Thanks for your reply...I have him on regular food but will have him
tested for allergies and gluten sensitivity like Jodi did for her son.
If he should be gluten free I will talk with a nutritionist and then go
from there.

Joel Kogen wrote:
>
>
> if your Child is in Danger for this GFCF Diet Stop once and Get your
> Child Back on Reg
> Food.   i am also new to this But Safety of the Child should come 1st.
> when going back on reg Food try Lactose Milk 1st for a day if nothing
> Hapens I think
> it ok to give Reg Foods.  i read this info some where.
>
> */jashleydesigns <jashleydesigns@...>/* wrote:
>
>     Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
>     and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
>     December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
>     like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
>     went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
>     days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
>     pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
>     modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
>     bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
>     significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
>     feedback from other parents that either found success or became
>     frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.
>
>     Thanks,
>
>     Jane
>
>
>
>
> Warrning Any one Spaming this E-mail address will be Reported
> to the ISP and your Account will be Lock.
> and Possible Law Enforcment Agency Might also be Responding
>

Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
feedback from other parents that either found success or became
frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.

Thanks,

Jane

Thanks for your fyi I just
Started my son on it last week
The only thing I can notice is that
His stimming more but see we justed
Stared it. I am assume it do to the
Withdraw of gf foods
And not sure but his bm are know more reg
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: "jashleydesigns" <jashleydesigns@...>

Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:24:37
To:LCASG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LCASG] Gluten Free Diet


Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
  and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
  December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
  like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
  went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
  days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
  pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
  modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
  bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
  significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
  feedback from other parents that either found success or became
  frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.

  Thanks,

  Jane

...For a wonderful cause. Be at the Best Oscar Party in Town! For
those of you that don't already know, I Co-Founded what is certainly
going to be THE place to be on Oscar Night.

With or without the awards presentation, we will be hosting a
wonderful evening of entertainment to raise money for Autism
Research. While Autism affects 1 of every 150 children born today
(and seems to be all over the news), Autism Research receives less
than 5% of all funding of many other less prevalent childhood
afflictions. So help us help our friends! You'll have a blast and
feel good about helping. And who knows who you may find standing next
to you on that Red Carpet. Last year both Tommie Harris and Israel
Idonije (Chicago Bears) attended and rumor has it (okay, Spike is
starting this one) that they will be back again this year....and if
you can't join us, a donation is greatly appreciated.   You can go
online and BUY A STAR to honor someone.  Please feel free to forward
to your entire database....
TERI


RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THE RED CARPET!
Honorary Chair: America's favorite movie critic
RICHARD ROEPER!

Autism Speaks cordially invites you to
An Evening with the Stars
With the backdrop of the 80th Annual Academy Awards®,
this Red Carpet Hollywood-themed benefit evening features:

pre-show dinner--a stroll down the red carpet featuring hors d'
oeuvres,
desserts, movie-themed cocktails--silent auction and raffle
--the Academy Awards® telecast LIVE on the big screen

                                   5:00p.m. VIP Pre-Show
Dinner
                                   6:00p.m. Doors open for
General Admission
                                   6:15p.m. Red Carpet interviews
begin
                                   6:30p.m. Pre-Show events begin
                                   7:00p.m. Telecast Begins

The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 North Green Street
Chicago, Illinois 60622
www.theaterland.com

DON'T MISS THE BEST OSCAR® NIGHT PARTY IN CHICAGO!
For more information or to purchase tickets
www.eveningwiththestars.org
or call 1-888-8-AUTISM
www.autismspeaks.org
This event is not affiliated with nor endorsed by the Academy of
Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
In the event that the Academy Awards are canceled due to the writers
strike, the fundraiser will go on.
A quality evening of entertainment will be delivered.
For more information on this event and those from prior years, click
here:
www.eveningwiththestars.org
To purchase tickets or volunteer, please click here:
www.events.autismspeaks.org/eveningwiththestars
Or call: 888-8-AUTISM
We look forward to seeing you on the red carpet!
Sincerely,
Your Evening with the Stars committee:

  Richard Roeper          Jennifer Coronet  Ken Karlson
  NBC's Zoraida Sambolin  Karen Pillsbury  Jeff Rogers
  Tami & Spike Manton  Annette Bianchi  Brad Olson
  Kerry & Dan Schlaack  Larry Stern          Joe Stephen
  Teri & Mo Steinberg  John & Agatha DeFranco  Shari Intagliata
  Karen & David Royko  Yolanda Gonzalez  Myra Levin
  Larry Wert          Marco & Mary Rios
  Fred Walz          Michael Farnon

Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
feedback from other parents that either found success or became
frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.

