The Destructive Side of Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

We're looking into the destructiveness that can often be a symptom on the ASD scale.  We'll share some of our stories and things that have worked to eliminate some of this behaviour.

The images I've provided is not even a tip of the iceberg when it comes to the destruction of this place.  Our couches sway in the middle from the unending jumping up and down.  The leather has been used in place of art paper several times.  I hang a large, dark blanket over it and I refuse to buy new ones until this stage is over.  (Still waiting...)

We have replaced FIVE beds also from excessive jumping.  They either don't make things like they used to or we've got a real problem here.

If any kinds of tools are left around, they will be gladly and vigorously used as destructive weapons.  Even toy tools!  Shortly after painting my son's room for the third time in 2 years, he used a wooden, toy hammer on the freshly painted walls.  My, when you leave your child unattended for just a few shorts minutes?!  You want to give them freedom and need to leave them alone at times, but these are the things that can happen.

Our hamster was even stepped on and killed!  He laughed like crazy while I cried and was so upset.  I kept thinking, "I'm raising a monster!" You talk about a warning sign!  I suppose that is another entry, entirely.

We live in Europe and over here, the walls are very NOT perfect and therefore, wall paper is the usual wall covering.  As you can see by some of my images here, wall paper and my autistic children do not combine well.

Writing on on my $50 a roll wall paper was a very common occurrence, for years.  We purchased an older house that needed restoration and slowly we made it to the bathroom.  We put so much love and care into this very used room and after two weeks, the walls were scribbled on.  I read and read, trying to find a way to get rid of this scribble and nothing worked.  Finally, after years of the sun shining through the window (maybe would not have taken that long if we had more sun.  Hehehe...) it's finally nearly faded. Of course, 10 years later, the entire bathroom needs re-doing!  Ugh!

I just leave this stuff for the most part.  I refuse to keep re purchasing all of these materials and re doing all of this work.

Another huge decorating mistake I made was this wall paper with a motif.  Both of my boys just love to pick at it.  Well, they used to.

This must have been the 6th time I've replaced and re wall papered the hall only to have the paper picked at just a couple of days later.  You can punish all you like.  You can beg for them not to do this, but it still goes on.

At least I found a cheap, fast and easy solution for wall paper glue.  Just take any kind of powder starch and mix it with a bit of water, stir and apply to your paper.  I have a tiny brush I use for quick fixes.

Here is an excellent fix to the peeling of wall paper.  It's fibreglass wall covering that you paint over.  It covers the imperfections in the wall, including hammer indentations, is fire retardant and can be painted over again and again for scribbles.  It's absolutely ideal for in our house.

I'm slowly going back around the house and using this fibreglass paper in every room.

Our youngest has Pica which is yet another symptom on the ASD scale.  It's when non food items are consumed.  JJ just loves squishy, soft foamy things to chew on and I have had to replace our bathroom squeegee half a dozen times before I started putting it out of eye and hands reach for him.

You can see the bite marks and the little pieces that were chewed off.  It's much better than the rusty nails and rocks that he used to chew and consume.

What works best for this kind of behaviour, that we have found, is relentless watching, reprimanding and even more effective, nipping it in the bud!  We often have to be very specific as to why this kind of behaviour is not tolerated nor healthy!  Let them know they can get sick or remind them of the times that they were in fact sick from consuming something inedible.

Another helpful trick is make them clean it up or fix it.  Of course, my kids are not at a stage where this is possible, but I sure do try and sit back and watch them try.  Then I make them sit on their butts and see how I fix it and they have to stay seated there until I'm finished so they see how long it takes and the kind of work it takes.  I told them, I'm taking money from their piggy bank the next time I have to buy wall paper.  Hehehe...

I still can't keep my youngest from jumping very energetically on his bed or the couch no matter what we try.  I've told gruesome stories of blood and carnage from accidents of people jumping on furniture and that doesn't help either.  Hehehe...I suppose it's this inability to not give into urges even when they know it is wrong.

I thought having swings inside and letting them ride their scooters inside might help with other physical destruction, but to no avail.  Getting them out swimming all morning, going hiking and many other activities still does not curb this urge, which more than likely comes from stress and or over stimulation.

