trying to recreate my own childhood memories with Drew. Obviously, things aren't as they were for me. We used to have snacks, listen to Christmas music, and put up our fake tree. It was all happy, happy with Elvis in the background and 70's looking ornaments (although it was the 80's). Sorting out the different colored ends on the branches was the best part. We had the tackiest (sorry Mom) tree ever. But, I loved it. I couldn't wait to do that with my family. Again, things aren't as they were...so if we get the tree up without having to have a babysitter watch Drew while we actually go get a tree and decorate it...we're doing good.

He did good. :) One meltdown at the Christmas tree place (unexplained- probably oxalates)... No snacks or sorting through the fake tree branches (ha) and I forgot to play Elvis; but we did listen to other Christmas music.

Got Sugar?

2011-12-05T21:30:00.001-05:00

Geez. This is really annoying. Well, way more than annoying- more like gut wrenching; but I'll stick with annoying because it makes it seem not so bad.

Did I tell you about how I gave Drew a piece of GFCFSFEF, etcFree cake for a birthday party he attended? There was one "free" that was missing. Sugar. This particular mix contained sugar. And brown sugar too. What was I thinking? Oh, I know, I was thinking, "he's in a really good place right now. I want the poor kid to have some yummy birthday cake. Just one piece. He should be fine."

He helped me baked this special cake. And, between the two of us, we eliminated probably a quarter of the batter before even putting it in the cake pan. It was yummy too! I let him lick away. My concern was more for the oxalates because it had lots of higher oxalate flours in it. Two days after we baked the cake, we took it to the birthday party. Although he was still eating something different than his peers, it felt so good to give him real cake.

One day later. Two days later. All seems well. Hoorray! Success. Or not.
Three days later- noticeable hesitant speech. Four days later (until present) hyper aggressive at night. Thanksgiving weekend included three lollipops from Yummy Earth (which have never caused a problem), about four servings of white rice with meals, muffins with honey. About 4 days in, the weird mush poops started. They looked oxalate-ish. At that point, I did not, like an idiot, suspect the sugar. But, when the hyper aggressiveness started to include a very creepy mean laugh, with continued mush poops....I started to worry. And, then the dead "ring"er... a red ring around his booty. This always indicates yeast for us. CRAP. We were still out of town and I only had a certain amount of food; so I was just going to have to suck it up until we got home. And, fortunately, he was very well behaved throughout.

Upon our arrival back at home, we were greeted with a spinner. Do I need to remind you how crazy that makes me? How the last time it happened, I didn't think we would ever be able to pull him back out? How he didn't spin for over 2 years until over the summer when he sampled sugar a little too often and then his gut was out of control. But wait, I gave him two packs of Yummy Earth gummy bears for Halloween with no side effects. Yes, but that was all I did. I believe that the sugar amount in the cake must have been crazy high and combined with the rice, lollipops, and honey...I set him up for failure.

I immediately made some kefir and increased his probiotics and restarted Perma-Clear. No more rice, honey, or sugar of any kind (except small amounts of certain fruits). It has taken about a week to get the red ring to go away. The spinning stopped about as quickly as it started. Speech is still hesitant. :( Hyper aggression is still very much around. I'm giving him about 1 tsp of kefir in the morning and at night. Trying to slowly increase.

I learned my lesson; but I still cannot believe that he is so sensitive. Maybe had I only given him a small piece of cake and NONE of the others contributers, we wouldn't be dealing with this. ?? Gag.

Homeopathy Update 2.5 months

2011-12-01T20:49:00.001-05:00

We are still going strong on our constitutional remedy with Drew. We are still at the same potency too. We recently changed the way we dose it though.

In the beginning weeks, I saw improvements in all areas, including physical issues. Mainly, it was behavioral improvements. Then, I started noticing a pattern where he was really good for about two-three days after dosing but then would go up and down for the next two (although never as bad as before). We had more than one PANDAS flare which didn't help matters. Finally, after about two months, it seemed like we were only getting the amazing, super sweet behavior for barely a day. I also noticed that he was having oxalate issues again. Gaahhh.

About 6 weeks in, we started noticing unbelievable emotional changes. Drew was actually experiencing emotions that he probably had repressed months ago. Specifically, emotions regarding our move from Texas. God, it was heart breaking watching and listening to him beg to move back to Texas to go to his old school, see his old friends, his teachers and therapists. He just cried and cried with his whole body. He was saying things that literally knocked me to my knees. Poor Baby was so traumatized by our move. :( However, it was a good sign.

I had a consult with Angelica and we both still agree that this is the right remedy for Drew (at least for now).  We had seen too many positive behavioral results and with the new emotional issues coming to surface, it just seems obvious that this stuff is working. Angelica believes that there is also physical healing going on still as well. We discussed the possibility of increasing the potency; but both of us were hesitant. Instead, she thought I should try a different way of dosing the same potency of his remedy. She said to try it and if I didn't notice substantial results, then increase it.

