Rise Up To Autism

One in 100 Australians diagnosed as ‘one the spectrum’, Autism may well be the disorder that defines this generation.....

2014-03-29T09:34:00.001+10:00

With one in 100 Australians diagnosed as ‘one the spectrum’, autism may well be the disorder that defines this generation...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/with-one-in-100-australians-diagnosed-as-one-the-spectrum-autism-may-well-be-the-disorder-that-defines-this-generation/story-fni0fit3-1226867751105

HERALD SUN LUCIE VAN DEN BERG WEEKEND MARCH 29, 2014 12:00AM

Great story...... Raeblogs

Extreme Love: Autism - Video Dailymotion

2013-01-20T20:47:00.001+10:00

EXTREME LOVE: AUTISM DOCUMENTARY

LOUIS THEROUX

A childhood friend and support for my boys and I emailed the other week with the details of this documentary to be featured on Australian television. I had seen parts of this report before. It certainly isn't for the faint-hearted.

It's "real and honest".... and it will leave tears streaming down your face.

Even though some sections were extremely difficult for me to watch, I couldn't help notice, Louis rapport and how quickly he was able to engage and communicate with the children featured.

"Who are you to judge the live I lead...."

B. Marley

Extreme Love: Autism - Video Dailymotion

IDEAS TO SAY THANK-YOU TO YOUR CHILD'S CLASS

2012-11-27T06:55:00.005+10:00

IDEAS TO SAY THANK-YOU TO YOUR CHILD'S CLASS

It is almost Christmas and time for parents to acknowledge all the hard work teachers, schools and specialists have contributed throughout the year. Every year I make the extra effort to say thank-you to the children in my son's classroom, his teachers and of course his aides. I usually do this through a letter and a card, but it is not always easy to know what to say, so I thought I would share my ideas for this year. These little extra ways of showing appreciation, I believe, help to strengthen friendships my son has with his peers.

Even though my son deserves to be in a mainstream classroom, I have always be very aware of the impact his needs have on the other children, I feel as a parent, you have to be.

Here is the Christmas card my son and I have made for each child......

Writing is difficult..... so anything that shows he has contributed is important and personal.

An example of a letter I write to every family who had a child in my son's classroom.....

To the Parents of the beautiful children in.......

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the children and families of _____.

It is hard to believe we have all arrived at the end of another school year. My how the children have grown. I feel we are all so blessed to have such wonderful, caring and supportive people involved in our children’s education. ______________ have been miraculous this year. What inspirational women!

As always, I was extremely concerned when it was time for ___________ to start another school year, with new class mates and surroundings. It is so difficult to determine if he is settled, happy and learning. I also wondered if he would continue to speak and foster friendships as he had done previously. When I reflect, I know I had absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Your children, the truly amazing little people that they are, have accepted ________ and his Autistic traits, involved him socially, playing games, reading and bonded in a such a special way, only the children can really understand. ________ is a very gentle soul. His traits can be over-whelming at times and can, isolate him when around other children. However under the gentle guidance of _______________________________, your children have looked beyond those traits and differences allowing ________ to open the door into his world. Your children have seen ___________ true nature and for this I am forever grateful.

________________ has progressed so much in his social and cognitive development this year, all thanks to just being around children. He has enjoyed reading the kids stories and playing with them in the playground. He has thrived on their warm smiles and high 5’s in the morning and will engage, socially confident and happy. This is such as special gift, as I know how lucky I am to have a Autistic child capable of these feats. Autism can be an incredibly cruel disorder. It can take your child in a world where no-one is permitted to enter. Just to have _____________ looking at us, saying a few words, smiling and laughing, being cheeky, running and playing are “gifts” to our family.. gifts I was told he would never have. Your support with ____________ is also greatly appreciated. To have your children share in his development, to understand what Autism is, to accept differences without judgement, all at a very young age, is truly incredible and a credit to you, the parents of these precious angels.

A heart-felt thank-you is also extended to all the Birthday parties we were invited to and were able to attend. To all the Parent-helpers to worked with _____________ within the classroom and the friendships extended to both my boys and myself. I have really enjoyed hearing stories from the other parents and children about _____________ day. It gets hard sometimes when he cannot tell you all the things he did and learnt, so to hear this from others, gives me strength and courage to face the hardest of times.

I cannot thank-you all enough. We have a truly compassionate school and parish environment and this I know will give _____________ the opportunities he deserves in life. So again, God Bless and thank-you.

Faithfully,

Blessed are Those.

I. Blessed are those who stop and listen to my chatter. You may not understand me; but I love when people talk to me, for I long for companionship, too.

II. Blessed are those who take my hand and walk with me when the path is rough, for I easily stumble and grow weary. But thank you, too, for letting me walk alone when the path is smooth, for I must learn independence.

III. Blessed are those who take the time to tell me about special happenings, for unless you make special effort to inform me, I remain ignorant.

IV. Blessed are those who wait for me. I may be slow, but I appreciate your patience.

V. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to be seen in public with me, for I did not choose to be born thus. It could have been you as well.

VI. Blessed are those who do not pity me, for I don't want pity. All I want is understanding and respect for what I have learned as well.

VII. Blessed are those who notice my accomplishments, small as they may seem to you. I must work long and hard to learn many of the things you take for granted.

VIII. Blessed are those who include me in their games, even though I may not understand the rules, I still like to be included in your activities.

IX. Blessed are those who think of me as a person who loves, and hurts, and feels joy and pain just like you do, for in that respect I am normal.

Author Unknown

CHRISTMAS is a time to sit back.....breathe, enjoy family, time and most importantly be appreciative for all the good people and opportunities in our lives. It only takes a minute to smile and say thanks.....

7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD......

2012-11-20T22:44:00.000+10:00

At this time of the year.... we are all exhausted.
There are no easy days.
So I thought a little inspiration to keep us all smiling was in order.
Have a blessed day.
:-)

The Seven Wonders Of The World......

Author Unknown

Junior high school students in Chicago were

studying the Seven Wonders of the World. At

the end of the lesson, the students were asked

to list what they considered to be the Seven

Wonders of the World. Though there was some

disagreement, the following received the

most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids

2. The Taj Mahal in India

3. The Grand Canyon in Arizona

4. The Panama Canal

5. The Empire State Building

6. St. Peter's Basilica

7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. to touch...

2. to taste...

3. to see...

4. to hear... (She hesitated a little, and then added...)

5. to feel...

6. to laugh...

7. and to love.

The room was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.

