Allergies and ASD

I am a special education teacher and have a 17 month old daughter. I recently read the Jenny McCarthy book about her autistic son. She decribes some of the same things you mentioned and has found a diet that works for her son and brings him out of his autistic tendencies.

There is a good support group through Parents Helping Parents www.php.com in Santa Clara that meets monthly to discuss ASD and Biomedical issues. They meet the second Wednesday of each month. It is also really important that you contact your local school district and have them help you determine if he is eligible for any special education supports that might address speech/language behavioral issues. I understand your frustration and feeling like you are getting no answers, it took me 5-6 professionals before I got a somewhat definitive ASD diagnosis for my son 13 years ago.

Best to you. Be persistent,
J. J.

Hello,
Can't give any advice on the allergies or other medical issues, but I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a mother. Please contact your local school district ASAP, so you can get him formally tested. He should qualify if his delays are significant and you don't need a diagnosis from a doctor beforehand. Sevices are free and they are either provided by your local school district or county education program, depending on where you live. Early intervention for developmental delays is a must! Please email me back if you have any questions regarding the process, IEP's, etc...

Good luck,
M.

Hi M.,

Well your story hits right at home. My son has been having social issues since he was very young, he is seven now. His behavior has changed dramatically and he was breaking out with rashes that the doctors kept diagnosing as poison oak. Which was almost impossible because we have not been anywhere and we don't have any at home. Well I finally took him to a doctor that is a friend of the family and I am so glad that I did. He knew right away that my son had some kind of allergic reaction going on. He did a full childhood allergy profile test on our son and we found out that our son was allergic to everything. He has seven food allergies; peanuts,wheat,soy, corn,clams,walnuts,and scallops. He also has 23 allergies from dustmites to olive trees. He is doing the immunotherapy right now and it seems to be going okay. But the food allergies are the worst. I have to make so much of his food homemade and it is expensive. I have a family of eight and he is the only one with these allergies. Go figure!!! He has been having problems in school and the counselors think that he has Aspergers Syndrome. I have done alot of research on the internet and with the school, they say that food allergies are believed to be related to the Autism Spectrum. You know I really believe that it is true. I have came into contact with many families that have had the same issues with food allergies and the diagnosis of Aspergers. Get online and do lots and lots of research. There is a website called Aspergersworld.com I love that website, and I think you will enjoy it too. Also immunizations have also been believed to be linked to Autism. Also when your son gets into school there is something called the Section 504 that protects your child, it includes food allergies. You might want to look it up on the internet and study up on it before your child gets to school. Just some thoughts...L.

Hello M.,

I have an ASD child, and can tell you, if you have not gotten an IgG allergy test done (it sounds like you may have - it is a delayed food allergy where the body has an immune response to the protiens in food between 2-48 hours after it is eaten) is so well worth the time/money/energy to watch. ASD children are not one size fits all - nutritional supplements (esspecially B6, B12, multi-vitamin...and there are others depending on what your child needs) finding out if there are heavy metal issues (our childrens enzymatic processes do not work to allow the body to flush the heavy metal contaminates that a normal system does on its own) and blood sugar issues...those are so very important. Between those three it can be life changing - the sooner the better. Doctors do not look at these issues very often - you are on the right track looking at the gut, but keep going. Please feel free to contact me at - it is good to have a contact that understands our kids are wonderful and different!

God Bless,
D.

There is a really interesting book called Enzymes for Autism and Other Neurological Disorders. The author links leaky gut syndrome with autism and describes how taking enzymes has helped leaky gut, autism and migraine in her family. I highly recommend that you read it - it's an easy and informative read!
E.

Hello M.,

This is challenging stuff to say the least...and increasingly common unfortunately.

Many years ago, while seriously ill, I copy edited the most comprehensive copy of the Organon--the primary foundation for homeopaths--and the editor, who knows most of the U.S. and European homeopaths recommended me to John Melnychuk in Palo Alto. She said he "is one of the most gifted clinicians I've ever met." I think he's extraordinary. He also specializes with children. Here's his link: http://www.paloaltohomeopathy.com/

Also, Rachelle Halpern, MD in Lafayette is an endocrinologist who specializes in endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition with an integrative and functional approach. She will get at the core of what's going on with your boy like no doctor I've even seen. I've known several extremely ill people whom she has saved on a significant level. She focuses on improving metabolism with carefully chosen enzymes, vitamins and the like rather than simply eliminating symptoms with medications that may leave the core issue untreated. Her number is ###-###-####. Good luck!

We have founded a support group for parents seeking Stem Cell for ASD children, and have succesfully seen several children with leaky gutt and immune disfunctions such a s allergies get cured you might want to join: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/StemCell-for-Autism/...
And some children have lost the ASD diagnose and some on the way!!! Love, G.. :0)

A psychologist can tell you what your child has. I had my son evaluated many times, he actually has adhd. I knew a girl that had a hole in her stomach, she couldn't eat well. There should be a place you can take your child to see what he's allergic too, because of the food allergies. I know a few people are allergic to hamburger meat, and walnuts. Your son is small to understand what is going on with his body. Maybe research google.
There should be something the docs can do for your son.

