There are proven links between autism, ADHD and allergies. I Truly believe that a lot of these symptoms can be improved greatly.. It takes a lot of work and dedication.. But isn't improving your child's life worth it?

When I first took Ethan to his autism doctor, she took one look at him and told me he had allergies.... what?! When I gave her that 'Are you psychic or something?' look, she proceeded to tell me that his eyelashes were very long. Well yes they are long and gorgeous and honestly I'd love to have eyelashes like his.. But... Huh? Apparently children with long eyelashes aren't just blessed with beauty, it's a symptom of allergies. She told me kids with allergies always have long beautiful eyelashes. Ohhhhh..... hmmm... Since then, every time I come across a kid with beautiful eyelashes, I ask the parents if they have allergies. I get that some goofy look that I gave Ethan's doctor. It's always been right on target. No one has ever proven that wrong.

Allergies can cause kids with autism AND ADHD severe problems. It can cause neurotoxic disorders which cause quite a bit of destruction to your child.

This destruction includes: Inflammation of the brain and gut, viral infiltration of the brain and gut, severe nutritional deficiencies, food reactions that have neurological consequences, autoimmune attacks upon the brain and body, Immune system over activity and under activity, and undernourished muscle activity.

I know this, because I've seen it first hand. Not only have I researched it, I know this world. Ethan had constant ear infection, yeast infections and sickness. He had diarrhea and stomach problems for 5 years. Like I said before, I knew he was allergic to dairy, but I had no idea he was allergic to wheat. In about 20 years, ADHD has increased 400%, the same amount as autism. Some of the symptoms are similar, some are different. Some kids Have autism AND ADHD.

Ethan has A LOT of trouble with focusing, and attention... But is not hyperactive at all. In fact, he is a pretty mellow kid now considering. That hasn't always been the case. Before I put him on the GFCF diet, I had to constantly be on my toes and running after him. Going to someones house that had breakables wasn't an option. He really geeked out about watching things break. Glass Christmas ornaments were completely out of the question. But it sure did make him smile!!

I HIGHLY recommend getting your child allergy tested if any of these issues concern you.

When I changed Ethan's diet, obviously taking away things he is allergic to, his brain opened up and his body started getting back in order and i saw such an amazing change. It's certainly a lot of work, but it's also VERY worth it!

Some books that I recommend in this area:

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies) By Kenneth Bock, M.D. and Cameron Stauth.

I am no psychological expert, I don't have a psychology degree... But when you start delving into the world of autism, you are delving into mental psyche in general. Working with autism, and working with Easter Seals in the special needs community, you certainly get it a lot of study time. I've learned so much in the past 10 years, its completely reflected in the people that I surround myself with.... I am very fortunate to have quite a few amazing people surrounding me and the kiddos!

I've heard people say "I wish I knew then what I know now." But how would we ever learn a lesson that way? I know I went through a lot of crap in the past that I NEVER want to deal with again... But it also shaped me into the person I am today... As well as gave me 2 beautiful kids, and I wouldn't trade having them for anything in the world!

There is a profound difference in my life 10 years ago~ and today. It's not that I've changes a ton.... But my way of thinking and understanding certainly has, and what I will, and will not deal with.

I've found that the people you surround yourself, and your kids with have a HUGE impact on your lives. Everybody you are around has the ability to influence you. I have been around people that were full of negativity, and hate.. and it always felt so wrong to be around them. But I'm one of those people that always hopes that the person/persons good side will prevail with the proper amount of motivation. It was almost a challenge to me to help them. To see them change for the better... I've seen in happen actually.. But I've learned that you can't help miserable people who don't mind being miserable. You can't help people that surround themselves with drama, and constantly spark it. And the most valuable lesson I've learned from all of that is... I don't HAVE to be around those people. Nobody could force me to stay around them. Me challenging myself was stressing me to the point that I had to be medicated, and stressing my kids out as well. My kids deserved so much better! So.... we got away!

I can't say it was that easy... extracting yourself from a bad mentally damaging situation isn't easy. But luckily I've always had some pretty AMAZING friends and family to back me along the way. I honestly think it would have taken me longer without them. I believe having supportive friends and family is one of God's greatest gifts... Something I DO NOT take for granted. I am purely blessed!