May this story serve as a gentle reminder to all of us that the things we overlook as simple and ordinary are often the most wonderful - and we don't have to travel anywhere special to experience them.

Enjoy your gifts!

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.”

Not all disabilities are created equal

2012-11-10T01:41:00.001+10:00

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/not-all-disabilities-are-created-equal-20121109-29313.html

NOT ALL DISABILITIES ARE CREATED EQUAL.

If your son or daughter attends a school with more than 88 kids in it, the chances are that one of those children has autism. There's a greater chance, though, you don't even know.
That is because many children with autism - especially children now in early primary school who have had access to federal funding for early intervention programs - can cope just fine in mainstream schools.
But the case this week of Ethen, an eight-year-old Campbelltown boy excluded from special school because of autism and other disorders, raised much hysteria. What it should have raised was the urgency and importance of the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS).
Ethen, it was reported, was excluded from school because he was violent. Behaviour, along with speech difficulties and social communication issues, form the triad of impairments required for an autism diagnosis. A child on the autism spectrum can have mild, moderate or severe deficiencies in one or all of these categories. Not all children with autism have significant behaviours. Not all children with Asperger syndrome can recite Shakespeare at age five. Generalisations that rise from stories like Ethen's or publicising the achievements of a gifted Asperger's child do nothing to help society understand the majority of children who fall in the middle of the spectrum.
Ethen's mother, Katrece Burns, told Fairfax he had also been excluded from respite care, meaning Mrs Burns and her other four children do not get a break from her son's needs. Ethen, who was diagnosed at four, accessed most of the available funding under the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package before he ''aged out'' of the system at six. The package was designed to assist with the costs of early intervention programs, which address impairments in early childhood when the brain is most able to be influenced.
HCWA, a Howard Government promise in 2007 that became Labor policy in 2008, failed to help Ethen sufficiently, and it was not designed to help his family cope with his autism. But the NDIS has the potential to change everything for the families like the Burnses. Where HCWA is rationed at $12,000 per child regardless of the severity of disability, NDIS will take an individual approach. So a child who requires greater help should, if the government gets it right, receive a better-funded program to suit his needs.
The Productivity Commission's recommendation to the Gillard government - which along with disability community input is expected to form much of the NDIS legislation to be introduced into federal Parliament his month - has focused on eligibility and reasonable support.
''There are about 583,000 people that will be supported by the NDIS either with or without a funded package,'' the recommendation says. ''Funded support under an NDIS would be for people where a needs assessment indicates that the severity of their disability impacts on their ability to do normal day-to-day activities, and means that they need support.''
Promises have also been made by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, that this will include early intervention. ''You [the disability community] told us that early intervention needed to be explicitly included in the definition of eligibility. Of course, support for early intervention is one of the key ideas behind an NDIS, but the feedback we received made us realise how important it is that this be stated upfront. So it will be,'' a co-signed NDIS newsletter said on November 2.
Nicole Rogerson, the chair of Autism Awareness and a long-time campaigner for funding for effective early intervention, remains cautious. ''Early intervention is key, but it has to be good quality, evidence-based and meet best practice guidelines,'' she says. ''They know what it is, they don't want to pay for it. I don't believe NDIS will be the answer unless we fight for the specifics within the policy.'' While the rationing system of HCWA failed Ethen, it was enough to help pay for my son's early intervention. This, along with mild symptoms, meant he could enter mainstream school. Yet online discussion following the publishing of Ethen's story favoured all children with autism being excluded from mainstream school. The ignorance involved in forming this view is frightening.
My seven-year-old can be burdensome on his teachers. They might have to take the lid off the jelly bean jar to reward him for completing his work. Sometimes, because of his deficiency in social communication, he might yell at another child who does the wrong thing. But ''normal'' kids yell too.
With a normal-range IQ (no, he cannot recite Shakespeare, but he can read Zac Power) and no significant behaviour problems, my son does not need a heavily taxpayer-funded place in a high staff-ratio special school - and this holds true for most children with high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome.
No single approach to education works for all children with autism - that is why it is a ''spectrum'' and that is why there is a broad range of supports available in the education system - from the jelly bean jar or teacher's aide support in mainstream class, to high support with high staff ratios in specialist autism schools. This year, I have interviewed dozens of parents, from Perth, to Townsville, to rural Tasmania, for the second edition of the Australian Autism Handbook, which will be released next year. Some of the children in the book have had success in mainstream schools, others in special schools. It does sadden me that some of the effective cases of education I have heard involve home schooling and distance education to avoid bullying. But ''normal'' kids get bullied too.
The Coalition took a $20,000-per-child ''education card'' promise to the 2010 election, aimed at helping 6000 children who need it most.
But funding isn't everything. The Positive Partnerships program has helped mainstream school teachers learn the skills they need to manage children with autism. Many teachers have reported improved skills in managing all children. ''Normal'' kids misbehave sometimes too.
The NDIS Launch Transition Agency is expected to be functioning by next July in trial zones in the Hunter, Geelong, the ACT and South Australia after legislation passes through parliament early next year. The government is keen to get the legislation right and will not rush.
It is too late for Ethen to access effective early intervention. But for the mother peering at her newspaper right now concerned that her two-year-old is not responding to his name, looking her in the eye or saying ''mum'', there is hope that they will be able to access sufficient early intervention to be able to function in mainstream society.
And, from a broader perspective, NDIS allows the hope that one day many children with autism will grow into taxpayers, not a burden on the tax system that ignorant campaigns which attempt to exclude them from mainstream school might result in.
Kathryn Wicks is a Herald journalist and co-author of The Australian Autism Handbook, second edition (April 2013).

Advantages of Apps for Autism.....

2012-10-22T15:02:00.001+10:00

Advantages of Apps for Autism.....

I received a text message last night from a beautiful friend whom I have known since I was 13 years old. It was about a 60 minute interview regarding Apps and Autism. She lives in Melbourne, has two beautiful children of her own and has ALWAYS been a huge supporter of everything I do. At first I thought, "Oh Good Lord..... ANOTHER one!" but was pleasently surprised by the content covered. Secondly, my eldest pride and joy sat and watched the program with me. He has never really done too much of this before. Being "overly-sensistive" I do try to shield him from harsh realities of Autism. He lives it everyday so there is no real need to watch it on television too.

The main points and the effectiveness of Apps and Ipads when used with children who have Autism or other disabilities, was well covered. I was also please to see the results of studies performed in Canada. A few years ago when I first looked at the Apps with my youngest, there was no real concrete data to suggest that these Apps would be of any benefit. So it was real trial and error. I guess I just followed my instincts as a mum and teacher.

