About "curing" autism

[sweetalker79]

I'm not questioning your parenting - looks like you're doing very well as a family - but might I suggest having a small quiet place with a single, soothing color and very little distraction for Jade when she gets upset? Too much stimulation (posters/pictures/toys) made my sister's tantrums worse, at least when they're caused by overexcitement.

Hope you're all doing OK. Beautiful kids!

[otherwheregirl]

By the way, we are a medication free house hold. I love my son exactly the way he is. I don't care how much extra work we have to do, we are going to make sure little Adrik is free to be himself. He is happy, and healthy. That is our goal in life ^___^

[otherwheregirl]

My son is autistic and he LOVES this song! I find your back story very interesting. I learned to read at age 3, and I was going through the medical encyclopedia by age 4. My husband was also called the "little professor". He began reading when he learned to talk at 2 and did advanced math also.

People need to see that autisum is beautiful and amazing at times. Life is hard with autisum, but with true understansing and therapies that teach children how to cope, they can do ANYTHING! ^__^

[TVSheShe]

I have autism! I'm very offended by the idea of "Curing" myself or any of my friends, high functioning or otherwise. What we need is to offered understanding! Show us that it is alright to be us and how we can function in this world without trying to make us like you. Do not force eye contact, do not force hugs, do not label us "diseased". We are victims of thinking, learning, and interpreting things differently. No more, no less.

[swampdonkey152000]

@TVSheShe It seems to me you do a grave disservice to your autistic brothers and sisters when you say it's offensive to look for a cure. Sure, you're fine with your autism and I applaud you for it, but what about those autistic persons who can't even lift a fork to their mouths? Do you seriously mean to tell me that all he needs is just more understanding? Don't be absurd.

[TVSheShe]

@swampdonkey152000, I see your point. The problem lies in the belief that most autistic persons are very low functioning. This simply isn't true. Actually, only around 18% of ASD diagnosed persons are along that that line and the vast majority of those persons ALSO have mental retardation. Autism isn't retardation OR mercury poisoning. Why I said I am offended is that autism is such a profound influence on who I am that to separate me from it would be no different then to -cont-

[TVSheShe]

separate me from my humanity. It would be no different than saying you wished I was dead. Now as far as those very low functioning persons, I am not opposed to treatments that help them adjust, survive, and eventually thrive in modern society. But, no amount of medication is going to cure a neurological differentiation-autism is not bipolar disorder, or any chemical imbalance in the brain. Everything is wired differently, entirely. You can't normalize that-but you can help us adjust.

[xmom1011x]

You say she does eat wheat? What exactly have you done with her diet wise? Just curious, I am going through some of this with my little one. We have removed dairy, and that has helped some of the headbanging, and sleep problems, reflux, etc. Wondering what more I can do without going completely GFCF.

[AntonioDR88]

GOO THE RAMONES !!!!!

[foresam]

You can't have middle ground with terrorists. All of this bunk about autism being genetic is propaganda from Pharma.

Accepting brain damage in your children is intellectually lazy. You have to recognize that all of the autistic spectrum is caused by mercury in vaccines and that should make you angry, not accepting.

[aware4autism]

@foresam seriously JB, enough with your pseudoscience mercury drivel. You are making my daughter's legitimate vaccine injury claim that much more impossible to obtain.

It's not the mercury- it's the genetic deficiencies in the immune system.

Please do not comment on any more of my daughter's videos. You have done NOTHING to help children with autism!!!!!!!

[foresam]

Wake up! What do think the genetic deficiency is?

It's the inability to excrete mercury.

I've helped lots of autistic kids but, none with simpletons for parents.

[aware4autism]

seriously, stay over on your side. You are correct, you can't have middle ground with terrorists, including yourself.

I love that Offit has to apologize to you, (and the donating to McCarthy's choice- classic) but seriously, when it comes to what happened to my daughter, your vitriole is equally as damaging as Offit's.

I don't ever claim that mercury was not involved in your son's autism, I am not his doctor. However, you have never met Jade, do not know her history, and are not her DAN.

[aware4autism]

Jade never had a thimerosal containing vaccine. However, her claim cannot be tried outside of the thimerosal omnibus, regardless of how many mainstream doctors agree that thimerosal was not involved in her case. It was her genetic immunodeficiency causing her have a severe adverse reaction to live virus vaccines. Vaccines she has a contraindicated condition against, which caused her cytokines to skyrocket, causing neuroinflammation, resulting in her diagnosis of profound autism.

