ADHD Only Research Study In Sydney: You Can Participate For Free

For those in Australia, there is a participation opportunity for those who are parents of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The Sydney University Faculty of Health Sciences are looking for participants for a play- based intervention program that assists children with ADHD to help develop their social interactions with others. This will also help them in learning how to build friendships.

"In a previous study involving 350 children, we discovered that the play of children with ADHD differed from that of their peers," says Professor Anita Bundy.

The program takes seven week including assessment of social language, play skills, and play-based intervention. They are seeking children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old, having a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD. Children can participate in the program if they have conditions commonly occurring with ADHD (learning disorders and oppositional defiant disorder) provided ADHD is the primary diagnosis.

Children will not be able to participate if they have other major developmental or psychiatric disorders (autism, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy). Participants will be required to have functional English skills to participate. The program is free and you can learn more about the ADHD only play-based intervention study in Sydney, Australia from The Medical News.

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Brittney Murphy Dies At 32

News has broke that Brittney Murphy has died at the age of 32. Was it an eating disorder or drug use? It was claimed that she had some erratic behavior, and was on Adderall which is prescribed for children and adults with ADHD. The drug can cause weight loss at first, and then have affects like cocaine. Oh my! They still do not know what exactly caused Brittney to become unconscious and dieing of cardiac arrest. She was known for being in "Clueless". May God be with her friends, family, and fans. We will miss her greatly.

As a matter of fact, my oldest is on Adderall XR. Now I am wondering if it is safe for him anymore. The generic name is amphetamine. I was cautious about him taking such a drug, but I have had him on others and they did not seem to work well. He still has some hyperactivity still, so I am wondering if I should have that changed. He was on it once before, and was loosing the weight so I had him taken off. Later after nothing else seemed to help I put him back on it. I have not seen any problems other than some hyperactivity, but I am still concerned for his safety. I may end up talking to my kids doctor about what exactly I should be concerned about.

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Today's News

When I woke up this morning about three o'clock, I did not feel so well. Devin was waking up about that time for his day. Eddie is still in bed for the moment, so I thought that I would write something.

Not much going on in the news of autism and ADHD. I did find a few articles that you may be interested in.

Tobacco has now become the next wave of causes for ADHD. I guess that I could see why on this one. According to a study in Pediatrics, kids born to expecting mothers who smoke could have a 2.4 times greater chance of getting ADHD. The article tells of how avoiding environmental factors could greatly reduce ADHD in children between the ages of 8 and 15 by 35 percent.You can read about it in Tobacco, lead found to be main cause of ADHD .



Abilify has been approved for the use with autism. This is a mood stabilizer that helps with agitation, irritability, moodiness, and other symptoms of autism. As a matter of fact, I am on Abilify, and I would have to say that it works well for me. Be sure to contact your child's doctor for more details.

Hope that you all have a wonderful day and I will see you all tomorrow. Have a great day!!

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Is It ADHD or Bartonella and Babesia

Every year millions of children are diagnosed with ADHD, but in recent studies it could be something quite different. What if there were two bacterias that were transmittable by ticks. Now there is such a thing. They are known as bartonella (top) and babesia (bottom). These bacteria collect around the cell causing symptoms similar to ADHD. It usually takes two hours before it is noticeable, and is missed most of the time. Is ADHD misdiagnosed; one mother says she found a tick on her boy when he was a few months old. I have never found any ticks on my kids, so I do not think that this is a possibility for us, but you never know now do we. To get rid of these bacteria a child needs antibiotics. Yep, more antibiotics that they probably don't need, but if it gets rid of bartonella and babesia then I am all for it. So if you think or know that your child has been bitten by a tick, then have their blood tested. Once they are treated the child with ADHD is treated and ADHD was never the problem to begin with. This will not happen in all cases, but it's worth looking in to. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is looking into these types of cases.