At this point in our lives, I can't even describe what a bunch of perfectly wonderful people we know. The kind of people that make your soul feel relieved to be around... the kind of people that make your soul shine! I have best friends who NEVER upset me... NEVER make me feel out of place or dramatized.. They uplift me on a daily basis... especially when I need it the most. Ethan and Ellie have Godparents who they COMPLETELY adore... and we just can't imagine life without them! I Love the fact that Ethan and Ellie adore my friends and my boyfriend just as much as I do!! They are ALWAYS ready to know when we are going to see them again. That makes my heart happy! 

The lesson in all of this.... Who you surround yourself with is such an important psychological matter. It directly effects your psyche. It really is important to treat people like you would want to be treated. Think before you speak. Pay attention to the vibes you pick up around people, because your instincts know. If you are around people who make you feel uncomfortable.. then they aren't for you. If you are around people who make you feel amazing just for being you... then you have found a little piece of heaven! Keep it, love it and cherish it. It's good for your heart, good for your soul ,  and good for your brain! :)

In order to get resources in North Carolina, you have to start with your doctor or pediatrician. The doctor will refer you to get neurologically tested. We went to Amos Cottage in Winson Salem. Your doctor should give you choices, ask around and do your research to pick the one you feel most comfortable with. I was very pleased with Dr. Klinepeter.

After you get tested: If you get an official diagnosis, KEEP IT!~ It's important to keep all your information in a special binders, just like you should do with your IEP documents. You can apply for social security for your child, and you will need all this documentation.  Your neurological doctor should give you a list of case managers. I went through Center Point in Winston Salem, and was very pleased. Your case manager is the one who finds you resources.. Such as In home speech therapy, occupational therapy, Play therapy. One on one, Respite, anything you may need for your child or persons with disabilities. *IF* you have already had an IEP meeting at this point, it's important that you give a copy to your case manager. This will help them understand what needs you may have.

Also, if your child is of school age, you can get speech, and occupational therapy through the school system. (If it is needed) Living in Davie county has been great for us, because the special education program has been amazing for Ethan. Although he isn't in EC classes, he has an excellent team working with him every day. IEP's are important! If the specific school district you're in isn't working well with your child's needs, They will send him/her to the school that is best for them. If you have options, check them out!! You know your kid, you know what environment they will be most comfortable in. I went to 2 different schools before Ethan went to Kindergarten, and I knew exactly which one I preferred.

Easter Seals is a great resource. Someone comes out to your house, and depending on your goals for your child, works with them one-on-one. Not only does it work on teaching your child independent skills, but it also gives you a break. Respite care does the same thing. Your child may qualify for a certain amount of hours a year for respite. Which means someone can work with them for those hours, and again, you get a break if needed.

There are companies that do in-home, and in-office therapies.

Also there is doctors that work specifically with people with autism.

Here are some links and phone numbers for some resources. If you are not in my general area and need help finding resources, let me know and I'll be glad to help! Also, if you have ANY questions, don't hesitate to ask:)

Amos Cottage: http://www.amoscottage.org/Home.html

3325 Silas Creek Parkway

Winston-Salem, NC 27103

336-713-7400

or contact: [email protected]

Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov

1-800-772-1213

Disability application: https://disabilityapprovalguide.com

Center Point (Case management)

www.CPHS.org

4045 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

(336) 714-9100

Carolina Case Management

http://www.carolinacasemgmt.com/

1-800-546-9636

Easter Seals UCP of NC 

Eastersealsucp.com

4407 Providence Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

(336) 757-4681

620 West Innes Street Salisbury, NC 28144

(704) 647-0256.

Autism Doctor:

Dr. Anne C. Hines, MD

8025 N Point Blvd Suite 215B

Winston Salem, NC 27106

336-896-0954

Support groups:

www.myautism.org/‎

1 (877) 654 4483

www.autismspeaks.org/‎

http://www.autismsociety-nc.org

Autism therapist in and around Davie County:

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?county=Davie&state=NC&spec=167

Excaptional Childrens Assistance Center

http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/

Camps:

Camp Royall - Autism Society of North Carolina

autismsociety-nc.org/index.php/get-help/camproyallinfo‎

Also** Davie County schools have an Autism camp for 2 weeks every summer if your child qualifies.

If you have any other resources you would like to share, please do! :)

Gluten Free- Casein Free

Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley and rye.

