Off GFCF For Good: WARNING! CONTROVERSIAL!

[Guest guest]

I want to start by saying that I recognize that all children are different, and

that the only data we have is our own little Taryn. What we have encountered

may be specific to our case.

After 3 months of GFCF, Taryn is now transitioning to a diet that is aimed at

" eating as our grandparents did " , which includes avoiding preserved and

pre-packaged foods. This includes a full glass of cow's milk and plenty of

bread with each meal, and absolutely NO soy products!

We are working with a semi-local organization who take a different approach to

biological issues related to autism. Right now, the options are two-fold:

remove the offending item from the patient's environment, or introduce a

chemical to minimize the patient's reaction to the offending component. This

group adds a third option: isolate the biochemical deficiency that is

responsible for the atypical reaction, and introduce the appropriate enzymes,

electrolytes, and other catalysts necessary to enable the person to effectively

process foods. Their focus is on the entire body chemistry - both short AND

long term. Ironically, the long-term physiological hazards of GF/CF began to

stack up against the present neurological hazards of food-based opioids.

So Taryn is now off GF/CF and Cod Liver Oil (they are concerned about Vitamin A

shutting down the body's natural desire for Vitamin A-based foods). As a matter

of fact, we have a full sealed, unopened bottle of Kirkman Labs CLO and jar of

Enzym-Aid that we are looking to get rid of. She ran into a few regressions

early on, but made a pretty surprising rebound in fairly short order. We are

continuing to make constant biochemical adjustments, modifying the diet to

optimize appropriate nutrients and introducing the necessary adjunct catalysts.

At the same time we are working with a neurodevelopmentalist to develop a set of

exercises aimed specifically at developing neurological input processing

functions. This is sort of a hybrid between ABA and sensory integration.

We have seen such phenomenal progress with everything that Taryn has been

rediagnosed. In January, she was diagnosed as " moderately autistic. " This past

week she was reclassified as " sensory integration deficient with speech

development delay. " Her eye contact is incredibly high, she can't get enough

hugs and cuddles from her mommy and me, she wants to play with her sister, and

she shows incremental development almost daily. Best of all, we were able to

give her real macaroni and cheese for dinner...her favorite before the GF/CF.

Once again, I want to be sure to reinforce that I know that what I am posing

here flies in the face of most everything on this list. I am forever grateful

to all here who set us along the proper path, because we were able to prove

definitively and conclusively that Taryn's developmental issues were

predominantly based in metabolism.

For many of you, undertaking GF/CF was a leap of faith. I read many stories in

which many here were encountered by cynical - even hostile - family, friends and

cohorts. We have undertaken a similar leap of faith and have found the payoff

worth the risk. Again, it may not be the answer for others. Selfishly, I am

thankful it is at least for Taryn.

If as you read this you find that you would like to know more, we would be happy

to share details. It is not our intention to detract from the mission of this

list, which is to serve parents and guardians who wish to implement GF-CF as a

means of treating their children's autism. We simply want to share with others

the joys of an amazing, almost stunning ascent toward near-normalcy after such a

dizzyingly short period of time.

We will not be lurking around this list much longer. If you would like a

response here, we will be happy to do so. If you would like a personal

response, please contact us at dgstevens@... .

God bless all of you as you shoulder the burden of this most unwelcome yoke.

You are all in our prayers.

Tim & s

Parents to Kiera (6, NT) and Taryn (2-1/2, " other " )