I <3 Somebodies w/ Autism

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Autism?About 85% of the world population has no idea what AUTISM is, and the unfortunate part is that autism is more common now a days then it ever was before. One in every 166 children born in the US have autism. It is estimated 1.77 million in the US have this disorder.This page is here in order to provide anyone and everyone with all the information they need to or would like to know about Autism. Some of you may ask why and the response to that is because I have a six year old sister who is affected by this disease daily. She developed the disease at the age of 7 months or so because of the mecury used in anti-biotics as well as vaccinations. Her case is considered Autism caused by mecury, in which the mecury pre-emted a recessive gene to the disorder and brought it out as a dominat trait in her early stages of development. She is the love of my life and despite it all smiles and laughs each and everyday. Without her I would be lost and because of her I have learned so much and learn what life and love truly are. Please to all of those who have the time to stop by the site...take the time to read a little to!What is Autism?There is no one single definition, explination, or degree to autism. It comes from many things, for many reasons and in many different levels of severity. A child can be diagnosed with autism and yet the everyday person would never know, where on the other had another individual can be diagnosed autistic and anyone from the outside looking in would see that a defect does exist.Autism is a developmental disability that affects, often severely, a person's ability to communicate and socially interact with others. It is four times more prevalent in males than females.Currently, autism is believed to affect 1 in every 166 people. The rate of people being diagnosed with autism has increased substantially over the past two decades. Although this may be in part due to improved diagnostic techniques and to changes in the criteria for autism spectrum disorders (see below), the majority of experts agree these changes are not enough to explain the epidemic rates at which autism is being diagnosed.Autism Spectrum Disorders is an umbrella term that includes classic autism (also known as Kanner's autism or Kanner's syndrome), Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because the number and intensity of the symptoms people with autism display may vary widely. However, all people with autism demonstrate impairments in the following three areas: communication, social relationships and restricted patterns of behavior.The spectrum ranges from those who are severely affected, less able, and dependent on others to those who are of above-average intelligence and independent, yet lacking in social skills.generalized definitions:-lifelong developmental disability that occurs by itself or in association with other disorders that affect the function of the brain, such as viral infections, metabolic disturbances, mental retardation, epilepsy, and fragile X syndrome; characterized by severely impaired social interaction and communication skills and restrictive or repetitive movements, interests, and behaviors.-brain disorder that begins in early childhood and persists throughout adulthood; affects three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction, and creative or imaginative play.-The term means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects educational performance. Characteristics of autism include irregularities and impairments in communication, engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. The term does not include children with characteristics of the disability of serious emotional disturbance.-is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals-is disorder which usually appears within the first three years of life and may result in learning difficulties, speech problems and difficulty relating to people.-A chronic developmental disorder usually diagnosed between 18 and 30 months of age. Symptoms include problems with social interaction and communication as well as repetitive interests and activities. At this time, the cause of autism is not known although many experts believe it to be a genetically based disorder that occurs before birth.-From early childhood there is severe impairment in communication and social interactions, and actions are often repetitive and unchanging.-Autism is a disorder of brain function that appears early in life, generally before the age of three. Children with autism have problems with social interaction, communication, imagination and behavior. Autistic traits persist into adulthood, but vary in severity. Some adults with autism function well, earning college degrees and living independently. Others never develop the skills of daily living, and may be incorrectly diagnosed with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. The cause is unknown.-A developmental brain disorder that typically appears during the first three years of life. It affects brain areas controlling language, social interaction and abstract thought. Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions.-Pervasive developmental disorder beginning in infancy involving a wide range of abnormalities, including language impairment, abnormal behaviour and social withdrawal.-Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. This results in severe problems in social relationships, communication and behavior.-A lifelong, nonprogressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three yeas. It is characterized by language and communication deficits, withdrawal from social contacts, and extreme reactions to changes in the immediate environment.