There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.  ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Today I want to give you a little more food for thought concerning treatment for autistic children.

Let us briefly look at what a successful treatment program would consist of.

First off, there should be a well defined daily routine so that your child feels secure.  The program should focus on your little one's interests by engaging him/her in structured activities using a series of simple tasks, and reinforcement of appropriate behavior should be provided. Praise and encouragement is paramount and should always be given when deserved. Your involvement as a parent is very important for a successful outcome, your child needs to know that your love is unconditional.

When your child is 3 or older, he/she will probably go to school.  Each school system is required by law to have special education programs for children with Programs for autism.autism as well as other types of learning problems. If your little one exhibits severe symptoms, he/she may be placed in a self-contained class with other learning disabled children. If symptoms are more mild, like those of Asperger's Syndrome, a fully integrated regular education program with assistance from a special educator, would be a good choice. Each school system has its own techniques but they should all provide a structured, and secure environment where your child can feel safe. The program should emphasize social skills and functional communication as well as academics.  Also, it is to your advantage as a parent to keep in close contact with your child's teachers, so that you can work together and continue to train him/her at home.

Now for some alternative treatments that have been used in the past for the treatment of autism.
  • Facilitated Communication is a technique used to help a child express feelings by having them to type their inner thoughts on a computer. Studies have shown that the messages typed describe the thoughts of the support provider. Recently there was a news blurb on television about a young autistic girl who could only communicate by typing on her computer. Amazing, isn't it.
  • Holding Therapy is a technique in which a child is hugged by his/her parent for long periods of time, even if there is resistance. Proponents of this method believe that it helps to develop a bond between child and parent. Others say that it helps stimulate the brain by allowing the child sense his/her body boundaries. As of yet, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
  • Auditory Integration Therapy is a technique in which a child listens to different sounds with the aim of improving language comprehension. Those who advocate this method believe that it helps those with autism receive more balanced sensory information from their surroundings. After scientific testing, this method has proven to be as effective as listening to music. Some parents have stated that they have seen behavior and language gains from this program.
  • Dolman/Delcato Method is a program where children are made to crawl and move as they did through every stage of their early development. This is done so that they can learn some of their missed skills. Unfortunately, their is no scientific evidence to support this.
There have been some studies suggesting that symptoms of autism may be from food allergies, as well as a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
  • A food plan that has been successful with some families consists of a gluten-free, casein-free diet. To eliminate these products however, is difficult because gluten (which is a casein-like substance) is found in cereal plants like wheat, oat, rye, and barley and casein is the major protein in milk.
  • If you, as a parent would like to place your child on a special diet please consult with your pediatrician, and a nutritionist, before embarking on a program of your own.
Some research has shown that an implementation of certain vitamin and mineral supplements, like B6 with magnesium, may improve the way those with autism function.  Such studies indicate that autism is from poor absorption of nutrients, so it would stand to reason that this type of program may be effective. The medical profession, however, is vacillating on this issue, some doctors say that patients have improved after ingesting supplements, while others disagree. It comes down to a matter of opinion, this regiment may work for some and not for others.

Let's take a look at some of the natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that are considered an alternative way to treat symptoms of autism, with fewer risks and side effects than the synthetic drugs that are on the market today. It is important to remember that autism is a pervasive development disorder and as such, affects each person differently, therefore, no two autistic children behave exactly the same way. This can make things very confusing for those parents who are trying to determine the best way to treat it.

There are alternative remedies for the different symptoms so it would be best to consult with your pediatrician, homeopathic, naturopathic physician or therapist before starting on a regiment.Remedies may be used alone or in conjunction with others.

Depression, mood swings, repetitive behaviors, irritability and aggression may indicate that there is an imbalance of serotinin and may show improvement by using the following natural remedies
  • Herbal Mindsoothe Jr. available in capsules for adults or drops for children. This has been proven clinically to help balance serotinin levels and it works in a similar way as the Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors or SSRI's that are made synthetically.
  • Pure Calm is an herbal formula which has been specially formulated to calm and soothe children and adults. This remedy comes in a liquid form so you disperse it with a medicine dropper for both children and adults. It may be taken for quick relief of sudden symptoms and is safe to use with most prescription drugs and herbal medicines. Unlike synthetic tranquilizing drugs which can become addictive as individuals build up a tolerance resulting in the need for higher dosages, Pure calm will not cause an addiction.
  • Focus ADHD Formula helps to treat those who are hyperactive and can't concentrate. This natural remedy comes in a tincture that you can take with juice or water.
  • Bright Spark is for severe cases of ADHD as well as anger management and defiance issues and can be used by itself or in combination with the Focus formula.
  • Tantrum Tamer is an effective remedy for children who have extreme temper tantrums, sometimes with no provocation, or for those who become frustrated because they are unable to communicate their needs,etc. This particular formula helps to eliminate and/or reduce these symptoms. Tantrum Tamer has a pleasant taste and most children will take it willingly.

Please come back for my final blog which will focus on living with autusm.


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