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Three stand trial for gang-rape, stabbing near Temecula one claims ADHD

A three man gang rape/stabbing near Temecula, California is something that I always hate to hear. I apologize for the article being so graphic in how it all came down. As I was reading I notice that one of the men had something else to say. In addition, the defendant was mentally deficient, Bender told the jury. He was “basically illiterate,” had a “kindergarten-level” education and had ADHD, he said. Ok, so what is this an attempt to pull this one off by claiming difficulties. How many time have we read about people claiming problems. More than I can can't. So may be justified, but there are some that are not. Could this be one of those?



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Ann Curry's Octuplet Mom Interview

I was digging through my widgets and found that Celeb-o-matic had a piece on the Ann Curry from the Today show in New York City. She had a four part interview with Nadya Suleman, the mother of octuplets among fourteen children. Wow, and I thought two was enough. The octuplets interview is really something. The article was talking about a text message that was sent saying that Ann Curry really hated this women. Now that just isn't right. Ms. Suleman is having lots of trouble financially as we all well know. Who would not these days with the terrible economy. I wish her the best to her and the kids. One child is diagnosed with autism, one with ADHD, and another with learning difficulties. Hope you will watch the video and enter your comments.



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Dr. Feingold on World War II and The Food Industry

I thought that I would add a few excerpts from books today. This one will talk about the food industry after World War II, and the science behind the colors. Also, on how we have changed our way of eating. Jane Hersey author of "Why Can't My Child Behave?" His will follow. These guys are my favorite Feingold people.

World War II is a turning point for many statistics. It signals a sharp drop in the age at which depression is likely to start. It also marks the point at which behavior problems in children gradually begin to rise to epidemic proportions.

Dr. Feingold noted, " The first half of my almost fifty years as a physician were spent as a pediatrician. During this pediatric experience I had exposure to thousands of children with a great variety of aliments. Yes I had no recollection of a high frequency of hyperactivity and behavioral problems through all these years." But in the years following the end of World War II, the use of synthetic food additives increased dramatically. They continue to increase as do the problems of hyperactivity, depression, and the incidence of suicide.

In Dr. Feingold's Book, "Why Your Child Is Hyperactive", he describes the story of food additives. Here is a few paragraphs from the book.

"....Beginning in the Post-Civil War period, it moved gradually from damp cellar and barn to gleaming laboratories; after World War II it spurted technologically and synthetically, into the multimillion-dollar business of today. (The Food Industry)

All allergists, as well as other medical doctors have wrestled with the subtle additives time and time again in both external and internal disorders. In some way, it has been a losing battle because of the food of them. One item is delisted by the government; another rises to take it's place. One additive doesn't quite do its job of preserving, binding, coloring or flavoring, and the chemist are quick to construct a "better" product.

Prior to the days of Abe Lincoln, there was no formal food industry in the United States. Many people grew what they ate, using natural colorings or flavorings as the ONLY additives-natural juices of fruits and vegetables. Crude time-proven substances and methods were employed for preservation: spices, smoke, and salt. Cooling or freezing between blocks of sawdust-coated ice.
Those who shopped at market stalls could be assured that the products had come out of the ground or off the smoke racks with little alteration.

But with the migration to the cities, the pattern of life changed irrevocably and so did the food supply. Enterprise was needed to feed the new city dwellers. Preservatives were required and the old methods were unsufficient to handle large quantities of food. Spoiled food meant smaller profits-enter the nonnatural chemical additives!"

Wow I would say. He is correct though. After reading his book I was glad that I got to. It is so wonderful. He is a highly intelligent person who could grab your attention quickly with his knowledge of the one diet that made him who he was. After reading this book, as well as Jane Hersey's "Why Can't My Child Behave", you will be convinced that this program is what is seems to be. I have pictures of the books with a link to amazon for you to order. You will learn how Dr. Feingold came upon the idea of how additives and preservatives react to a hyperactive child as well as an autistic child. Enjoy reading.