Of course self destructive behaviour is also an occurrence and I cannot honestly say that my children never hit, punch, push or hurt each other either.

Consider these things:

*be vigilant whenever possible

*keep them busy

*start correcting immediately

*the sooner the better

*get help

*become aware of anger cues

*help with methods to calm down

*use positive reinforcement where you can

*anticipate and avoid triggers for destructive behaviour

*problem solve with them

*consider meds, but understand they are not cured, the meds simply "hide" the problem

I found this article to have a lot of useful information for steps parents can take to help with destruction.

Destruction is serious.  It can lead to future problems and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

I hope this entry has been helpful for you.  If you know of any excellent resources on this subject, leave a link in the comments.

Best of luck!

Big Kid Little Kid Problems and Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

Every day we are looking for the awesome in autism, but let's face it.  It isn't always awesome.  When we do find things that work or read something that might help, we share it here.  Sometimes we just may vent, but everyone needs that at times, too.

Our last few entries looked specifically at food, the environment and other possible factors that might contribute to the symptoms of autism.  We gave several suggestions to try out and see if they don't help reduce the many symptoms of autism.

Today, we looking at socialisation, again.  As many of you may know, socialising can be very difficult for those on the spectrum and their friends and family.

I may have mentioned before, that when you have a child that appears physically normal most people falsely assume that they are in fact, typical, normally functioning children.  We certainly know what it's like to get the evil stares and accusations of being bad parents for our children's unusual behaviour.

Something with us that has started with our youngest son, is his age versus his mental intelligence for his age.  He's 10, but acts like a 5 year old.  I recently asked myself, does it make sense to speak to him and treat him like a 10 year old, if perhaps he doesn't have the mental capacity to understand me?

I must speak in short sentences and as direct and clearly as possible.  Forget metaphors or sarcasm.

He loves playing with toys for little kids.  He likes clothing for little kids.  He still can't swim and is much more comfortable splashing around in the baby pool, but according to the rules, he's not supposed to be in there.  This morning he told me he doesn't like free time any more because he is no longer allowed to play on the little kids playground.

I've watched him carefully and he does not harm or make fun of the little kids, so for me, it's fine.  I can't expect him to act like a 10 year old.  It's not always easy ignoring the glares, but it's just about all you can do until you are approached.  For so many folks, having autism is an excuse.  That's only because they have never lived with it and as we may want and expect compassion, we must also do the same.  We have to be patient with others and provide the best example we can for our friends and family.

We also need to be an advocate!  We need to continuously point out our issues and ask for help when necessary.  When I explain about autism at the pool, most of the workers there are cool about it and let him play.  I'll certainly ask at school what the deal is.  I'd hate to think that at a special school, age would be a determining factor.  Ugh!

I'm on the hunt for companies that provide big sizes and kid like items for older people.  Things like clothes that are fun, cotton, obviously inside out or backwards and easy to get on and off would certainly be helpful in our household.  Some kind of bike or ride along system would be great, too. I've left some links I've found, but still haven't found just the right thing.

If you know of any sites that offer things like this, leave the link in the comments and we'll be sure to share them around.

Here are some things I found that may help you.

http://www.happyfaceapparel.org/hfa/products-page/

http://adaptiveclothingshowroom.com/childrens-adaptive-clothing/

https://www.etsy.com/market/special_needs

http://www.bikemania.biz/adult-trikes-teen-trikes/special-needs-tricycles.html

http://buddybike.com/Stories/BuddyBikeStory-TerryLuke.html

https://tadpoleadaptive.com/adaptive-bikes-1.html

Best of luck!

Our Environment And Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

For the past couple of weeks we've been looking into possible diet ideas that might reduce the symptoms of autism.  We looked a bit in depth into the gluten free and casein free diet and looked at measures that pregnant women can take to possibly reduce the chance of having a child with autism.

I just read today, in regards to the gluten free diet, that health factors may not be completely attributed to gluten, but perhaps, the over processed version of grains that we are consuming.  I thought I'd dive just a bit into our environment.  I have mentioned my ideas about autism and environment and would like to draw them out a bit.