Casein is the name for a family of related phosphoproteins (αS1, αS2, β, κ). These proteins are commonly found in mammalian milk, making up 80% of the proteins in cow milk and between 20% and 45% of the proteins in human milk.

GFCF

This is the diet I put Ethan on in order to open up is brain. It worked.

When I was researching this diet, I read quite a bit of information the made perfect sense. What we intake, not only effects our bodies, but also our brains. I know it's true because I've seen it happen.

This is the wikipedia definition for GFCF: A gluten-free casein-free diet (GFCF diet) or gluten-free dairy-free diet eliminates dietary intake of the naturally occurring proteins gluten (found most often in wheat, barley, rye, and commercially available oats), and casein (found most often in milk and dairy products).

Despite an absence of scientific evidence, there have been advocates for the use of this diet as a treatment for autism and related conditions.

Absence of scientific evidence... That is the part that gets me. I took Ethan to get allergy tested a few years ago. He tested positive for being allergic to gluten on his skin and in his blood. He tested positive for being allergic to dairy in his blood, but negative on his skin. The doctor then proceeded to tell me that we could start introducing him to milk... although he is allergic to it in his blood, we could slowly make his body tolerate it.

BAH!

This was 2 years after I had Ethan on the GFCF diet... And At least 4-5 years since I'd found out he was allergic to milk. Anytime... *ANYTIME* Ethan ate something he wasn't supposed to, or was allergic to, I knew. Not only did I know, but the people we were around a lot knew as well. Ethan would start slurring his words really bad, his autism stems would return... He would get frustrated REALLY easy.. it was obvious on so many levels. .

I told the doctor that I would not be introducing Ethan to milk and explained to him what happened when he had anything with milk in it.

He was very short with me when he said "There is no medical books that say allergies effect the brain!" Ok... So- this guy wants me to torture my son by "introducing" him to dairy when we've had no problems being without it...AND it causes him severe problems? Needless to say, I can't tell you what I said back to the doctor because it is inappropriate for some readers. . I did tell him what he could do with his medical books and where he could put them. .

I understand the doctors have to go by the book. I get that... But I also understand my children. I'm not looking for lab stats when I'm taking care of my kids. I'm looking for what improves them the most, and avoiding what is harmful for them.

The amount of improvement with Ethan being on this diet were absolutely tremendous! Before I started it, he screamed and pointed all the time.. Only repeating lines and words. Very little eye contact, constant flapping, walking on his tiptoes, runny bowel movements,yeast infections, spinning in circles, TERRIBLE sensory issues.... After the being on the diet for a short time, EVERYTHING improved so much. The stems calmed down, he could answer a question without screaming or repeating a word over and over. He could let me know how he felt or what he needed without screaming and getting really frustrated. His digestive system turned normal. He wasn't covered in rashes anymore. His brain opened up. He was no longer stuck in his screaming prison.

I'm not saying that Ethan is perfect now..but he is MUCH better.  He still has sensory issues, loud sudden noises or loud noises in general bother him. Before- I couldn't take him to wal-mart with out him having a panic attack. Now he handles it like a pro! He doesn't get as overwhelmed as he used to. There are certain things over the years we've learned to avoid, but the improvements are amazing!

Ethan handles the food really well too. He knows what he can and can't have, and doesn't really mind not being able to eat stuff that the other kids can. I try to make sure he has his favorite kinds of foods all the time. The Aldi supermarket randomly has GFCF chicken nuggets.. They don't get things at set times, and they never know when they will have certain products.. They can go months with no chicken nuggets. . Last time they had them in stock, I bought 17 bags! I know that might sound a little crazy.... But Ethan is very picky and that is the ONLY kind of chicken nuggets that he likes. I don't even mind buying 17 bags. Our freezer is stocked for a while!

I'm not saying that every kid with autism should be on the GFCF diet. Everybody is unique.. It has been proven to be very helpful to people who aren't allergic to it. I think it's worth a shot. Everything we eat effects our body somehow.... Open up your mind and do the research:)

Over the years, Ethan has been obsessed with quite a few things. Some have stuck all his life, and some have came and gone. Right now, It's police officers, dogs, and labeling every vehicle he sees. He is very certain that he WILL be a police officer in Charlotte when he grows up, and have a K-9 that goes to work with him in his Ford crown vic k-9 unit. He wants to have 5 or 6 German shepherds and 2 chocolate labs ... 0.0

When Ethan was sitting up, spinning wheels and well.. just about anything that would spin (including himself) was an obsession. He still gets lost in spinning things. He has a few police helicopters, and constantly spins the propellers. He turns his bicycle upside down to spin the wheels.. any of his hot wheels, and toy police cars.. Spinning seems to pacify him. I've read that kids with autism repeat things just because it feels good. I suppose there is something about watching the circles in motion?