I was however totally intrigued by the latest medical breakthroughs involving scans of the brain. The 60 minutes team, interviewed scientists and medical staff at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who showed images of a neuro typically developing brain and compared them with an Autistic brain. It was incredible. Researchers have been trying to discover why some people with Autism cannot speak, while other can. A topic close to home, you may say. When specialists explain to you that your child has "faulty wiring" of the neuro sensors in his brain.... you try your best to visualise it. I used to think of an electical switchboard all mixed up. These scans with their highlighted colours and images really show the inside of the working of the brain clearly and the sensors or wiring. Latest research is narrowing in on the area of the brain that connects an image one see to actually saying or speaking the word, and what connection happens or doesn't happen for an Autistic person. There was even a suggestion of the possibility of identifying and repairing the parts of the brain effected in the future. It reminded me so much of the RDI (Relationships Early Intervention Program) I had started with my son a few years ago. The idea of repairing and retraining the brain.

I have included the link for anyone interested in viewing the 60 minutes link.... it was definately worth a look.

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/this-week-first-words/xt3jxf3?from=player%5efallback%5enews%5esixtyminutes%5ehome

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/

The Autism effected brain is on the left.......

Another quick note is regarding a fantastic new App on Meditation. The App is called ...

Smiling Mind, and has been developed to help young people learn and practicse Meditation skills. Following highly regarded institutions such as UCLA, Harvard, Oxford, Monash and Melbourne Universities in Australia have conducted clinical studies into the positive impacts of Mindfulness Meditation. Results prove that regular practice helps combat stress, improves focus and increases resilience, so Smiling Mind has been created to take these positive effects to the masses.

Emotional resilience and anxiety/depression are huge problems not only with Australian youth but throughout the world. I have it on my son's Apple devices and as well on my Iphone. Fantastic Innovation to teach young people skills like; how to relax through medication, how to listen to their body and take appropriate action. Much more positive than prescribing anti-depressants and other anti-anxiety medications.

Let me know what you think too!

SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS........

2012-09-22T08:50:00.002+10:00

SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS........

Double Helix holiday science - South Queensland: Join these fun holiday programs run by CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club in South Queensland.Children aged 7 - 12 years old. http://www.csiro.au/events/SQLD-Holidays

Creative kids will love these free, art workshops at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Join Tricia Smout, artist in residence, on September 25 for Fascinating Fibonacci Fun. Based on the Fibonacci number sequence, kids can create their own book then write and draw on the pages. Spring Celebration, on September 28, will see children make a light-catcher or bookmark using flowers and leaves. Both of these workshops, suitable for eight-year-olds and over, will take place in the Japanese Garden from 11am to 2pm. For more information, phone Tricia on (07) 3379 1406.

Young Indiana Joneses will dig Raiders of the Lost Fort at Fort Lytton. These one-day workshops will see children, from six to twelve years-old, assist an archaeologist to unearth the secret of the fort before time runs out. Raiders of the Lost Fort will run on September 25, 26, and 27 from 10am to 12:30pm. Cost is $8 per child. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/fort-lytton/pdf/fort-lytton-raiders-of-the-lost-fort-flyer.pdf

BRISBANE RIVERFIRE

RiverFire is on the 29th, which is within the school holiday period. A fantastic holiday idea.
http://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/events/view/sunsuper-riverfire

SANTOS GLNG CITY OF LIGHTS

8 - 28 September:
Santos GLNG City of Lights is back to illuminate Brisbane in a new light, laser and special effects show presented nightly over the three weeks of the Festival. See it at Southbank.

http://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/events/view/santos-glng-city-of-lights

The School Holiday Directory has some great ideas for various activities. http://www.schoolholidaydirectory.com.au/

FUN AT ROMA STREET PARKLANDS
During the September/October school holidays, the Parkland Explorer will be operating every day (subject to weather) and children will be able to collect FREE activity sheets from the Parkland’s Visitor Information Booth in the Spectacle Garden, close to the children’s playground. Families can bring a picnic, use the Parkland’s many barbecue facilities or visit the Melange café on site.The Parkland has large lawn areas, interesting gardens and artworks which families are encouraged to explore and experience.
FREE activity sheets, FREE use of BBQs, Gold coin train rides, Train runs between 10am & 3pm.

Catch and Release Fishing Day on Saturday 6 October. Date:21 Sep 2012 - 7 Oct 2012
Time:Please see details
Location:Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Blvd,
Ages:All Ages / Family
Cost:FREE activites & BBQs
Gold coin train rides. http://www.romastreetparkland.com/familyfun/Pages/holidayfun.aspx

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GOLF PROGRAMS:
Various locations and age groups.
http://www.mygolf.org.au/

RECOMMENDED SWIMMING CENTRES.

ALBANY CREEK LESIURE CENTRE: Albany Creek Leisure Centre Website

NEWMARKET POOL: Newmarket Pool Website

SOUTHBANK PARKLANDS: South Bank Activity Details on their website

SPLASH CHERMSIDE: Brisbane City Council Pools Website

SETTLEMENT COVE LAGOON: REDCLIFFE Moreton Bay Regional Council Pools Information

New autism definitions to exert potential knock-on effect on allied health

2012-09-15T07:06:00.002+10:00

New autism definitions to exert potential knock-on effect on allied health.
Article taken from the Nursing Careers Allied Health Website.

www. ncah.com.au Date of Posting: 14-09-2012

The role of audiologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists and other allied health professionals engaged in providing services to autistic children could be under threat following changes to the diagnostic criteria for the condition. Following the release of the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used to guide psychiatrists worldwide, a new test could see many children, who might previously have been diagnosed with autism, now classified under a new diagnostic category known as "Social Communication Disorder".

Under current arrangements the new definition would not qualify children for support under a federal government package introduced in 2008.

Leading not-for-profit, autism-specific service provider Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has conducted research that revealed DSM-5’s implications for autistic children and their professional carers.
Aspect's study, the first of its kind to be done in Australia, compared how 132 Australian children diagnosed with autism would have fared had they been assessed under the DSM-5 definitions.

The results showed 23.5 per cent failed to meet the new criteria, which will require children to exhibit at least five out of a possible seven symptoms, instead of three as at present.

Aspect believes the findings could impact funding, which, since 2008, has been available to the tune of around $12,000 for families, over at least two years, to help provide speech therapy and other treatments for children diagnosed before the age of six.