You'll see all kinds of different statistics when it comes to autism and genetics.  You may be in my position, asking yourself, how can it be genetics when no one else in our family has any kind of cognitive issues.  Putting the finger on the environment certainly makes sense to me.  Just look in your very own house for damaging products, foods, cleaners, clothes, flea repellents...how much of what is in your very own house is all natural?  How can all of these chemicals NOT have an affect on our health?

Our environment is in quite a state and we are the products of that environment.  Of course we are going to have health issues that reflect that.

GMO foods, agrochemicals, food additives, processed foods and many other daily items ruin our gut flora.  To understand why this is so important, look back at this blog where I explain it in detail.  Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to physical and psychological problems.

The quality of food we are consuming has to come into question.  Have you looked at the ingredients carefully before buying?  Can you even pronounce half of them?  I always thought I understood what eating healthy was, but not until I actually started reading more into it.

Today's foods are not like the food from even one hundred years ago.  Our food is losing its nutritional value more and more due to over production on the same soil and of course, all of the chemicals we are using on them.  When we purchase foods from other countries, that also has an effect on our body.  It's ideal to eat food from your own region for optimisation.  It's also ideal to eat what's in season.  You can see, just how difficult it is to eat like this.

Looking back at environment, let's look briefly at electromagnetic radiation.  This comes from cell towers, cell phones, WiFi...and this radiation hinders detoxification.  So if you are surrounded with electromagnetic radiation at work and at home, you'll certainly have toxicity issues which can also prevent normal brain function amongst other illnesses.

In a nutshell, here's what ya need to start doing:

-  ditch the sugar (do it gradually if you like, but do it)

-  consider the chemicals you are using in your home and look for natural alternatives

-  reduce or remove electromagnetic radiation from your surroundings (especially where you sleep)

-  check for food allergies and remove certain products like gluten and dairy to see if there is health    improvements

-  purchase whole, quality, fresh food  (consider organic, locally grown, seasonal food)

- omit processed and over processed foods from your diet

I suggest going slow and step by step.  Read, read, read.  There is a ton of information out there. If you have been eating processed, non fresh, restaurant food because it's easy, then you're not reading enough.  There are a lot of recipes out there that are 100% fresh and made in minutes.  You just have to learn how to eat right and it isn't easy.

I'm leaving you with some links to help address the above checks.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/20/sugar-dangers.aspx

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home

http://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/sources-emfs-home/

https://authoritynutrition.com/9-ways-that-processed-foods-are-killing-people/

http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/top-reasons-choose-organic-foods

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/whole-food-recipes/  

I just love Pinterest for recipes.  My board is also full of whole food recipes.  Eating healthy is just a matter of habit as well as knowing what really is best for us.

I wish you the best!

UPDATE:

Electromagnetic radiation affects people with Autism even more than others. Do your research to learn more. Even the NIH has some interesting reading on Autism and EMF.

We've been eating whole foods, organic food and growing and sharing home grown food for many years now because the results were astounding. Perhaps on a side note though certainly noteworthy, none of us has exposed ourselves to any kind of ... prickly medical interventions for years either. (Insert cheeky emoji of your choice.)

Many people even claim our children, "don't have Autism". We've managed to minimalize most of their symptoms, but we've still got a long way to go.

The Removal of Casein As A Possible Cure for Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

Last week we went into some detail about how diet can adversely affect behaviour and overall health.  We are continuing our research and sharing the most interesting findings with our readers in an easy to understand manner.  We are not professionals.  We are parents of two boys with Autism, looking for ways to help ease the symptoms and perhaps eradicate autism completely.

We specifically spoke of taking gluten out of your diet to see if there were a reduction in mental and physical capacities.  Check it out, here.  Testing for allergies and intolerance isn't always easy. A dietary approach can be a safe way to do this, it certainly would be worth considering.  If you do want to try these elimination diets, make sure you know of healthy substitutes by speaking with a professional.

I mentioned that diet is often scoffed at when producing the idea to medical professionals.  However, there are countless testimonials of parents who have tried these diets with success.  There is also world wide research being done showing promising results as well.

These diets are not easy, but think how much more enjoyable life could be for you and your loved ones with an ease or perhaps eradication of autism and its symptoms.  Do your research and give it consideration.