-Autism is a form of pervasive developmental disorder with an unknown origin. It can range from high functioning to severe in nature. Symptoms are a marked lack of awareness of the feelings of others and little or no social interaction or communications with others. Children with autism are often described as "within themselves" and may seem to avoid affection and love. Many children with autism will not talk, are self-isolating and self-stimulating. Routines are important because many children with autism cannot easily handle changes in their environment. They can be taught self-care, social skills and language skills.-A tendency to morbid self-absorption at the extreme of regulation by outward reality ADL Activities of daily living. Routine activities carried out for personal hygiene and health (including bathing, dressing, feeding) and for operating a household-a developmental disability that can cause problems with communication, social interaction and routine/repetitive behaviors. Although not diagnosed at birth, autism probably has origins in prenatal development and therefore is a type of birth defect.-pathological “self-absorption”-Autism is a communication and behavior disorder that is generally apparent before the age of three years.-a neurological developmental disability that results in limited cognitive abilities: the autistic individual is limited in ability to learn inductively from surrounding events. Social interactions and many kinds of conceptual learning can be strongly limited. At the same time, the autistic individual may be outstandingly good at some kinds of mental manipulations, such as, for example, arithmetical calculations.-A developmental disability originating in infancy, characterized by staring at space, non response to sounds, and an apparent lack of interest in other people. Children with autism do not understand common dangers, such as busy streets, yet some show above normal skill in isolated areas of mathematics and music.-A condition characterized by a marked disorder of communication and a severe disturbance of intellectual, emotional and behavioural development.-A rare psychiatric disease of childhood, usually with onset before the age of 2 = years. It is marked by difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with other people, in developing language, and in using abstract concepts; repetitive and limited patterns of behaviour and obsessive resistance to tiny changes in familiar surroundings.-a mental disorder characterized by an inability to relate to other people and extreme withdrawal.-A severe disorder resulting in an inability to relate.-A probably genetic condition in which a person is dis-associated from the reality around them.-psychiatry) an abnormal absorption with the self; marked by communication disorders and short attention span and inability to treat others as people.-The very nature of autism is not well understood and subject to great controversy.Understanding Autism:Autism is a baffling disorder. Its symptoms are present for some children from infancy, while other children seem to develop normally for their first year or so and then begin to slip away, into a private world where social norms do not exist. To make matters worse, although more and more individuals are being diagnosed with one form of autism or another, the cause of this disorder is still unknown.For many years it was thought there were no effective treatments for helping people with autism. As recently as 1994, our founders, Jonathan Shestack and Portia Iversen, were instructed by the physician who diagnosed their son, Dov, to go home and hold each other, because there was nothing else they could do. Fortunately, the Shestack family refused to remain mired in such hopelessness. Instead, they turned their quest to help Dov into one which has helped and continues to help hundreds of other children with autism.In addition to searching for more effective treatments for autism, Cure Autism Now has made it part of their mission to help people with autism live as fulfilling and independent a life as possible, and to educate the public about autism and related disorders. We hope from this website you will gain the information you need to help your loved one with autism, and we encourage you to pass on our link to your friends and family. We also hope you will help to support our efforts and to become an active participant in our cause.Diagnosing Autism:Currently, there is no single medical test that will definitively diagnose autism. Instead, the diagnosis is made on the basis of observable characteristics of the individual.Because most children start showing symptoms of autism at about 18-24 months, British researchers have developed a screening tool called the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. The CHAT (which takes five minutes to administer) has been shown to be highly effective in predicting which children will develop autism, PDD, Asperger's or other developmental syndromes.Before embarking on any sort of diagnosis, however, it is important to rule out possible physical causes for an individual's behavior. Please consult your physician or pediatrician if you have concerns about a family member or friend.Treating Autism:There is no single "cure" for autism, and no one treatment that works for every child. Some treatments and therapies used to help individuals with autism have research proving their efficacy, others do not. Some treatments are specific to individuals exhibiting very specific characteristics. What works for one child may not work for another.It is therefore important that parents and professionals investigate the claims of the various treatments they see offered, and that they evaluate the potential risk or value to the