Author:
Madalyn Cano (helpful)
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Date Posted: 08:32:54 10/09/07 Tue
Dear Kelly:
I know how you feel. many times Autism crept in my mind when my son was in his crib. he wasn't interested in his toys, mobile, wouldn't turn to his name, or flinch when I vaccumed close to the crib.
my son is 10 1/2 now. Unfortunately, after 8 years of speech and language therapy, Early childhood intervention, many checkups, years of behavioral problems in PPCD - 4th grade (now), last year my son was confirmed with Autism - high functioning type.
However, I want to assure you, 11 months is too early to diagnose. Earliest is about 18 months. Usually a diagnosis takes place between 2 ad 3 years old. I have a Masters degree in Social work and have worked in developmental treatment centers etc. I have conducted a TON of research to help my son and advocate incessantly for him at school.
I am also now on the board of directors of an organization that provides help and support to parents and professionals called FAMILIES FOR EARLY/EFFECTIVE AUTISM TREATMENT.
Please go to our website: www.featnt.org
we have checklists, posters, parent information, links, and workshops for parents. parents need to know about FEAT-NT. We are staffed soely on parent volunteers who have children with autism. We provide crisis intervention, advocacy and whatever a family/child needs.
there are THREE main areas to watch in development:
BEHAVIOR, SPEECH/LANGUAGE, SOCIAL
there must be characteristic delays in ALL THREE areas for a diagnosis.
please pass on these web sites to parents who may have concerns.
www.featnt.org
www.autism.com
www.feingold.com
www.autism.about.com
www.gfcfdiet.com
Kellie, my son could not be managed in a regular ed. classroom until i did several things:
removed silver fillings from teeth
started Feingold diet, and gluten and casein free diet
removed all environmental toxins - scented candles, changed soaps/shampoos/laundry/cleaning detergents.
removed procssed foods, foods with food coloring and preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup.
received targeted Applied Behavior Analysis therapy
addressed his behavioral difficulties with ABA and sensory regulation approaches (Occupational Therapy) and by recognizing his Autism directly. he didn't respond to traditional behavior intervention.
Between diet, vitamins/supplements, removing environmental toxins which break down the immune system, i would not have made the progress that we have seen.
today, my son in in reg ed with virtually no problems. He still receives speech, social, ot, and behavioral interventions, but is successful and most days is indistinguishable from "neuro-typical" children. He just seems immature at times, and occassional melt downs, and some social indifferences, mild articulation problems.
REMEMBER, THESE KIDS ARE TREATABLE!!!! and EARLY INTERVENTION IS THE KEY.
Keep at it, your a good Mom, and Emma Kelly is a lucky little girl. Everything will come in it's own time. don't worry about her, love her and continue your check ups, and educate yourself.
If it comes to it, the best professional to diagnose is a NEURODEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN. As Kidd said, most regular pediatricians are not equipped to do thorough exams. At FEAT we have a packet we send to pediatricians to give them information so a diagnosis won't go missed if appropriate.
contact FEAT-NT, we are there for you and everyone "EVERY STEP OF THE WAY".
Much love,
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