Similar to gluten, when casein proteins begin to break down, opiate receptors kick in which makes it addictive and or cause cravings.  Making it very difficult to remove from diet, but should certainly be considered for optimal health.  Again, be sure to learn the best substitutes if you are considering removing casein and or gluten from your diet.

So, in the middle of all of this research, I also came across articles saying these diets do not work.  As well as articles saying if your kid has autism, you should put them on a casein and gluten free diet.  Jeez, Luis!

In many of the testimonials I read, there were immediate results.  I certainly would assume that eliminating one or both of the products for just a couple of days or weeks would be totally worth it if you notice positive changes.

I'm on a slow path to removing gluten and dairy from our diets, but it sure isn't easy.  My husband is totally NOT on board.  How old school?  Hehehe...I plan on doing it very sneakily.  In the summer, I'll be alone a lot with my boys and I'll eliminate all gluten first and see how it goes.  Then I'll go for the casein and see how that goes.  Of course, I'll share all of my findings here in hopes of you getting a better a perspective of all of this information.

I would assume, though I'm not sure, nor has it been proven, that results will vary with each and every individual.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked if there were a cure for autism, would you bother and everyone said they wouldn't.  They didn't want their kids to change.  I'm still dumb founded by this.  To each his own, I suppose.

If you'd like to share useful information and or friendly advice, join our group on Facebook or leave a comment.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey with autism.

Possible Solutions For Reducing The Symptoms Of Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

We are continuing our posts on possible ways to help reduce the symptoms of autism.  Last time we gave a few tips on the importance of diet, especially whilst pregnant.  This time, we will look more closely at the gluten free diet.

Omitting gluten from our diet can and has helped many people with autism.  There has been a lot of research given to this.  From the information I have been reading over the years, this has justified my thoughts that each and every person with autism is completely different and what works for one may not work for another. Until we know exactly how one acquires autism it is essential that we look at all perspectives.

I'm simply providing a regurgitation of information in hopes of giving an unbiased and educationally sound direction for readers to proceed in hopes of eradicating or at least minimising autistic symptoms.

Gluten are natural proteins found in wheat, barely, rye and triticale.  Not all grains contain gluten.  Oats, buckwheat, quinoa and several other grains  are gluten free.  However, these non gluten grains can be contaminated during processing.  Check out this link for more information on foods containing and NOT containing gluten.  It's crucial to consider the foods than CAN be consumed rather than getting caught up on the food that cannot.

Gluten is not bad for everyone and I've read repeatedly, that if there is no celiac disease or physical intolerance for gluten, that it is recommended to not omit gluten from your diet because the chance increases for nutrient deficiencies.

Irritable bowel syndrome can also be caused from gluten consumption.  Gluten is high in starches and sugars that can cause bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Get a feel for bowel issues with yourself or with your children and see if after the consumption of gluten, if there are intestinal problems.  Fatigue and joint pain can also be associated with gluten. If you or your family members are illy affected by gluten, consult your doctor and see if removing gluten from the diet will help.  There are tests.

You may be asking yourself, what ones bowels have to do with autism?  There is an amazing connection between our bowels and our brains.  Gluten and casein foods contain peptides and during the breakdown and absorption process, these peptides are not being broken down completely in some people.  This can cause a bio chemical and neuro regulatory disruption in the process of the peptide break down.  A simple pee pee test would show a significant number in peptides.

This would be considered an alternative treatment and as far as I read the only real risk is that of the nutrient deficiencies which could be addressed and substituted with guidance from health and nutritional professionals.

An abnormal gut flora such as mentioned above has been implicated in autism over and over providing the example of the significant importance of a healthy or finely tuned diet to assist with the reduction of autistic symptoms.  Probiotics and prebiotics are known to help improve the integrity of the gut mucosa as well.

There are many ways that we can safely try to help heal our autistic friends and family. As mentioned above, the removal of gluten and casein from the diet is one treatment ideal as is the introduction of pre and probiotics.