Hi M.. I have two sons with ASD and one is g-tube fed now because of feeding/eating problems. I have another child with food allergies and three with GERD (reflux). I have a few questions so you might want to e-mail me. Are you getting help from the school district yet? Has your son been to an allergist? Is it reflux that he has? I wasn't sure what you meant by leaky gut. Sometimes reflux can be caused by lack of muscle tone and some kids that are on or near the autistic spectrum have muscle issues, this could be factor. Has regional center done an evaluation yet to see if he qualifies? Has anyone even talked with you about regional center? Have you talked with anyone at your local family resource center to see what help they can offer?

E-mail me and I'll give you as much information as I can along with phone numbers or web sites. You might want to check out http://naturalmoms.ning.com/. The lady that runs it has kids with severe food allergies.

L.

Hello. I am a mommy of two little angel boys. My 6 year old boy has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I recommend that you read, Facing Autism and Louder than words by Jenny McCarthy. You will learn a lot from these books. You are not alone. And perservere. Chase that diagnosis. Until you pin it down. I have been to several different doctors, and it took so much time to get my sons diagnosis. Go to your county mental health, keep persisting until you get it in writing. It is the labor of love, You are giving your child the greatest gift. Time. I am in the process of having my second son evaluated, he is three the angel baby.He does show signs, but different than his brother. Amazon. com has a lot of books for parents, there is also FEAT they help with rescources I think they have several FEAT organisations in the state. Jenny Mc Carthy gives diet, and treatment advice that helps with the symptoms of ASD, to help break throughs.

Hi M.,
There are plenty of people who think that there are psychological repurcussions to nutritional issues caused by allergies/digestive issues. Here are some books that were suggested to me:
Gut and Psychology Syndrome, Campbell-McBride

The LCP Solution, Richardson

Enzymes In Autism and Other Neurological Conditions, Defelice

Children With Starving Brains, McCandless

Tired of Being Tired, Schmidt

Jessica Jacobson recommended these books; She's the founder of Upgrade Reading in Redwood City and knows a lot about these issues. She is also a delight to work with. She's definitely worth calling:

Jessica Jacobson
www.upgradereading.com
###-###-####

Good luck!

Hi M.!
I have a son with Autism, and a leaky gut and found a great solution! I strongly recommend that you read Karen De Felice's Book "Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions". In it she suggest a very simple, gentle therapy that helps heal a leaky gut and alleviate many of the symptoms of Autism/Aspergers. I've followed her advice and had wonderful results with my son.

I told your story to my very dear friend Dr. Rhonda Emmert who is a brilliant Chiropractor in S.F, specializing in psychoneuroimmunology. This is what she said:

" Leaky gut is secondary or tertiary to any neurological and behavioral phenomena of this magnitude. You’re on the right track with NAET symptomatically as far as doing the best you can with the neurology of your child. However, it’s very important in cases like this to rule out Thyroid imbalance.

Are you sure your child is getting Iodine in his salt.? It is very important for kids since we’ve been using lots of salts that don’t have any or enough iodine. Even sea salt seems to be mostly devoid of iodine since much is lost in the drying process. (Real salt has iodine in it and you can find it at whole foods)

Seasweed and shellfish are good sources of iodine. Avocadoes, blue cheese, turkey and warm milk are high in Tyrosine which together with Iodine form Thyroid hormones.

Your child is excpressing his own type of biochemical chaos unique to himself, that is directly linked to your familial genetic infrastructure."

These are the types of patients Dr. Emmert treats. If you are interested she said she can offer you a complimentary consultation. For your information below is a short published biography:

Rhonda Emmert, D.C., B.A. Nutrition is co-founder of essencehealers/Patient Advocacy through Molecular Mindfulness and has been practicing for 23 years in San Francisco. She was voted one of the ten best chiropractors in San Francisco Magazine, and is listed in America’s Top Chiropractors, 2007. She has built her practice by addressing her patient’s obscure and chronic conditions. As a scientist, she was alarmed to find people could remain so ill, both mentally and physically, after having been treated by various methods over many years. She has devised a system of analysis, Molecular Mindfulness, that utilizes biochemistry as the avenue to systemic diagnosis. Dr. Emmert has a family-based practice; hence, she has seen the genetic implications that warrant biochemical healing at the deepest level. She takes her patients on for life.

I believe that if anyone can see through the maze of complicated conditions such as the one you are describing, Rhonda is that person. I hope this helps. M.

Hi M.,
We had similar issues over twelve years ago with my youngest daughter and did the many NAET sessions as one part of her protocals. I understand how much information and learning is required when parents are faced with physical and emotional symptoms and conflicting or limited info. A few things that are possible now...you can do Allergy Elimination Treatments easily yourself, at home...as well as clear other challenges, and any you may have as well. As for physical support. I recommend the Body Ecology website. She has great, up to date info on the physical aspects of this challenge. But making sure to work on the emotional components is key as the issues can go underground and resurface in later years in surprising ways. Warmly, L.