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ADHD and Food Coloring Bill...Maryland

Finally everything that I have learned over the last several months is finally getting through. Maryland will probably be the first state to have warning labels on products that contain food colorings. YES!!! Hope that other states will follow. The FDA has looked at past studies on ADHD and food colorings. You can read the article here.

I know that many will be proud especially Jane Hersey from the Feingold Program since this is exactly what the diet consists of...the removal of food colorings and additives. I have seen changes in my boys behavior since the removal of unwanted colors and flavors. This is just so much exciting news to be able to talk about. Now maybe the word will spread, and more bills will be introduced. Hope that it will become a nationwide action, but would be better if they would also just ban them completely. What do you think?

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Breakfast Time for ADHD

Rice Flour Muffins
1 cup rice flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup apple juice (no preservatives)
Combine dry ingredients and cut in fat. Add juice to dry ingredients and fold together for about 2 minutes. Form into small patties, and place in greased muffin pan. Set aside for 10 minutes to rise. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Homemade Syrup
Heat one cup water to boiling point, lower heat and add 2 cups brown sugar. Stir until completely dissolved. If you have pure maple syrup available, you can add a little for extra flavor, but it is not necessary. Pour into storage jar to keep in the fridge. Makes one pint.

Potato Pancakes
4 large potatoes, grated coarsely
2 eggs
1/2 onion, finely grated
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
Add eggs to grated potatoes, and onions and stir until blended. Add flour and salt. Use large tablespoon to measure pancake and fry in skillet with and desired cooking fat.

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Ritalin Addictive To Mice

An ADHD medication called Ritalin has been linked to addiction in mice. Our family does use medication to control ADHD symptoms, but thank God not Ritalin. You can read the article here.
After just two weeks, the brains of the mice had changes compared to that of changes in the brain associated with cocaine use. Scary stuff to be giving a child Ritalin.

My oldest son was on Focalin for about two weeks, which is similar to Ritalin. The medication made him jittery, and just not like himself. He basically didn't know what was going on around him. He is now on Vyvanse and is doing much better. To me Ritalin and Focalin are just to harsh to even be considered in the treatment of ADHD. This is why I am also following the Feingold program to alleviate some of the ADHD symptoms, and it does work. Changing the boys route of taking meds has help dramatically. No more unwanted dyes.

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Howie Mandel Raises ADHD Awareness Campaign

Howie Mandel host of Deal or No Deal is coming out saying that as a child in school he could not focus on school due to impulsivity. He is now part of the Adult ADHD Is Real Campaign. Who would have ever thought that he would have adult ADHD? He was diagnosed as an adult and encourages adults who may suspect ADHD in themselves to get tested and treated. He says that he is involved to teach adults that it is never to late to receive help. You can read the article here on MSNBC.
You can also learn more about him and the Adult ADHD Is Real Campaign. There is also a self test to help you screen for ADHD. Hope you will go visit and learn about Howie Mandel. I'd say congratulations to Howie for believing in all of us.

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Reccommended Tests For Starting GFCF Diet

As I continue to read on into the book, "The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook," By: Pamela Compart and Dana Laake, I find many interesting blogging ideas on the GFCF diet. As I learn about what is talked about, I'd like to share their information with you.

It is when in their opinion that there are two types of tests that are often helpful to have at the beginning of the GFCF diet. They are as follows:
1.) For children with ADHD or autism, have blood testing for celiac disease.
2.) For children with autism; urine-testing for opiate peptide residues caused by gluten, casein, and soy.

Celiac disease is a disease in which gluten is not tolerated. Intake of gluten results into an autoimmune reaction; the result is that the body recognizes the cells in the lining of the small intestines as foreign and reacts against them. It changes the anatomy of the intestinal lining and make it a leaky gut. I found this in the book which reads: The traditional view of celiac disease was that it had to cause diarrhea or affected a child's growth. However, recent studies reveal that bowel movements and growth may be normal, and a child may instead exhibit behavioral development, or neurological effects from this disease. Celiac disease may also be present of children with ADHD or ASD. Celiac disease is reversible if a lifelong 100 % complete gluten free diet is obtained. This is often results in behavior and developmental symptoms. In addition, if celiac disease is present and not treated for years, the risk for other autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus ) are increased. If treated, these conditions could be lowered in the future.
According to the experts in celiac disease, there can be gluten intolerances that is not celiac disease (i.e., specific celiac testing will be negative.) As with gluten, intolerances can produce a false negative result. It is our experience that avoiding suspected foods is the most reliable means of determining the culprits and their effects. "The Kid-Friendly ADHD& Autism Cookbook; Fair Winds Press copywrite 2006 pg. 26-27.