Well, holy moly. It was like we had started all over...what I mean is that he was responding just as strongly to this new way of dosing as he did when we first gave him the remedy. His behavior and emotional control was terrific and it was lasting 4-5 days. I was so nervous before Thanksgiving; so I gave him a dose Wednesday night and still haven't had to re-dose (over a week later). Tonight, I felt like he was getting a little agitated for the first time but it also seemed like oxalate behavior.

So, I'm very pleased that we are still seeing behavioral gains with this remedy. I'd like to see more physical gains; but typically, kids like Drew tend to heal from the inside out: mental, emotional, physical.   So, it's not unusual to not see the physical gains this early in to it.

Oh, I'm noticing a little less light sensitivity. He's not frantically looking for his sunglasses at the mention of going outside.

Also, worth noting: 1.5 weeks ago, I started Nu-Thera again.  So far so good. Saw cognitive gains fairly quickly. Also restarted Perma-Clear this past week. Definitely seeing changes with this...including less counting! KNOCK ON WOOD QUICK!!!

I have more to write in regards to all this; but I'm going to stop here for now. But, as a preview...we do have yeast again. D&M%!T! But, there is a story behind it and I need to post it. Soon.

Thanksgiving Rundown

2011-11-28T21:25:00.001-05:00

I have a lot of posts in my draft box...so I need to step it up. First, let me post about Thanksgiving.

SUCCESS! YES! SUCCESS!

Hooray! This was the best family "get together" in history for my little family.
Here's why:
1. The drive there was miraculous.
2. There was no badgering for food immediately upon arrival.
3. There were family photos taken that included smiles.
4. There was lots and lots of playtime among cousins...taking me to #5.
5. There was lots of family grown up chatting and laughing time.
6. There was peace enough to sit down and actually eat Thanksgiving dinner and...wait for it....go back for seconds!!
7. There was sleeping all through the night- both nights!
8. The drive back was just as miraculous as the drive there.

Whew. Now, it's time to get ready for Christmas. Fortunately, we'll be staying at home this year.

I'll leave you with pics of Drew's Thanksgiving meal along with a few other favorite pictures from the weekend.

Drew's meal:
Turkey (Plainville Farms Oven Roasted Turkey sliced thick for cubing)
Organic green peas
Broccoli and Rice casserole
Butternut Squash casserole
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Tart

Cousins that look like brothers

My Mom's beautiful table setting

Me at the kids table digging in...before everyone else was even seated...

Learning how to play Angry Birds with Uncle HB

The Turkey Dance presented by 3 Turkeys

Patiently waiting for PopPop to blow up balloons

Giving it a try!

There was some gun fire....(we're hillbillies)

Love

Balloon Fest

Us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:26:00.001-05:00

First, I'm thankful that I just learned how to download this blogger app to my phone.

Next, I'm thankful that when Drew woke up this morning and came into the kitchen, he said, "Today is Thanksgiving Mommy. Happy Thanksgiving!"

Third, I'm thankful that, since loading up in the car this morning at 7:45...and still driving almost 3 hrs later, Drew has not fussed or asked for more food (since breakfast). He has been happily entertaining himself by drawing clues for Santa. ?? Not sure...but not complaining! This is a welcomed new experience. Hoping our stay at GiGi's continues to go well.

Thankful that I'm being thankful this year. Lol. :)

Hope you all have an enjoyable holiday...

Relationship Development Intervention

2011-11-19T08:49:00.001-05:00

**Scroll down to see videos of us doing RDI***

I LOVE RDI (Relationship Development Intervention). Love, Love, Love it!!! It's definitely going down as one of my favorite and most helpful therapies...for the entire family!

We started RDI over the summer right after our move; but didn't really do at it the right way. So, we re-started it mid September. We are very, very fortunate to have an awesome consultant too. I feel like she's my very own personal therapist although we're there for Drew. We go see her once/week for an hour; but the actual therapy is all done at home and/or out and about by ME. Scary, huh? Hubby is included too; but he's really just beginning due to his recent travels.

The best part of RDI is that it helps take the rigidity, inflexibility, walking on egg shells all freakin' day long out of the equation. It does NOT happen over night. And, what we've learned about Drew is that he is very ridden with anxiety. So, any kind of change is very traumatic for him. Like, ANY kind of change...such as wearing a brown shirt as opposed to a red shirt (thank you PANDAS). I really doubt that all kids have to go so slow; but maybe.