[aware4autism]

Until you, Offit, Orac, and the rest stop terrorizing parents nationwide, they won't receive the understanding and support they deserve and need. Their children may miss out on groundbreaking treatments that may help them.

The IVIG my daughter has been getting for the last 7 months has helped her become moderately autistic, and mainstreamed half the day. Profound at 2, moderate at 5. I'll take it :o)

Oh, and she stopped having seizures every time she got sick :)

[petchharrison]

@aware4autism yes the auto emoune system can be a problem whatch for gut ulcers i get these its a real pain,i also have hearing SPD and retina dystrophy.

and have ADD but i am trained in childcare and i am a bit nutty,the kids love it,

so i am fine with that .. jeff ..

[petchharrison]

@foresam well i am an aspie and 50 this mercury stuff is just balony dont mean to be rude but your wrong ,, jeff ,,

[thegoldtown]

Thank you for posting this video. Don't be discouraged by the "cure" vs. "gift" crusade. I applaud your efforts. In the video you mentioned Jade was helped by common nutritional supplements or other things, can you name what has helped Jade the most. Thank you, its practical information that helps people.

[LthrnZack]

I understand what you are saying and I support you all the way :)

[aware4autism]

thanks :) It's great, finally, there are so many who are able to see the balance between cure and acceptance. It's not all black and white.

[LthrnZack]

You're quite welcome :) My wife(usernameGl4d2B) and I think that you are a perfect example of true autism advocacy.

[momtoMatthew]

The cure for Autism may just be Adult Stem Cells from cord blood. Take a look at our blog.

[ischlopischlo]

Your "middle ground" seem to be the view emphasised by neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity's main goal is to improve life for autistics, mainly by fighting prejudice, and also by discarding the unrealistic idea of a "cure".

Neurodiversity is positive to any treatment that is focused on helping the individual, rather than "treatment" pushing normalcy, which the harmful cure-mentality emphasises.

You should read the first side on AFF.

[extremelibrary]

I have aspergers and don't want to be "cured". I want people to execpt me for who I am and stop trying to fix me.

[aware4autism]

no one wants to fix you. Did you bother watching the video, about what needs to be cured in autism? btw, Asperger's doesn't need a cure, and is NOT a disability. Jade cannot communicate- there is a HUGE difference.

[aware4autism]

Then I suppose you feel we should NOT cure Jade's facial tics, GI problems, immunodeficiency, pituitary damage, growth problems? Where do you see from this video that I want to fix you? I don't even know you, let alone want to fix you.

Asperger's is NOT a disability. Autism is. Learn to see the difference in the two.

[apostolicaspie]

I have a feeling that all those were just other traits that made it obvious.

[TVSheShe]

@aware4autism, autism is a spectrum. Aspies are within it. An umbrella term with thousands of shades of grey. 

[extremelibrary]

I do see the difference in the two. I wish the the health problems would go away. Why do people call aspergers a disability? I don't consider my self disabled. P.S. I hope the best for your daughter. That's for being her advacate.

[eyebelieve777]

I don't want to cure my son of his unique way of thinking that some call "Autism", I want to cure him of his gastrointestonal issues, insomnia, and self-abusive behaviors. Even when all of these things are delt with he will still be autistic and different and special and beautiful, and that's just fine! I don't mind him not wanting to make eye contact or hating crouded places(I'm like that too),Different is great! I just don't want my child to be in pain. I think that's the point of this video!

[aware4autism]

Thank you. You are one of the few who actually gets it. :)

[aspie101]

You could try the GFCF diet for the bawl problems. However, keep your eyes peeled for quack treatments.

[jennyyz]

YOU are an AMAZING mom. I think the reason you are different is cause instead of blaming others (government, yourself, etc) of autism, you helped Jade and your whole family by actually doing something. if only families with autism would all know about this. i think the "middle ground" is a great achievement. i'm 15, but i'm REALLY interested in autism and helping those with autism. p.s. i stumbled across your videos about a year ago n thats how i came to be interested. thank u!

[StarbucksCoffeeFreak]

No kidding. I wish some people would realize that. I have started biomedical intervention with my five-year-old daughter who is nonverbal and not potty-trained. To have your child looking pale with circles under their eyes and screaming for no reason is NOT a good thing. Even if it does not "cure" her, if it makes the difference between her beign able to communicate and hold a job and spending her older years rocking herself in a facility wearing a diaper being cared for by strangers,

[ABAisSCIENCE]

95% of self injurious behavior (SIB) is due 2 a lack of communication skills.