Thanks,

Jane

Hi Eric

Thanks for responding..yes there were some digestive issues. He has
always had wheat bread and I switched him to white in December and his
digestive problems are gone, so I am wondering if he has a wheat
allergy. I know that the modification is not GF free, I was just keeping
him on the modified diet so it would be easier to go back to GF if we
decided that was best for him.

He never did seem "high" or even sluggish. He does have a repetitive
"driving objects" behavior that comes and goes but usually disappears
when he is in school and busy. I don't think his diet affects this behavior.

Thanks again,

Jane

nechapasi@... wrote:
>
>
> Jane..my understanding of the GFCF diet and how you have modified it
> would tell me that it is not GF at all. The proteins in gluten
> supposedly can linger in the body for months after the slightest
> gluten infraction. They can take up to a year to leave the body...that's
> one of the reason the diet is so hard to do!
>
> That being said, I wouldn't abandon where you are at but I would
> continue to look for a substitute bread. I would also inquire about what
> lead you to try the diet...were there some digestive issues prior? Or
> did he seem to be "high"? THose are the normal reasons...just having
> autism is not the best reason to try the diet...but then again certain
> high functioning people have gone GF and have benefited as well.
>
> Unfortunately nothing in autism is 100%
>
> Eric
>
>
> In a message dated 2/7/2008 9:24:58 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> jashleydesigns@... writes:
>
>     Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
>     and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
>     December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
>     like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
>     went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
>     days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
>     pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
>     modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
>     bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
>     significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
>     feedback from other parents that either found success or became
>     frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.
>
>     Thanks,
>
>     Jane
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL
> Music.
>
<http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\
548>
>

Hello, I just joined the group. I have a 4 1/2 year old son with autism
and tried a gluten free diet in August. We did pretty well until
December, he lost some weight which made me very nervous. He did not
like the bread at all and seemed okay with meat and veggies but as time
went on refused all bread and finally, food. He had dry heaves for two
days in December and I decided the whole thing was crazy and made him a
pb&j sandwich. He was literally shaking as he ate. We are now on a
modified gluten free diet, that is, everything is gluten free except
bread. In the time we were totally gluten free I didn't notice any
significant change in him, although it was only 4 months. I'd love any
feedback from other parents that either found success or became
frustrated like me. I don't know if I should abandon the diet or not.

Thanks,

Jane

Just wanted to introduce myself - my son was just diagnosed with
Asperger's, although I've known that it was something related to this
for a little while.  We've been having trouble in school with him -
fighting, poor attention span, poor interaction with others, bad grades
in reading and writing.  I wanted to join a group because I have been
working with the school for awhile; they've put him in a chatroom group
for improving social skills and another program where he checks in with
another teacher when he feels overwhelmed.  Sounds good, but now as the
diagnosis has been made they're talking about a "514" disability
classification and I know that he should have an additional IEP (he
currently has IEP for speech), but I'm not sure of all our rights and
such.  I'm just trying to educate myself as much as possible so that we
can all do what's right for my son.  Joining your group seemed like one
of many ways to do that!

Kati,
We worked with speech, occupational, and physical therapists at North
Shore Pediatric Therapy for about three years. They were a great help
for our son, and worked with our pediatrician in order to write up the
paperwork so our insurance company would cover some of the cost. The
therapists were very professional, and most had their Master's degree
in their particular field. They were able to attend IEP meetings to
help us get services from our school district.
Here is a link to their web site.

http://www.nspt4kids.com/Public/Home/index.cfm

They have an office near the intersection of Deerfield road and Route
41 (Skokie Hwy)

Hope this helps,
Gloria

--- In LCASG@yahoogroups.com, "kbaiiche" <kbaiiche@...> wrote:
>
> Can anyone recommand a speech therapist? I am lookong for a therapist
> for my 5 years old son, he is nonverbal. I live in Deerfield.
>
> thanks for your help,
>
> kati
>

Kati,
We worked with speech, occupational, and physical therapists at North
Shore Pediatric Therapy for about three years.  They were a great help
for our son, and worked with our pediatrician in order to write up the
paperwork so our insurance company would cover some of the cost.  The
therapists were very professional, and most had their Master's degree
in their particular field.  They were able to attend IEP meetings to
help us get services from our school district.
Here is a link to their web site.