Nonetheless, it has already made HUGE changes in our daily lives. It is a parent based therapy...again, scary. I did not want to have to start another therapy, especially, not one where I had to do all the work. Really? More work? Wasn't I already doing enough? But, trust me, it is well worth it; and quite frankly, easy and fun. That's right, FUN.

It builds the relationship between the parent (guide) and the child (apprentice). It is sort of based on the theory that the child with autism (or other special situations), had a break down in communication early on. Not just regular communication...very important communication. Non-verbal communication. Here's the thing, I am not going to do justice to the theories of this therapy. I will try to explain; but please don't just base your opinions off of what I'm saying because I never really know what the heck I'm talking about.

Anywhoo...it's about going all the way back to infancy. Think about it, before babies can even begin to think about talking, what and how are they communicating and learning? From YOU! Yes, they eventually, learn from others that they are around (which is what RDI will also address); but initially, they are looking at and watching you. When anything happens, what do they do? They LOOK at YOU to see your reaction. That's called referencing. They reference your reaction in order to judge how they should react. They learn this...they aren't born with it; but we don't exactly go out to teach them this skill either. It usually just happens. So, they reference you for your reaction to a noise, a silly dangling toy, for comfort, etc. They build a trust for you and your reaction. They can then feel safe when in new situations. They are "guided" by your reactions and learn how to deal with new situations; but in a trusting way, because they trust you. They also learn to read visual cues very early on. Like, the hand signal for "come here", or wiggling your finger back and forth for "no", waving "hi", smiles, eye expressions, following your gaze to an object or sound, arms out for a hug, and so much more.

In our world, we are very focused on the expressive side of language. Rightly so, our child wasn't talking when everyone else's was...so we want him to talk. However, somewhere along the line, the non-verbal communication was lost. And, even more importantly, the skill of referencing others for their reactions was never developed. This is huge for our kids. This is how people read emotions, know when to back off, know when something is ok, etc. So, while Drew did understand (eventually) much non communciation such as waving hi and the hand command for "come here"; he was not referencing others facial and body language.

Now, here comes the problem with this... if a child/person, never really learned how to reference a trusted "guide" for how to react to a situation, they may not have learned how to deal with new or challenging situations. Perhaps, they tried once to "check" your face but you didn't pick up on it (who would if not really looking for it); so, they were in an uncomfortable situation. They were frightened and unsure of what to do next. For most, that was probably all it took for them to remember..."I don't like new situations." or maybe that's when it subconsiously came clear that they don't like change. If things stay the same, they have adjusted to how to deal with "same". Now, they want you to leave them alone...don't make changes because that puts them in major insecurity land and they never learned how to deal with those situations.

This is probably also why some of the challenging behaviors came about. If they are non-verbal (or verbal) and placed in a new environment or even just something that is not "same"...they automatically have learned to cry, scream, hit, run away, etc. This is their defense mechanism. It probably worked (at least once) and they didn't have to deal with whatever the scary thing was. Keep in mind, the scary thing could be something as simple as wearing a brown shirt instead of a red one. If you wear red everyday (same)and then mom puts out a brown shirt (new)...you know it's different. You don't know why it's different...you don't know if you'll ever wear the red shirt again...you don't know the significance of the brown shirt...what does it mean? And, maybe as an infant, if this had happened (with a typcial child), perhaps the infant noticed the new brown shirt. "hmmmm", thought the baby. Then he quickly glances at mom who is holding the new brown shirt up for you to see, she is smiling and nodding her head yes... to portray "this is ok, mommy likes it and wants you to wear it. everything is going to be ok." The baby, from past, SUCCESSFUL, experiences with referencing mom's reaction, trusts her and then doesn't have a fit over the new shirt. The baby probably doesn't even think twice at this point because this sort of interaction happens many, many times throughout the day with this child.

If that scenario had been a child with ASD, the child may have just immediately started thrashing around, screaming, hitting, running away... thus, leaving the parent bewildered. What the heck just happened? Why is my kid freaking out all the sudden? I have no idea what is wrong with them. Or, the parent may already be in tune to know that it was because of the color change of the shirt; but still doesn't understand why the child flipped out.

Ok, in all seriousness, that was a terrible example. But, I was trying to give a simple example. This type of thing happens to our kids all day long though. Drew hated going into stores, hated going up stairs or in to a different room, he hated other people, hated new toys, etc etc. And for him, it was because it was new and a change. He didn't know what to do and instead of just watching me to see how I handled the situation or how I played with the toy, he just tantrummed. he did NOT want to be unsuccessful; so he resisted everything all the time. Again, this probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense...sorry. I'm trying here because I really want you to see how important it is to be sure that you've got that kind of communication going on with your child. You might think I'm an idiot or crazy too. That's ok. I don't blame you. It all seems so relatively simple and you probably think your eight year is doing these things...after all, he's in school and surviving. And, you are lucky for that. But, just try to think about it.