Other elements of the scheme allow autistic children to receive Medicare-funded treatment from audiologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists and others, provided a treatment plan has been drawn up by the time the child is 13.

A number of independent studies conducted in the US have found fewer children would qualify for an autism diagnosis under the new criteria, in contrast to field work done by the American Psychiatric Association which predicted no such outcome.

It is understood the new definitions are likely to come into effect internationally shortly after the DSM-5 is published in May 2013.

http://www.ncah.com.au/news-events/new-autism-definitions-to-exert-potential-knock-on-effect-on-allied-health/1415/

Australian researchers develop genetic test that may allow early treatment of autism.....

2012-09-13T05:41:00.001+10:00

Australian researchers develop genetic test that may allow early treatment of autism......

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/australian-researchers-develop-genetic-test-that-may-allow-early-treatment-of-autism/story-e6frf7kx-1226472991352

DisabiliTEA 2012 - Supporting NDIS

2012-09-06T12:45:00.001+10:00

DisabiliTEA 2012 - Supporting the NDIS - Every Australian Counts

Organise a gathering of friends, family and supporters for DisabiliTEA 2012. A morning get together and chat in support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Friday, October 26th 2012

...from NDIS Webpage.

We’re getting ready for DisabiliTEA 2012 where people come together, have a cuppa and support the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Register to host your DisabliTEA using the form below and receive an exclusive recipe from Julia Taylor from Masterchef!
Julia and her sister Katie are helping us spread the word so we can make this year’s event bigger than ever.
By taking part you will show our politicians that we need them to lock in the NDIS.
When you register, we’ll email you the recipe. You’ll also receive a supporter pack in the post with invites, posters and other materials to help you organise your DisabiliTEA.
See you on October 26!

http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/home/

SOME EXCITING NEW WEBPAGES TO CHECK OUT ON AUTISM AND ASPERGERS

2012-09-01T21:48:00.000+10:00

SOME EXCITING NEW WEBPAGES TO CHECK OUT ON AUTISM AND ASPERGERS.....

I came across three really impressive web pages tonight.

The first is a personal favourite and a topic close to my heart. A recent ABC report on funding cutting and the lack of support for Australian children on the Autistic Spectrum. With up and coming government cuts.... who better to answer the questions of ramifications for ASD children being forced into mainstream schooling with no support..... than Professor Tony Attwood.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-23/autism-expert-warns-against-cutting-education/4219330

The second was a bit of a surprise. The new site launched by Education Queensland on ASD. It's quite informative too!

http://education.qld.gov.au/asd-online-resource-kit/

The following article appears in this months' Woman's Weekly. My son's Teacher Aide told me about it. A Sydney Mum and author of a new book, discusses her son's journey and life with Autism. With numbers of children affected climbing every day.... I'm happy to see this article featured!

http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8522914

The final is a link to the ABC and its Production, FOUR CORNERS.

It features a story highlighting the possible link between Autism and a Bacteria found in the Gut.

This again is a very interesting report. I first learnt of this "Gut Bacteria" back in January from a Canadian Neuroscience Report. After a lot of research, I decided then to try my son on a tonic, which has been around for hundreds of years.....colloid silver. It is a type of natural antibiotic, which can kill any harmful bacteria within our bodies.

Does it work.....?

Well, "Yes".... I feel with him, it has been a great boost to his immune system. However it will not stop your child from getting sick. But yes... it has been, I believe, responsible for getting him off the "antibiotic" cycle, when he did get become unwell.

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/08/23/3574441.htm

Check out the above links and do not hesitate to post comments.

I would really like to read some opinions.

Autism Awareness - What Are You Doing? DVD

2012-08-29T12:38:00.000+10:00

What are you doing? film - available in schools now!

Autism Awareness have announced that national distribution of their short documentary film ‘What are you doing?’ has begun. The film, which has been created by Autism Awareness Australia, aims to teach school aged children about acceptance and understanding of their peers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

(The following information has been taken directly from the Autism Awareness Webpage....)

http://www.autismawareness.com.au/

"With the support of the Australian Government “What are you doing?”, along with accompanying teaching materials, has been distributed to every school in Australia, totaling over 10,000 copies nationwide. All primary, secondary, state and independent schools have received a copy.
Narrated by television personality Tom Gleisner and written by ‘The Other Country’ author Michael Whelan, the film includes enlightening interviews with the brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends of children on the spectrum. Through beautiful imagery, engaging narrative, and quirky animation, ‘What are you doing?’ sends the all important message of inclusion and understanding of all those with ASD by their peers and within their communities. It has received glowing reviews at its three premieres in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and has enormous support from parents and educators across the country.
Contact your local school, let them know how important the film is to your school community and encourage them to show it as widely as possible. More awareness simply means children on the spectrum will be better understood.
Whilst the film was made for children, we suspect a few adults within the school system will learn something from it as well!
The film will be available for sale to the general public next month.
Visit the official film website www.whatareyoudoingfilm.com to see a preview of the film!"

"If you see..." - SINGLE MOTHER'S WHO HAVE AUTISTIC CHILDREN.

2012-06-07T17:01:00.000+10:00

THE FOLLOWING WAS POSTED ON THE SINGLE MOTHERS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM FACEBOOK PAGE.

If you see me at the supermarket,
and my child is screaming,
rolling on the floor
with anger seeping from his pores.
please don't blame me,
I was like you once,

If you are in a restuarant
and my child throws food and it
hits you in the face,
... please, don't be angry,
I can't handle any more rage.

If you see my child climbing over
a very tall fence with nothing on
except his hat.
Please don't call the police,
I only looked away for a minute.

If you see me crying,
as you pull up next to me
at a stop light,
at a busy intersection.
Honk and smile, I need a friend.

If you see me, running down the street
with curlers in my hair
chasing a small child
who runs so fast, I can't catch him
Help me chase him down.

If my child grabs your child,
or pushes him or bites or kicks him,
or says words that make your hair curl.
Please forgive him,
and me too.

If you happen to see us, walking
in your neighbourhood,
or in the malls, or at the park
Please don't turn away,
I was like you once.

copyright 1999
- Sally Meyer

2012-06-02T23:05:00.004+10:00

'Understanding My Friends With Autism'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID9tB0fyG7U

An introduction to a new and unique program for siblings and peers of children with autism. 'Understanding My Friends With Autism' is a program designed for children ages 5--10, to help them understand why children with autism act the way they do.The program is driven by a video made by a young girl called Charlene who has autism. She explains why children with autism like her frequently stim, have meltdowns, walk away from others for no apparent reason or find it hard to have a conversation with others. At specified times, there is a break in the video where the participants can perform simulation exercises to help them experience first hand how annoying sensory issues can be.