Over the years his obsessions have varied.. Thomas the train, antique tractors, Cities and city skylines. Riding things (Flinstone car, wagons, pedal tractors, bikes). He has *SEVERAL* notebooks with every page filled with pictures he has drawn, and stories he has written with them. Some pages are filled with cities that he drew. He has a notebook that has all his favorite cities listed with all their stats. (Number of building, top 10 from the tallest)

I am so fascinated by him.

It fascinates me what my kids are into, what their favorite kind of music is.. And their favorite things to do. I wonder all the time how this is going to reflect on them when they grow up. Will Ethan be a police officer? Will Ellie be a paramedic? I think they both have endless amounts of potential and I don't want to rush their childhood at all... But I can't wait to find out:)

I'm writing about this because it's something I've been asked about several times in the past. This is for parents with younger kids with special needs that will be entering preschool or kindergarten soon.  I.E.P meetings are very important. Not only do they GREATLY benefit your child, It's also a law. All children with disabilities MUST have a an IEP meeting at least once a year.

I don't agree with a lot of laws, but I absolutely appreciate this one!

An IEP is a written document with an education plan for a child with disabilities. It talks about your child's disability, things they need to learn, services the school will provide for them, and what school will provide the services.

It is *imperative* that you know your goals for your child before going into this meeting. This is going to help you as a parent/caregiver as well as your child. Be prepared! I have been in several meetings and I have a list with me every time. They have to ask you if you have any concerns, or goals for your child. You are your child's # 1 advocate... Remember that:) Also let them know what your goals are for your child's home life. School goals and home goals can definitely intertwine.

You can take pretty much anyone you want into the meeting.. If your child has a case worker, other caregivers, or people who are in the child's day to day life.

In the meeting, there should be at least 1 regular education teacher, 1 special education teacher, someone from the school system (Principle, assistant principle, counselor) And someone who will explain everything you went over and tell you what goals were set. If you agree to all the goals that are set, then papers are passed around for you and everyone that attended the meeting to sign.

You will receive a copy of this plan. KEEP IT. Documentation is important. Keep a special IEP binder. You never know when you are going to need it for other things. If you have any questions, feel free to ask:)

Being a parent of an autistic child OR being a parent in general...  *Me* time is important. Not only is getting my kids in bed every night beneficial to their health and school schedule.. I t’s beneficial to me!

It's important as a parent to have some reflection time at the end of the day.  The kids are all tucked in... and what do I have?  A few hours of FREEDOM! If that isn't a God given gift- I don't know what is. Weather I jam to some of my favorite music, take a bubble bath, read, or all of the above... it's my very own peaceful moment and I appreciate every second of it.

This being said... does NOT mean I don't fully adore my kiddos..  I just happen to think it's important for my parental psyche. I've noticed people getting so wrapped up in their busy family schedule, that they completely lose sight of who they are.

If you are able- get a sitter who you and your kids are comfortable with, and get out of the house from time to time.  Live life!  Even if you just go to the movies, have a beer with friends, jam to some live local music... Go do something that you enjoy.

I personally feel that it helps you remember who you are.  Of course you are a Mom/Dad and care deeply about your little ones..  But everyone needs balance. Me time helps balance, and balance is one of the keys to life:)

What is unconditionally? It's an adverb and means not subject to any condition. The synonyms are wholehearted, unreserved, unlimited, unrestricted, complete, total, entire, full, unmitigated, and unequivocal.  Some times taking a minute to soak in the definition of a word makes us look beyond the unimportant things in our lives.

We get wrapped up in the day to day stress in getting the kids ready for school, getting ourselves ready for work, then work is stressful and then we have to deal with careless and thoughtless people.  Then we get home and have to fix supper and get the kids to do homework and clean their rooms.. (GAH!) Then what happens?  We get SO focused on this mass of insanity that we forget the important stuff.  Everyone does..