Let me tell you how it is helping us at home. OMG. Huge changes.

Before: I ask Drew to help me with the dishes. He screams no. Then, I'm not able to do the dishes; so I do them while he's asleep.
Now: I tell Drew that I need to do the dishes. Drew asks if he can help. We then do a productive activity together. I teach him how and hey, he might can even do them all by himself one day!

Before: I ask Drew if he wants to make Grandma a card for her birthday. Drew screams no. I tried to insist. Drew falls on the floor. I think, "what the heck? It's just a freakin' card! Most kids love this stuff." We don't make the card. I buy one from the store and sign Drew's name for him.
Now: I tell Drew that we're going to make Grandma a card. He asks if he can use scissors and glue. I help him get the materials and together we make Grandma a homemade card that Drew is so very proud of. He then wants to write "To Grandma" (of course asking me for help in spelling) and then signs his name.

Before: I ask Drew if he wants to help me bake cookies. Drew says "YES!" I'm so excited....until, Drew doesn't understand that he can't eat the flour that is in the bag, or the baking soda,etc. He doesn't understand that we have to mix it all together. He fusses and wants no part of the baking...just wants cookies now. I listen to him cry but insist that I will make cookies today for crying out loud. So I reluctantly mix all the ingredients feeling good that I did it although he is screaming at me. I put them in the oven. Drew calms down when he sees them take form. But, when told he has to wait 10 minutes for the to cook, he goes in to severe tantrum mode. I swear to never again attempt this project with him.
Now: Drew asks me if we can bake cookies. Of course, he wants to know how many ingredients there will be. Together, we get all the ingredients, he pulls his stool up and we mix it all up. Granted, he still sticks his fingers in all the dough in order to taste it (but hey, so do I!), he helps put them on the cookie sheet. Then backs up while I put them in the preheated oven. He does want to know how long it will take and he does still insist on obsessing over the clock with the timer. But, he waits. He then waits for them to cool afterwards.

This, folks, is HUGE progress at our house. It's only been a few months and we are in the very beginning stages of RDI. Very beginning. So, if we've come this far, I can't imagine how far it will take us the more we advance.

And, another thing...Drew is building that trust for me. He is accepting new things much better now because he trusts me. We went in to CVS yesterday, unplanned.... guess what, that is HUGE for us. Yes, we still cannot spuratically go anywhere. People just don't understand some of the limitations people like us have. Anyway, he wanted to know why I wasn't driving home (because this was right after his long day at school and he was ready for some icecream and relaxing). I told him that I needed to run into the medicine store to get him some eye drops (Oh, don't worry, homeopathic eye drop :) ). He said, "Ok, can I help you find them?" Phew, sigh of relief. We went in, looked around, we did have to count the aisles; but we did it. Sadly, that is really big. But, I know this is helping him and it is helping me too!

So, that is my very poor explanation of RDI. I think it is sooooo helpful. And, I can't wait until Drew gets further along where he can really reference his peers better. I think it is going to help so much with him making friends.. I think it will take him out of his current thinking that everything is about Drew; and then help him be concerned for others and their feelings...not just so that it will benefit him but because he really cares. One day. :)

Now, here are some really terrible videos of our attempts at RDI. I did not plan on posting them to the blog. So, excuse my...well, everything.

In the following, we are watching to see if he checks my reaction when he is unsure about something or about what to do next. Watch for him to look up at me...especially when I don't immediately respond. I'm trying to learn how to quit answering him so quickly. I need to withold my reactions to make sure that he is in tune to me before responding.

Here's another one where I tried to take an everyday moment and turn it into an RDI moment. Unfortunately, I missed a lot of RDI moments in this one. This was an earlier goal which was for us to "coordinate". Coordinating in simple ways...just by me holding the spoon and him scooping at the same time is coordinating. You'll probably sense his resistance but notice he then wants my help. That's why it's our goal to do things together. Like our therapist says...even small things like me holding his shoe and him putting his foot in is coordinating. Of course, it gets more complicated but that where we started.

And, well, this one isn't about RDI but it's funny. Drew being a Policeman for Halloween!

Halloween and then some.

2011-11-17T18:14:00.001-05:00

Perhaps I should upload my Halloween pics to my blog before Thanksgiving!

These are from Drew's Halloween Party at School

Let me give an update on what went down in October. I didn't let you all know that Hubby was out of the country for a month. Drew and I were on our own and miraculously, we survived. I did plan for family to come visit on most of the weekends which was nice and distracting. But, something should be said for those other weekends that are so very dreaded. The ones where I have nothing planned, school is out on the Friday prior, and it is going to rain the entire time. F.U.N.

