diets

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much to those who responded about my question concerning doctors recommending gluten free diets. I just wanted to check with others. I couldn't believe it when I read this classmate's discussion-post that 'many doctors are now recommending a gluten free diet to help alleviate autism symptoms."

I wrote back to her to let her know her information was not correct, but she persisted that it was. I believe she teaches kids with autism, but I'm not sure where it is she received her information. I'm a mom with a child who was diagnosed almost 6 years ago, and I knew that no one ever suggested this diet for my son or for anyone in the autism community that we knew.

I also told her that most parents learn about ways to help children from word of mouth by other parents and specific professionals.

So, thanks again. I don't want this person posting information about autism that isn't correct and I just wanted to check to see that I wasn't losing my mind!

[Guest guest]

A poster said this: "She has explosive behavior at times and will attack siblings or even me just as many kids with Asperger's do. "

I'm just stating that my son doesn't attack me or his siblings. He's been angry before and has been in fights with his little sister, but nothing out of the ordinary sibling stuff. I don't want to perpetuate the idea that many kids with Aspergers attack siblings and/or parents. It's not true.

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 11:35:20 AMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

whoever mentioned "attacking people" I don't think they meant it that way, they probably meant just being aggressive, which some of the AS children are, some are not.

From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 12:26:41 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

BTW, my 14-yr-old son with Aspergers has never "attacked" me. Ever.

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 9:47:01 AMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

Wow, I am surprised at the lack of knowledge about this on this group. There is plenty of research done on this. Have you ever tried it yourself or even fully researched it past reading a simple article? Sounds like you are dismissing this without fully understanding the science behind it (and yes, there is science there.. do the research). I apologize for saying "most kids" or whatever I said. But it is not my imagination AT ALL. My child clearly has a reaction to certain foods. The very foods she tested positive for. If she didn't, I certainly wouldn't have kept her on this diet for so long.. I would love for us to all go back to eating regular foods!! I found out that I have celiac disease during all this, which has saved me from a lot of issues. So this definitely runs in my family.

And "running around attacking people" is not what she does.. And that is not what makes her have Asperger's. You are making assumptions and putting words in my mouth and that is not fair. She has aggression issues for sure and maybe I worded that wrong.. She has explosive behavior at times and will attack siblings or even me just as many kids with Asperger's do. But that is not what makes her have Asperger's. Geez.

Misty

From: Roxanna <MadIdeas@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 9:13:29 AMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

Please understand that this is your opinion and not a fact. Problems with restrictive diet can be any numbers of issues going on and not at all related to this idea of an "allergy" to food. If it is working for you and your kid, great. But that doesn't mean it works for most kids with autism. That is just your opinion. If people want to buy into this theory, they can. There are tons of sites out there ready to tell you all about it! Also, having autism does not mean you are running around attacking people until someone takes you off gluten. My two ds's have HFA and neither one was out there doing that. Stimming went away with growth and maturity over the years and not with any special diet. I know people attribute rapid growth in speech, for

example, to removing gluten from the diet or fish oil pills or other such things. "We removed all milk from his diet and then he began to talk!" My 3 ds's all had severe speech delays and their language all came in without any of those things. My one ds's initial problem with food was just the temperature of the food, we discovered! I remember at the time being so amazed to have figured it out, lol! It had nothing to do with "an opiate response." Once I realized it was the temperature (everything had to be cold!), we started to slowly warm things up over a long period of time. Today, he eats better than most NT people - all variety of food, hot or cold. My other ds is still extremely restrictive with what he will eat and it's a big problem. He is not jumping off of furniture because of what he is eating either. And it has nothing to do with allergies or opiate responses to certain

things. He has severe problems with taste and texture and also is a rigid thinker. When we used to have a local autism group, most of the women in the group believed in the Great Plains lab and had a personal relationship with them. I saw them doing a lot of really weird things - I thought it was weird, I should say. They thought it made perfect sense. Here I was doing ABA therapy, which I am sure they thought was weird. Anyway, I really never saw a big improvement in their kids but they would all constantly insist that the new pill or removing something from the diet had fixed problems. They constantly said, "Look how much calmer he is now" and I'd look and the kid looked exactly the same as before. I couldn't figure it out. But they all agreed with each other that it was working. Anyway, the big story I am trying to tell: One lady was frantic one day when the

family dog died. She apparently decided that her PDD kid had killed the dog. I don't remember why she came to that conclusion. He must have abused the dog in the past or something. Or she found the kid hitting the dog, who was dead. He was probably trying to get the dog to move or wake up really, in retrospect. But at any rate, she went on to discuss how he had recently been given a red Popsicle and she knew that was the cause of his "rage" against the dog. The red popsicle caused the kid to go ape and kill the dog! She must have went on for 10 days to two weeks about this awful experience in our local chat group - really awful experience to be sure! Well, turns out, after testing the dog, they found out he had paint in his system. At the time of his death, they were painting their bathroom. So that is how the dog actually died. And that red Popsicle never caused the rage that

killed the dog after all.