http://www.nspt4kids.com/Public/Home/index.cfm

They have an office near the intersection of Deerfield road and Route
41 (Skokie Hwy)

Hope this helps,
Gloria

--- In LCASG@yahoogroups.com, "kbaiiche" <kbaiiche@...> wrote:
>
> Can anyone recommand a speech therapist? I am lookong for a therapist
> for my 5 years old son, he is nonverbal. I live in Deerfield.
>
> thanks for your help,
>
> kati
>

INFORMATION SESSIONS

MICROBOARDS AND COOPERATIVES


Location:      Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
830 S. Spring Street
Springfield, IL   62704
(217) 782-9696


Date : 	 Friday February  22, 2008

Time: 	 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon


	 If you have questions please email Ruthie-Marie Beckwith,
Ph.D. at  empfanatic@... or call at (615) 898-0300.  More
information about the Managing the Art of Living project is available
at our website:  www.managingtheartofliving.org

What You Will Learn In an Information Session

COOPERATIVES:

• What is a Human Serves Cooperative?
• What it means to be a member of a H.S. Cooperative.
• What other H.S. Cooperatives are doing.
• The proven steps to set up a H.S. Cooperative.
• How governing your own company gives you choice and power
over services and your life.


MICROBOARDS:

• What a microboard is and is not.
• An overview of the process used to help individuals and their
families create microboards
• Examples of microboard success stories
• Pitfalls that microboards should avoid in order to prosper
• How to get involved in the Managing the Art of Living project




A project supported and funded by
  the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

Can anyone recommand a speech therapist? I am lookong for a therapist
for my 5 years old son, he is nonverbal. I live in Deerfield.

thanks for your help,

kati

Hi teri from timmy dr you get addational sevice in add to autsim
Their was a few other item that might been geared to adult service I forgot
Hope this help
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: "Teri Steinberg" <teri_steinberg@...>

Date: Sun, 03 Feb 2008 20:46:05
To:LCASG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LCASG] Autism and the MR diagnosis


My case manager at Community Alternatives Unlimited told me to get an
  MR from a licensed psychologist so that my son can get more
  services. Can anyone tell me other than at school, what would be the
  downside? Why shouldn't I?

  TERI

  Alice,
  The article in Newsweek, August 20-27. 2007, entitled "The Puzzle of
  Hidden Ability," by Sharon Begley, reports on that "hidden
  intelligence" of children with autism spectrum disorders.
  I couldn't agree more with some of the things others have said in
  this thread . There is no reliable way to measure IQ in most children
  with ASD, and scientists are increasingly recognizing that the
  previous assumption that 75% of children with autism also have MR is
  a *myth*. Children with autism cannot successfully participate (or
  sometimes can't participate at all) in the IQ testing,a nd they have
  trouble communicating what they know.
  It is very disturbing that some schools are so eager to label
  children with ASD as having MR. What happened to the *least dangerous
  assumptions* ? Some schools are very eager to write children off, and
  its is extremely sad that this continues to happen in the 21st
  century. As Laurent Morton (who led the Montreal study quoted in
  Newsweek) has said, "If we label these children as below-normal
  intelligence, that is how they are going to be treated." Note also
  that an MR label connotes relatively permanent cognitive deficits, so
  you can see what a negative impact this may have on a child's
  education.

  Good luck!_______ _________ _________ _________ ___

  To: ASA-NV@yahoogroups. comFrom: hatteralice@ yahoo.comDate: Fri, 1
  Feb 2008 14:44:17 -0800Subject: Re: [ASA-NV] Re: Autism and Mental
  Retardation Label

  Hi,
  Just my opinion, but I do not believe you should accept the mental
  retardation label. As you asserted the IQ test given to kids with
  autism does not accurately measure their intellectual ability.
  Moreover, we all know how quickly a kids IQ can change with early
  intervention aba programs.

  I would be concerned that later on this label may come back to haunt
  you as your child might not be eligible to participate in autism
  programs. The ciruculums and classroom methodologies are different
  for children with mental retardation than those with autism (or at
  least they should be). Moreover, kids with autism generally need
  inclusion not exclusion (like classes for kids that have mental
  retardation -especially for social skills. Also, the whole label of
  mental retardation should ring all kinds of alarm bells. As far as I
  know there has never been a comprehensive and accurate intelligence
  assessment for kids with autism
  and/or a body of cutting edge research to support it.
  Lastly, there was an article last year (group members help me here)
  in which an alternative form of intelligence testing was given to
  individuals with autism and they all scored within normal or better.
  Try to find this, read it and if you think it is worthy use it.
  What do you think , what is your gut instinct- is your child mentally
  retarded?
  Never sign an IEP if you do not agree with it.