We have the people who are in our lives for a reason.  Our children, spouses, best friends, girlfriends/boyfriends and family.  Take the time to think about what that reason is.  Reflect those positive thoughts with those people.  Letting people know how you feel is free, and can be the most amazing gift they've received.

Sit down and eat dinner with your family - even if it's just 30 minutes twice a week... that time is precious. Ask them how their day was, what they learned..  It's important to let them know you care.  Not everyone is blessed with someone.

Look at the positives around you and soak it up unconditionally.  Look at your babies, loves, friends, and family and be thankful to have these gifts.  Remember not to take everything and everyone for granted.

One thing I've learned from autism and working with special needs is the emphasis of the word unconditionally. Open your eyes, hearts and minds and be thankful... unconditionally :)

Life with Autism... To me- Autism is fascinating, and I've found over the past 5 years, that people are much more open minded and curious about it. I can't remember ever hearing about it when I was growing up. I remember that I would talk to kids who were different, and talk to them like everybody else, because it seemed to make them happy... And I've always found joy in making others happy. Maybe that's why God blessed me with Ethan?

I do feel like Ethan is a gift... Having a son with Autism opened my eyes to a whole new world. Looking back, everything before him seems so alien to me. I know I was an independent, single minded person... But it's all so vague and unimportant now. God gave me my purpose....

When I was pregnant, I was not a happy, glowing, bouncy person. In fact, I wanted to punch **every chick** who told me that she had the "best pregnancy!"... Obviously being swollen and chemically imbalanced, didn't make me a spunky person. I was in and out of the hospital and the doctor with constant kidney infections. I was on pain medicine at one point through i.v. and who knows what else. I'd informed the hospital that I was pregnant. The doctors and nurses should know what is safe for me, right?

Finally the day came.. It was time to meet this little guy.. I went to the hospital around 9 in the morning, Ethan arrived at about 5 minutes after Midnight... I don't think I understood life before then. I don't think I'd ever seen such a beautiful soul. So innocent, tiny and amazing... mine! This little tiny creature was a part of me.. I am to shape this human being. How terrifying and exciting at the same time. Thus, our adventure begins...

When Ethan was born he had a hematoma on his head. A hematoma is a solid swelling of clotted blood tissue. The Dr's informed me it was because he was in the birth canal too long.  He wore a soft blue helmet for 6 months. While I was breast feeding, Ethan had reflux so bad that he would constantly projectile spit up. When I asked the doctor about this, he told that I probably shouldn't eat spicy stuff... (0.o) Ethan also had a lot of rashes, the doctor told me to put hydrocortisone cream on it. FINALLY, I figured out he had an allergy to dairy.

As Ethan grew, It seemed to me that he wasn't developing like he should. It took him longer to sit up and walk than most babies. He didn't make normal baby sounds, I had a lot of trouble getting him to vocalize. When he would cry, I found that there were certain songs that I could play that would completely pacify him.  Barracuda by Heart was one of them. As soon as the song was over, he would begin crying again. I know every note and word to that song like the back of my hand!

He began walking around 16 months. Several people told me it was normal, that all kids walked when it was time for them to.. but I knew something was different. His way of communicating with me was screaming and pointing. Pretty soon, I knew what he wanted just by the tone of his voice. I would label everything, trying to get him to repeat the word but to no avail. The only things that would get him to talk were movies. Thomas The Train, Cars, The Incredible's. Ethan would mimic their sounds and rhythms, which felt like some form of verbal success to me!

I spoke to Ethan's doctor about how I didn't think he was on target developmentally.. I filled out a developmental questionnaire and the Doctor agreed that he needed some extra attention. He was put on the waiting list to be neurologically tested at Amos Cottage in Winston-Salem, and we were soon visited by the CDSA (Children's Developmental Service Agency). They did testing, and sent someone out every other week for Ethan to have play therapy.

Ethan constantly had ear infections, as well as sleep apnea. The ear infection antibiotics caused a lot of yeast infections all over his body. When he was 2, I had his tonsils and adenoids taken out, and tubes put in his ears. It was a GINORMOUS relief to have him sleep through the night without randomly gasping for air.. and no more ear infections! Now to figure out the rest..