You know the whole saying, "the more you do, the more you can do"? Oh, you haven't heard that one? Well, I am a firm believer in it although I don't want to try it. I really thought that Drew and I wouldn't survive three days stuck inside together with no help. But, it seems like when there isn't anyone else around, I'm able to have a little more control. I guess it's because I'm not worried about what others are thinking. Ironically, I didn't even have to put Drew in time-out the entire weekend. Now that's not to say that he was a perfect angel; but I learned that Drew is at a new place in his communication.

I truly believe that the ONLY reason he did well is because of homeopathy. We have seen unquestionable changes in his behavior (for the better) while on his remedy. More on that later.

So, we did Halloween without Hubby this year. We met up with our neighbors and hit up the houses on our street. Drew did excellent. He was fully aware this year of everything that was going on...including the candy in his pumpkin. Last year (and the year before), I was able to pull a fast one on him and switch out his pumpkin with one filled with little toys. Not so much this year, he was eyeing that candy...I'm sure making mental notes of the sizes, colors, how many, etc. I had already decided that I would allow him to have candy this year. GASP! I know. Well, not THAT kind of candy. I had decided to allow him to have this. He didn't know what he was going to get but he knew he was getting candy. Fortunately, I cut myself off and was able to save him two snack packs...

When we got home from our trick or treating, I told Drew that I had to go check all of his candy. I ran inside the pantry and did the quick switch and then cringed when he looked inside the new pumpkin. He did a double take. He dug around a bit. And, the he said in a sweet happy voice (phew), "Gummy Bears?!" And, I let him dig in. Funny thing is that I expected him to do the whole, "yum yum yum yum" thing that he does almost uncontrollably when eating something that he really likes. But, he didn't. He liked them; but he was actually very interested in the little toys that I had thrown in the pumpkin (stamps, stickers, pencils, etc). So, success. Again, PHEW!

Sweet Neighbors

Discovering his candy

Having gummy bears for the first time!

October was a good month although Hubby was gone. It was trying with Drew being sick most the month. But, I feel like he and I made some progress in areas (to be discussed in my future RDI post). And, homeopathy is still rockin'.

Drew's Dialogues w/ a Thankful Theme

2011-11-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

I've got to start writing this stuff down more...

Random, Drew said, "I'm thankful for you Mommy."
Me: "Thank you Baby, I'm thankful for you too. Why are you thankful for Mommy?"
Drew: "I'm thankful for you because you give me food and breakfast. I'm thankful because you do all the nice things for me. I'm thankful for you because you take me places everyday and Saturday."

Riding in the car with me, I told Drew that we should think about why we love Daddy. So I asked him to think of five reasons that he loves his Daddy. Here's his response:
"I love him because he shares his instrument." (I have no idea what that means.)
"I love him because he doesn't go too fast." (Huh? He's the fastest driver of all of us!)
"I love him because he is nice to me."
"I love him because he tickles me."
"I love him because all my friends at preschool in Texas say hello to my Dad." (This was made me tear up because this did happen one time months ago.)

Ok, now this one gives me many reasons to be thankful. There is a little girl at Drew's school who has cancer. She is homebound right now. The school is having a Bike-A-Thon for her on Friday to raise money to help her family. She came up to the school last week and Drew got to meet her for the first time. On the way home, I asked him about her; but I can't remember exactly what he said. However, tonight, I was thinking about the Bike-A-Thon and how I need to be preparing him that he'll be bringing his bike to school on Friday and that the day will be a little different than normal. So, I asked him if his teachers had told him about bringing his bike to school to ride for his new friend that he met last Friday.
Drew's response, "Yes, everybody gets to bring their motocycles, bikes, or scooters to ride in the circle. After that, I will give her my medicine and cookies to make her feel better." Heart. Melt.

And finally, to end on a more chipper note:
While riding with his Grandma in the car:
Drew: "Grandma, there are 30 inches in my seatbelt."
Grandma: "Do you know how many inches are in a foot?"
Drew: "How many?"
Grandma: "12"
Drew: "How many are in the other foot?"

Update on Saving Graison!

2011-11-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Those of you who follow Saving Graison...BIG NEWS! Graison has WORDS!!!!!! I'm so very happy for him and his mommy! They have worked so hard to help heal him.

Writers Block.

2011-10-31T10:24:00.001-04:00

Many times, I have so much to say that I don't feel I can adequately journal the thoughts and events. Either there isn't enough time or there is so much to say, it should be broken into multiple posts, or I worry that it may just carry on and bore you. So, I just don't write. For me, that is my writer's block. I have a different kind because, see, there is always something to write about. It's just a matter of what I'm willing to admit, have the time to explore, or am afraid of the feelings I'll dredge up while writing it. Make sense?

Lately, there's been a lot of all of the above.