These bad or sick guts are toxic.  This toxicity of the bowels is preventing the brain's normal function.  Are you asking the question again?  How does the gut have anything to do with the brain?  Apparently and to my surprise, because I am NOT a professional, there are neurons in our gastrointestinal system. The enteric nervous system and I might just be a complete geek but found this part of the research absolutely awesome, is this enteric nervous system is embedded in the walls of our gastrointestinal tract also connected with the central nervous and digestive systems.  So there you can physiologically see the connection!  It's even called the second brain!  So the gut can upset the brain just like the brain the gut.  Wow!

Ever heard the phrase, worried sick?  Our brains can certainly mess with our digestion and guess what? The gut can mess with the brain as well.  Ever had gut feelings?  It's because, like the brain, our gut has neurotransmitters, proteins and a network of neurons.  Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine are also found in the gut.  Wow!  Mind boggling! There are even psychoactive chemicals in there for goodness sake.  So now, you can top asking the question of how it is possible that the gut can have an affect on our brains.

I hope this wasn't too technical of an entry.  It's just that I'm ALWAYS laughed at by psychologists, doctors and other medical professionals when I mention how a change in diet might help reduce my boy's autistic symptoms.

We ARE what we eat.

If you'd like to join me in some chatter or have friendly, helpful advice, join us in our group on Facebook.

We will be back next week with the removal of dairy as a means of help.

Best of luck!



 





 

Pregnancy and a Candid Look at Possible Causes of Autism

Welcome To AuSumness.

Last week we asked the question, if there were a cure for Autism, would you give it a try.  We were pretty surprised by the reactions we received and we shared them in last week's edition.  Today, I said I would start talking about the gluten and casein free diet, but I'm saving it for next week.  I thought I would mention a few findings I read about pregnancy and autism.

Depending on what you read, you may have found that autism is largely linked to genes.  There is a lot of research going on out there and not all of it is hooked on this idea and you shouldn't be either.  We all need to take a very open view on all topics across the spectrum.  We must never think that there is no cure or that we can't stop this.

Some of you might be asking yourself, "I don't know of anyone in the family with any kind of autism or other similar mental incapacities.  So, how are ALL of these cases genetic?!"  That's what we've been thinking in our family.  Going back on both sides, searching for something and coming up with nothing and no one.

According to a Lancet report I read and several others, they made the conclusion that only a small percentage of autistic children is actually gene related.  The Lancet, Dr. Mercola and many other professionals are attributing autism to toxins, gut flora, vitamin deficiencies, food, toxins, medicine, iron deficiency and other non gene factors.

The most important part here, is for pregnant ladies to understand how their diet and environment can have a serious effect on their baby's health.  Of course, a cleaner, less toxic environment will help greatly reduce the risk of Autism.  As will sufficient vitamin consumption, notably vitamin D as well as an understanding of their own gut flora and the means of knowing all of the aspects of having a healthy child.  We're specifically going with autism related health, but LEARN just what is toxic.  You may be surprised or perhaps not thought of it.  Check out this list for starters:
http://drbenkim.com/articles-household-toxins.htm

Gut flora are microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts.  It provides a barrier or block to pathogenic organisms.  Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can occur when gut flora is not at its best. (Wikipedia)  Gut flora can be improved through diet.  there is amazing connection between the gut and brain which is why it is so important to have healthy bowels.

Tests can be done to check the condition of your gut flora.  I did get a check for the condition and leakage of my digestive tracts and came out clean!  So this was not, more than likely, how my children acquired Autism either.

There is a connection with this and the next blog.  Diet as means of mending both gut flora and  minimising autistic symptoms.  We just thought the research was well worth knowing and something to consider for pregnant or those ladies wanting to become pregnant.

The other factor, which is a bit of a bomb and may cause some reactions and that is vaccinations.  Before you jump to any conclusion, make sure you do your research first.  Keep an open mind and read further and see if any of it makes sense and perhaps do some research on your own if you are not satisfied.  The two sides are driving me crazy!  I have no idea which one to believe.  As I mentioned, we saw a night and day difference after my youngest had the MMR vaccine.  So, I don't think it would be smart to rule this out yet and there is good credible research with valid explanations of how vaccines can have ill effects. You can find whatever opinion it is you are looking for and I supposed that largely depends on where you are coming from.  Read it ALL with an open, critical mind and do what you think is best for your family.