95% of aggressive behaviors R due 2 a lack of communication skills.

Since communication is a learned behavior it may B valuable 2 try a learning theory that is scientifically proven & that is operant conditioning.

Or we can allow people 2 have stimulus overselectivity & live less enriched lives due 2 fact they R missing part of world around them.

Most people learn important stuff, but some don't.

[LordMalice6d9]

Why would anyone want to be cured of Autism? I have Autism/spectrum disorder disability and it is a blessing in diguise, I am able to excel in certain areas that most people wouldn't even dream of being good in!

Some of the greatest minds of a mankind were people who suffered from some kind of disability like Abert Einstein.

If it wasn't for us, the world would probably fall into the Dark Ages. We simply see the world in a different light than everyone else.

[aware4autism]

No, you are right, we don't need to cure the autism. But we DO need to cure the immune problems, the communication problem, the self abuse problems, the digestive problems, the facial tics, seizure disorders, the mitochondrial disorders. All the things that are overshadowed by the dx of autism.

Trust me, Jade is brilliant, but someone needs to find a cure.

Or maybe when I die, you can take care of Jade?

[hrk33]

I have autism and what is wrong with treating the negatives that come with it? That is what parents mean when they mention cure. Not prenatal screening to abort autistic children.

That's not the cure most parents want. If you want to talk about that then go attack the source, not the parents.

Autism hasn't been happy happy joy joy in my life. Has it yours?

[TheAgnosticAspie]

When did I ever say anything about aborting autistic children?

And as for me having Autism, I've learned to get around all of its short comings and use all the strengths I have gained from my autism to compensate for my weaknesses.

[TheAgnosticAspie]

Oops sorry wrong reply. meant to reply to the other guy.

[aware4autism]

Wow, I remember making this video last year, and being so happy for Jade's progress then. I remember worrying that the facial tics may return, and not knowing the future.

Now, 1 yr after this video, not only is Jade talking bunches more, but she is POTTY TRAINED! woo hoo! She is doing so amazingly awesome! *Yay*

[apaulinaria33]

That's absolutely amazing! Good for you and Jade!

[Abnormaldiversity]

Cure Jade's GI pain, my self-injury, and all the other unpleasant things autistic people can have. But if those are part of autism, they are a much less important part than the wonderful quirks that make us who we are.

[aware4autism]

thank you. most people think cure means change. No, cure means to stop the problems Jade had. Why would we ever want to change her? She is too amazing!

On a side note, I really wish real research could be done regarding the GI and immune system problems. Seems when they got better, so did Jade, verbally and cognitively.

Now, she is 4, and reading at a 1st grade level.

[patrick95350]

Please post what GI stuff worked for your daughter, I like to compare notes! :-)

[aware4autism]

we treated Jade's immunodeficiency with LDN- low dose naltrexone, and a number of antifungals. The yeast still creeps in now and then, but not like before!

[patrick95350]

We've started on ThreeLac, it is helping! (I'm taking it too!)

[ABAisSCIENCE]

I noted that someone asked, "Why must the word "cure" appear. There are two reasons: first because medical professionals think in terms of cure and second because the diagnosis is merely a bunch of behaviors and behaviors are learned; therefore, when someone showed that the behaviors could be lost through teaching procedures people started calling it "cure" though not the original researcher.

[wiscsuzski]

Not ALL behaviors are learned. Some are instinctive. Changing those behaviors might be called a "cure" to someone on the outside. From the inside, it should be very confusing. Maybe we could teach a frog to walk by zapping it every time it hops. But it would still be a frog, although a damaged, slow and unhappy one.

[ABAisSCIENCE]

Your right, we never did figure out why birds fly south for the winter or why pupils dialate when light is focused on them. I'm not quite sure why you focus on a few articles in the early years of behaviorism and feel that is all there is. You must see religion the same way. A scourge. As an aside the behaviorists don't say "cure." That is an error of one who doesn't read.

[wiscsuzski]

You're is a contraction of the words you and are. Your is a possessive pronoun indicating something belongs to you. Perhaps if your English teacher had used some DTT on you, you'd get it right.

