Myautismjourney's Blog

Public School or Homeschooling?

myautismjourney — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:41:21 +0000

A question on many parents minds who have a child with special needs is to homeschool or send to public school. What are your thoughts? Does the public school provide more services for your child or does he/she thrive in home?

We have chosen to homeschool all of children but a child with special needs requires a lot more time and attention. Since our addition of healthy supplements Nathan has seemed to make a lot of progress in understanding more words and sentences. However, numbers has still been a struggle. Has anyone else had success with a particular technique or program that they can share?

I have really liked “Funnix” for use on his language skills classes but I’m not sure if their math course will meet his needs until we master those skills.

If you have any comments on what has worked for you, feel free to share.

All’s well on the homefront

myautismjourney — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:09:46 +0000

Since my last post, all seems to be going well at the moment. Nathan seems to be exhibiting normal behavior for the developmental years he has missed. A couple of new additions to our household have been a great improvement to his growth.

A few months ago both of our older treadmills quit working. It took awhile but this time we decided to use manual workout equipment instead of motors and save ourselves the hassle of expensive replacement units. Therefore, for the price of one electric treadmill we purchased a manual bicycle (stationary) and a manual treadmill. Trying to teach a child who doesn’t understand ordinary concepts has been challenging but he seems determined to learn. The bike is the equipment he enjoys the most and tries to make an effort in pedaling. The treadmill on the other hand is very difficult for him to “power” unless we are moving the belt for him. As we are learning both of these instruments are excellent for improving his motor coordination!

Whether it is the physical exercise or his age Nathan seems to be adjusting and growing like an ordinary little boy.

Growing and learning

myautismjourney — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:06:15 +0000

I haven’t written a post in a while. Things have been really hectic the last few months. However, great changes have been made in our son’s progress. We did a trial run with the Zeolite powder and noticed his cognitive awareness was increased tremendously. We went on vacation and like most people keeping up the vitamin routine is very difficult. However, many people who knew Nathan since he was really small had noticed a big change in him.

Once we got home, I ordered some new vitamins via the homeopath Dr. that I recommended in the earlier blog. However, shortly after receiving those we had company come and visit for a week, and I started a new job, things are slowly starting to get in a routine though again. Toward the end of the visit I noticed that his speech had slowed down again therefore I gave him some more DMAE and it started right up.

During our week vacation I came across other parents who have had questions and concerns about behaviors and activities that their child exhibited but didn’t find anyone who could answer them. My best advice to all those involved, keep asking questions! If your doctor doesn’t answer you, talk to a friend, neighbor or anyone you can think of. Most likely, you will come across someone who has experienced what you are going through.

An epiphany I just experienced was our visitors were grandparents who have not had much contact with Nathan over the years. During the visit, some of the behaviors I used to think were medical conditions are actually traits passed down from his parents. This alters my “treatment” protocol because now I realize that the more I don’t correct these undesirable behaviors the more he will do them when he gets older.

Discipline with a disabled child can be very difficult as it is extremely important to their well-being. We (often mothers) tend to protect or as some would say “coddle” their child because of their condition. My problem is that I don’t know how much he understands of “no” or other corrections that work on his older sisters. His mental capacity is not at the same level as theirs, however, after reading numerous books about the importance of protecting them from abusers or others who would take advantage of their situation; it is becoming a #1 concern to me that I know needs to be corrected.

In the last few weeks I have heard several sentences that are starting to make sense, and requests that can be understood. He still gets excited and goes on a “tirade” about something he is upset or concerned about, but for the most part he is starting to increase his vocabulary and personality.

Even though my “treatments” – vitamin regime hasn’t been as regulated as it should, he is still making some progress but it also gives us a good idea of what is working well.

Continue to the fight and know that in the end with prayer and patience the journey you have been on, both of you will have learned a lot about each other and what is needed for optimal health!

Until next time!

Good news on the Supplement ban!

myautismjourney — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:39:40 +0000

I just received this article from one of my autism subscriptions! A positive step to this measure….

“Dear Autism Coach Customer,
Thanks to all of you who contacted FDA and/or your representatives concerning the New Supplement Ingredient Guidelines and shared this information with others!

According to the Alliance for Natural Health, hundreds of thousands of people emailed their congressmen and senators and 20,000 people telephoned their congressional representatives to voice opposition to the FDA’s proposed New Supplement Ingredient Guidelines. To read this update, please go to: http://www.anh-usa.org/fda-violates-federal-law/

The Alliance for Natural Health organization is so encouraged by the outpouring of protest against the FDA’s New Supplement Ingredient Guidelines, that they are going further and asking for the New Supplement Ingredient guidelines to be repealed!

Knowing our amazing community of activists who have done so much to help our kids, I’m willing to bet the autism community was in large part responsible for spreading the word resulting in this enormous outpouring of feedback to our representatives!