From my own personal emotional something that's going on that I will keep private-sorry; to the PANDAS debacle that keeps rearing it's ugly ass head; to the surprising and amazing moments that keep happening. Many times, I choose the amazing moments because they are the easiest. Often, I think that it would help others to see all the positive that is happening. Then, I worry that you might think we're not real because of it. Trust me, we are real, alright! There are tons of valleys. Sometimes, when I write about those disasters, I feel like you can probably relate more with me because I have a tendency to not hold back on whatever drama for this momma that might be unraveling. And, for the personal something. Sigh. I can't go there.

Anyway, I've hesitated to tell you about an incident because I didn't want to give this situation any extra thought. But, I would like to say the following:

Dear Naysayer,

I am not sorry that you do not agree with me. Obviously, it is your choice; but quite frankly, I don't care. Most likely, either you do not have a child on the spectrum; so you have no idea what you are talking about. OR, you do have a child on the spectrum and you are not getting results that you want. If the latter is true, please do not be discouraged by my blog. I truly empathize. It is terrible that our kids are sick and I'm so sorry that yours is too. That said, from what I can gather, you do not have a child on the spectrum. You remind me of the medical community who is being funded by the pharmceutical companies.

Some of your not so kind comments about me and Drew only made it that much more official that Drew is recovering. As a matter of fact, I'll go as far as to say that he IS recovered from autism. He doesn't have Autism anymore. He still has certain behaviors to be worked on but not autism. His behaviors are caused by immune dysfunctions within his body. That said, he lives in our world now. He has full conversations, plays with toys and kids, is academically above average, he is interested in others and their feelings...just like you pointed out. However, despite your theory that he never had autism, you are wrong. He did. Not PDD, ADD, or any other "lesser" concern. He had AUTISM; but he does NOT have autism now. So, you actually validated my cause - you further proved that recovery can happen. I did not make up his illnesses despite your best efforts to convince me otherwise. He was diagnosed multiple times by professionals at different times and in different practices including his first with a board certified developmental pediatrician, further by more than one BCBA, and also board certified physicians and pychologists.

This has been a very long journey. It has cost our entire family so much financially, emotionally, physically, and more. We have literally spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to help recover Drew. We have split up as a family logistically to make it possible for Drew to receive the therapy that he needed. We have endured countless sleepless nights full of tears and pain. It has been excruciating. And, I do not say any of that to toot my on horn. I say it because, unfortunately, that is what it takes to POTENTIALLY recover a child. And still, heartbreaking, we could have done all of that and he not recovered. We are lucky. PERIOD. But, what if we hadn't tried? It is just not in my make up to not give my EVERYTHING to something that I fully believe in. And, guess why I believed with all my heart that Drew would recover...??? Because in the beginning of this nightmare, I found other moms who had blogged about their progress and recovery with their children. It gave me hope. Hope was all I needed to set a sail. And, I am ever so grateful to those other Warrior Mommas before me who documented their journey. Because if they hadn't, I may not have known about the options for Drew. I might have sat back and listened to the naysayers like you who would have probably told me that those other children didn't really have autism anyway...so I shouldn't waste my money and time. You would say that I should just accept my child as is and move forward. Oh, thank you Lord, I did not do that!!!! I owe everything to those other strong moms! And because of that, I have my own blog to hopefully give hope to others in order to drown out the naysayers like you. Our kids do not deserve to be sick and in pain. And, yes, they are in pain. Many can't say it; but others can including mine. What kind of mother would I be if I didn't try to help relieve the pain from my child?

Oh, and one more thing, if you decide to comment again, I might post your comment if you are brave enough to leave your name and credentials. Of course, this time, you were a coward.

Ok, all done. Time to move on. I feel better. Happy Blogging. :)

Homeopathy for Autism!

2011-10-24T17:21:00.002-04:00

Dear Homeopathy,
I LOVE YOU!

I do not understand you and you confuse me alot. None of that matters right now because when you work, you ROCK!

With loads of thanks,
Joanna

More Notes (some abbreviated as previously discussed in prior post) from our first month on Drew's new constitutional remedy:

Week 1- Drop dosed on a Thur night. AMAZING week. UNBELIEVEABLE week.
Week 2- Drop dosed Wed. Friday morning woke w/ dry cough and sick AND Pandas flare. Sip dosed throughout weekend. Drop dosed Monday. Rough week due to both OCD increase and physical strep symptoms.
Week 3- Sip dosed over weekend. Only two MAJOR meltdowns but possibly gut related. Other really good things happening! Drop dosed Monday-clearing up PANDAS symptoms (Physical and mental). Definitely better than previous week. Noticing better language especially receptively. Able to change up routine a bit...not without resistance but once it was changed, the next time was much easier. He just needs to talk through things. Expressing emotions- While Daddy was out of town and playing with Mommy, he said, "Mommy, I am happy with you; but I am sad that Daddy is on a trip. I have two feelings." !!!! While watching Chicken Little (first movie he half way watched) almost cried for Chicken Little because he couldn't play baseball. HUGE...showing empathy, especially sadness. Probably due to RDI, he is now wanting to help do EVERYTHING.Added some low-med oxalate foods. Only one minor reaction. Weaning off Renelix. Dry all week! BM's fantastic!
Week 4 - Drop dosed Friday night. AMAZING weekend! He did so well! Going to more than one place in a day is typically a challenge. On Saturday, he and I went to Target then Whole Foods, he helped me unload the car, helped me cook, even did a little pretend homeowork, and then went to restaurant where he waited for food. Seems to just be "getting" things related to his emotions in particular, his explosive emotions. Also, I probably overdosed him on the medium oxalates and I noticed one minor reaction incidence. This is BIG, folks! We're off Renelix so his body is doing it alone.

Sensory Improvements: Taking shoes and/or socks off like it's no big deal when coming inside, washing his own hair, running around with no shirt on inside and outside.
Sensory Needs: Still gets very hot quickly and sweats ALOT. Still doesn't like to play in sprinkler.
Language Improvements: Talking about emotions- his and others. Trying to identify with emotions and interpret others. Less hesitant speech. At times, language is so normal- quick, lengthy, appropriate.
Language Needs: Still hesitating when narrating story, still counting alot.
Behavior Improvements: Biggest area of improvement. Meltdowns are infrequent. INFREQUENT. He is able to regulate for the most part...granted negotiation is typically taking place. Accepting no for things as long as alternative is offered. Waiting...Sat in a restaurant nicely and waited for everyone to receive their food before eating his. OMG. PRAISE THE LORD. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! In case you're wondering, that was a HUGE HUGE HUGE deal! Cooridinating and working with others to accomplish goals (RDI) and even initiates this action. Cooking with me! Sampling alot but still...cooking with me!
Behavior Needs: Able to accept no even when alternative is not presented. Still fairly inflexible first go 'round. Counting obsession...inappropriately involved in all aspects of day. Still wanting to be in control but is working on it.
Social Improvements: Wanting to play with kids. Initiating conversation with peers. Laughing with kids. Playing outdoors with peers.
Social Needs: More appropriate conversation with peers. More patience and willingness to do what others want to do.

And, while I'm on a roll, Drew received his first report card. Drumroll please. Ok, they don't give letter grades (this is preschool); and I'm not expecting perfect. However, even after a parent/teacher conference just to go over everything, and after giving his teachers ample opportunities to fill in the blanks... they showed no concern that Drew was out of place. No mention of any sort of delay. No concerns, no negative comments... Just a bunch of "Above Level" marks and the remainder were"At Level" marks. Zero "Below Level"! They had a little comment section where the teacher wrote that Drew is a very bright and inquisitive young man. :)

HOPING and PRAYING that this continues... We could use it!

See...Vaccines do "shed"

2011-10-18T23:06:00.000-04:00

Father's Military Smallpox Vaccination Sends Toddler to Hospital - Health News Current Health News Medical News - FOXNews.com

Classical homeopathy intro/ update

2011-10-17T22:45:00.001-04:00

Update on homeopathy:
We started classical homeopathy just a few weeks ago. My intentions were to start classical in order to even out Drew's emotions and other remaining issues. I made the appointment just after our move- before our path down trouble lane began. Due to seemingly more important issues, I decided to postpone our adventure with classical homeopathy.

Finally, I decided to give it a shot; but I should mention, it was not because we were on a straight line with no issues... Quite the opposite. Looking for help and very desperate.

We are working with Dr. Angelica Lemke who is Pierre Fontaine's associate/partner. After an unusual initial consult, Drew's constitutional remedy was chosen. Classical, remember, is different than sequential. There is only one remedy used at a time with the belief that if it is the properly chosen remedy, it will be able to heal the body.

Wk 1: Gave constitutional remedy after major meltdown. Drew snapped out of it and was an angel for the next SEVEN days. SEVEN. We saw amazingly well behaved Drew. He had great language! He was just so cooperative, affectionate, and good! Towards the end of the week, I noticed maybe a little more hyperness; but he was still regulating his mood unbelieveably well.