[ABAisSCIENCE]

Wow,there are some people who really struggle to attack and I bet you'd even make fun of people who aren't functioning as well by calling them "robots." But your right e-mail and post it comments get mistakes like the one in this one due to contingiences being so distant that carelessness ensues. That's conditioning for you!

[ABAisSCIENCE]

Or is it two mistakes? Study hard for I need to learn, but don't worry I'm not aversive to learning. Didn't know the subject here was dictation. I better pull out my "Verbal Behavior" book by B.F. Skinner and read up on writing.

[wiscsuzski]

You say, "struggle to attack". I say "correct a grammatical error".

[ABAisSCIENCE]

Thank you for correcting my grammar. By the way I hope all is well with you and your family. The same can be said about my own family in terms of big struggles. We all are a "Work in Progress." Let's hope I'm not done learning, yet.

[kandjsmom]

Thank you for your video - my new words of wisdom to live by!

[marienora]

Wonderful video. I have a teen boy with HFA. We have never limited our thinking dealing with what an autistic child should and shouldn't pursue. He has made tremendous gains over the past few years. He truly is a blessing and a wonderful kid, just like your lovely daughter.

[aware4autism]

Yes, in today's day, a parent of an autistic child CAN look forward to proms, college, marriage and grandchildren. The sky is the limit. Jade is not disabled, she is simply differently-abled! I fully expect that she will be just as successful in life as her non-autistic brother!

[judet2006]

third, autism is a GIFT. Early childhood is the time to shape that uniqueness.

[judet2006]

My son has autisim, I'm convinced mercury in vaccines is what causes at least some cases of autisim

[EikC]

No, the symptoms of mercury-poisoning are not comparable to those of Autism. It just doesn't happen.

An example: Common symptoms of mercury-poisoning are things like tunnel vision and just a general mental absence -- Like when you've smoked dope.

[apaulinaria33]

Yes, that's when you have large mercury poisoning over a very short period of time. Autism is a cumulative mercury poisoning that the body adapts to over a longer period of time, and expresses the poisoning in other various symptoms.

[aware4autism]

Jade never had mercury containing vaccines. But she did have a reaction to live virus vaccines (rash, seizures) and showed a manifestation of autistic symptoms after. Individuals with primary immunodeficiency are contraindicated for vaccination with live virus vaccines, as the viruses can replicate, and do nasty things to a developing brain and nervous system.

Jade has no mercury in her system, and her

DAN dr said so! It can't be what caused Jade's autism!

[apaulinaria33]

Well, then it could be the mycoplasma, aluminum, etc. Watch "Are Vaccines Safe?" 2 hour video on Google.

[aware4autism]

no, it could be simply that it was a live virus, and live virus vaccines can replicate in an individual without a properly responding immune system. She has a permanent medical exemption for them.

You get more toxins and byproducts in everyday life than in our current vaccines.

[apaulinaria33]

And what do these kids act like? How do you know if they have tunnel vision. Anyway, that's not the point. There are also things such as aluminum and mycoplasma in the vaccines. They could definitely be a contributing factor. And kids whose parents have mercury fillings, ate fish w/merc, or got vaccines themselves could all contribute to mercury build up. That's why you see some kids that do have reactions and others don't. It's all case by case. Watch the 2 hr. "Are Vaccines Safe?" on Google.

[bobthemagiccamel]

If you swap words related with autism with words related with other minorities, you see just how ridiculous those claims are.

"My Son was perfectly normal till he had his vaccines, all of a sudden he started wearing a yarmulke and celebrating Hanukkah. All the typical symptoms of Judaism."

Autism is genetic, it is life long. There is no way of becoming Autistic; and fortunately for those of us on the spectrum, no way to loose it either.

[aware4autism]

There are more than genetic forms of autism. It is a dx based on a set of behavior, no one can say all autism is the same, so therefor all autism has one single cause.

How do you suppose one become SEVERELY autistic? What brings about the seizure disorder? Why do you have a problem with people wanting to find out why?

There is nothing wrong with AS, or HFA, but when one will need to rely on others their entire life, it's not at all like a minority, or religion.

[sickoflifetoday]

great video :0)

[jkylnhyd]

Bless you. I'm studying holistic treatment and it's benefits among autism. I eventually will be opening a non profit clinic in Toronto.

