Let the Journey Continue!

Just a mere 2 or 3 days after removing casein/dairy from Alec's diet, my husband and I were running around the house with joy every time our son had a poop diaper! Not only were these diapers FAR less frequent: 2 times per day instead of 3-5, but the smell and consistency were like heaven to us! (Sorry to be gross, but this story can only be told openly and honestly). And this was the kind of poo that is suitable for potty training, and now we were 1 step closer.

Now let's flash back to understand the bigger picture... Alec never had bowel problems until he was closer to 15 months old. This matches up with the same time he was given the 1st dose of MMR vaccine. For children with a genetic weakness to this particular kind of immunization (3 types of live virus at the same time), it can destroy their body's immunity, and then the digestive tract (or "gut"). It is a theory that many autistic children have a type of leaky gut, where small holes are created in their intestines, and large protein molecules leak out into the bloodstream without breaking down. These proteins then cause a type of "opiate" effect, much like being on hallucinogenic drugs. This theory is no longer a theory to us. As soon as we removed these 2 types of proteins from Alec's diet, not only did his digestive tract begin to heal, but he was starting to lose the foggy brain effect that autism creates. That opiate effect, or brain fog, makes it near impossible for these kids to absorb what their therapists/teachers are trying to help them learn.

Within a few weeks of starting the GFCF diet, we were not the only ones noticing changes in our son. We got comments from: our daycare provider, ALL of Alec's therapy team, and friends/family members.

The next step: supplementation. We chose a liquid multivitamin that is formulated especially for autism spectrum children, high in particular B vitamins. Our current pediatrician agreed that B vitamins are often used to stimulate brain development/neurological connections, so we know that this is a plus for him. The next addition was an important one -- since Alec was not drinking milk and receiving calcium from regular sources like dairy, we would need to give him a supplement. He gets it by dropper before bed each night, and loves taking his "medicine". He reminds mommy to "shake - shake - shake" the bottle before opening it!

The last major supplement we added within the first 4 months of this diet was strawberry flavored Cod Liver Oil (served in his applesauce!). This provides his brain with DHA & Omega 3/6/9 fatty acids. It similar to why adults are told to take fish oils, and infants are given DHA & ARA in formula. Now there is even a supplement that pregnant women can take! Anyway, these children (and most children) are in desperate need of this nutrient, and I have evidence! Within just a week or two of adding this supplement, Alec all of a sudden could: do a shape sorter, the "dreaded puzzles", and drink through a straw! This was no coincidence. His brain was receiving the help it needed to coordinate his motor activities.

In the months that followed, Alec has also been drawing with more control in his hand, and can now string beads, which are major accomplishments! We are now concentrating more on his communication and speech, since he is really lacking in these areas, and is really getting frustrated by this. It is pretty much impossible for him to express that he's hurt or sick, or even make a clear choice of what he wants to eat. Most of the time, he cries or whines because he just doesn't have the right words.

All of his abilities are somehow "locked" in his brain, and we are doing everything we can to find the right keys...a good example of this is about a month ago, Alec said, "I love you, Mommy" for the first time, with amazing clarity. But it hasn't happened since. Whatever he was doing in that very moment allowed his brain and mouth to coordinate the words I had been waiting to hear for so long. I'll never take that for granted. I know that those words are locked away safely in his head, and I patiently wait to hear it again (also, I love you Daddy still needs to appear!). Our speech therapist has suggested that we make a photo book of all Alec's family members, and she will begin to teach him how to express his love for each of us!

Also, the latest project is helping him transition from one activity to the next without having a meltdown. Our speech therapist is also going to help us make pictures that we can show him, that will make more sense to him now than trying to explain it.

One of Alec's strong points is his ability to show affection. He loves to hug and be held. He has also given kisses to baby sister and mommy! These gestures are so precious to us...

Have I mentioned lately how wonderful all of Alec's therapists are? By the time he is done with Early Intervention at the end of August, he will have had therapy from the same group since November of 2006. Some therapists have been added/changed, but we have been so happy, and will be so sad to see them move on. But, they are the ones who have helped us to get Alec into the most wonderful local preschool (several of them used to work there). That phase will begin this September.

This is pretty much present tense storytelling now, and this is our son's story. We look forward to all the great things that will happen to pull him out of autism, but in the end, he is our son and not a disorder. Look for more updates soon!