  AliceTricia <fivesense99@ yahoo.com> wrote:

  Have you requested an independent evaluation. Stafford has to pay for
  it if you disagree with their findings. Do not sign the IEP if you do
  not agree to their labels. --- In ASA-NV@yahoogroups.
  com, "valombardo" <valombardo@ ...> wrote:>> Our school system
  (stafford) has been insisting on a dual diagnosis for > our son's
  eligibilty.. .autism and mental retardation. They base this >
  position both on an IQ test and our son's low scores on self help and
  > life skills assessments. I can make arguements against the IQ test
  > easily enough just by addressing the folly of administering a test
  with > strong communication requirements to a child with core
  deficits in > communication, but, when they counter that the decision
  also reflects > his low self maintenance and self advocacy skills,
  I'm not sure how to > respond.> > DSM IV does not address
  developmental delays relative to ASD. The CDC > seperates these as
  well, indicating any developmental delays > demonstrated by a person
  with ASD indicate a companion disability such > as MR. Our school
  psychologist referenced a CDC estimate that as many > as 8 in 10
  children with ASD also have some form of intellectual > disability.>
  > I have been told to leave the MR label on as this will potentially
  open > the door to more services as he gets older. Others have
  countered that > allowing this label to stand will impact his
  placement and academic > pursuits and make it possible for him to be
  excluded from autism > programs. He is already a VAAP student (as of
  this year).> > Has anyone else been faced with this? How did you
  proceed? I have been > arguing that ASD is a a big enough umbrella to
  contain all of our son's > issues, but, as I read the DSM IV
  criteria, I am not so sure.> > Stefanie>

My case manager at Community Alternatives Unlimited told me to get an
MR from a licensed psychologist so that my son can get more
services.  Can anyone tell me other than at school, what would be the
downside?  Why shouldn't I?

TERI

Alice,
The article in Newsweek, August 20-27. 2007, entitled "The Puzzle of
Hidden Ability," by Sharon Begley, reports on that "hidden
intelligence" of children with autism spectrum disorders.
I couldn't agree more with some of the things others have said in
this thread . There is no reliable way to measure IQ in most children
with ASD, and scientists are increasingly recognizing that the
previous assumption that 75% of children with autism also have MR is
a *myth*. Children with autism cannot successfully participate (or
sometimes can't participate at all) in the IQ testing,a nd they have
trouble communicating what they know.
It is very disturbing that some schools are so eager to label
children with ASD as having MR. What happened to the *least dangerous
assumptions* ? Some schools are very eager to write children off, and
its is extremely sad that this continues to happen in the 21st
century. As Laurent Morton (who led the Montreal study quoted in
Newsweek) has said, "If we label these children as below-normal
intelligence, that is how they are going to be treated." Note also
that an MR label connotes relatively permanent cognitive deficits, so
you can see what a negative impact this may have on a child's
education.

Good luck!_______ _________ _________ _________ ___

To: ASA-NV@yahoogroups. comFrom: hatteralice@ yahoo.comDate: Fri, 1
Feb 2008 14:44:17 -0800Subject: Re: [ASA-NV] Re: Autism and Mental
Retardation Label

Hi,
Just my opinion, but I do not believe you should accept the mental
retardation label. As you asserted the IQ test given to kids with
autism does not accurately measure their intellectual ability.
Moreover, we all know how quickly a kids IQ can change with early
intervention aba programs.

I would be concerned that later on this label may come back to haunt
you as your child might not be eligible to participate in autism
programs. The ciruculums and classroom methodologies are different
for children with mental retardation than those with autism (or at
least they should be). Moreover, kids with autism generally need
inclusion not exclusion (like classes for kids that have mental
retardation -especially for social skills. Also, the whole label of
mental retardation should ring all kinds of alarm bells. As far as I
know there has never been a comprehensive and accurate intelligence
assessment for kids with autism
and/or a body of cutting edge research to support it.
Lastly, there was an article last year (group members help me here)
in which an alternative form of intelligence testing was given to
individuals with autism and they all scored within normal or better.
Try to find this, read it and if you think it is worthy use it.
What do you think , what is your gut instinct- is your child mentally
retarded?
Never sign an IEP if you do not agree with it.