During the holidays of 2005 I was pregnant with my daughter, Ellie. I remember my dad taking the family on a hay ride around Thanksgiving. I was talking to my uncle and explaining Ethan to him when he mentioned autism. I had absolutely no clue what he was talking about. But* everything he said fit... It was all these symptoms that sounded like it summed up my son.. So I got online as soon as possible and researched my butt off!

Autism. Autism. Autism... I remember tossing that word around in my mind. Autism. That's a label, he has a label? This is strange.. Where do I go with this. Hmmm...

I didn't cry my eyes out- (That was my Mom's job) I just educated myself. Well- if this is what we have then we should fully understand it, right? Of course! Than's my baby! The world wide web is the greatest resource to educate ones self. I found endless amounts of information.. Fascinating information. Statistics.. probable causes.. Youtube, ahhh... Youtube. Neurological disorders, brain scans... All the neatest things.

I've always had this way of finding something positive in the middle of a very wicked storm. I'm not sure if it's a gift, but I appreciate it. I knew my son had PDDNOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not otherwise specified) And I also knew I may not be able to cure it, but I can definitely do some things to improve life for Ethan.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, the Doctor called and told me that there was a chance that she would have down syndrome. Sheesh. Around the same time, my best friend passed away and I found it very difficult not to question God. There were times when it felt like the world was crashing down around me. . I could always find solace in music. It calmed me down, served as my motivator, my meditation, my comfort. It also turned out to be therapy for Ethan. He loved Heart, Pat Benatar, and Kasey Chambers.. His taste in music certainly made me giggle. I didn't mind listening to Heartbreaker 47 times in a row.. It made Ethan happy, and that ultimately made me happy.

When Ellie came along, she was a healthy, beautiful, sweeeeeet baby girl! I don't know what you classify as a perfect baby, but she was close. She was so calm, and happy and easy going. I feel like maybe God gave her to me to balance out everything? Ethan wasn't so excited about a little sister. He wanted me to put her down all the time because he was VERY attached to me. When Ellie became more mobile They seemed to get into their sibling flow.

Ethan was very attached to me. He had severe separation anxiety.. And still does to a certain extent. It was kind of stressful at the time, but I always thought that it felt nice that someone loved me that much. As Ellie was a sweet loving baby who loved most people she was around, Ethan was quite the opposite. Besides me, he only liked my Aunt and my Mom and Dad. There were plenty of other people in his life, but those and myself were the only ones he had any affection for.

When Ethan was 3, he started preschool and was mainstreamed. It was important to me for him to be educated in the most progressive way possible. I didn't want him to be in the E.C classrooms.  He had a tendency to mimic, and I'd rather him mimic kids that were progressing normally. While he was going to school, he was getting speech therapy and occupational therapy- both at home and at school- As well as play therapy.

Around this time, he knew the name of every single brass instrument, all the different types of heavy equipment and could tell me the name of every shape including pentagon, hexagon and octagon. He would lay on the floor and line up every train and tractor in a certain order. He would build more intricate train tracks than I could even attempt to try. And he knew directions. If we didn't turn down Joe road to get to my Moms house he was very angry!

Ethan was still screaming and pointing. He knew plenty of words but would only repeat the same words over and over. And he would repeat lines from his favorite movies. He often referred to himself in third person. Every day I asked Ethan lot's of questions about his day..I tried to get him to tell me what he needed and wanted. I constantly pushed him for answers. I was at the point where I didn't think I'd ever be able to have any kind of normal conversation with him.

When Ethan was 5 he was officially diagnosed with classic autism.

I can't say that I was super excited about him being diagnosed with a neurological disorder, but I was excited to have a definition to work with and more open doors for him. Soon after he was diagnosed, I met a parent who also had a son with Autism.. She told me about this GFCF diet she had put her son on... and about this autism doctor they were seeing. She gave me a lot of information about it so once again, I educated myself with all of the ideas and facts that she had given me. No matter what happens in my life, that lady is- and always will be- one of my heroes!

GFCF (Gluten Free, Casein Free) Is a big part of our lives and will always be a staple. It's funny when your own little family unit adapts to something... How ALL of the people in your life will adapt to it as well. When I took Ethan to the autism Dr. she gave me a lot of hope. I was always stuck in the here and now.. Hope wasn't even something I had time to think about really. She filled me with plenty of it. So much so, that after we left her office, I went home and wrote a letter to all of the most important people in my life. I am about to embark on a huge journey with my kids, support is needed!