Another example of autism activism at work on a national level is Republican presidential candidate, Texas Governor Rick Perry, losing popularity because of his initiative to force every girl in Texas to receive the Gardasil vaccine for the human papilloma virus, which has unfortunately harmed thousands of girls since its introduction (for more information visit http://truthaboutgardasil.org/).

Based upon this enormous outpouring of protest, it is evident that the majority of people in the U.S. are on our side and are every bit as concerned about how our leaders and federal agencies are making decisions that endanger our health and the future of our children.

We have an election year coming up. Even if an incumbent representative of your district or state is in your pollitical party of preference, if they are working against the best interests of the autism community and you cannot dissuade them, why not run against them and help to reform your party? Even if you do not win, you will be doing a public service to bring to the attention of the public issues of concern to the autism community (such as the FDA’s attack on the supplement industry and the government’s cover-up of the link between vaccines and autism). Who wouldn’t vote for someone who runs on a ticket of supporting cleaning up the environment and food supply and improving the overall health of the nation? Perhaps even local autism parent’s groups might consider picking and supporting someone from their group to run for office.

Thanks again to all of you who took action! If we keep advocating for what is important to us, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish!”

Best regards,
Sue Bennet
Autism Coach
www.autismcoach.com

Kosher, affordable, natural supplements

myautismjourney — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:55:03 +0000

If you have been looking for supplements that are cost effective and kosher (for those who are concerned about consuming pork capsules), then check out this Naturopath’s website. I have found this person to be very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to determining the needs of my son who has autism; you may visit the blog concerning our experiences with autism and what we have or are doing to improve his progress:www.myautismjourney.wordpress.com

To order supplements or read the Herbalist I mentioned above’s blog visit: Mountain Granny Organic Herbs or if you choose you may also email her at: Mountain Granny

Also remember: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SHARE WHAT HERBS AND VITAMINS THAT YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING IN ORDER THAT ADVERSE REACTIONS DO NOT OCCUR FROM MIXING CERTAIN HERBS TOGETHER!!

CHECK OUT THIS VALUABLE RESOURCE!!

Special Needs Program with FREE resource at Currclick

myautismjourney — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:06:59 +0000

Special Sale on DTT & AT software

myautismjourney — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:01:07 +0000

For the remainder of October, AES is offering a 15% discount on the DT Trainer (DTT) and Activity Trainer (AT). This is a great opportunity to bring your licenses up-to-date or purchase additional products!

School Districts and Institutions

Activity Trainer

AT Standard Institutional Bundle Reg. $349 (Save $52.35) – Sale Price = $296.65
AT Single Student Bundle Reg. $149 (Save $22.35) – Sale Price = $126.65

***Call 803-233-0541 or Email Sales@dttrainer.com for volume quotes***
DT Trainer

DTT Standard Institutional Bundle Reg. $349 (Save $52.35) – Sale Price = $296.65
DTT Single Student Bundle Reg. $149 (Save $22.35) – Sale Price = $126.65

***Call 803-233-0541 or Email Sales@dttrainer.com for volume quotes***
Power Pack (DT Trainer and Activity Trainer)

Already 20% discount for buying DTT & AT together save another 15% for a total discount of 32%

PP Standard Institutional Bundle Reg. $558 (Save $83.70) – Sale Price = $474.30
PP Single Student Bundle Reg. $238 (Save $35.70) – Sale Price = $202.30

***Call 803-233-0541 or Email Sales@dttrainer.com for volume quotes***

Continuation Bundles

If your updates and support agreement has expired, order another year and save 15%

DTT/AT SIB Continuation Bundle Reg. $99 (Save $14.85) – Sale Price = $84.15

***Call 803-233-0541 or Email Sales@dttrainer.com for volume quotes***

Home Customers

Activity Trainer

AT Standard Home Bundle Reg. $149 (Save $22.35) – Sale Price = $126.65

DT Trainer

DTT Standard Home Bundle Reg. $149 (Save $22.35) – Sale Price = $126.65

Power Pack (DT Trainer and Activity Trainer)

Already 20% discount for buying DTT & AT together save another 15% for a total discount of 32%

PP Standard Home Bundle Reg. $238 (Save $35.70) – Sale Price = $202.30

Continuation Bundles

If your updates and support has expired, order another year and save 15%

DTT/AT Home Continuation Bundle Reg. $74 (Save $11.10) – Sale Price = $62.90

General Information

All bundles are for a single computer
Not valid in combination with other discounts or offers
Take advantage of this discount by:
- PO: Take 15% off on POs faxed to: 803-545-4058
- Call and ask for discount
- Order through our web site www.dttrainer.com using coupon code AES15
- Offer expires Monday 10/31/2011

For more information on the DT Trainer or the Activity Trainer, or to get free trials, visit our web site at:www.dttrainer.com We are also doing free webinar overviews online about the DT Trainer and the Activity Trainer. You can periodically check our schedule: Web Based Training.

