Our Journey into Biomedical Treatments for Autism
The thought of starting biomed treatments began in the fall of 2009. Along with our struggles with school, and behaviors at home, and even with Dustin on medication for his autism symptoms, I realized what we were doing was not working.
With the help of researching on the Internet and networking with other parents of kids on the spectrum, I was able to gather enough information, and enough courage to decide it was time to try the alternative approach to treating autism. I had heard so many success stories from other parents, and although it is a road not recommended by the mainstream medical community, I realized that their way was not working, so my options were limited, and I was willing to try anything at that point.
In the fall of 2009, we experienced major changes in our life. I pulled my kids out of public school, for lack of progress, and lack of compliance and understanding of what my children needed to be successful in school. At that point I started homeschooling, which is another story that I will tell at a later time. I also called up a psychologist who is knowledgeable with autism and the healing arts, who we had seen many years ago, and made an appointment for both boys, to start seeing her again. With her help, I knew I could start on this new road of biomed treatment, that I knew nothing about.
We had our first visit in March of 2010. I explained to her where we had been, where we were at at that point in time, and where I wanted to go in treating the boys’ autism. She gave me some ideas, and this is where we begin.
Our first steps in biomed treatments for autism included Epsom salt soaks, calcium magnesium supplements and probiotics. Also weaning Dustin, my older son, off of some of the pharmaceuticals the doctors had him on. One pill in particular, abilify, made him gain 50lbs in a 5 month period.
We continue on this regimen as I speak, though we have tried a tested a few products, some work and some I would not recommend.
Epsom salt soaks require about 2 cups of Epsom salt in bath water once daily, and more if needed due to a meltdown. I am including more information on Epsom Salt. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html
Next came the Calcium Magnesium Supplements. First we tried CALM by Peter Gillham. It was however difficult to mix in with the boys drinks. Required high dosages, spanned thru out the day. They do not like taking meds, so everything has to be masked. When I could get doses in, I did see an improvement in bowel function as well as moods.
A few weeks ago we were introduced to some new products that I just love. Made by Wateroz http://www.wateroz.com/, we are using their magnesium and calcium supplements, and so far so good. It is easy to insert into drink, non detectable and small dose. I have noticed increase improvement in the calming of my older child. We will continue to use these, and I am also going to try the zinc product they offer. I will keep you posted on how things are going.
Probiotics is another supplement we are using. One child, has encopresis or severe constipation and another has chronic diarrhea. I am a firm believer now of digestive issues and autism being related. We are using this product, and I double it’s dosage, using 20+ parts per billion on my kids daily.
We tried to go a cheaper route about a month ago, on the probiotics, thru GNC. The product was less than desirable. It contained an ingredient Fructooligosaccharides 2000.00mg that made John’s chronic diarrhea even worse. So we are going back to the Source Naturals Life Flora. I order it through Vitacost and the only problem I have with it is it takes 2 to 3 weeks to ship because they never have it in stock, always backordered.
This what we are working with right now. Once we get to a point where I feel comfortable and see improvements with all the products, we are going to introduce digestive enzymes and zinc into the mix. I am still doing some research on that.