Topics covered:
Communication
Social difficulties
Sensory issues: - Sight, Touch, Hearing, Smell
The need for routine
For more information visit www.autismatlas.com

MYCAUSE PAGE STARTED FOR MY SON...... LIFT UP LACHIE

2012-05-07T09:39:00.003+10:00

MYCAUSE PAGE STARTED FOR MY SON...... LIFT UP LACHIE

http://www.mycause.com.au/LiftUpLachie

I think many families will start to head in this direction.

It is getting that difficult to fund therapy and resources once your child is "deemed" as not eligible for funding due to their age (Helping Children With Autism Package).

This was a massive decision for me as I have always found a way to fund

everything on my own for both of my children..... but

sometimes you have to swallow your pride, take a deep breathe and just try something different.

If anyone would like to know how to do a similar project for their child or would like to ask me anything about the "MyCause" web page, please feel free to email and I will be more than happy to help.

The Faraway Seed: Children Book About Diversity and Change

2012-04-27T05:18:00.001+10:00

The Faraway Seed: Children Book About Diversity and Change

A forest stood tall and proud, all its trees the same. One day a bird dropped a new seed in the forest and a different tree grew. Will the forest accept the new tree? With the theme being multiculturalism, acceptance and celebration of difference, this is the story of a little seed's journey to acceptance against all obstacles laid out by the forest, eventually making the forest not so 'perfect' but very, very beautiful with its diversity and loveliness.

Publisher: JoJo Publishing

ISBN: 0980556406

2012-04-25T23:34:00.001+10:00

When those with Autism and Aspergers have

freedom to believe.

We all have the desire to say....

“what if ?”

and every tomorrow has two handles.

We can take hold of it with the handle of fear

or the handle of faith.

I came across the following clip today.

I was so hesitant to share this story.

But that would be holding onto a handle of fear.

So I say....

Watch the clip....

Follow your heart, your instincts and contemplate

without judgement....

What If?....

http://video.couriermail.com.au/2223021475/Aspergers-cured

My adored friend and "lamp post" once said;

"I have just opened the door.... the choice is yours to walk through it!"

Everyone has the Freedom to Believe......

Premier Campbell Newman: willing to forgo the federal funding it currently received to assist people with disabilities.

2012-04-20T17:18:00.000+10:00

Today my sister and I discussed what in the blazes we were going to do after being told by Disability Queensland that THEIR funding to help it's clients had been cut, so

therefore despite the fact that my son had been deemed ELIGIBLE..... there was

no therapy or anything else to be eligible for.

SO I started thinking..... was this a STATE or FEDERAL decision to cut Disability support to Qld?

Then I found this article.... and believe me.... I am still searching for MORE EVIDENCE!
(Just scroll to highlighted area!)

Why do I suddenly have that song...

"The Devil Went down to Georgia..." in my head?

Newman urges competition between states

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8450100/coag-likely-to-be-acrimonious-newman

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman wants the states to compete for business and investment by cutting federal regulation.

The newest premier, Campbell Newman, wants a new way of doing things in the Council of Australian Governments - and he says the commonwealth should get out of the states' way.

On his first trip to Canberra as Queensland premier, Mr Newman said it was a bit rich for Prime Minister Julia Gillard to talk about cutting regulation.

"They seem to measure their progress by how much regulation, how much red tape, how much bureaucracy they bring in," he told journalists in Canberra, pointing to a big pile of paper that made up the carbon tax legislation.

"We're going to cut 18,000 pages of regulation and legislation in the next six years.

"The current COAG agenda and the way it's been working, positively discourages you from doing that."

Mr Newman said the new Queensland position was one of competitive federalism.

This would create healthy competition between the states and encourage business and economic investment, he said.

He rejected suggestions that widening the gap between regulatory systems in different states would actually make it more expensive for businesses to operate across borders.

"We're all for a harmonised approach to various forms of regulation ... but we're also for individual states being able to stand up and deciding that they want to out-compete other states," he said.

As for cutting "green tape", Mr Newman believed discussions in the pre-COAG business forum on Thursday did not go far enough.

"The federal government, frankly, need to delegate the powers of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to the states," he said.

He complained that the federal government kept "coming over the top" of the Queensland government to delay major resource and tourism projects.

On the national disability insurance scheme, also on the COAG agenda, Mr Newman said Queensland would not be kicking in any of its own money.

"Queensland is in no position to provide funding towards the NDIS," he said.

"Basically what we would see is the federal government should pay for the entire scheme."

But he believes the scheme is important and said Queensland would be willing to forgo the federal funding it currently received to assist people with disabilities.

Mr Newman's government is taking legal advice on whether it can fight the carbon tax as unconstitutional.
(Hmmm how is he going to pay for that when he can't afford to contribute to NDIS ?)

He expects to get that in the next few weeks and said he had spoken to at least one other premier about possibly joining together in a High Court challenge.

He also invited Ms Gillard to talk to him about the federal mining tax, which comes into effect in July.

He wanted any super profits generated in Queensland to return to the state.

"If there's a mining project in Queensland that's paying this tax and a dollar of tax is paid, a dollar has got to come back to Queensland ... to infrastructure across the state," he said.

The COAG meeting, at which Ms Gillard will be outnumbered by conservative premiers for the first time, begins on Friday morning.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT'S IDEA OF SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH AUTISM..... BETTER START..... HARDLY - BETTER THEY TRY AGAIN!

2012-04-19T14:42:00.002+10:00

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT'S IDEA

OF SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH AUTISM.....

BETTER START..... HARDLY - BETTER THEY TRY AGAIN!

To be eligible for Better Start, children must be under six and have a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome and moderate or greater vision or hearing impairments, including deafblindness.