It's not easy taking wheat away from a VERY, VERY picky kid. A very stubborn kid at that. Ethan likes to only have certain things all the time. I knew that in order to see results from this diet.. then I had to be consistent. From what I understood doing my research, this diet would open his mind. I knew it wasn't a cure for autism, but it could possibly open his brain! (Yayyy!) He was halfway on this diet to begin with. I knew he was allergic to dairy, so at least I was halfway there... Here it goes. I think initially, it seemed much more overwhelming than it actually was. I found a lot of options for Ethan. More than I realized existed, which was relieving.

Things started to change for Ethan. Starting with the outside of his body. His eczema and rashes started going away. His skin cleared up tremendously. He was still repetitive, but not as much. His autism stems stopped popping out as much. Less flapping, no more spinning in circles. The teachers noticed that he was making eye contact now and they could hold his attention in class a little longer.... I picked him up from school and asked him what he'd done one day.. For the first time EVER, he answered me... "Went to the gym." This is when the tears started rolling, my baby answered me. I didn't know he could do that. I was so excited I remember calling my mom. GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?

I feel like he knew how to answer me all along. I really do. But I also feel like something in his brain wasn't letting him. Maybe that's why he screamed and pointed so much. He had to be frustrated because he couldn't get the words out. He understood everything I said but he couldn't process the words and deliver. Hitting that realization definitely brought me to tears. I felt like he was locked in his own prison for 5 years.... Never able to express exactly what he meant. But now, I was figuring out the possibilities... If he'd improved this much so quick... let's take some more strides and see what happens.

My aunt and uncle got me a ticket to go to an autism conference in Winston-Salem to see Temple Grandin. I'd never heard of her before but of course I wanted to check it out. She had autism and was going to tell her side of the story.To hear straight and directly from someone with autism was exciting for me. As a parent, don't you wonder what your kids are going to be like when they're adults? For Ellie, I could see that she can be anything she wants. She has no burden of mental disabilities, and she is extremely intelligent. But Ethan is a different kid... I've laid down in bed several nights wondering and worrying.

When Temple started speaking I was instantly awed. Wow. She's fascinating. Her tone of voice, her mannerisms, her story.. I'm sure I looked like an idiot with my mouth gaping open soaking in everything that she had to say, but I didn't care. Here was a brilliant lady, a professor no less... Who was purely defying the odds. This day changed my life in a lot of ways. It changed my understanding for people in general. I remember her saying that there was a little bit of autism in every one. Everyone has a unique brain, every brain is works totally different.... Hmmm... So that completely scrambles the word normal. What is normal? I think everybody has their own inwardly, but ultimately to me, there is no such thing.

Ethan was sent to have a brain scan between the ages of 5-6. The results showed that he has a spot on his cerebellum. What that spot is causing, is yet to be known. The cerebellum controls regular and fine motor skills, balance and coordination.  It may also be involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses. Ethan has great motor skills.. He also taught himself how to ride a bike without training wheels. There is no way to know exactly what is going on..  Maybe someday science will progress enough for me to understand this "spot". .

Ethan has been mainstreamed in the public school system every year so far. Luckily we have had some pretty amazing teachers along the way. It's interesting to me that the kids around him seem to motivate him. The teachers have told me so many stories about how Ethan gets particular about things and his fellow students help him along. He does homework and has to make good grades like the rest of the world. He get's pulled out of class for speech therapy and he get's some one on one help every day. But he's doing it!

We have been blessed to have a close family. Besides Ellie, Ethan has 6 other cousins that are close to his age. I think that has helped him a lot socially, and what an amazing group of kids for Ethan. They Love and adore him and try their best to over compensate for him.. I do believe Ellie was made for him. Of course they have their disagreements... but sometimes they just seem so perfect for each other.

At this point in our lives, the 3 of us are very blessed to have such amazing friends and family. Ethan is 10 now, and has a few more favorite people. His mind has opened up so much that it doesn't seem like a chore anymore. I don't have to try and figure out.. he can tell me.

I can't tell you what caused Ethan's autism. I have ideas, but not pin point proof on any of it. I used to be rather curious about finding out... But since there is no way of knowing, I've let it go. He is here... He is who he is. I simply adore who he is.

The first few years of his life were challenging... but worth it!   He isn't perfect, or normal... But who is.. :)