person who has autism.Living With Autism:Living with a child who has autism often means readjusting our expectations of our family, both in terms of the normal, day-to-day and of special events and occasions.Sometimes, families with a child with an ASD find themselves isolated from others, either because the parents are overwhelmed and too tired to do anything, or because they are worried or embarrassed by what their child may potentially do (or not do) in a social situation. Parents or other caregivers may find themselves becoming depressed, or withdrawing from civic, religious or recreational activities they once enjoyed. Teaching your child basic social and communication skills and finding support to get challenging behaviors under control will make life easier for everyone in your family. If you child is non-verbal, teach him or her a visual communications system such as PECS. Your child will be less frustrated and gain confidence, knowing their needs are being understood. Visual schedules are helpful for letting a child know what will happen next. You may also want to consider getting your child to participate in family life by giving them simple chores (sorting silverware often appeals to children with autism). With a few alterations and solid supports in place, you can begin to build a new kind of family life.Statistics:-US FACTS: a. A new case of autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes b. There are 24,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year c. The economic impact of autism is more than $90 billion and expected to more than double in the next decade. d. Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. e. There is no medical detection treatment, or cure for autism.-AUTISM COMPARED TO OTHER DISABILITIES: Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US today.-AUTISM & CALIFORNIA STATISTICS: a. THIRTEEN new cases each day – 7 days a week in California alone! b. From 1987-1998 there was a 633 % increase in Autism (DSM IV) in the State of California. (Note: In 1998 mandatory immunizations programs and the MMR vaccine were introduced.) c. From 1998 – 2002 there was an additional 96% increase in Autism (DSM IV) in the State of California. d. There are 20,277 cases of autism in California as of December 2003. e. Autism cases represent over 12% of the Regional Center caseload. Annual budget for ASD care is over $171,000,000. f. In state operated institutions of care there are 3,436 people with autism.-FUNDING RESEARCH: In the late 1990’s The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded just $5 million in Autism Research. Today, the National Institutes of Health funds allocation: a. $29 billion Total NIH funding b. $5 billion Funding of relevant NIH departments: Child Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, Neurological Disorders c. LESS THAN $100 million* Portion of the $5 billion allocation that directly or indirectly impacts autism research. *This represents 0.3% of total NIH funding. d. MUCH MORE FUNDING is needed.-HOW DOES FUNDING FOR AUTISM COMPARE TO OTHER CHILDHOOD DISORDERS & DISEASES? a. Leukemia 1 in 25,000 Funding: $300 million b. Muscular Dystrophy 1 in 20,000 Funding: $160 million c. Cystic Fibrosis 1 in 5000 Funding: $75 million d. Juvenile Diabetes 1 in 500 Funding: $140 million e. Autism 1 in 166 Funding: $15 million-AUTISTICS AGE INFORMATION: In the State of California seven out of TEN Autistic individuals are under the age of 13 years.-BETTER DIAGNOSIS? Some of suggested that autism is just being better diagnosed today versus ten years ago and that many cases of mental retardation are now being coded as autism. This is NOT TRUE. Autism is the only rising dramatically disorder while mental retardation, down syndrome, and cystic fibrosis remain relatively the same.-GIRLS VS. BOYS: Autism often strikes boys more often than girls – roughly four times more common in boys. Statistics being 1 in every 166 children that makes it 1 in every 41 males.Special Diet: Gluten and Casein Free DietWhat IS Gluten? Why Eliminate it From the Diet?Glutens are proteins found in the Plant Kingdom Subclass of Monocotyledonae (monocots.) These plants are members of the grass family of wheat, oats, barley, rye and triticale, and their derivatives. Derivatives include: malt, grain starches, hydrolyzed vegetable/plant proteins, textured vegetable proteins, grain vinegars, soy sauce, grain alcohol, flavorings and the binders and fillers found in vitamins and medications. Casein is a phosphoprotein of milk, which has a molecular structure that is extremely similar to that of gluten."The Use of Gluten and Casein Free Diets with People with Autism"These notes should be taken as observations. They do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of a dietary method to alleviate the symptoms of autism. Any decision to undertake such a method must lie solely with the person with autism or with those having responsibility for their care.BackgroundIn the early 1980's a number of researchers, including Herman and Panksepp, noted the similarities between the behavioural effects of animals on opioids, such as morphine, and the symptoms of autism. In a very speculative paper, Panksepp proposed a mechanism whereby people with autism may have elevated levels of opioids which occur naturally in the CNS (= brain) of humans. The best known of these naturally occurring opioid compounds is beta-endorphin (= endogenous morphine) and certainly there is a degree of correlation between the known effects of this compound and the symptoms of autism.Just after this, Gillberg produced evidence of elevated levels of "endorphin like substances" in the cerebro-spinal fluid of some people with autism. In particular, elevated levels appeared in those