Urine Opiate Peptides
Urine testing is available to measure the opiate-like peptides made from casein, gluten, and soy. This testing is available only in specialized laboratories and is often not covered by insurance. It must be ordered by a physician or other practitioner such as a nutritionist. Testing directly measures the opiate-like peptides from casein and gluten. Soy peptides cannot yet be directly measured and maybe included in the measurements of casein and gluten peptides. The degree of elevation of peptides can provide helpful information regarding the the amount of withdraw symptoms to expect. When a child has high levels of opiates, it may be more difficult to remove the "foods that are creating substances that can have a negative effect on brain function." Therefore, as also said, "Opiate-like effects from problem foods can result in symptoms of autism, such as social withdraw, inappropriate laughing, zoning out, his pain tolerance and cravings the foods that cause the problems.""The Kid Friendly ADHD& Autism Cookbook; Fair Winds Press copywrite 2006 pg. 28

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IgG and IgE tests

Food allergies, sensitivity, and intolerances affect many children with ADHD and ASD. The type of allergy least likely to cause behavioral symptoms is food allergies with symptoms of sneezing, hives, and wheezing. Children with ADHD and ASD typically have a combination of sensitivities, and intolerances. These will emerge as a result of poor digestion and/or poor absorption of specific food substances. 

There are two types of tests that are given to test for certain types of allergies. Th IgG (immunoglobulin G) detects intolerances such as those found in lactose, fructose, or other carbohydrate sugars, phenols, salicylates, gluten (in celiac disease). Intolerances to products of abnormal digestion such as opiate peptides from milk/casein, gluten, and soy. I'd say this would be the test for a GFCF diet for autism to find their intolerances. 

Antibodies in the body which result in traditional allergies are called IgE (immunoglobulin E). They typically trigger the release of histamines. Antibodies that result in one type of sensitivity are IgG antibodies. Their reactions are different so the testing is different.

The most confusing comes from the IgE tests. The results are fast because of the symptoms of wheezing, hives, etc. For example a peanut allergy, because you know when someone eats peanuts it can cause a life threatening reaction.

I believe that the IgG tests would benefit my boys because these are categorized as food sensitivities that result in physical symptoms. Boy do we ever have enough of these in our household. These IgG sensitivities can also result in many types of symptoms and they are as listed:

1.)General symptoms: fatigue and food cravings

2.)Skin symptoms: eczema, unexplained rashes, allergic shiners(dark circles under the eyes.

3.)Digestion symptoms: stomachaches, loose stools or diarrhea, constipation, alternating diarrhea and constipation.

4.)Respiratory symptoms: mucus production and congestion

5.)Immune inflammatory and audio-immune reactions

6.)Cardiovascular symptoms: abnormal pulse and elevated blood pressure

7.)Neurologic symptoms: headaches (e.g. migraines), ringing in the ears, tingling and dizziness.

8.)Psychological symptoms: depression, mood disorders, and panic attacks.

9.) Behavior/Development symptoms: ADHD symptoms (decreased attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity), mood swings, irritability, anxiety, autism symptoms (poor eye contact, social withdrawal, decreased language, obsessions, repetitive behaviors).

I would like to thank the authors of "The Kid Friendly ADHD&Autism Cookbook authors Pamela Compart, and Dana Laake for having such an informative book that I can use to share information with you. 