Wk 2: Gave constitutional remedy because it had been seven days and thought it was probably time... Not the same results. First, Drew coincidentally seemed to be getting sick. Woke with very sore throat and extremely deep, harsh cough, and sneezing. Next, he had a major OCD meltdown. Major. Rituals were high this week. Behaviors were rough. Lots of roller coaster this week. PANDAS appears to be flaring AGAIN. Considering the sore throat, cough, and timely OCD and ritual freak outs, it had to be our favorite bear in the house. I sip dosed his remedy as instructed I could do during acute behaviorial issues. We would see results fairly quickly but they wouldn't last long. I only sip dosed 2-3 times consecutively in a day; so it might not have been enough. Very frustrating! Angelica said that I could give the strep nosode in sip dose fashion if I felt necessary. As much as he probably needed it, I didn't do it. I chickened out and just walked on eggshells that week instead. (I had family coming to stay and I knew if I were to start the strep nosode, he might react with a fever...I wanted to save that joy for another time...although I do actually welcome a fever). I, instead, gave him another dose of his contitutional remedy. So, that would have been his third dose. I immediately noticed a few new sensory breakthroughs; but other than that...just pretty sick all week.

Wk 3: Still riding on the roller coaster although it might be coming to an end...hopefully not a false hope. When my family came to stay, he was getting better phsycially just continuing with a cough. He had really good moments and really bad moments behaviorally; but more good than bad. I sip dosed his remedy one morning after a terrible meltdown and saw zero relief. It wasn't for another 12 hours and a huge BM that I saw a change. And, voila! He was back to angel child! He's stayed that way for the past three days despite one meltdown...origination under investigation...

Gave him another real dose tonight because it has been 7 days since the last dose.

Thoughts? We were on a really good roll but allergies and sickness brought out a PANDAS flare that this new remedy couldn't stand up to...YET. It helped but needed to have lots of repeated doses. Now that this flare is over, the remedy is working again. It should also be working on some deeper healing.

What's Cooking?? Low oxalate, specific carb, GFCF pizza and tacos!!

2011-10-12T21:48:00.001-04:00

I've got a couple new recipes to share with you. :) And, I'm excited because despite our limitations and being GFCFSF, LOD, and corn, sugar, and more "free", these are somewhat normal recipes.

Also, I want to mention that we're still trialing the quail eggs...and guess what, you can have them mailed to your house via the post office. Crazy! My Whole Foods stopped carrying them and I can't find a local farm so I had to go online to find them.

Ok, first up...

PIZZA! I feel like I should type it larger:

PIZZA!!!!!
(And, it's GFCFSF, LOD, SCD!!)

This recipe has been modified but I heard about it from my friend Bonnie and I also saw it on a low carb website. And, for the record, NO, I do not think that it really looks like, feels like, or tastes like real pizza. But, for my kid, it is THE BEST and the closest thing he'll get. It has come in so handy on Friday Pizza Day at school.

Here's how I do it:

1 head or 1-2 bags of frozen cauliflower
1/2 C coconut flour (or whatever you can use)
3 quail eggs or 1 regular egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 TBL Organicville Tomato Sauce (we have to use minute amounts due to oxalates...but pile it on if you can. This brand does not contain sugar.)
Salt, Pepper, Italian seasoning - Optional. I don't use seasoning.
Toppings of your choice. I use either ground turkey, chicken, very small veggies or no toppings.

Boil cauliflower and drain.
Puree cauliflower.
Mix in egg.
Combine flour and baking soda.
Mix dry ingredients w/wet ingredients.
Roll out on to parchment paper and shape into a circle. (I can usually get two 6-8 in pies out of it).
Spread tomato sauce and other toppings. Voila.
I bake on 375 for 45-60 min.straight on the parchment paper with no pan. This is because mine is really mostly cauliflower. It takes a while for it to cook and get dry like. When the edges are brown, and there are "cracks" in the pizza, I take it out of the oven.

*You can premake the dough and freeze it. Bonus!

Next up:

TACOS!!!!!

Ahem,

TACOS!!!
(These are GFCFSF, semi LOD; but NOT SCD; but you might could play around w/ coconut flour and chestnut flour to make them SCD??)

Bonus: This was one of our RDI goals...helping to make dinner!

Here's how I do it:
(Makes 1 dozen and they can be frozen!)
3 cups flour (I used Chebe's bread mix...it is mainly tapioca starch which is why this isn't SCD.)

1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt - I used less.
3/4 cup shortening (I used Spectrums shortening)
3/4 cup hot water
Toppings of choice. We used romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and shredded chicken.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in shortening..you want it to be crumbly; if it's still more like flour, add more shortening.

Add water.
Knead the dough until it forms a soft dough ball. Original recipe called for it to be covered and set out for an hour. I didn't have time...it still worked but sort of chewy/tough..
Separate into 12 pieces/balls and roll each one to about 1/8 inch in thickness. You do want them fairly thin!
Place each tortilla on a medium skillet. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla does not look doughy.
*I cooked mine too long and they were really tough. We also just broke each one into two pieces so it was kind of a sandwich taco. :)
Add toppings.