INSIDE OUT

I wish I took video of the before and after for my son. As it was, I was ashamed, or scared, or something. I didn't WANT to show the facets of my son that were not "perfect". Oh, we all do that at times, don't we?? Taking a million pictures until we get that one just right.... yeah, I know you do. I do it all the time. ;)

Well, the difference, which less than a year has made in my son has been an unbelievable journey. We've had some bumps along the way. Lots of die-off and some introduction to goat's yogurt, which didn't work. Followed by trying nut-yogurt, which also didn't work. My suspicion was the probiotic, "Streptococcus thermophilus" in both yogurts. Long story short, there is research that a strain of Strep may cause autistic symptoms. The sydrome is known as PANDAS and is recognized in the medical community. Again, I have no idea if this is something that my son has suffered with in his body. What I do know is that it's suspicious at the moment. Many of his autistic symptoms returned, even if ever-so-slightly.

-Loss of most of his eye contact
-increased drooling
-tone of voice was high and professor-like
-lessened conversational skills
-articulation lessened
-loss of some of his previously gained social skills
-picky eating returned
-along with others...

It was very sad to watch. Yet, inside (like other times before during this diet) I knew this was only temporary. Those who have been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet mentioned a three-month-flare. I still don't know if this last time was the typical flare or if it was the strain of probiotics. We'll be trying the nut-yogurt without that strain in a month or so. A third possibility is that he came down with another illness that closely resembled strep. I will be testing him for strep titers at his next doctor's visit. It's just a puzzle with these kids, isn't it?? Well, all I do know is that he is back and better with a vengeance!! :D

More on his bowel movements...I know you love it. ;) You've heard it said that our eyes are the window to our soul. Well, it's equally true that our bowel movements are the window to our health. S has had the healthiest bowels he's had in years... since birth even (but I don't remember even paying attention when he was still in diapers). I do remember he would be constipated since he was one. So potentially, we've been struggling with him having healthy bowels for 4 years straight. Trying everything from eliminating dairy, to then minimizing gluten, to then gluten free, casein free, and finally to the now miracle diet, SCD.

On a note for my 4 year old who has struggled with bloated bellies, diarrhea, eczema, behaviors, sleep troubles, and mild asthma since birth, I can't also say enough about the changes in him. Tears come to my eyes now when I think of what this healing diet has done for him. Minimizing gluten, casein, and citrus from him had done wonders for his eczema and mild asthma. Yet, his diarrhea and bloated belly continued. This diet has all but eliminated the last of his health issues. Now, when he gets fiber of any kind, he will experience the bloated belly and diarrhea yet, once again. This healing SCD discusses the importance of going slow for people like him. I just can't tell you how thankful I am for this healing diet.

We are continuing the journey of healing our children. It gets a whole lot easier as you go. For those on this journey or those who are considering it... it is so, so worth it. Yes it's tough! Yes, it's "against the grain" of most of those around you. But think of our kids! They feel better and they are more clear-headed. By working on actually HEALING their intestines (rather than putting a bandaid on them) they will have a healthier system whereby they can deal with the toxins in the food and environment around them. Where their bodies can actually break down the proteins in their intestines and where the gut-brain connection can be healthy as it was meant to be.

There is much to talk about but I'm so not into blogging about them lately. We are in the midst of renovating to move across country so time is limited. I will tell you I've had frustrating conversations with the medical community here in Nova Scotia. They all say the same: My story is not uncommon. There are many, many families who are saying the same thing! These specialists are seeing the same results time and time again. They know what I am saying has medical merit. Yet they stand there with their arms in the air and say their those arms are tied behind their back because they don't have the empirical evidence to maintain a "formula" for each child with autism who walks into their office. If it doesn't fit some disease-model, they don't "touch" it. We are left to stumble upon these diets for our children with some amazing results *IF* we are lucky enough and have the support of our spouses. Yet, they do nothing to help. We are left on our own without as much of a MENTION that something like this exists. I feel sorry for those who walk in and out of that hospital with the same diagnosis as my son had. If I had listened to them, I know my son would still be speaking the mere two and three word sentences he once knew. I know he'd still be turning away from anyone who spoke to him and the many cuddles I now recieve many times a day would still be just a dream.

Medical professionals who deal with autistic kids know there is a connection between the mind and the gut. Here's the clincher: In the hospital here, there is a social worker called, "Autism-GI (Gastro-Intestinal) Social Worker"!! Really?! A medical professional that deals with both autism AND gastrointestinal issues at the same time??

*sigh*

If *THAT* doesn't tell you anything, I don't know what will. Come on "powers that be"!! You KNOW there is a connection and we've got to help these kids!!