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ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a collection of symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention symptoms
1.) Unable to pay close attention to details
2.) Making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
3.) Difficulty sustaining attention
4.) Seems not to listen when spoken to
5.) Doesn't follow directions or failure to complete tasks
6.) Avoids tasks that require mental effort e.g. homework
7.) Loosing necessary things to complete a tasks
8.) Easily distracted
9.) Frequently forgetfulness in daily activities e.g. tying shoes, zipping pants, etc.

Hyperactivity Symptoms
1.) Fidgeting or squirming
2.) Difficulty staying seated when expected to
3.) Running or climbing in situations in which it is inappropriate
4.) Difficulty playing quietly
5.) Often acting as driven by a motor
6.) Talking excessively

Impulsive Symptoms
1.) Blurting out answers before questions have been completed
2.) Difficulty awaiting turn
3.) Interrupting conversations or intruding on others

Children who have at least six symptoms of inattention are described as having ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type. Children who have at least six symptoms in some combination of hyperactivity and impulsivity are described as having ADHD Predominantly Hyperactivity-Impulsive Type. Children who meet both of these requirements are described as ADHD, Combined type.

Remember this as regards to the diagnosis of ADHD. An ADHD diagnosis requires that symptoms be present for at least six months. By definition ADHD symptoms begin before the age of seven. It doesn't mean symptoms were significantly impairing before age seven, because children are not often required to sit for long periods of time. Symptoms must be impairing to social or academic functioning. ADHD symptoms are not always a problem; it is a matter of degree. They also must be present in more than one setting such as home and school. Symptoms must be inappropriate for the child's developmental age, not chronological age. For example, if a four year old child has developmental delays and is functioning at a two-year-old level, his ADHD symptoms must be out of the norm for a two-year-old not four-year-old. Not every child who presents ADHD symptoms must not better be explained by another diagnosis. Children who are anxious or depressed or who have learning disabilities or allergies and intolerances will also not pay attention well.

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Rice Milk...Made Easy

Currently I am reading two books from the library. In one book called, "The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook. By Pamela J Compart, M.D., and Dana Laake R.D.H., M.S.,LDN. There is a recipe for rice milk. I enjoyed it after I made some for Dev. Milk makes his stomach hurt, so I thought that I would try this to see if he could tolerate it. He drinks it, but not like he would regular milk. It is different for us, but maybe he will eat it with cereal. I thought that I would share this recipe with you.

Rice Milk
4 cups hot/warm water
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon vanilla. (Use pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla for the Feingold diet)

Place all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Let the milk set for about 30 minutes. Pour the milk steadily into another container, leaving most of the sediment in the first container. Store in fridge for up to 5 days.

Hope you will enjoy this recipe.

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Possible Additive Problems (Feingold Diet)

I'm back with more of the additives from the Feingold Diet. Again, these were taken from the book, "Why Can't My Child Behave?" by: Jane Hersey. These additives are a possible problem for Feingold dieters, although you may not be sensitive to any, a few, or all. Test each one for tolerance. The list includes:

Autolyzed yeast
Benzoic acid
Benzoate of soda
Calcium caseinate
Calcium propionate
Corn sweetner, corn syrup
Dextrose
Ethyl vanillin
Fructose
Glucose
Glutamates
Glumatic acid
High flavored yeast
High frutose corn syrup
Hydrolyzed oat flour
Hydrolyzed protein/vegetable/plant protein
Malt extract
Maltodextrin
Monoammonium glutamate
MSG (monosodum glutamate)
Natural flavoring( may contain MSG/salicylates)
Plant protein extract
Polydextrose
Potassium bisulfite
Postassium sulfite
Sodium benzoate
Sodium bisulfite
Sodium caseinate
Sodium metabisufite
Sodium nitrite/nitrate
Sodium sulfate
Soybean extract
Sulfites
Sulfer dioxide
textured soy protein
torula yeast
yeast extract

Thank you all for reading, and I hope that you will reconsider what is in your cabinets. I know I do. Remember it matters what you put into your body to nourish it. Either science food or real food. It is your choice.