[Heraldblog]

I'm curious about what motivates you to turn away from evidence-based science. It can't be the money, obviously. ;-)

[judet2006]

cuz drug companies are there to make money and they can buy "scientists"

[Heraldblog]

How does that explain the lack of credible science showing a connection between vaccines and autism?

[backtothegarden23]

why must the word cure always appear around autism. i dont want a cure for my child's autism. i dont want him to hurt, of course i dont. but i love my son just the way he is. he IS autistic. its part of him. to cure him, i would take away his innocence, and beauty. why would i want something like that? jade is beautiful.

[Shannonbarnesdr1]

well said autistics we are a culture a race of people and to cure or prevent would mean eugenics like hitler, weare jusr different :-) also a good site to check is amanda baggs and also google the title nts are wierd and autistics dot org and neurodiversity :-) CAT celbrate autism today

peace and love

auistic pride

[aware4autism]

yes, and as a different "race" of people, autistics have varying medical needs that often go overlooked. Such is the case with Jade's gi dysfunction and primary immune deficiency.

The doctors said she screamed all day because she has autism. I said, because she was in pain. Mommies are usually right :)

[GingerAutie]

I love this video. Good job and you have a really cute daughter. You can be very proude of her! :)

[happynurse63]

I think she is an amazing little girl! I am glad that she is no longer in pain, I know how that would hurt to see your baby that way!

I love the Ramones! OI!

[Misterman1000]

(I do have add.)

[Misterman1000]

I started reading when I was 2... Does that mean I have autism?

[Spydyee]

The reason it is important how we say things is because of how and to whom the politicians dole out money. Pre-natal diagnoses of children with Down's Syndrome have led to 80% of those children being aborted. That scares people like me. That is eugenics. That is where the money is going. That is why we do not want that kind of "early intervention" for Autism.

[Serge165]

That is where the money is going. That is why we do not want that kind of "early intervention" for Autism. <-- Exactly, look at the words "Early Intervention" and go into your literal brain. use your mind's eyes and ears to see and hear the effects of just the words alone, let alone the actual practice. Look at the effect it has on the subconcious

[Spydyee]

The reason these children suffer so greatly from these minor disorders is because of their extreme sensitivity to pain. Cure the causes of the pain. That is not Autism. To cure Jade's Autism would be to remove the quirkiness that you have admitted is ok.

[Spydyee]

I realize that many of us working with our Autistic children are on the spectrum ourselves whether we are diagnosed or not and that may be part of the problem. We need to separate the genetic part of Autism from many of the other problems that often accompany it when we speak. Autism (the genetic quirkiness) does not need curing. However, many of the other problems do.

[Houminid]

I have high functioning autism. I'm good at some subjects and can rember specific dates. My friends say I have a very colorful mind. I am ubsessed with technology.

[milcraig]

Excellent job on your video and a fantastic job and well done to you both on Jade's recovery. Not an easy road to travel is it? when your child is autistic. Keep up the good work, well done.

Regards,

Michael Craig(Founder of Autism Recovery Information).

[neyozeka]

Jade is absolutley gorgeous. I don't even know how I even came about the first video but I just watched almost every single one you've posted. She is an amazing girl and you guys are great parents. What a little treasure! And she even loves the Ramones! She seems just as energetic and fun as the music she loves, God Bless

[whitequeen96]

With SOME children, autism makes them quirky and different. But with others, there is real, physical pain that needs to be stopped. Treatment should not be a "One-size-fits-all" things. Each child is different and unique. I'm so glad to find someone who feels the way I do! My 10 yr. old son has mild autism.

[babymama1970]

awesome!

[lordalfredhenry]

That's cool. I'm an adult who has been on various bandwagons for years and I agree there is a middle ground of sorts. It's not parents vs adults but it's the more dangerous alternative doctors vs freedom of choice for autistics everywhere and that includes parents/children/family of all types, often on the spectrum themselves unawares.

[otalison]

Could you share what is working for you to decrease GI pain?

[aware4autism]

the only advice I can give, as each child is different, is to see a holistic pediatrician, one that will look at your child as an individual, not some cookie cut from a mold.

[ginnyisdacoolest]

Jade's so amazing - you're so lucky to hvae her. I'm happy for you that you've found a way to lessen her screaming fits.

[PhilCommander2]

did you teach her to pogo or did it come natural for her? fantastic video and presented so extremely well. i faved it and gave it five starz!

[aware4autism]

she was on her trampoline- which is out of the camera's range.

[melcabral]

THANK YOU!!!