By David Sontag, L.Ac, A.P. L.N.C

Many times, parents have shown up in my office with their child having been told, “Your child is autistic and nothing can be done.”  Some children are subjected to endless invasive procedures that either produce no result or, at best, a transitory result that leads nowhere. Then the child is placed in various programs to improve language and social skills etc., which are worthwhile.

When coupled with a child’s debilitating “additional” comorbid symptoms, a worthwhile educational intervention can often increase the child’s emotional stress - to the maximum. This can result in a child that increasingly acts out in inappropriate ways. Many parents place their child on various supplement plans that have great potential. Unfortunately, all too often, I feel these supplement plans are excessive, such that a child is taking too many micronutrients daily.

Many alternative practitioners have come to realize that rather than treating the primary symptoms of ASD first, it is the treatment of the  “addition” and underlying manifestations that bear the most fruit. While one cannot ignore primary symptoms like head banging, as we must act to protect the child from self-injury, in my experience, effective treatment of the comorbid allergic symptoms and gastrointestinal (GI) issues are vital if any progress is to be made.

To be clear, it does not matter how many supplements one gives a child if they have poor gastrointestinal health. A child with ASD needs supplementation for sure, but the only supplements a GI compromised child “needs” are ones that can help to return them to optimal GI health. Until that time, most if not all, the rest are wasted and may even add to the GI problems.

Tied into poor GI function, and just as important, are a child’s allergic or sensitivity issues. Not only can allergic symptoms make your child miserable in uncounted ways, they can also be part of the cause of poor GI function.

A child that is plagued by GI issues (i.e. diarrhea, pain, etc.) and is constantly assaulted by various symptoms of allergic origin, can clearly be driven to distraction. Both issues need to be treated concurrently and that is where I start with all spectrum children that enter my practice.

I have been practicing NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique)) since 1996 and have treated many children with ASD, PDD and AD(H)D. Many, if not most, of these children have benefited from being treated with NAET protocols. I know that many parents are skeptical as to what NAET has to offer their child, so I provide a free consultation to help patients understand this uniquely effective treatment.

The genius of NAET is that it integrates the energetics of an allergic substance into the treatment that helps the body normalize the irritating allergic reaction, such that it no longer upsets the normal flow of the body’s energy. The end result is the child no longer reacts negatively to the allergic substance, becomes less distracted and regains focus. This results in allowing the child to pay more attention and to learn with greater ease.

Over time, the normalization of GI tract function and the elimination of irritation caused by allergies or sensitivities allows many children to regain focus, have more eye contact and become more involved in their surroundings.

David Sontag, L.Ac, A.P, Licensed Nutritionist & Certified NAET Practitioner, has a private practice located in North Miami Beach, Florida. He offers a free consultation to help parents decide if their ASD child can benefit from GI normalization and NAET.

Please call 305-949-2990 or email him at acudoc@bellsouth.net for your free consultation.

Hyperbaric Therapy - Center for HOPE

By the South Florida Center for H.O.P.E.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder currently affecting as many as one out of 150 children in the United States. Characterized by impairments in social interaction, difficulty with communication, restrictive and repetitive behaviors, it affects children from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Previous to the 1990s, autism was considered a rare condition occurring in approximately one in 2,500 children.

However, according to the U.S. Department of Developmental Services, the prevalence of Autism spectrum disorders increased 556 percent from 1991 to 1997 and is now more common than childhood cancer, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, spina-bifida, and cystic fibrosis. In addition, it is found throughout the globe and the occurrence worldwide is increasing 33.8 percent per year.

Autism is not completely understood, but now we are beginning to unravel some of its mysteries. Ongoing clinical research reveals that reduced blood flow to certain areas of the brain, most notably in the temporal areas, specifically relates to deficiencies in language comprehension and auditory processing. Reduced blood flow also affects areas of the brain that regulate behavior, communication and social interaction, which correlates to clinical features associated with autism.

Other characteristics of autism are cerebral inflammation, nerve inflammation and increased levels of oxidative stress (abundance of heavy metals in the brain). Other suspected causes of the condition are:

·         Vaccinations (preserved in mercury)

·         Environmental Toxins

·         Lack of glutathione

·         Yeast

·         Viral infections

·         Foods containing Genetically Modified    Organisms 

·         A hiatal hernia disrupts protein digestion

·         Type A milk protein

There are many types of autism, however the three main types are:

·      Autistic Disorder or True Autism, which impairs social interaction and is the most serious and results in stereotyped behaviors, interests, and activities

·      Pervasive Developmental Disorder (P.D.D.), commonly referred to as atypical autism and less serious than true Autism. People with this type of autism tend to think literally, and do not understand humor.