Roxanna“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.†- Luther King, Jr.

( ) diets

Ok, so here is my question: I have had my HFA son(9) tested for celiac and yeast imbalance and both came up negative. I tend to feed both my kids a pretty healthy and balanced diet with whole grains, no high fructose corn syrup (except tiny allowances of candy), organic sugars (limited), fruits, veggies (yes, they do eat these!),lean meats, etc. I will often complain about DS's pickiness because he used to eat *everything* except tomatoes and mushrooms and has gradually gotten narrower and narrower and will suddenly hate things for no apparent reason. He also used to throw things up at will until I put the kibosh on that with consequences which (remarkably) worked! After reading posts here about kids who will only eat three foods I will do my best to shut up about that! Seriously, any Mom who can get her autistic son to eat brussel sprouts really has no right to complain, huh? Anyway the point of this post (finally!) is that I know a lot of

people have their kids on GF or GFCF diets and I have resisted this feeling that I wanted to have some basis for a major life change before we did it. I also worry about cutting out huge sources of nutrition like grains and dairy with growing children without due cause. Clearly behavior is an issue- DS has problems with aggression, anxiety, sensory, etc.- but I always try to consider the total health of my child. Someone mentioned sensitivity testing to cassein and gluten. Can these be done through the regular pediatrician or are they specialty lab only? I would appreciate some input so I can make an informed decision for my family. Thanks!-Tania

[Guest guest]

I went through exactly the same thing and my psychologist helped me with boundaries and how to set them without causing a meltdown every time. From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:17:42 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

And here is where I'll disagree with you, Robin =)

There are thousands of social skills groups out there so insinuating that they all treat kids like they're idiots isn't really fair. I can't speak to all social skills groups, I'm sure some of them suck beyond suck, but we were very fortunate to find a great group. Dylan attended 3 different weeks of social skills camp and it was really great. If we had found them when he was younger and they were closer, we would've attended more. They used one of Winner's curriculums and I was so impressed with the staff and what they did. I think the key is finding out more about the group before you hand your money over because they can be expensive.

We also had a psychologist who did a world of good for Dylan and our entire family from Kindergarten-3rd grade. I really can't express how much she help me set better boundaries, understand how/when to discipline and how to do it effectively. I also think she helped introduce cooperative concepts to Dylan in terms he could understand and then practiced with him. Dylan wasn't cured after he saw her or anything, but it did help build his foundation. She was great. I've also had experiences with psychologists though that weren't so good. So again, it's probably good to get some referrals from people you trust and/or do research on qualifications/experience before you fork over any cash.

From: and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 4:16:41 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

I wouldn't apologize, Misty. Just my opinion.

We ALL advocate for what has worked for us or what he HOPE will, as well as condemn what hasn't worked for us, personally.

I think people can tend to take things soooo personally when all that's happening is a conversation.

We should all just read and move on when a subject that's being discussed doesnt' necessarily "agree" with us. Not that we shouldn't add our "2 cents",,,,,but people, all people, should be allowed to praise what has worked for them.

I have never been a proponent of SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS - my son hated/hates being treated like he's an idiot. He talks when he wants and when he needs to. But, he likes being along. Period.

We've never really been impressed with a therapist/psychologist. We see a Psych for his OCD meds and he's really cool. But, as far as talking about "if he sits with anyone at lunch, or how does he think he could make a friend" is annoying to him and myself, because he is happy and capable, in his own way, of "being".

We never eliminated dairy, but I've heard amazing things about GFCG. We've never done this, either. We do buy as much organic and "dye free" as we can, though. But for the most part, it's too expensive for us. he he.

