Autism Recovery Basics:
Recently I have been asked a lot about how to help a child with autism recover. Many parents are just starting to figure out that something just isn’t right with their child and they don’t want to pump them full of drugs. And, I’m proud to say, they have seen the amazing progress we have made with Matthew’s recovery and they of course want that for their child too. The want a list of Autism Recovery Basics.
The first thing I have to say, and it sort of sucks, is that not every child recovers, but almost every child improves. But I beg you not to turn away saying “Oh, this doesn’t really work, so I’m not even going to try.” Because remember that even “conventional” medicine does not have a 100% recovery rate for most procedures. How many people still die of cancer even after the prescribed treatment? But you still treat, right, knowing that maybe, just maybe, you will be the success story. So bare with me here and give it a shot. It really can do nothing but improve your child (or yourself), so why not?
First and foremost in Autism Recovery Basics, get them on a GFCF diet. This is a gluten free casein free diet which means you must remove all sources of gluten and casein from the diet, and from products that touch the skin. Gluten a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, among a few other grains. Casein is a protein found in dairy. You would be amazed at how many times you think you have removed everything only to find out there is gluten in the glue on the back of the stickers the bus driver was giving your child, or that the shampoo you are using contains Wheat protein! Check your detergents too. You may choose to eliminate only one of these proteins at a time, but be aware that until all of the gluten and all of the casein are removed you may not see a change. And you need to give this enough time to work. Many doctors recommend at least a 3 month trial period once fully off of gluten and/or casein, but some recommend as high as 1 year. This is a chemical reaction, you can not cheat on this diet like you can on a weight loss diet. You will not see the desired results until the proteins are removed.
Secondly, get them on a good GFCF probiotic. I like Culturelle W/lactobacillus GG, 30-Count Package, Flora – Udo’s Choice Super Bifido Plus Probiotic – 30 Capsules and Jarrow Yum-Yum Dophilus 120 Chewable Tablets. This will help repopulate good gut flora and control yeast if your child has any yeast problems. Check with your pediatrician, but probiotics should not cause any problems unless you are allergic to a particular ingredient. Although I have used each of these products in the past, please read the ingredient list to verify they are still GFCF. Also be aware that if your child does have a yeast overgrowth and you introduce the probiotic you may see an increase in bad behavior while the probiotic kills off the yeast. This is called a die-off reaction or a herxheimer reaction, where the yeast produces toxins as it dies and the body has trouble ridding itself of those toxins. There are methods to mitigate these problems such as introducing the probiotic slowly or using activated charcoal away from the probiotic by roughly 1 hour to help absorb those toxins.
Next, I would begin to remove all artificial color, flavors and sweeteners from your child’s food and move toward organic, real foods. Try to avoid processed foods even if they are organic. Remember organic junk food is still junk food.
If you child is not sleeping through the night you may wish to introduce melatonin. Check with your doctor again, but in general melatonin is very well received and often helps children sleep through the night.
From here you will want to find a doctor or clinician that can help you navigate the rest of your child’s care. You can check with Generation Rescue for a Rescue Angel in your area, I happen to be one. A Rescue Angel can help you find doctors and resources in your area, and they themselves are excellent resources. I Highly recommend them. Stay Well.