·      Asperger’s Disorder (High Functioning Autism), is characterized by impairments in social interaction and is the least serious.

One of the most effective therapies in treating children with autism and other neuro-developmental disorders is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Clinical studies show HBOT has been used successfully, at varying pressures, to treat a range of conditions by increasing the blood flow to the brain and reducing oxidative stress. Each HBOT treatment involves breathing 100 percent oxygen (air we normally breathe consists of 21 % oxygen) in a pressurized cylindrical acrylic chamber for a regulated and prescribed amount of time.

The therapy plan includes depth of pressure, length of treatment time and frequency of treatment, and is prescribed by the attending hyperbaric physician. HBOT has a cumulative effect and current treatment protocol for autism requires 20 to 40 sessions or “dives”. Sessions are done five days a week for at least four weeks.

HBOT is a commitment for both the parents and the autistic child. It requires faithful dedication to keeping appointments for the entire course of treatment. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical modality that has been in existence since 1936. Through the efforts of a handful of dedicated health care professionals HBOT has escalated from obscurity to an accepted therapy in mainstream medicine. 

Among those health care professionals is Hope Fine RRT., CHT founder of the SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR H.O.P.E. (Hyperbaric Oxygen Producing Environment) a premier free standing center, located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Hope has dedicated herself for the past 25 years to providing the highest quality of health care and has an extensive background in Respiratory Therapy & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. South Florida Center for H.O.P.E.’s staff physician is on board to oversee and evaluate patient treatment progress.

South Florida Center for H.O.P.E. is a provider for most major managed care insurance companies. In many cases private insurance pays for HBOT. South Florida Center for H.O.P.E. prides itself in being one of the first free-standing Hyperbaric Oxygen facilities to receive reimbursement for treatment of Autistic patients.

* Besides HBOT, South Florida Center for H.O.P.E. recommends the following on an ongoing basis:

·         ABA (applied behavioral analysis)

·         Gluten free/Casein free diet.

These three pieces of the Autistic “puzzle” work together in the fight to overcome this disorder.

The Centers insurance specialist’s are highly skilled in the strategic process involved in filing claims. In addition, they assist each and every patient with their insurance needs from start to finish.

Patient Coordinator is available for a free consultation.

*A not-for-profit fund has been established to help low income families pay for Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and ABA.

For more information on the fund, please see their website at www.fundforhope.com.

South Florida Center for H.O.P.E., Inc.

1898 Suite H West Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442

Local (954) 571-9392 – Toll Free (866)-473-4673 (HOPE)

Email hbotx@bellsouth.net

More information is available on the Website: www.sfcenterforhope.com

Does it Truly Matter if There’s Gluten, Casein, Dyes or Other Allergens in my Skincare and Bath Products?

By Christine Gillund

In The Potter’s Hand Inc.

Well, does it matter? Absolutely, and here’s why:

·         Skincare products, along with any troublesome allergens they contain will easily transfer to your mouth from your hands, hair, face and lips. They also transfer from the skin or lips of anyone else that you kiss.

·         Gluten, casein, dyes, chemicals and allergen proteins will absorb directly into your body through cracked skin, cuts, rashes or from shaven areas.

·         If you use bath products with gluten, casein, dyes or any allergen to which a child is allergic, they remain in the bath water and will most likely ingested during the bath. For children, the unintentional transfer of these materials to their mouth is a daily problem as they put their hands in their mouth, lick their arm or chew on a strand of hair.

Bath and hair products that run down the face and lips, or are rinsed off into the tub water also pose a great problem; what mother has not caught their child sucking on a wash cloth, drinking bath water or putting tub toys and fingers in their mouth?

Adults find it easier to control the unintentional exposures from skin care and hair care

products containing these unwanted particles, however It’s not always necessary to ingest gluten, casein, dyes or allergens for symptoms to occur. Chemical compounds applied to the skin in the form of lotion, soap or other skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and affect the body, just like medications that are administered through a patch. Larger molecules like proteins from allergens can make their way into your body if the skins protective barrier is damaged. Examples of this would be if you have dry cracked skin, scrapes or have recently shaved.

The best advice is to evaluate your specific situation; if things are going well, then this may be a non-issue for you. If you are struggling despite your best efforts, then a change to gluten-free, casein-free and dye-free skincare products may be the help you need.

You will want to consider making these changes for everyone in your household.

Conventional lotions, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lip products etc, normally contain gluten, casein or dyes and it’s not an easy task to identify those that do from those that don’t. It is difficult to even find companies that will give you a complete list of ingredients or even know what potential allergens their products contain.