So..........please don't apologize. Hugs to you.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty

[Guest guest]

I think it's probably human nature to advocate for what you know has worked for you in the past. But I wasn't taking issue with someone saying "This worked for us" - it was the rest of the stuff that I disagree with. Just like everyone saying Bill Gates has AS, people just keep repeating things whether it's true or not and now because someone wrote it in a book, it must be true. But it's not. I think it's important to say that this is not proven to work at all. And also, not all people with AS have these behaviors either. Saying, "This is what we did and it worked" is great. That is what we do here. It is just hard sometimes because there is a lot of snake oil out there, preying on people who want a cure for their child.

Social skill groups/lessons can be great if they are well done and taught at the level of the kids they are addressing. My younger ds had so many years of help learning social skills. He began in 1-1 ABA sessions because he didn't even realize there were other people in the world. He still has speech for several issues but one is social awareness type skills. I have said it a lot here before but people should always check out the group, ask to see the curriculum and learn about the person teaching the class. make sure it will fit with what your child needs. Because this is such a huge area of delay for these kids, it is definitely worth the effort to look into it.

I doubt I would like being treated like an idiot very much either. So I don't advocate anyone send their kid to therapy that teaches that.

Roxanna

“Our lives begin to end the day we

become silent about things that matter.†- Luther King, Jr.

Re: ( ) diets

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty

[Guest guest]

Good to hear, ! My psychologist helped me not be scared of meltdowns and not feel trapped to give in to whatever was happening b/c a meltdown was happening or was likely to occur. She also taught me that I didn't have to wear my magic hat and cape and try to anticipate what might cause him to have a meltdown and try to prevent them all of the time.

It was hard at first - really hard - but I was amazed at how quickly he responded to the new discipline techniques she taught me. I think he really liked the boundaries because he knew what to expect. It probably made him feel safe to know that if he did A, B would happen. He depended on it. After things improved, sometimes I wouldn't follow through like I did at the beginning and he'd ask me about. He'd say "why didn't you just fill-in-the-blank like you said you were going to if I didn't stop?" I'd say, "man, you're right! Thanks! Here's your consequence." That would always make me have a secret smile =)

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 5:45:40 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

I went through exactly the same thing and my psychologist helped me with boundaries and how to set them without causing a meltdown every time.

From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:17:42 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

And here is where I'll disagree with you, Robin =)

There are thousands of social skills groups out there so insinuating that they all treat kids like they're idiots isn't really fair. I can't speak to all social skills groups, I'm sure some of them suck beyond suck, but we were very fortunate to find a great group. Dylan attended 3 different weeks of social skills camp and it was really great. If we had found them when he was younger and they were closer, we would've attended more. They used one of Winner's curriculums and I was so impressed with the staff and what they did. I think the key is finding out more about the group before you hand your money over because they can be expensive.

We also had a psychologist who did a world of good for Dylan and our entire family from Kindergarten-3rd grade. I really can't express how much she help me set better boundaries, understand how/when to discipline and how to do it effectively. I also think she helped introduce cooperative concepts to Dylan in terms he could understand and then practiced with him. Dylan wasn't cured after he saw her or anything, but it did help build his foundation. She was great. I've also had experiences with psychologists though that weren't so good. So again, it's probably good to get some referrals from people you trust and/or do research on qualifications/experience before you fork over any cash.

From: and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 4:16:41 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

I wouldn't apologize, Misty. Just my opinion.

We ALL advocate for what has worked for us or what he HOPE will, as well as condemn what hasn't worked for us, personally.

I think people can tend to take things soooo personally when all that's happening is a conversation.

We should all just read and move on when a subject that's being discussed doesnt' necessarily "agree" with us. Not that we shouldn't add our "2 cents",,,,,but people, all people, should be allowed to praise what has worked for them.

I have never been a proponent of SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS - my son hated/hates being treated like he's an idiot. He talks when he wants and when he needs to. But, he likes being along. Period.

We've never really been impressed with a therapist/psychologist. We see a Psych for his OCD meds and he's really cool. But, as far as talking about "if he sits with anyone at lunch, or how does he think he could make a friend" is annoying to him and myself, because he is happy and capable, in his own way, of "being".

We never eliminated dairy, but I've heard amazing things about GFCG. We've never done this, either. We do buy as much organic and "dye free" as we can, though. But for the most part, it's too expensive for us. he he.

So..........please don't apologize. Hugs to you.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty

[Guest guest]

my son did learn so well about consequences that now he wants me to give them to Dad when he does something he is not supposed to, so I have to ground Daddy sometimes. LOL From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 7:21:26 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

Good to hear, ! My psychologist helped me not be scared of meltdowns and not feel trapped to give in to whatever was happening b/c a meltdown was happening or was likely to occur. She also taught me that I didn't have to wear my magic hat and cape and try to anticipate what might cause him to have a meltdown and try to prevent them all of the time.