Although your son is not eligible for the early intervention funding because of his age, you may be interested in the following support payments and services (you may be aware of some of them already):

Under the HCWA/Better Start Packages, children with ASD or Cerebral Palsy (including those over the age of six) may also be eligible for Medicare items. A Medicare item for the development of a treatment and management plan is available for children under the age of 13. Medicare items are also available for up to four allied health diagnostic services and 20 allied health services (in total) for every eligible child.
Specifically, Medicare items are available for:
• paediatricians and psychiatrists to diagnose and develop a treatment and management plan for a child aged under 13 years on referral from a general practitioner;
• audiologists, occupational therapists, optometrists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech pathologists to provide up to four services in total per child per lifetime, to collaborate with the paediatrician or psychiatrist on the diagnosis, where required. These services must be provided before the child’s 13th birthday; and
• audiologists, occupational therapists, optometrists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech pathologists to provide up to 20 early intervention treatment services in total per child per lifetime following a diagnosis of autism/PDD for the child, and consistent with the treatment and management plan prepared by the referring practitioner. These services must be provided before the child’s 15th birthday, provided an autism/PDD treatment and management plan was in place before the child’s 13th birthday.
For information about the Medicare items refer to the Department of Health and Ageing website at www.mbsonline.gov.au and www.health.gov.au/mbsprimarycareitems

NOTE: This information isn't exactly correct. Psychologist who provide Cognitive Behaviour Therapy are only allowed to offer families (too bad if you have more than 1 ASD child) 6 services per calendar year that you can claim. Also there is the issue od yes... you can claim these Physio.... however it is extremely difficult to find a Paediatric Physiotherapist who specialises in Autism. Those that are, unfortunately are not covered by Medicare Rebates. Of course then you are also subjected to waiting lists and the limitation of 1x 30 min session per week. ASD kids need at least exposure to, or therapy, EVERY DAY. Their Autism doesn't occur on specific days of the week. It's for a LIFE TIME !

Chronic Disease Medicare Items
Your son may be eligible for Medicare schemes, such as the Chronic Disease Management items, which include access to a range of allied health services. For further information about Medicare entitlements you should talk to your son’s medical practitioner.
NOTE: Again some important information has been omitted. 5 claimable sessions PER CALENDAR YEAR. If parents use this for Occupational Therapy.... they cannot use it for Physiotherapy or Psychologists and Speech Pathologists.

Positive Partnerships
The Government is further supporting students with ASD through the HCWA package (under 6 years of age.). Specifically, the Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations is delivering two initiatives under the package which aim to foster positive partnerships between schools and families to improve the educational outcomes of children with an ASD.

The initiatives, which have been named Positive Partnerships: supporting students on the autism spectrum, provide:

• professional development for teachers, school leaders and other school staff to build their understanding, skills and expertise in working with children with an ASD; and

• workshops and information sessions for parents and carers to assist them to work with their child’s teachers, school leaders and other staff.

For details on the teacher, parent and carer workshops (including dates and locations), as well as other online resources, please visit the Positive Partnerships website at www.autismtraining.com.au.
NOTE: Yes this is very valid and extremely important.... but it is the same old information regurgitated. This is WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AS PARENTS...wearing them down. There is NO MENTION of ...THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP YOU.

Carer Allowance and Carer Payment
You may be eligible for Commonwealth financial assistance through Carer Payment and Carer Allowance, both of which are available to carers of people with disability or severe medical conditions. Carer Payment is an income and assets-tested income support payment paid at the same rate as other social security pensions to people who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment. Carer Allowance is a non-income and assets-tested income supplement available to people who provide daily care and attention in a private home.

NOTE: CARER ALLOWANCE is $114.00 per fortnight. CARER PAYMENT: similar to Sole Parenting Pension around $500-$600 per fortnight. The Aged Pension in Australia is around $700 per fortnight. These are basic pay rates. Not enough to live on alone and provide your family with therapy. If you try to work or work part time, you risk loosing your pension. The NEWSTART allowance looking for work rate is : $529.80 per fortnight.
Further information on these payments is available from Centrelink by calling 13 27 17 or via their website at www.centrelink.gov.au. Further information about support services is also available from Carers Australia on 1800 242 636 or via their website at www.carersaustralia.com.au

MyTime Peer Support Groups
Another service which you may be able to access is the MyTime Peer Support Groups for Parents of Young Children with Disability Program. This program provides peer support groups for parents and carers of children with disability or a chronic medical condition. MyTime Peer Support Groups recognise the importance of focusing on carer needs and giving parents the chance to socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and challenges of the caring role. The groups also provide an opportunity for parents to find out about available community support services and research-based parenting information.

NOTE: Again this is just information.... you still have to source the therapy, go on waiting lists and then PAY for the therapy.

MyTime Peer Support Groups are provided in the community by local organisations. The program is coordinated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre. For more information please visit the MyTime Peer Support Group website www.mytime.net.au or phone 1800 889 997.

Raising Children Network Website
The Raising Children Network (RCN) is an Australian Government funded website providing information, online resources and interactive functions to support parents, families, carers and professionals. The Children with a Disability section of the RCN can be found at http://raisingchildren.net.au/children_with_disabilities/raising_children_with_disabilities.html

NOTE: Just a website that offers you information on how to contract the extremely overpriced, unaffordable, unavailable therapy sources.

State and Territory Services
Please note that Better Start is not intended to replace or reduce disability support services that are provided in each jurisdiction. State and Territory governments are the main providers of specialist disability services, including early intervention services for children with disability. We would encourage you to continue to liaise with Disability and Community Care Services (Queensland Government) on 1800 177 120 about the types of assistance to which your son and your family may be entitled.
I hope this information has been helpful.
Better Start team

Well no.... None of this information has been helpful.... I already knew all of this. Here is a copy of the email I sent to them.....

Good afternoon,

I have an 8 yr old son who is autistic. He received the tail end of the HCWA package funding due to his age.

He now….even though has been deemed eligible from Disability Qld, receives absolutely no help towards therapy or resources.

I have in the past resourced almost all his therapy, early intervention and therapy resources through my Superannuation, as I am on a Carers Disability Pension and I am also a sole parent. However this is now not an option for me.

I am facing a future of operations for my son due to his toe walking and calcified calf muscles, his is also non verbal. We are currently on the waiting list through the Cerebral Palsy Clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as recently discovering

that he was eligible for Physiotherapy and Occupational, dated 7 months ago through Disability Qld. However he still has not received any therapy and we were not even told he had been approved, until last Friday when I called to complain.

I have in the past 5 years provided my son with round trampolines, therapy mats and hanging equipment, setting up my garage as a refuge for him to help alleviate some of his Sensory and Autistic Traits. However now that he is older and much bigger

He cannot use any of this equipment. I need to purchase him a swing set and monkey bar attachment from Peppercorn house,

As well as another trampoline: Springfree for safety issues. Do you possible know of any avenues I could try and access funding or Grants to do this? I need to keep his legs and muscles pliable as he is in pain if I don’t! It makes me rather bitter to think of

the difference those 7mths of therapy could have made towards his condition.