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Common Additives In Foods

What will you find in your food after you read those labels. Lots of chemicals added to enhance the flavor and life of your food. This will be a three part process on listing those ingredients that can reak havoc on your body. Especially those who are considering the Feingold diet or are worried about additives. This list is taken from a book called," Why Can't My Child Behave?" By: Jane Hersey www.feingold.org

Although it's possible to be sensitive to anything, most food additives present no problem, even for the chemically sensitive individual. Here are some of the ones in common use.

Additives that are NOT allowed on the Feingold Diet:

Artificial flavoring

Aspartame (synthetic sweetner)

BHA(butylated hydroxyanisole)

BHT(butylated hydroxytoluene)

Citrus Red No. 2

Cyclamate (synthetic sweetner)

Ethyl Vanillin (synthetic/artificial flavoring)

FD&C colors

MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Neotame (new more potent form of aspartame)

Saccharin (synthetic/artificial sweetner)

Tartrazine(FD&C yellow No. 5, synthetic/artificial coloring)

TBHQ(tertiary buty hydroquinone)

Vanillin(artificial flavoring)

This is just a start, and there are some that can have a potential effect on those who are chemically sensitive. Once you think about it and find out what exactly is in these additives you would want to eat from the ground up and not from the boxes of food you buy at the store.

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A Child's Plea For A Change

My little Dev had some ice cream, which I knew was a no no for some reason. He said," Mommy my tummy hurts. We need to take out all that bad stuff." I had told him that it was probably the milk. It was Breyer's chocolate ice cream. Once an active milk drinker is suddenly turned away from it because he ended up in the bathroom with a sick digestive system. A few days ago, He had some orange juice that was not on the Feingold diet. He was now complaining of it hurting him as well. I had showed him a bag of Doritos that was a big no no for the Feingold diet and GFCF diet. He said he didn't want those either. He is now sitting at the table drawing on a piece of paper being very good. As the days went by, I've noticed that he is learning what is not good. He is starting to realize all along what I've been telling him. These foods are obviously bothering him, and he just doesn't want anything else to do with it. I hope so anyways at least for home if not for school. Then again he is always full of surprises, and he may stay away since he knows what it makes him feel like. I'm not sure what Ed thinks about it. He never really said, but I can tell a difference when he isn't flooded with all the bad ingredients. Unfortuantly, I am having a hard time getting my husband to understand that modern day foods are filled with many toxins that can alter a persons behavior causing a variety of symptoms. I believe that it would help the entire family, but when you can't agree on something then there isn't much you can do. As far as the children goes, I don't think that it will be too hard to eliminate some if not all of the ingredients. I do have a list of all possible problems with chemicals from the Feingold diet. I will be more than happy to provide you with that list if you are wanting to see what is on it. Thanks again and see you all soon.

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How We've Been...

