autismcure's Open Salon Blog

Free of autism (taking a break)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:03:08 -0400

For those folks who have been reading my blog, I am taking a break. I hope to come back soon.

Free of autism part twenty-five

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:03:23 -0500

When I began to research the term, 'autism,' I did not like what I had discovered. The term 'autism' refers to an absorption in fantasy as an escape from reality. Was Andrew that far removed from the reality of life? After all, Andrew appeared to have above-average intelligence with a keen sense of understanding his environment, until he began to show signs of regression after his third birthday. Unfortunately, the definition provided by the Autism Society of America matched Andrew's unusual behavior:

AUTISM is a severely incapacitating lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It occurs inapproximately fifteen out of every 10,000 births and is four times more common in boys than girls. It has been found throughout the world in families of all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds. No known factors in the psychological environment of a child have been shown to cause autism.

The symptoms are caused by physical disorders of the brain. They include:

1. Disturbances in the rate of appearance of physical, social and language skills.

2. Abnormal responses to sensations. Any one or a combination of senses or responses are affected: sight, hearing, touch, pain, balance, smell, taste, and the way a child holds his body.

3. Speech and language are absent or delayed while specific thinking capabilities might be present.

4. Abnormal ways of relating to people, objects and events.

Autism occurs by itself or in association with other disorders which affect the function of the brain such as viral infections, metabolic disturbances, and epilepsy. It is important to distinguish autism from retardation or mental disorders since diagnosis confusion may result in referral to inappropriate and ineffective treatment techniques. The severe form of the syndrome may include extreme self-injurious, repetitive, highly unusual and aggressive behavior. Special educational programs using behavioral methods have proven to be the most helpful treatment.

The Autism Society of America did state that autism was treatable as long as an early diagnosis is made, so an intervention plan can be in place.

My definition of "treatable" is when one can reverse the cause.

Well, to obtain an early diagnosis and have a so-called intervention plan depends on where you live. Andrew had been labeled as being mentally-challenged. I had wondered if Andrew had been brought to the neurologist earlier, would the correct diagnosis have been made? Since Andrew's intellectual and behavioral development was constantly changing following an abnormal path, who knows. Yet, what difference did it make at that time? Currently, Andrew was diagnosed with autism and the school system wanted to put him in a special educational program for the emotionally-disturbed. There was not a separate program for children having autism, unless they were mentally challenged. The private programs I had read about were very expensive and still are!

I recently read that an intervention program has a yearly price tag of $30,000. Why so much? Who is getting all that money? In other words, who stands to make a profit by children living with autism?

Mark my words, more children will come down with symptoms of autism, due to the free flu vaccines given at public schools. These flu vaccines had mercury in them. Parents signed a form giving up their right to sue. Of course, they believe from recent information that vaccines do not cause autism.

Drug companies already have a cure for autism and stand to make a fortune. What a set-up!

The cost to reverse the signs of autism in my adult son was only $8.00 per month along with some dietary changes.

Years ago, I had facial surgery to remove a cancer growth. I was not sure if I would lose my left eye. I was miserable and wondered what my purpose was in life. I was put to sleep and a white light appeared. A voice came with the light and I was told that my purpose was to keep on writing. Eventually, I would learn "why."

I did share the information about finding a cure for Andrew with organizations and magazines associated with autism. No one wanted to share this information, because their livelihood depended on individuals living with autism. Why would they provide information about a cure?

So, here I am sharing my story with others.

Free of autism part twenty-four

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:03:56 -0500

I did not know at that time I was having a severe, panic attack. Apparently, it was too much for me dealing with Andrew's medical needs along with having two other children. It was more than stressful. It was a nightmare!

Fortunately, I never experienced another severe, panic attack. But, I did experience a tightness in my chest or see wavy lines. Sometimes, I would experience one of these health conditions while teaching in the classroom. I told no one at school about this. I did not want to risk being put on the chopping block. At that time, teachers who had chronic health conditions faced the possibility of being observed more than others. I did not need anymore drama in my life. So, I coped with it.

Eventually, I went to see my primary care physician and became acquainted with the words 'mild panic attack'and 'visual aura migraine without the pain.'

Free of autism part twenty-three

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:03:52 -0500

When I first heard Andrew's diagnosis as being 'autistic,' I was more elated than sad. The labeling was better than 'psychotic.' After I left the neurologist's office with Andrew, we stopped at a small cafe that served hotdogs near our home. I remember sitting on a stool trying to relax, while Andrew went around and around in his seat. I knew I should stop him, but whenever we went to a new place, Andrew needed time to adjust. Besides, I was having a personal, serious issue of my own.

As I sat on the stool, I glanced down at the floor. The tan flooring turned dark and began to rise up...as if it were going to swallow me. It was the worse feeling I had ever experienced. I could hardly breathe! I felt so helpless! I did not like feeling this way.

I knew I needed to get a grip. After all, Andrew was right next to me. What would happen to him if I just let this darkness sweep over me? I prayed.

Suddenly, the room lit up. Well, at least for me it did. The darkness had vanished. I was in control and so grateful.

Free of autism part twenty-two

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 09:03:36 -0500

When the class size increased, Andrew covered his ears to block out the noise. The instructor did not appreciate Andrew's behavior and encouraged private lessons. However, I convinced the instructor to work with Andrew first and then dismiss him. Andrew continued with his lessons for five years, the same as swimming.

Whenever he had a recital, he would wear a hat. I do not know "why" he wanted to wear one, but he refused to perform without one. His favorite hat was white with blue trim. It looked like a hat his grandfather would wear.

One year Andrew performed in the school's PTA Reflection's Contest. He won first place in the intermediate division for musical composition. That's right! Andrew had created his own piano composition.

Unfortunately, Andrew lost interest in playing the piano after his father bought a computer. Andrew was hooked! He learned keyboarding on his own. Andrew was determined to excel in learning everything he could about computer language. He learned basic programming before entering middle school.

The swimming lessons, the piano lessons, gaining computer skills, the close-knit relationship with his family gave Andrew the edge. I truly thought he would beat the odds and live a productive life. Sure...there were changes...wonderful changes...but Andrew's life was controlled.

In other words, autism in treatable as long as there are interventions in place. Unfortunately, when one becomes an adult, one must deal with obstacles on their own. A treatment plan will not suffice. A cure is what is needed, but I would not know this. After all, I did not know there was a cure!