children who appeared to feel pain less than the normal population and who exhibited self-injurious behavior. At about the same time, Reichelt produced evidence of abnormal peptides in the urine of people with autism. We ourselves, like a number of other groups, attempted to replicate his findings. Although his technique was comparatively simple there were technical difficulties and these attempts were, initially unsuccessful. Later on we switched to a more sophisticated technique and have been able to confirm Reichelt's findings. In the urine of about 50% of people with autism there appear to be elevated levels of substances with properties similar to those expected from opioid peptides. [emphasis added]The quantities of these compounds, as found in the urine, are much too large to be of CNS origin. The quantities are such that they can only have been derived from the incomplete breakdown of certain foods. Proteins consist of long chains of units known as amino acids. Normal proteins are digested by enzymes in the intestines and are broken down into these units. However, if for some reason, this digestion is incomplete, short chains of these amino acids (known as peptides) will result. It is proposed that these peptides may be biologically active and could result in the symptoms which we see in autism. The majority of these peptides will be dumped in the urine, which is where Reichelt and we are finding them. A small proportion will cross into the brain and interfere with transmission in such a way that normal activity is altered or disrupted. It may be that these compounds, themselves, have a direct effect upon transmission or that they will attach themselves to the enzymes which would break down our own naturally occurring enzymes. The consequences would be the same in either case.It is well known that casein (from human or cow milk) will break down in the stomach to produce a peptide known as casomorphine, which, as the name implies, will have opioid activities. Similar effects are noted with gluten from wheat and some other cereals [notably oats, barley and rye] in which the compounds formed are gluteomorphins [or gliadinomorphins.]If this opioid excess hypothesis is correct, there are a number of strategies which can be adopted. Firstly the anti-opioid drug "naltrexone" could be considered and promising results have been reported. [Note: a recent study of 41 children conducted by Magda Campbell, did not produce positive results with low doses of naltrexone. It is possible that doses were too low, but for now effectiveness of this medical intervention must be questioned.] Alternatively, a diet which excludes casein (milk and dairy products) or gluten (wheat and other grain products) could be considered. It may be possible to determine, from the pattern of the urinary peptides, whether casein or wheat [gluten] or both should be avoided, but such conclusions may be premature at this stage. It has been observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of birth may have a problem with casein whereas those whose autism becomes apparent at about two years of age, when a wheat based diet is more likely to be adopted, have particular difficulties with gluten. Some children may have difficulty with both.Norwegian colleagues of Reichelt have published data which support the effectiveness of such dietary programmes but these studies cannot be considered as conclusive. There have been no other real attempts to demonstrate the effectiveness of such diets on a scientific basis. Numerous people have experimented on an individual basis and have reported successful responses but such evidence cannot be considered as, in any way conclusive. In Rimland's studies of parental reports, however, the results appear to be very much superior to those obtained with any drug based theory.Practical AspectsThe theoretical processes described here are toxicological in nature rather than allergic. The results are akin to poisoning rather than an extreme sensitivity such as occurs in coeliac disease or sensitivity to certain food colourings [see discussion of celiac disease below for another perspective on this topic.] Removal of gluten and/or casein containing products requires the active participation of all those concerned with the child's well-being. Tests have often been ruined by a well meaning relative who ignores parental instruction, or by schools or therapists who feel that the proposals are rubbish. Carers must satisfy themselves that the diet is being adhered to before any evaluation is possible. Gluten and Casein free products, together with advice on their use, are available from Pharmacies [in this country health food stores will be the best source.] Nutritionists and dietitians would also be able to advise.Initially the reported effects may be negative, upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess and slight ill-temper. Experience would suggest that these are good signs and precursors of a positive response. Reichelt recommends a trial period of three months. If it has not worked within that time it is unlikely to do so. [Note: in electronic mail to me, Reichelt suggests a period of one year is necessary.] Experience also suggests that the results are more easily demonstrated in younger children. The effects in fully grown individuals appears less impressive. Given that there appear to be a number of possible causes of autism it is not unexpected that no unitary solution will be found for all cases.ConclusionsAlthough the hypotheses may appear "off the wall" in many respects, there are a number of pieces of evidence which support them. The ideas are compatible with virtually all the accepted biological data on autism and are worthy of consideration.The dietary method