I wanted to leave links, but then you might be left as confused as myself!  I suppose, perhaps the largest factor to consider is, if vaccines WERE a cause of autism, what would be the consequence?  Think of the organisations behind it all and the ripple effects that would occur if the connection of autism to vaccines would be proven.  If you start a search of autism and vaccines, the majority of the information found would be pro vaccine.  I'll share a few varying links.  I apologise if I leave you in the confused situation we are in.  Hehehe...

Autism-Vaccine Link: Evidence Doesn't Dispel Doubts - WebMD

http://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?q=autism%20and%20vaccines

http://drhyman.com/?s=autism&submit=Search (I really found the first article here, interesting.)

If you'd like to discuss this or have important information to share,  join our group.

Thanks for stopping by AuSumness.

Is There A Cure For Autism?

Welcome to AuSumness.

We've found some pretty ausum information in regards to diet and autism and we'll be breaking it up, putting it in easy, fast summaries over a few months and sharing it with our readers.

If you have tips or excellent resources with helpful information about autism, feel free to share the links in the comments.  There is a lot of information out there.  Some misleading, a lot of confusing stuff and contractions that we can't even keep up with.

We are not doctors.  We are parents of two boys with autism that are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  We are just sharing what we've read and you can do what you want with this information.  Everyone is different and dieting affects folks in different ways.  What may work for one may not work for another.  We are willing to try it all out.  Especially, if it is a natural way.

I recently asked, in our group, if there were a cure for autism, would you give it to your loved ones.  I was a bit stunned by the responses.  Not in a negative way, but more of a, I never looked at it that way, kind of way.  Hehehe...

Here are some of their responses:

"I'm afraid of what trying to cure him would do to his personality. How much of it is due to his autism."


"For me no, better understanding of the spectrum is what is pray for."

"My friend says, she loves her children and each has their own quirkiness that makes them unique. She wouldn't stop loving them if they were cured, but doesn't want a cure."

"As far as cure, if it would let me know and reassure my worries that he would lead a "normal" life and not be dependent, then yes, definitely a cure and of course, it depended on what the cure is and what it all entailed. "

"Not if it were to change his attitude and his little quirks.I worry about his future a lot, and I worry about his ability to cope with things but I wouldn't change him... he has a beautiful loving soul and has touched many lives when they have stopped their assumptions about him."

"Autism is not a disease, therefore there can be no "cure". Why would anyone want to change the way their child is? That means changing WHO they are. I find that the parents who are seeking a "cure" are usually the parents who have difficulty really and truly accepting their children. It is as though they are in denial, and/or they are mourning the loss of the child that they wanted but never had (instead they got this "imperfect" child and they need to figure out a way to "repair" them)."

"In asking one of my sons if he wished he was like the other kids at school or like his sister... His response is this... 'I'm not like the other kids. I like me and I'm happy'. How could I want a cure?"

I am totally into curing my children of autism, if it is indeed possible.  I wouldn't think twice as long as they were not harmed in the process.  Does this mean I love my children less?  That I don't love them for who they are?  That is for each and every one of us to decide for ourselves.

I was totally put off by the overwhelming responses from loving parents who didn't want a cure for autism. At least for their children.  It certainly made me think twice, but my husband and I agreed, we want a cure if there is one.  We are very concerned about our children's future and we know, with their degree of autism, living independently isn't an option.  We watch our children suffer and struggle with everyday, little things, most people take for granted.  I'd love to see my boys live a less stressful life.  Minimising their chaotic way of thinking and living is necessary to be a happy, productive contributor to our community.  Understanding others feelings as we all as their own is hugely important in every day life.  If I can make life a bit easier for my family, I'm in.

According to a lot of research out there, some people can be cured through eating habits and those are what we will mostly be focusing on.  We'll look into marijuana as well as a possible injection.  I still need to get further info on that one.

I also found interesting statistics in regards to preventing autism if you are pregnant as well as vaccination and the condition of your children's health that might also interest you.  All to come!

If you would like to answer the cure question, join us in our group or leave a comment.  Just keep it friendly and do not push your judgment on others, please.

Next week, we'll be looking in to the gluten and casein free diet as a means of curing autism.