Do you think they answered any of my questions or provided me with any assistance?
Even though none of this has helped me..... it may help anyone else who struggles rasing an Autistic child in Australia. It makes me rather frustrated that our Prime Minster can go on National T.V and "toot her horn" about all the fantastic things her Government is doing for Autism. I my opinion.... THIS IS NO CLAIM TO ADULATION.... IN FACT IT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL. THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. The centre that she visited today would be operating mostly on private fundraising much like that of AEIOU... because the GOVERNMENT cannot even support these centres.

Raeblogs.

The Silent Time Bomb .......

2012-04-17T16:48:00.000+10:00

“This article interested me as it seems to focus on the mother’s gut-flora. I wonder how many mothers were tested who had normal if not no gut flora at the time of pregnancy. I know for a fact in my case…. I was on a special diet of no carbohydrates and no sugar diet when I fell pregnant with my youngest….. but was taking the pill. Interesting opinion isn’t it!”

Raeblogs

The Silent Time Bomb Now Affecting 1 in 54 Boys in the US

Posted By Dr. Mercola | April 17 2012 http://articles.mercola.com

The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has announced that 1 in 88 children in the U.S. are now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The number represents a 23 percent increase in the last two years and 78 percent in the past five years.

But that was just the average—the numbers were much greater for Hispanics (110 percent) and black children (91 percent).

The study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, also found that ASDs are nearly five times more common among boys than girls.

Broken down, the numbers equate to 1 in 54 boys with ASDs, and 1 in 252 girls.

The updated estimates are based on data collected in 14 American communities during 2008.

These communities comprised over eight percent of all American 8-year-olds that year.

Interestingly, the number of children with ASDs varied widely from site to site.

The highest prevalence was found in Utah, where a staggering 1 in 47 eight-year-olds were identified with some form of ASD.

New Jersey was also far higher than the average, with 1 in 49. What's really going on here?

WHAT is Causing the Skyrocketing Increase in Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Personally, I don't see how anyone can look at a 78 percent increase of any health problem in a mere five years without snapping to attention. Prior to the CDC's announcement, the Canary Party, a citizens' action group on autism, rightfully predicted that the CDC would downplay the seriousness of these latest statistics.

On its new autism webpage, the CDC state they suspect some of the increase "is due to greater awareness and better identification" among some of the children.

But even taking that possibility into consideration, the statistics are truly shocking. How can one in 88 American children have some form of autistic disorder? In a normal, healthy environment, that just shouldn't happen. And the fact that it IS happening demands our immediate attention. Something is going very wrong, very fast...

While many are focusing their efforts on nailing down one culprit or another—vaccines being the perfect example—I believe taking such a narrow-minded approach can be extremely counterproductive. In my view, what we're seeing here is the culmination of what amounts to a perfect storm...

Research is now clearly showing that environmental factors play a primary role in the epidemic of autism spectrum disorders. But which environmental factors are to blame?

While vaccines have borne the brunt of people's suspicions, there's plenty of evidence suggesting there are multiple factors at play. The factor that prevents us from writing vaccines off as being harmless is the fact that toxic overload appears to be at the core of the problem, and many vaccines do indeed contribute to a child's overall toxic load. So while it's probably unreasonable to blame vaccines alone for the rapid rise in autism, it would be just as unreasonable to ignore their impact, and continue on with the one-fits-all vaccination policy as if everything is a-okay.

The majority of autism cases do appear to result from the activation or "expression," of a number of different genes, along with multiple epigenetic and environmental factors that interact to produce the traits of autism. But science is increasingly showing us just how malleable our genes are—they continuously respond to their environment, meaning, your body and everything you put into and onto it... Furthermore, there's no shortage of evidence that toxins of different sorts can wreak havoc with brain function. Add to this the more recent findings that your gut is profoundly influential for brain health, and a picture of toxic overload combined with inadequate nutrition comes into clear view.

Why We Must Insist on Invoking the Precautionary Principle

If multiple toxic exposures and poor nutrition is to blame, then trying to tease out "the" primary culprit will get us nowhere. I believe we must tackle the issue of ASD with a much wider aim, and that is to reduce ALL toxic exposure and improve nutrition. This tactic includes but is not limited to reducing the vaccine load, especially in the US where children receive the most vaccines of any country on the planet. I believe it's imperative to invoke the precautionary principle with respects to vaccines, and, at the very least, allow people to opt out if they so choose.

While vaccine advocates tend to stress the importance of so-called "herd immunity," saying the vaccine will not work unless the majority is vaccinated, there's a great price to pay by forcing everyone into a one-size-fits-all mold.

Not only are some children at greater risk for vaccine damage than others (which I'll review in a moment), but we also eliminate the ability to evaluate the health risks of vaccinations if no one is allowed to opt out. We NEED to conduct comparison studies to evaluate the health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated children, yet such studies are not done. An oft-cited reason for that is that it would be unethical to not vaccinate certain children... But this is not really a reasonable excuse today, as many parents want to opt out of one or more vaccines for their children.

Environmental Factors that May Play a Role in Autism

When looking into the possible environmental factors for autism, they are incredibly diverse. The following is just a short list of examples:

· Electromagnetic fields: Work by Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt suggests there are distinct correlations between a woman's exposure to electromagnetic fields during pregnancy and her child's neurological functioning. He found that if you sleep in strong electromagnetic fields during pregnancy, your child will likely begin to exhibit neurological abnormalities within the first two years of life, such as neurological dysfunction, hyperactivity, and learning disorders.

· In 2007, this theory received additional support from a study published in the Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. It presented the theory that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi devices and other similar wireless technologies may work in conjunction with genetic and environmental factors, becoming an accelerating factor in autism. After more than five years of research on children with autism they found that EMR negatively affects cell membranes, allowing heavy metal toxins, which are associated with autism, to build up.

To learn more about the science of HOW electromagnetic radiation affects and harms your body, please review this previous article featuring Dr. Martin Blank.