must still be considered as experimental and no positive results can be promised or are claimed. The use of diet may well be far less harmful than other medical interventions or therapeutic regimes. We would be pleased to receive any feedback of a positive or negative nature from anyone utilising such dietary modification in the amelioration of autism.MECURY AND AUTISM:Q: How could my child have become mercury poisoned?Many parents believe the major culprit to be thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines and other medications. Thimerosal is 50% mercury by weight. In October 1998, the FDA banned the use of thimerosal in over the counter medications, but it is still used in most vaccines. Since multiple vaccines are often given on the same day, the amount of mercury injected into a typical infant exceeds the EPA's "safe" limits. Before the FDA ban, mercury had been added to eye drops, contact lens preparations, nasal sprays, contraceptive creams, hemmhoroid creams, lubricating gels, allergy injections, and antiseptics such as Mercurochrome® and merthiolate.There are many other common sources for mercury exposure. Here's a short list: Dental amalgams Released into the air by coal burning plants Fish and shellfish, especially tuna, salmon and swordfish Some paints Thermometers and blood pressure gauges (especially if mercury from broken instruments was spilled on carpet) Fluorescent light bulbsIt is important to note that mercury present in a mother's body is passed to her baby through the placenta, and later, through breast milk. See:"Mercury from maternal "silver" tooth fillings in sheep and human breast milk.Q: If mercury poisoning is caused by vaccines, they why don't aren't all kids mercury toxic?Sensitivity to mercury varies widely from person to person, as does the body's natural ability to detoxify. Some children can get rid of the mercury quickly, while in others, the toxin remains in the body longer, allowing it time to bind tightly in the brain and other organs.BEFORE YOU VACCINATE, ASK: DO NOT VACCINATE IF: 1. Is my child sick right now? If yes WAIT! Reschedule your appointment!!2. Has my child had a bad reaction to a vaccination before? Get a medical exemption from that vaccine to prevent future adverse reactions!3. Does my child have a personal or family history of:vaccine reactions (this includes fevers, seizures, prolong deep sleep following a vaccine)convulsions or neurological disorderssevere allergiesimmune system disorders4. Do I know if my child is at high risk of reacting? If you are not sure…. WAIT!5. Do I have full information on the vaccine's side effects? It is recommended to get the vaccine information BEFORE you go to get vaccinated. Take time and read this important information!6. Do I know how to identify a vaccine reaction?7. Does the vaccine contain thimersol or mercury = if so DO NOT USE THIS VACCINE! Ask for the a replacement vaccine that does NOT include thimersol or mercury!8. Do I know the vaccine manufacturer's name and lot number?9. ONLY use single, monovalient vaccines (separate the MMR into three shots and vaccinate ONE AT A TIME with six months between shots.)10. Instead of receiving vaccine BOOSTER have your doctor check for vaccine titers (NOTE: Antibodies to the first round of the vaccine should already be in your child’s body. If you child has the antibodies to that virus they will NOT need a booster shot. NOTE: Boosters are provided to 100% of the population but only 5% of the population need it! Checking for vaccine titers requires a blood test and it is well worth it. Why risk another vaccine when it may not be necessary? Once vaccine titers are checked, your doctor can sign your child off from further vaccines where titers are present.)TOP TEN INTERVENTIONS:1) ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) or VBA (Verbal Behavior Analysis) See www.tacanow.com THERAPY section for complete resource list and starting information2) Gluten Free / Casein Free Diet See www.tacanow.com GFCF Diet section for complete resources list and starting information. Other key dietary interventions INCLUDE: SCDiet (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), Allergy elimination diet, and going ORGANIC and dye/preservative FEE.3) Supplementation of Vitamins & MineralsSee www.tacanow.com MEDICAL section link on supplementation for resources4) Speech / Occupational Therapy (including sensory integration therapy)See www.tacanow.com under Resources, Autism Resources for a list of providers.5) Digestive Enzymes - See www.tacanow.com under Medical section link on supplementation for resources6) Probiotics / and other Anti-Yeast inhibitors (such as Nystatin, Diflucan, Ketakonazole, etc.)See www.tacanow.com under Medical section link on supplementation for resources7) Floortime & Social Play Groups (tied)See www.tacanow.com under Resources, Autism Resources for a list of providers.8) PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System(Most helpful for non-verbal children or children still learning to speak)See www.tacanow.com THERAPY section for additional information9) AIT - Auditory Integration Training/ Listening Therapy There are many times of listening therapy, including; Tomatis, Berard, Samonas, The Listening Program. For a parent story about ONE of these types please see: http://www.tacanow.com/TOMATIS.htmSee www.tacanow.com under Resources, Autism Resources for a list of providers.10) Elimination diet (removal of phenolic foods, dyes, natural flavors, and artificial ingredients.)See www.tacanow.com GFCF Diet section for complete resources list and starting informationAND TIED ..10 CHELATION - the removal of metals from the childs body. For information, resources and web sites: http://www.tacanow.com/chelation.htm