If your not totally happy with the treatment, prognosis, etc.. keep asking questions and find out why they are choosing treatment A and not B and when you should expect results and when you should be concerned for lack of results. Has your child been tested for celiac? It can cause leaky gut and neurological problems. Sometimes it takes a long time and a lot of trial and error to discover exactly whats going on with a child. We deal with a lot of medical issues and I have found it is very helpful to be proactive and speak up. Your doctor doesn't know your child as well as you do. Make sure you work as a team anddon't let the doctor be the king and you the obedient peasant.

My wife and I represent a nutritional supplement company that provides balanced nutrition and we have seen pretty amazing things happen with people with serious conditions that are impacted by nutrition. We are seeing remarkable results. We have a son with allergies and he has gotten almost totally over it. Please call my wife A. @ ###-###-####.

I clipped this off of the Parents Helping Parents web page
(www.php.com) as you can see, they talk about allergy and leaky gut issues.

C.

The PHP Autism Spectrum Disorders Biomedical Discussion Group meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 7-9:30pm. The meetings are held at Parents Helping Parents, 3041 Olcott Street, Santa Clara, CA 95014.

This support group is for parents interested in exploring biomedical treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including PDD and Aspergers. The parents in our group have a wide range of experience dealing with some of the underlying physical problems associated with ASD, from digestive and neurological problems to special diets and nutritional supplementation.

Topics of discussion can include: how and why dietary interventions work; testing; finding the right health care; the biochemistry of autism; new treatments; how to get started; underlying immune issues; allergies; and chelation. We also have guest speakers throughout year.

Contact:
Community and Family Services Department
Phone:
###-###-####
Fax:
###-###-####
Email Address:
____@____.com

Read about wheat grass juice. Healer of all evil and doesn't affect wheat allergy sufferers. There are some really good books out there on the subject. Ann Wigmore heals cancer with the stuff, you can grow your own for pennys. Don't buy a juicer just blend with water and strain.

My almost 3 year old son was diagnosed with multiple severe food allergies at 15 months. It's been a hard adjustment. I found www.allergymoms.com, www.foodallergy.org (FAAN) and Terrific kids with food allergies (terrifickidsWFA) to be very helpful. I don't have any experience with leaky gut or ASD. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any specific questions about allergies. I tried to find a support group at the time but wasn't able too. It's always with you, but does get easier. T. ____@____.com

food allergies can show up in many different ways - rashes, hives, itchy skin/eyes, runny nose and direahha. I get all of them to varying degrees for certain foods.

I have a lot of food intolerances. I think seeing a naturopathic doctor would be a smart move as well as the homeopathic. If you have not done an elimination diet that is a good place to start. There could be other foods that are bothering your son that do not show up on tests. Those could keep him from healing. Only feed him unprocessed, organic, whole, natural foods. You need to be strict with keeping his diet free of the offending foods. Eating even small amounts could keep him from healing.

Good luck

Our family has had great success lately with the advice, diet, and lifestyle changes taught by Doug Kaufmann.

His website is extremely helpful and he isn't selling supplements, etc. (in other words, not in it for the money). He also has a tv show you can find or watch online.

He's very experienced in the field of nutrition and food allergies and how greatly that affects all of us even when we don't realize it. He gets to the root cause of major issues rather than just deal with the symptoms. Good stuff!

http://www.know-the-cause.com/

Hi M.,
My mom has alot of health issues, including fibromyalgia, and just went to a doctor who follows the blood type diets. He gave her several supplements to take and a book of food dos and don'ts. She has only been on it a few days but already feels SO much better! I would ask the homeopathic doctor about it.
L.

No milk Try to not give him milk

my daughter used to have leaky guts, we went to an allergist /immunologist. He explained that she cannot digest protein. He saw a similarity between kids having food allergies and kids with ASD or ADHD. He prescribed 'Creon' a capsule we break open to put onto protein food like meat to help digest the protein (it contains enzymes from pig's pancreas). She had that for a few years, I remember that once she started taking it, it made a huge difference, she became more aware of her surrounding (less stupor and more alert).
She was also blood tested and found to have a lot of food allergies. She was 6 at the time, she has a gluten and cassein free diet, now 8 years later, she is exploring more food without much allergic reactions.

I don't have specific advice for everything, but I do recommend reading up on all of the above conditions online. I would also recommend reading about possible homeopathic or holistic medical alternatives. I am a firm believer that the current environment and foods we are giving to our children (and ourselves) is greatly affecting our health. The best way to go is to educate yourself. Remember, that one person will not know everything (This includes doctors.), so keep asking people. I'm sure there are many who can give you good advice. Good luck.

M., not sure where you live, but I have the name of a naturopathic doctor down in Santa Cruz who was recommended to me by another Dr.....Michael Slezak.###-###-####.

L-glutamine is supposed to heal the gut lining, but I wouldn't know the amount for a child.
(it's an amino acid).

There's also a nutritionist up here in Marin named Jan Hansen who could probably help you. She seems really on the ball, and any good nutritionist (not dietician) could get him on a program to help his leaky gut.

Good luck!