AliceTricia <fivesense99@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Have you requested an independent evaluation. Stafford has to pay for
it if you disagree with their findings. Do not sign the IEP if you do
not agree to their labels. --- In ASA-NV@yahoogroups.
com, "valombardo" <valombardo@ ...> wrote:>> Our school system
(stafford) has been insisting on a dual diagnosis for > our son's
eligibilty.. .autism and mental retardation. They base this >
position both on an IQ test and our son's low scores on self help and
> life skills assessments. I can make arguements against the IQ test
> easily enough just by addressing the folly of administering a test
with > strong communication requirements to a child with core
deficits in > communication, but, when they counter that the decision
also reflects > his low self maintenance and self advocacy skills,
I'm not sure how to > respond.> > DSM IV does not address
developmental delays relative to ASD. The CDC > seperates these as
well, indicating any developmental delays > demonstrated by a person
with ASD indicate a companion disability such > as MR. Our school
psychologist referenced a CDC estimate that as many > as 8 in 10
children with ASD also have some form of intellectual > disability.>
> I have been told to leave the MR label on as this will potentially
open > the door to more services as he gets older. Others have
countered that > allowing this label to stand will impact his
placement and academic > pursuits and make it possible for him to be
excluded from autism > programs. He is already a VAAP student (as of
this year).> > Has anyone else been faced with this? How did you
proceed? I have been > arguing that ASD is a a big enough umbrella to
contain all of our son's > issues, but, as I read the DSM IV
criteria, I am not so sure.> > Stefanie>

Thanks I think I have her book
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: nechapasi@...

Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 07:35:30
To:LCASG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [LCASG] Gfcf


Joel:
 
I would suggest buying the GFCF "bible" ...Special Diets for Special Kids" by
Lisa LEwis. Also if you go into any Whole Foods or other health food store, I
believe they will have a GFCF list of products...just ask customer service!
 
Eric




----------------
Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
<http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300000002\
548>

Can some one please give me a list
Of food that my son can eat and
Drink. My son is in the nssed
And he go out on community outing
We try to see if we can find any thing
Thanks joel
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Your welcome and I did put my son on it just this past week
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

-----Original Message-----
From: kati baiiche <kbaiiche@...>

Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:36:04
To:LCASG@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [LCASG] Hello


 
thank you Joel for the information.


----- Original Message ----
From: Joel Kogen <joelkogen@...>
To: LCASG@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:20:53 PM
Subject: Re: [LCASG] Hello




my son 8 and I am thinking of puting him on it
but hear is some info I just got E-mail for the NIMH
 
I might Change my mind of puting him on this 
 
(FYI  I give my son the Flu Shoot for the past 2 yr and nothing happens
but all Children are Diffent one Child may or may not REACT the same way as
others.
 
I realy don't know that much me and you are must be in the same Boat.
 
I might End up Doing it Anyone my son spit up and he Did Every medical Test in
the
book and their is Nothing medical Wrong with him.
 
hope this help
 
 


   <http://www.nih.gov/news/>  
 
 
National Institute of Child Health  <http://www.nichd.nih.gov/> and Human
Development (NICHD)


  For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
   <mailto:?body=I'm sending you a link to the following NIH news release, Thin
Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, January 29, 2008
News Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH):
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jan2008/nichd-29.htm> E-mail this page
  <http://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=nihpress&amp;A=1> Subscribe   Contact:
Robert Bock <mailto:bockr@...>  or
Marianne Glass Miller
301-496-5134

