Testing Results are IN

We have finally received all of the results from the Great Plains testing. Tomorrow, we have our phone consultation with Dr. McFadzean of the BioHealth Centers in California. I am really looking forward to hearing what she will say about the results.

The one thing that really struck me was that Alec's metals testing showed absolutely NO mercury in his hair sample. I was expecting this! But now, in talking to some other mothers and from researching (and from information in the book Evidence of Harm by David Kirby) I see that neurotypical kids often have higher levels of mercury in their test results than ASD kids. I didn't know this! The reason is, that ASD kids can't excrete the mercury as a typical child (or person for that matter) can. So, Alec, it seems, should have shown some level of mercury instead of nothing at all.

So, what is next? Chelation? We are expecting that.

We have seen an improvement in terms of speech, focus and language in the process of doing the GF/CF diet and with the supplements. Alec is doing very well! We are encouraged! So, what is next?

Still no hope at all with our battles with the school system. We have learned that the CMS superintendent just elected to retire (Why so soon?) and the head of the EC dept has accepted a promotion to be an elementary school principal. This leaves us no where, expect I know that the Bright Beginnings (head start) program is NOT where Alec needs to be. We are planning on asking for ABA! (Right, I am sure that will be a battle.)

I'll let you know about the phone consultation!

Where have I been?

Hello!

I actually got a message from a reader who asked me how I was, that I haven't posted for a while. I'm amazed that anyone even noticed! I can't tell you how much the letters I get from each of you mean to me, and how many times I have received hope. I find so much strength in the community of parents out there, like some secret army against autism.

We look for help from doctors, school administrators, and some are very good and helpful, but I fear that for the most part, and maybe because autism is so baffling, many professionals don't know what to do for our kids. I am amazed at the drive of parents who fight and hold on to the hope that their kid can have the best possible life. It's a daily battle. When I read letters from concerned parents, I thank God that He has placed their kids in the care of parents like these.

So, where have I been? I'm STRESSED! But from my part-time job that I do from home. I haven't had time to breathe, or write, and I hate it when it gets this way. BUT... in two weeks, my insane season of work will be over until August or so, and I will be able to breathe again. I CANNOT WAIT.

Here's an ALEC update:

Alec has been on the GF/CF/Corn Free/Soy Free (food free...just kidding) diet since the first of March. His focus is very good. I don't know what I have been expecting with Alec. He's still an incredibly PICKY PICKY PICKY eater, but he has tried a few new things. I have learned to make special pop tarts, chicken nuggest, cakes and brownies, but my prayer is that the boy will eat more veggies (like maybe ONE kind?) and meat. I have been learning about how to live on this type of diet.

The hardest part has been taking Alec to restaurants. No more pizza places. But now I'm just bringing some of his treats and he's doing okay. There is life after THE DIET. I feared this diet so much, but it's doable. It's taken several weeks, but it's getting easier.

So is it working? Wow, I don't know how to analyze it! He is focused more, but we've went through some frustrating days where his language wasn't so great. He's been more defiant lately, which confuses me. I hear "NO" a lot, but his teacher suggested that maybe that is because he's feeling better and is trying out his "tiresome threes" like a "neurotypical" kid would. I also expect a period of adjustment, which I feel I am only just coming out of.

HERE's something strange though: I went away for the weekend (women's retreat .... AHHHH I needed that!) and Matt had the kids. We have a neighborhood with about 19 little kids and Matt decided to get the street to have an impromptu cook-out. Matt did the cooking, and Elise and Alec played with the other kids under the watch of a community of parents (which I am very thankful for, btw).

At about 4:00 am the following morning, Alec threw up in his bed. Matt moved him to our bed, and he threw up again. He proceeded to throw up two additional times, and he was limp like a noodle and incredibly spacey. It's our guess that Alec got a hold of some food he wasn't supposed to have. Alec didn't seem ill and he wasn't feverish, but his stomach was a mess and HE was a mess in terms of focus, coordination and language. So.....could this be evidence that the diet IS working? Any stories from parents like this?

Alec is back on his super supplements and the diet, and he's better now. It took about 48 hours to get him back to where he was.

Other news: We have some test results back from the Great Plains Lab, which indicate yeast in Alec's system. We're going to be working on that. We are waiting for the hair analysis to come back to show metal levels, and then, when all of the tests are done, we consult with Alec's doctor (all the way in San Diego...!) about how to treat him. We expect to begin chelation as well.

That's an update. Sorry I've been out, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING? (Since I moved down south, I should say "y'all", but after 14 years, I can't do that yet!)

Evidence of Harm in Bookstores

There is a new book out - just released - that I wish that all of you would read. I just got a copy myself. I write about what Matt and I are going through with Alec, and our hopes that we can address what we suspect as a mercury poisoning issue (although our testing results are not back yet).

This book details the mysterious rider to the 2002 Homeland Security bill which would free drug companies of liability in lawsuits regarding Thimerosal. This disturbing, important book examines both the personal stories of families and the unfolding political drama in the courts and halls of Congress.

If you can and if you care to, please pick up a copy and check out the reviews of www.evidenceofharm.com . Personally, I believe that Alec's issues began when I had two mercury fillings removed when my son was solely breastfeeding at 3 mos. of age. If only someone had let me know of the potential danger ! I don't have guilt over this (I didn't know!), but I do want to try to let other people know to play it safe.

Mercury can be removed from vaccinations, but we need to trust that pharmeceutical companies are doing this, and their track record makes me doubt they can be trusted without significant pressure, possibly from parents of kids with autism spectrum disorders.

I just was sent another informative website that I am reviewing. Check it out at http://www.generationrescue.org/index2.html.