This week has been a busy one for us. Christmas is coming and the boys can't wait to see what they have gotten for Christmas this year. We did have a mishap with "Ed" at school one day this week. We had forgotten to give him his ADHD medicine that morning, and by the time he was a school for no more than two hours. His sensitive to sound struck him awful that day. He was having problems with the noise in the classroom during spelling as he sat at his desk with his head down and his ears covered. The intercom had interrupted his sensitivity as well. The teacher had to call in his therapist to the school to remove him from class. She immediately called me once she had talked with him for a few, hoping to relax him to where he was able to function again in the classroom. She asked me if anything was wrong at home. I said "no" as she explained to me what he was having difficulty with. I immediately went to the school with his medication, to meet with her about the situation. I instantly saw the difficulties he was having that day. He was twisting his hands together in his lap and moving his legs back and forth. As he was asked to talk about thinking about going back to class, he replied, "I don't want to be here." I explained to him how important school was and that he needed to try again once he felt calm enough to return." He didn't really have a reply to speak of. After we had sat talking for a while, it was time to go. She took "Ed" back to her room to finish playing hangman, and then allow time for his medicine to take effect. She had told me that she wasn't sure if she'd be calling me back. I went home in the rain and braced myself for another call that never came. I was happy to feel that somehow he was able to relax himself from all the noise for just a moment. "Ed" has always been the touchy type. Sensory issues that I felt were there from the time he was born or at least six months of age. Laying him down when he was asleep only left him to awaken as soon as I even tried to remove my hands from his body. His difficulty in sleeping took a toll on us all. Back then, we had no idea what he was really going through, and that made it hard for anyone to understand what was really going on. He still has problems relaxing to go to bed. Like now.... it's 10:40 p.m. and he will not accept the idea that it is way past his bedtime and all he can think about is the candy he couldn't find. How long have I been doing this...every night seems like. He has become an excessive talker even more so now than when he was younger. He will repeat what he says now stumbling somewhat over words until you answer him or pay attention to exactly what he is wanting you to know, hear, or see. I'm not sure if his stumbling ex. I...I..have....and so on is much of a concern, because most of the time he can speak normally. "His ADHD medication is helping with the ADHD, but it could be aggravating his autism symptoms." Lately, he's been very annoyed at the presence of loud noise, that interferes with what he is doing. Lot's of agitation and bickering. The boys are in desperate need to visit the DAN doctor and for me to come to terms on how I am supposed to transform their diets hoping that some of this would be put to rest. I'm trying to come up with a mental plan of my own, but it falls apart as my mind goes blank due to my own unique differences from the world around me. I feel like my mind is struggling in a way similar to the boys, but I'm not as broken as they are. I'm an overly emotional person, who finds it hard to comprehend text without reading the same sentence over and over again to try and understand it's meaning. I never learned how to multiply like most kids. My brain just couldn't absorb the memory necessary to complete it. It's the little things that I find in myself that allows me to put myself in their shoes with an understanding of how hard it is for them to deal with life and all it's fragile moments. I'd have to say they are doing well, if ADHD/autism could somehow be controlled to the point where they can deal with the difficult times. Hyperactivity is a major challenge for them, and they have a long way to go before they could even stay in a calm mood without being agitated with themselves to the point that they break down into a depressed state of mind. Their emotions still run high, and controlling those emotions will take time.
"Dev" has a new challenge now with a tooth. The poor dear. His bottom teeth (the first ones to come out) is just beginning to get loose; however, his permanent tooth is making it's way through the skin right behind his baby tooth. I can just imagine the pain he is in, but he doesn't seem to react to it much. I've been using orajel to help, so maybe it is more easy for him to deal with it. He's only requested it once since the first time I gave it to him, and I plan to have been handed the tube to help ease the pain. I haven't gotten a hold of the dentist yet, and hoping that he doesn't have to have it pulled out. Maybe it will continue to get looser and falling out on it's own. Only timing will tell, and I hope that it is on his side. Not having to go through that trauma would be a blessing.
Well, I guess I'll be signing off to regain my ground to fall asleep, and say good bye to this long day.

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Feeling Lost With Doctors

As many may know, my boys are dealing with rashes (eczema and psoriasis). I have taken the boys to a pediatrician hoping I would find the help that I need so much. Didn't get to far with that one, just learned I need to find a DAN(Defeat Autism Now) doctor. I turned to my yahoo group ASD-MS, and was told of one in Louisiana. I am not able to travel so far, so now I really feel lost. Before I just jump in to putting them on the GFCF diet, I need to know what they are allergic to (if anything). As far as the Fiengold Diet goes, removing the colors and dyes in their diet seemingly means that it would be my choice in doing this. I believe it would help them as well. I have asked a few people what my options are now with finding a doctor. Maybe they will help. If anyone who reads my blog knows of any options that I might have, please let me know. I am just wanting to care for them the way I should, and finding the right doctor to test them is my top priority. I will search the web and hope to find something, but I just don't know. Thanks for reading and I'll be happy to hear from you.
Amanda

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