· Mercury toxicity: It is already an established fact that exposure to mercury can cause immune, sensory, neurological, motor, and behavioral dysfunctions -- all similar to traits defining, or associated with autism. Mercury pollution is widespread from the burning of fossil fuels, but the use of thimerosal-containing vaccines and dental amalgams—both of which contain mercury—also cannot be overlooked as major sources of individual exposure to this neurotoxin

· Vaccines: A 2011 review of the peer-reviewed, published studies on autism (going all the way back to 1943) revealed numerous documented cases of autism caused by encephalitis following vaccination. There are many potential vaccine-related culprits, including the use of toxic adjuvants; the presence of human DNA in vaccines; and the increasing number of vaccines given in a short period of time

· Phthalates: Research from 2009 discovered that infants who lived in homes with vinyl floors were twice as likely to have autism five years later, compared to those with wood or linoleum flooring. Vinyl floors can emit chemicals called phthalates, which are widely used plastic softeners found in much more than just vinyl flooring. Hairsprays, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, shower curtains, wood finishers, lubricants, certain medical devices and more all contain phthalates. Researchers have suggested the chemicals may contribute to autism by disrupting hormones not only in small children but also in the womb

· Vitamin D Deficiency: There is also a link between rampant vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and the proportionate jump in autism, which has been highlighted by Dr. John Cannell. The vitamin D receptor appears in a wide variety of brain tissue early in the fetal development, and activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in your brain

Neurologist Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride recently shared a common thread that may be linking these and other environmental factors together, namely brain toxicity stemming from gut toxicity, otherwise known as Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS). She cured her own son of autism using an all-natural treatment involving dietary changes and detoxification, and her hypothesis is in my view one of the most elegant.

GAPS: An Elegant Explanation of the Roots of Autism

Dr. Campbell-McBride is convinced that autistic children are born with perfectly normal brains and sensory organs, but that abnormalgut flora, passed on from their mother or father, leads to devastating gut and brain toxicity. In children with Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS), toxicity flowing from their gut throughout their bodies and into their brains, literally clogs the brain with toxicity, preventing it from performing its normal function and processing sensory information. But what leads to such devastatingly abnormal gut flora?

Dr. Campbell discovered that a large percentage of mothers of autistic children were bottle-fed. Then, as they received many courses of antibiotics throughout their childhood, they developed increasingly worse abnormalities in their gut flora, which in turn was passed on to their children. Add to that a diet of processed foods and the use of birth control pills, and the damage to a woman's gut flora deepens even further, and each generation quickly gets worse and worse, unless active remediation is undertaken. According to Dr. Campbell-McBride:

"Many of these modern factors created a whole plethora of young ladies in our modern world who have got quite deeply abnormal gut flora by the time they are ready to have their first child."

Vaccination Policy is Oftentimes the "Straw that Breaks the Camel's Back"

Dr. Campbell-McBride's book Gut and Psychology Syndrome contains an entire chapter outlining what health care professionals need to do to improve the vaccination strategy, because the standard vaccination protocol is bound to damage GAPS babies.

She explains:

"It's a matter of the last straw breaking the camel's back. If the child is damaged enough, the vaccine can provide that last straw. But if it doesn't provide that last straw in a particular child, then it will get the child closer to the breaking point."

Fortunately, it's possible to rather inexpensively identify GAPS within the first weeks of your baby's life, which can help you make better-informed decisions about vaccinations, and about how to proceed to set your child on the path to a healthy life. The entire process for identifying children who would be at risk for developing autism from a vaccine is described in her book, but to sum it up, in her practice she starts out by collecting a complete health history of the parents, and their gut health is assessed. Then, within the first few days of life, the stool of the child can be analyzed to determine the state of her gut flora, followed by a urine test to check for metabolites, which can give you a picture of the state of your child's immune system.

These tests are available in most laboratories around the world and cost a very reasonable amount, about $80-100 per test -- peanuts compared to the incredible expense of treating an autistic child once the damage is done.

In my view it is absolutely VITAL to perform this analysis BEFORE you consider vaccinating your child. If the test results are normal the likelihood of autism after vaccines is dramatically reduced. As Dr. Campbell-McBride states, she has yet to find an autistic child with normal bowel flora. If you find that your baby has abnormal gut micro-flora, or begins to develop symptoms of autism a year or two later, the GAPS program should be started immediately, as the younger the child is when you start the treatment, the better the results. The child should not be given any vaccines until their microflora tests normal. For more information about the GAPS Nutritional Program, including the two types of GAPS diets, and the importance of fermented foods, please review this previous article.

Thoughts on Reversing the Trajectory of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a complex condition with many contributing factors and it takes a multi-faceted approach to treat it. We're now also beginning to understand it requires a multi-faceted approach to prevent it. Hopefully, more people will begin to take Dr. Campbell-McBride's information to heart and put it to practice so that more children may be spared from the get-go. But even that's not going far enough. We must tackle this problem from all angles, and that also includes:

· Reduce your and your child's toxic burden: This includes avoiding as many dangerous chemicals as possible, which makes listing the do's and don'ts virtually impossible. There's just too many. As a general rule though, eating whole organic foods will go a long way, as that automatically cuts out processed foods and related chemicals, genetically engineered foods, and artificial sweeteners.

Also be careful with the personal care products you use, as well as your household cleaning products and home building materials and furnishings... Opting for "green" and/or organic alternatives will help reduce many of the toxins most people encounter on a daily basis.

Do whatever you can to establish a toxin-free environment for your whole family, and then establish a detoxification program. Please remember hidden toxins like mould and fluoride. The book, Our Toxic World: A Wake Up Call, by Dr. Doris Rapp is an excellent resource if you're unsure of how or where to start.

· Lower the EMF burden in your home, especially in your bedrooms.

· Carefully review the vaccination issue, including the conventional vaccination schedule, and know that in most U.S. states you still have the right to

opt out of vaccines.

· Avoid pasteurized milk; it's an absolute imperative to the treatment of autism. Anyone managing this illness without restricting milk is deceiving themselves. This includes all milk products, such as ice cream, yogurt and whey. Even natural flavourings in food must be avoided unless the processor can guarantee that caseinate is not included.

· Complete elimination of sugar/fructose, juice, soda, French fries and wheat (pasta, bagels, cereal, pretzels, etc) is also highly recommended.

· Get proper sun exposure. It is my personal belief that vitamin D deficiency in conjunction with damaged gut flora may be two of the most significant contributing factors to autism. Optimizing your vitamin D levels and your gut flora during pregnancy appears to be the most important prevention strategies discovered to date.

References:

· Centers for Disease Control March 29, 2012

· Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 14 Sites, United States, 2008, March 30, 2012 / 61(SS03); 1-19

· ADDM Report 2012

· Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. Vol. 26 No.2 (August 2007) pages 3-7

· Journal of Immunotoxicology 2011; 8(1): 68–79

· The Vitamin D Council, Patient friendly summary on autism.

Source: Centers for Disease Control March 29, 2012

Source: FoxNews.com March 29, 2012

Source: Digital Journal March 28, 2012

2012-04-13T00:11:00.002+10:00