  Thin Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Results of an early study suggest that dairy-free diets and unconventional food
preferences could put boys with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at
higher than normal risk for thinner, less dense bones when compared to a group
of boys the same age who do not have autism.
The study, by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Cincinnati
Children's Hospital Medical Center, was published online in the Journal of
Autism and Developmental Disorders.
The researchers believe that boys with autism and ASD are at risk for poor bone
development for a number of reasons. These factors are lack of exercise, a
reluctance to eat a varied diet, lack of vitamin D, digestive problems, and
diets that exclude casein, a protein found in milk and milk products. Dairy
products provide a significant source of calcium and vitamin D. Casein-free
diets are a controversial treatment thought by some to lessen the symptoms of
autism.
Funding for the study was provided by the NIH's National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development and National Center for Research Resources. The
research team that conducted the study was led by Mary L. Hediger, Ph.D., a
biological anthropologist in NICHD's Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and
Prevention Research.
"Our results suggest that children with autism and autism spectrum disorder may
be at risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, " Dr. Hediger said. "Parents
of these children may wish to include a dietitian in their children's health
care team, to ensure that they receive a balanced diet."
Dr. Hediger stressed that the current study results need to be confirmed by
larger studies. Until definitive information is available, however, it would be
prudent for parents of children with autism and ASD to include a dietitian in
their care, particularly if the children's diets do not include dairy products
or they are not otherwise eating a balanced diet, she said.
Because girls are much less likely to have autism or ASD than are boys, the
researchers were unable to enroll a sufficient number of girls within the short
time frame of the study to allow them to draw firm conclusions. Dr. Hediger
added that if a girl with autism or ASD is not eating diary products or eating a
balanced diet, it would be prudent for a dietitian to be included in her health
care team.
Autism is a complex brain disorder involving communication and social
difficulties as well as repetitive behavior or narrow interests. Autism is often
grouped with similar disorders, which are often referred to collectively as
autism spectrum disorders. The underlying causes of autism and ASD are unclear.
There is no cure for the disorders and treatments are limited.
When the boys were enrolled in the study, the researchers asked the boys'
parents if the boys were taking over-the-counter or prescription medications,
were taking any vitamin or mineral supplements, or were on a restricted diet.
During the study, researchers X-rayed the hands of 75 boys between the ages of 4
and 8 years old who had been diagnosed with autism or ASD. The researchers then
measured the thickness of the bone located between the knuckle of the index
finger and the wrist and compared its development to a standardized reference
based on a group of boys without autism.
Dr. Hediger said that the research team measured cortical bone thickness. She
added that this procedure was done as a substitute for a conventional bone scan,
which measures bone density. Bone density is an indication of bones' mineral
content. Less dense bones may indicate a risk of bone fracture.
The researchers used the measure of bone thickness because many of the boys were
unable to remain still long enough for the conventional scan, which requires
individuals to lie immobile for an extended period of time. To successfully
complete the bone scan, many of the boys would have required sedation — a step
the researchers were reluctant to take for an early study.
The hand X-ray, Dr. Hediger explained, offers an approximate indication of bone
density. She added, however, that because the researchers were unable to use a
conventional bone scan, the results of the current study should be confirmed by
additional studies using conventional bone scans.
The investigators found that the bones of the boys with autism were growing
longer but were not thickening at a normal rate. During normal bone development,
material from inside the bone is transferred to the outside of the bone,
increasing thickness, while at the same time, the bones are also growing longer.
At 5 or 6 years of age, the bones of the autistic boys were significantly
thinner than the bones of boys without autism and the difference in bone
thickness became even greater at ages 7 and 8.
The bone thinning was particularly notable because the boys with autism and ASD
were heavier than average and would therefore be expected to have thicker bones.
The researchers do not know for certain why the boys had thinner than normal
bones. A possible explanation is lack of calcium and vitamin D in their diets.
Dr. Hediger explained that a deficiency of these important nutrients in the
boys' diets could result from a variety of causes. Many children with autism,
she said, have aversions to certain foods. Some will insist on eating the same
foods nearly every day, to the exclusion of other foods. So while they may
consume enough calories to meet their needs — or even more calories than they
need — they may lack certain nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D.
Other children with autism may have digestive problems which interfere with the
absorption of nutrients. Moreover, many children with autism remain indoors
because they require supervision during outdoor activity. Lack of exercise
hinders proper bone development, she said. Similarly, if children remain indoors
and are not exposed to sunlight, they may not make enough vitamin D, which is
needed to process calcium into bones.
The boys in the study who were on a casein-free diet had the thinnest bones. In
fact, the 9 boys who were on a casein-free diet had bones that were 20 percent
thinner than normal for children their age. Boys who were not on a casein-free
diet showed a 10 percent decrease in bone thickness when compared to boys with
normal bone development.
The study authors wrote that bone development of children on casein-free diets
should be monitored very carefully. They noted that studies of casein-free diets
had not proven the diets to be effective in treating the symptoms of autism or
ASD.
Only 9 boys on casein-free diets were available to participate in the study, Dr.
Hediger said. When conducting a scientific study, it's easier to obtain
statistically valid results by studying a larger number of individuals than with
a smaller number of individuals. However, the dramatic difference in the boys'
bone thickness when they were either on a casein-free diet or an unrestricted
diet and when compared to normally developing bones strongly suggest that the
bone thinning the researchers observed was statistically valid.
The researchers recommended that larger studies be conducted to confirm their
results.
Until those studies can be conducted, Dr. Hediger offered the following advice:
"Our study shows that it couldn't hurt — and would probably help — if parents of
children with autism or autism spectrum disorder consulted with a dietitian
during their children's routine medical care to make sure that their diets are
balanced."
General information about autism and ASD is available from the NICHD's Web site,
at http://www.nichd. nih.gov/publicat ions/pubs/ autism/overview/ index.cfm
<http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/autism/overview/index.cfm> .
The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal,
child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and
medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute's Web site at
http://www.nichd. nih.gov/ <http://www.nichd.nih.gov/> .
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency —
includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and
supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it
investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare
diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov
<http://www.nih.gov/> .