In The Potter’s Hand offers three lines of gluten-free, casein-free, allergen specific skincare, bath, baby and spa products, with full disclosure of all ingredients to help the Autism, Celiac, Chemical Sensitivity and Allergy communities. The product lines are Dakota Free Products, Millennial Essentials and Gluten-Free Savonnerie.

More information can be found online at DakotaFree.com and GFSoap.com

Does it Truly Matter if There’s Gluten, Casein, Dyes or Other Allergens in my Skincare and Bath Products?

By Peg Dunn-Snow, www.ArtTherapyforChildren.com

Art is a normal childhood experience that provides hours of independent, enjoyable experiences.  Art promotes a means of communication and illustrates what children understanding about themselves, others, and their environment.  Using common yet personalized symbols, young children draw what they know.

Therapy is an activity that supports and helps individuals and families accept and transcend the unexpected “Ifs in Life” (to borrow from a popular insurance tag line)

Art Therapy is not yet a household word so what is it and how can children, especially those diagnosed with autism, benefit from this hybrid profession of art and therapy?

Art Therapy Training Defined

Art therapy is an established health profession represented by the American Art Therapy Association since 1969. Using art materials often yields self awareness that leads to changes in behavioral, cognitive, and affective responses to stress or complex situations. The art therapist can provide support to individuals, couples, families, and groups depending on the therapist's clinical training.

Today training as an art therapist is comparable to other mental health professions, including counseling, clinical social work or marriage and family therapy. Art therapy is a Masters level entry profession with training and national board certification, requiring supervision before and after graduation.

For more information about the profession of art therapy as well as online resources on art therapy and autism please consult the following websites

www.americanarttherapyassociation.org

www.art-therapy.us

Advantages of Art Therapy

1.                  We think in images … therefore art stimulates the creation of new images and ideas that promote the creative process both narrowly in an artistic way and broadly in a creation of solutions in living.
 

2.                  Art is another Language… that is used less often to communicate and therefore is not as easily controlled. Unexpected thoughts and feelings can burst forth in a picture or a sculpture and often form the beginning for insight, learning and growth.

 
3.                  Artwork is permanent…and is not subjected to distortions of memory. It remains the same. It can be viewed intact weeks and months later. Reviewing their artwork can help individuals develop new insights over time.

 
4.                  In art experiences and relationships occur in space …and are not limited to time.    All at once the present time can be portrayed in artwork as it is influenced by past experiences and future wishes.
 

5.                  Art promotes more open and revealing discussions…as individuals are more comfortable talking about their artwork than having a face- to- face discussion with another person.

 
6.                  Art can be used in daily living…and individuals are taught how to use art therapeutically to help themselves after therapy sessions end ( Wadeson, 1980)
 
Principles of Art Therapy When Working with Children

·         All children are reachable

·         Making art is a normal activity for children

·         Art therapy assessments are used to discover children’s strengths

·         Follow the child’s lead. Children know what they need and want to communicate about.

·         Provide children with good enough art materials and protect their  artwork as you would protect them.  Honor their artwork and view it as an extension of  the child.

·         Parent involvement is a necessity

 
Evaluating Strengths
 
The biggest benefit of art therapy is its ability to highlight children’s strengths. Following good teaching principles, art therapy supports what a child can do and how to tailor each child’s treatment for developing additional skills for learning and living. In the case of children diagnosed with autism those developing skills  have three areas of  focus:  language development , a sense of self, and sensory integration  to  help children strengthen their gross and fine motors skills,  build relationships with others,  and help them  relate to their  world and their environment  (Betts, 2005).
 

Some Art Activities and Techniques that Parents Can Use Language Development

·         Traditional Language Development Materials (Example: Sequencing Cards)

·         Language Experience Stories

·         Read-A-Loud Stories

·         Singing

·         Rhymes and Poetry

·        Developing a Sense of Self

·         Following the Child’s Interest

·         Self Portraits

·         Photographs of Self in Collage Artwork

·         Three-Dimensional Life Size Portraits

·         Mask-Making

Developing Sensory Integration and Building Relationships

·         Finger-painting in the shower

·         Sandplay

·         Water-play

·         Cut and Paste Art Activities  (Example: Magazine Collage)

·         Papier-mâché Art Activities

·         Still Life Drawings

·         Traditional Childhood Activities (Card and Board Games, Tic Tac Toc, Hop Scotch)

·         Photographs of Self and Others to Teach About Feelings

·         Interactive Scribble Drawing

·         Corresponding by Email

·         Annual Arts and Crafts Projects That Establish Family Traditions During Holidays

Peg Dunn-Snow may be reached at (305) 542-4033.