It was hard at first - really hard - but I was amazed at how quickly he responded to the new discipline techniques she taught me. I think he really liked the boundaries because he knew what to expect. It probably made him feel safe to know that if he did A, B would happen. He depended on it. After things improved, sometimes I wouldn't follow through like I did at the beginning and he'd ask me about. He'd say "why didn't you just fill-in-the-blank like you said you were going to if I didn't stop?" I'd say, "man, you're right! Thanks! Here's your consequence." That would always make me have a secret smile =)

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 5:45:40 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

I went through exactly the same thing and my psychologist helped me with boundaries and how to set them without causing a meltdown every time.

From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:17:42 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

And here is where I'll disagree with you, Robin =)

There are thousands of social skills groups out there so insinuating that they all treat kids like they're idiots isn't really fair. I can't speak to all social skills groups, I'm sure some of them suck beyond suck, but we were very fortunate to find a great group. Dylan attended 3 different weeks of social skills camp and it was really great. If we had found them when he was younger and they were closer, we would've attended more. They used one of Winner's curriculums and I was so impressed with the staff and what they did. I think the key is finding out more about the group before you hand your money over because they can be expensive.

We also had a psychologist who did a world of good for Dylan and our entire family from Kindergarten-3rd grade. I really can't express how much she help me set better boundaries, understand how/when to discipline and how to do it effectively. I also think she helped introduce cooperative concepts to Dylan in terms he could understand and then practiced with him. Dylan wasn't cured after he saw her or anything, but it did help build his foundation. She was great. I've also had experiences with psychologists though that weren't so good. So again, it's probably good to get some referrals from people you trust and/or do research on qualifications/experience before you fork over any cash.

From: and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 4:16:41 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets

I wouldn't apologize, Misty. Just my opinion.

We ALL advocate for what has worked for us or what he HOPE will, as well as condemn what hasn't worked for us, personally.

I think people can tend to take things soooo personally when all that's happening is a conversation.

We should all just read and move on when a subject that's being discussed doesnt' necessarily "agree" with us. Not that we shouldn't add our "2 cents",,,,,but people, all people, should be allowed to praise what has worked for them.

I have never been a proponent of SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS - my son hated/hates being treated like he's an idiot. He talks when he wants and when he needs to. But, he likes being along. Period.

We've never really been impressed with a therapist/psychologist. We see a Psych for his OCD meds and he's really cool. But, as far as talking about "if he sits with anyone at lunch, or how does he think he could make a friend" is annoying to him and myself, because he is happy and capable, in his own way, of "being".

We never eliminated dairy, but I've heard amazing things about GFCG. We've never done this, either. We do buy as much organic and "dye free" as we can, though. But for the most part, it's too expensive for us. he he.

So..........please don't apologize. Hugs to you.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty

[Guest guest]