Detoxing and Zeolite

myautismjourney — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:09:05 +0000

Another parent of an autistic child shared with me recently about detoxing your child of all the metals and pollutants in the body. Children with ASD are more prone to metal toxicity. If you are like me there are so many diets and treatments available on the market that you can literally go into debt just trying to find something that might help your child, but most importantly that is also SAFE!

I for one believe in eating healthy instead of trying various diets and formulas to “fix” what is wrong. Our children are not science experiments. If you do decide to use supplements it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you seek advice from a professional before just randomly giving your child something that you THINK might work because another person said it did for their child. It is very important to remember that each person is different, what might work for you may have fatal results for me. If your child is mostly nonverbal like our son, then it is vital that you proceed with caution in using supplements or other treatments.

With that being said, I would like to address detoxing. There are so many treatments, products and resources online, in stores and pretty much wherever you go for getting rid of toxins in the body. Since I have not had much success from my son’s doctors in treating his health problems we have decided to make changes in our lives via our diet. We have also tried a product called Zeolite. Another parent informed me about its health benefits in ridding the body of metals given via immunizations. I was skeptical about it working since it has been several years that our son has had shots. In my research I discovered that Zeolite is extremely safe to take and can be given to anybody except infants. It works much like charcoal in the body. If you have not taken charcoal what it does is; if you or feeling ill with the flu or other health issue, you consume the recommended dosage and it will go in the body and start binding/collecting up the virus bug or other invader that is attacking the body and expel it via the bowels.

Our son has been taking Zeolite for a few weeks now and I have been extremely surprised. For the first time I have some hope that he might start making some improvements academically! His recall and understanding has improved considerably. He has a bowel movement every day that he is given Zeolite. This past weekend was the first time that he asked to go spend some time with his daddy!

The vocalization still needs some improvement but in the past when I played Uno Moo with him, which I use to teach him his colors, I would have to walk through all the colors several times with him missing about 90% of the time. I recently played the game with him again and when I asked for a certain color and animal he was able to pick it out of the group, sometimes in the first try!!

Something very important to remember about detoxing, if you are trying to rid the body of metals and other pollutants it is extremely vital to read labels in order that you don’t put back into the body what you are trying to flush out. If you have never heard of Zeolite, check it out and see if it is safe for your family.

I am not a doctor and what I am stating here is not to be confused with medical advice. Each person is different and may have an adverse reaction to something that is mentioned in this blog!

If you have used Zeolite or another product to detox and have a comment, please feel free to share.

DMAE Update

myautismjourney — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:01:09 +0000

I have written at least one if not more blog posts about DMAE supplements. In all the different therapies I have tried with my son this one has proven to be the most effective in improving my son’s communication skills. With the progress that we have had I’ve passed on this information and sometimes the supplement themselves to other parents with similar problems. Another parent wrote me to share her experience:

“I also wanted to mention that I gave (my child) the DMAE on top of the supplements he is already taking. Just the other day he was speaking to his father and he began to stumble at his words. The amazing thing was, he wasn’t content with jibber jabber which he usually resorts to. He actually stopped himself, gained his composure, thought out his words and proceeded in a rather mature fashion.”

I originally found out about this supplement at the natural health food store in our area. The bottle I bought lasted me about a month, since he was taking it with other vitamins I wasn’t really sure that it was helping him until our supply ran out and so did his speech. My son resorted to no talking or verbal expression and extremely quiet, with struggles getting him to repeat lessons. Within 8-10 hours of starting him up again his language exploded!

After spending so much time with therapists and trying to get him to talk, I never thought I would have to quiet him down but we have reached that milestone!

You can pick up DMAE at any health food store or online. I highly recommend the DMAE Source Naturals brand!

HBOT Follow-Up

myautismjourney — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:41:26 +0000

It has been a few weeks since I originally posted about the option of HBOT therapy at a clinic about an hour away from us. We took Nathan in to try it out and he seemed to have some positive results. I had asked my daughters about an item I was looking for that I couldn’t remember if it was in my husband’s vehicle or mine. All of sudden Nathan told me that his dad had been using one of the items that I was looking for! I was completed surprised that 1) he knew what I was talking about 2) I later found out that he was correct and it was in my husband’s car!!

A couple of nights ago, he was playing with my husband when out of the blue he carried on a short term conversation that showed empathy and understanding to what he was saying!

Sometimes, when it seems like he isn’t making any progress then these little snippets of improvements remind us that there is hope!

At this time due to financial restraints I won’t be able to do as many HBOT treatments as I would like but I do hope to have more done in the near future!