   <http://www.nih.gov/>    <http://www.nih.gov/> Home > 
<http://www.nih.gov/news/> News & Events   <mailto:?body=I'm sending you a link
to following NIH news release, Thin Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism
Spectrum Disorder, January 29, 2008 News Release - National Institutes of Health
(NIH): http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jan2008/nichd-29.htm> E-mail this page
  <http://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=nihpress&amp;A=1> Subscribe to receive
future NIH news releases.
kbaiiche <kbaiiche@yahoo. com> wrote:

I am a mother of 5 years boy, he has autism , he is nonverbal.
He is on diet right now GFCF . what you think about GFCF?
Thank you for starting this group.

Kati,




Warrning Any one Spaming this E-mail address will be Reported
to the ISP and your Account will be Lock.
and Possible Law Enforcment Agency Might also be Responding


----------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.
<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51733/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtD\
ypao8Wcj9tAcJ >

Kati,
I don't have any experience with GFCF diet, but I have eliminated food
dyes and all processed foods, and it has helped quite a bit.  Food
dyes are in almost every kind of food we eat.  Even in vitamins and
medicines!  So I make everything we eat myself from scratch.

Gloria

   --- In LCASG@yahoogroups.com, "kbaiiche" <kbaiiche@...> wrote:
>
> I am a mother of 5 years boy, he has autism , he is nonverbal.
> He is on diet right now GFCF . what you think about GFCF?
> Thank you for starting this group.
>
> Kati,
>