Hey, that doesn't sound so bad! I wouldn't mind grounding my ex from time to time. He probably feels the same way about me, too!Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: chris Dunn <christineshello@...>Sender: Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:31:06 -0800 (PST)< >Reply Subject: Re: ( ) diets my son did learn so well about consequences that now he wants me to give them to Dad when he does something he is not supposed to, so I have to ground Daddy sometimes. LOL From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 7:21:26 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets Good to hear, ! My psychologist helped me not be scared of meltdowns and not feel trapped to give in to whatever was happening b/c a meltdown was happening or was likely to occur. She also taught me that I didn't have to wear my magic hat and cape and try to anticipate what might cause him to have a meltdown and try to prevent them all of the time. It was hard at first - really hard - but I was amazed at how quickly he responded to the new discipline techniques she taught me. I think he really liked the boundaries because he knew what to expect. It probably made him feel safe to know that if he did A, B would happen. He depended on it. After things improved, sometimes I wouldn't follow through like I did at the beginning and he'd ask me about. He'd say "why didn't you just fill-in-the-blank like you said you were going to if I didn't stop?" I'd say, "man, you're right! Thanks! Here's your consequence." That would always make me have a secret smile =) From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 5:45:40 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets I went through exactly the same thing and my psychologist helped me with boundaries and how to set them without causing a meltdown every time. From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:17:42 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets And here is where I'll disagree with you, Robin =) There are thousands of social skills groups out there so insinuating that they all treat kids like they're idiots isn't really fair. I can't speak to all social skills groups, I'm sure some of them suck beyond suck, but we were very fortunate to find a great group. Dylan attended 3 different weeks of social skills camp and it was really great. If we had found them when he was younger and they were closer, we would've attended more. They used one of Winner's curriculums and I was so impressed with the staff and what they did. I think the key is finding out more about the group before you hand your money over because they can be expensive. We also had a psychologist who did a world of good for Dylan and our entire family from Kindergarten-3rd grade. I really can't express how much she help me set better boundaries, understand how/when to discipline and how to do it effectively. I also think she helped introduce cooperative concepts to Dylan in terms he could understand and then practiced with him. Dylan wasn't cured after he saw her or anything, but it did help build his foundation. She was great. I've also had experiences with psychologists though that weren't so good. So again, it's probably good to get some referrals from people you trust and/or do research on qualifications/experience before you fork over any cash. From: and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 4:16:41 PMSubject: Re: ( ) diets I wouldn't apologize, Misty. Just my opinion. We ALL advocate for what has worked for us or what he HOPE will, as well as condemn what hasn't worked for us, personally. I think people can tend to take things soooo personally when all that's happening is a conversation.We should all just read and move on when a subject that's being discussed doesnt' necessarily "agree" with us. Not that we shouldn't add our "2 cents",,,,,but people, all people, should be allowed to praise what has worked for them. I have never been a proponent of SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS - my son hated/hates being treated like he's an idiot. He talks when he wants and when he needs to. But, he likes being along. Period.We've never really been impressed with a therapist/psychologist. We see a Psych for his OCD meds and he's really cool. But, as far as talking about "if he sits with anyone at lunch, or how does he think he could make a friend" is annoying to him and myself, because he is happy and capable, in his own way, of "being". We never eliminated dairy, but I've heard amazing things about GFCG. We've never done this, either. We do buy as much organic and "dye free" as we can, though. But for the most part, it's too expensive for us. he he. So..........please don't apologize. Hugs to you.Robin "I'm singing....I'm in a store and I'm singing..........I'm in a store....and I'm singing..............."From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it. Misty

[Guest guest]

LOVE it! One thing we've always tried to teach Isaac is the concept of

actions and consequences. Still fighting the homework issue though.

Eleanor, San , CA

Aspie son Isaac, 10.5 years old

On 02/17/2011 16:31 , chris Dunn wrote:

> my son did learn so well about consequences that now he wants me

> to give them to Dad when he does something he is not supposed to, so I

> have to ground Daddy sometimes. LOL

[Guest guest]

Is that grounding or undergrounding?

Eleanor, San , CA

Aspie son Isaac, 10.5 years old

On 02/17/2011 16:41 , smacalli@... wrote:

> Hey, that doesn't sound so bad! I wouldn't mind grounding my ex from

> time to time. He probably feels the same way about me, too!

[Guest guest]

We also eliminated Red #40 with great success. We already were eating a healthy

diet very little food dye, organic, no HFCS. I could just see that when my

Aspie ate at outings that had lots of food colors he would melt down easily. We

did an elimination of all colors and he noticed how much better he felt. We

went back and found out it was the red dye. I think the food issues are

definately individual and should be personalized. He loves the way he feels now

and watches all his food labels because he feels the difference in himself.

in MN

>

> I added a lengthy post to this thread earlier today but I think I'm still on

moderated status since I'm new... so not sure when it will show up. In it I

forgot to mention that my kids do not have a behavioral reaction to sugar, but

there is a definite problem with red food dye. Red tootsie pops seem to be the

worst-- I think the number one ingredient must be red #40.

[Guest guest]

Did you get checked for lyme disease?Sent from my Palm Pre on the Now Network from SprintOn Feb 17, 2011 4:50 PM, skdaig <2daigs@...> wrote:

I have to chime in here (with my dulcet tones LOL). This is my personal experience.

In my 20s I suffered from some sort of gastrointestinal upset that lasted several weeks, prompting a variety of blood work and other tests. I was found to be severely anemic but the anemia didn't respond to iron supplements (profound anemia). Several months later I had an endoscopy done and the biopsy showed villous flattening, or celiac sprue.