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

---

For Immediate Release Tuesday, January 29, 2008 E-mail this page Subscribe   Contact: Robert Bock or Marianne Glass Miller 301-496-5134 Thin Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder Results of an early study suggest that dairy-free diets and unconventional food preferences could put boys with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at higher than normal risk for thinner, less dense bones when compared to a group of boys the same age who do not have autism. The study, by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, was published online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. The researchers believe that boys with autism and ASD are at risk for poor bone development for a number of reasons. These factors are lack of exercise, a reluctance to eat a varied diet, lack of vitamin D, digestive problems, and diets that exclude casein, a protein found in milk and milk products. Dairy products provide a significant source of calcium and vitamin D. Casein-free diets are a controversial treatment thought by some to lessen the symptoms of autism. Funding for the study was provided by the NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and National Center for Research Resources. The research team that conducted the study was led by Mary L. Hediger, Ph.D., a biological anthropologist in NICHD's Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research. "Our results suggest that children with autism and autism spectrum disorder may be at risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiencies," Dr. Hediger said. "Parents of these children may wish to include a dietitian in their children's health care team, to ensure that they receive a balanced diet." Dr. Hediger stressed that the current study results need to be confirmed by larger studies. Until definitive information is available, however, it would be prudent for parents of children with autism and ASD to include a dietitian in their care, particularly if the children's diets do not include dairy products or they are not otherwise eating a balanced diet, she said. Because girls are much less likely to have autism or ASD than are boys, the researchers were unable to enroll a sufficient number of girls within the short time frame of the study to allow them to draw firm conclusions. Dr. Hediger added that if a girl with autism or ASD is not eating diary products or eating a balanced diet, it would be prudent for a dietitian to be included in her health care team. Autism is a complex brain disorder involving communication and social difficulties as well as repetitive behavior or narrow interests. Autism is often grouped with similar disorders, which are often referred to collectively as autism spectrum disorders. The underlying causes of autism and ASD are unclear. There is no cure for the disorders and treatments are limited. When the boys were enrolled in the study, the researchers asked the boys' parents if the boys were taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, were taking any vitamin or mineral supplements, or were on a restricted diet. During the study, researchers X-rayed the hands of 75 boys between the ages of 4 and 8 years old who had been diagnosed with autism or ASD. The researchers then measured the thickness of the bone located between the knuckle of the index finger and the wrist and compared its development to a standardized reference based on a group of boys without autism. Dr. Hediger said that the research team measured cortical bone thickness. She added that this procedure was done as a substitute for a conventional bone scan, which measures bone density. Bone density is an indication of bones' mineral content. Less dense bones may indicate a risk of bone fracture. The researchers used the measure of bone thickness because many of the boys were unable to remain still long enough for the conventional scan, which requires individuals to lie immobile for an extended period of time. To successfully complete the bone scan, many of the boys would have required sedation — a step the researchers were reluctant to take for an early study. The hand X-ray, Dr. Hediger explained, offers an approximate indication of bone density. She added, however, that because the researchers were unable to use a conventional bone scan, the results of the current study should be confirmed by additional studies using conventional bone scans. The investigators found that the bones of the boys with autism were growing longer but were not thickening at a normal rate. During normal bone development, material from inside the bone is transferred to the outside of the bone, increasing thickness, while at the same time, the bones are also growing longer. At 5 or 6 years of age, the bones of the autistic boys were significantly thinner than the bones of boys without autism and the difference in bone thickness became even greater at ages 7 and 8. The bone thinning was particularly notable because the boys with autism and ASD were heavier than average and would therefore be expected to have thicker bones. The researchers do not know for certain why the boys had thinner than normal bones. A possible explanation is lack of calcium and vitamin D in their diets. Dr. Hediger explained that a deficiency of these important nutrients in the boys' diets could result from a variety of causes. Many children with autism, she said, have aversions to certain foods. Some will insist on eating the same foods nearly every day, to the exclusion of other foods. So while they may consume enough calories to meet their needs — or even more calories than they need — they may lack certain nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D. Other children with autism may have digestive problems which interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Moreover, many children with autism remain indoors because they require supervision during outdoor activity. Lack of exercise hinders proper bone development, she said. Similarly, if children remain indoors and are not exposed to sunlight, they may not make enough vitamin D, which is needed to process calcium into bones. The boys in the study who were on a casein-free diet had the thinnest bones. In fact, the 9 boys who were on a casein-free diet had bones that were 20 percent thinner than normal for children their age. Boys who were not on a casein-free diet showed a 10 percent decrease in bone thickness when compared to boys with normal bone development. The study authors wrote that bone development of children on casein-free diets should be monitored very carefully. They noted that studies of casein-free diets had not proven the diets to be effective in treating the symptoms of autism or ASD. Only 9 boys on casein-free diets were available to participate in the study, Dr. Hediger said. When conducting a scientific study, it's easier to obtain statistically valid results by studying a larger number of individuals than with a smaller number of individuals. However, the dramatic difference in the boys' bone thickness when they were either on a casein-free diet or an unrestricted diet and when compared to normally developing bones strongly suggest that the bone thinning the researchers observed was statistically valid. The researchers recommended that larger studies be conducted to confirm their results. Until those studies can be conducted, Dr. Hediger offered the following advice: "Our study shows that it couldn't hurt — and would probably help — if parents of children with autism or autism spectrum disorder consulted with a dietitian during their children's routine medical care to make sure that their diets are balanced." General information about autism and ASD is available from the NICHD's Web site, at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/autism/overview/index.cfm. The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute's Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.   Home > News & Events E-mail this page Subscribe to receive future NIH news releases.

kbaiiche <kbaiiche@...> wrote:

I am a mother of 5 years boy, he has autism , he is nonverbal.
He is on diet right now GFCF . what you think about GFCF?
Thank you for starting this group.

Kati,

I am a mother of 5 years boy, he has autism , he is nonverbal.
He is on diet right now GFCF . what you think about GFCF?
Thank you for starting this group.

Kati,

Hi all,
Our son has Asperger's, diagnosed at age four after the usual
run-around.  He has progressed beyond our hopes with the help of
talented, caring therapists, a supportive pediatrician, and of course
our love and guidance.  We have been homeschooling for three years,
and that has made a significant improvement in his self esteem and in
his academic performance.

Glad to see this group starting up, and hope we can support each other.
Gloria