After being gluten free for years, whenever I accidentally ingest gluten, I know right away. Yes there is some GI upset (gas, bloating, mild cramps) but the real tell is I become what my husband lovingly refers to as "wheat crazed". It is hard to describe but the best I can do is this. I develop brain fog and have difficulty concentrating. I become moody, irritable, stubborn and argumentative. I will get sucked into a debate or argument about an issue (often an issue that is not important to me) and I will pursue it and argue it to death. While this is happening, I usually don't realize it's not an important issue to me or that I'm over-reacting. It has the pervasive feel of a hormonal change, which so alters your perception and experience. It feels so real because it is real, but then again it isn't. I also think that I trend toward depression, that is my baseline mood is lower than average. My mom has suffered from depression and panic disorder her whole life too.

Looking back, I recognize these feelings in a large part of my childhood and adolescence. Although I think I'm relatively neurotypical (no ADHD or Asperger's), I was always especially moody and stubborn, and I think I was depressed for much of my childhood. In the past, when I've felt down, I've suffered from insomnia and also tended to overeat carbohydrates. I don't know about an "opiate" reaction but there is something about eating carbs and the resulting insulin bath that dulls my anxiety and depression. Now that I'm aware of these connections I manage my life differently.

Again this is just my personal experience, but for me there is absolutely a connection between gluten, mood and behavior.

Both of my children have tested negative for gluten intolerance through a traditional antibody test. I don't have a wheat allergy so I would probably test negative too even though I'm clearly gluten intolerant.

Do I think everybody should go GFCF or send off for this lab test? No. Similarly, my husband takes multiple allergy medications for his sensitivities but I don't think everyone should be on Advair and Zyrtec because not everybody has his sensitivities. However if your child is struggling with a mood disorder or behavioral problem, I think it's wise to do your research. An elimination diet is a good place to start.

in Colorado

>

> ( ) diets

>

> Â

> Ok, so here is my question: I have had my HFA son(9) tested for celiac and yeast

> imbalance and both came up negative. I tend to feed both my kids a pretty

> healthy and balanced diet with whole grains, no high fructose corn syrup (except

> tiny allowances of candy), organic sugars (limited), fruits, veggies (yes, they

> do eat these!),lean meats, etc. I will often complain about DS's pickiness

> because he used to eat *everything* except tomatoes and mushrooms and has

> gradually gotten narrower and narrower and will suddenly hate things for no

> apparent reason. He also used to throw things up at will until I put the kibosh

> on that with consequences which (remarkably) worked! After reading posts here

> about kids who will only eat three foods I will do my best to shut up about

> that! Seriously, any Mom who can get her autistic son to eat brussel sprouts

> really has no right to complain, huh? Anyway the point of this post (finally!)

> is that I know a lot of people have their kids on GF or GFCF diets and I have

> resisted this feeling that I wanted to have some basis for a major life change

> before we did it. I also worry about cutting out huge sources of nutrition like

> grains and dairy with growing children without due cause. Clearly behavior is an

> issue- DS has problems with aggression, anxiety, sensory, etc.- but I always try

> to consider the total health of my child. Someone mentioned sensitivity testing

> to cassein and gluten. Can these be done through the regular pediatrician or are

> they specialty lab only? I would appreciate some input so I can make an informed

> decision for my family. Thanks!

>

> -Tania

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm so glad you said something about what I wrote, cause I just reread my post and MEANT that IAN thought they treated him like an idiot. he he.

You're so right in saying you gotta check the groups/docs out first, cause we have had some major crappy ones. Then, bam! We got the Psych we have now. Whew.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty

[Guest guest]

Ya know, I don't know if it's even that the groups were "bad" for him, or that he feels so "okay" with himself that anyone attempting to tell him how to "be better" is crazy in his eyes.

Yes,,,,,I know - that may be one of the great reasons for the group - he he. But, to him, it honestly doesn't work.

So,,,,,like with other things that we all are faced with to try or not to try, we chose to NOT continue. Except for the group that the school offers. This one makes him literally crazy, though. It's almost funny......in a really sad way.

Every week, after the group meets, his therapist emails me about what he said THIS time. It's usually some arrogant comment about how he understands she means well, but he's had it with her and the group.

Oh well.......whatcha gonna do.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: md l <dontblinkhs@...>Subject: Re: ( ) diets Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:33 AM

I would like to apologize now to everyone for my point of view and for sharing our experiences. I didn't mean to offend anyone by using phrases like "our kids" or describing my daughter's symptoms on and off gluten. I tend to advocate for this stuff because it has helped us so much and I only wish someone had told me about it sooner. So I was just trying to hep some other families when someone had asked about it.

Misty