Update for Brian's Story in the 2006 Edition
of "Recovering Autistic Children" published by the
Autism Research Institute
by Carolyn Lewis
Brian is doing very well in mainstream first grade, and he behaves as a typical six-year-old most of the time. He still has some deficits, but he is catching up quickly. He is very social, has a great imagination, plays well with others, and has a great sense of humor. His interest have expanded to include much more than his previous obsession with trains. He is interested in sports, science, construction, animals, games, and art.
We have scaled back on therapy for Brian over the past two years since moving to Naperville, Illinois. Our school district and Brian's teachers have done a good job preparing him for a mainstream classroom, and he looks forward to school every day.
We continue dietary and biomedical interventions, which have proven to be extremely important for Brian. It took years to find the right supplements in the right amounts for Brian to be his best. The most important supplements have been cod liver oil, probiotics, zinc, B6, and MT Promotor (compounded at Pfeiffer Treatment Center).
Brian's diet continues to be free of gluten, soy, and citrus fruits because he reacts to those foods. We choose to avoid hydrogenated oils, dyes, MSG, nitrates, food additives, preservatives, and pesticides. We continue to prepare most meals and snacks at home from the healthiest ingredients available. Brian eats a varied diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. He even drinks fresh veggie juice! He eats many healthy foods in a variety of colors and textures with only an occasional protest. We are able to eat out at restaurants every week as a family, and it is a relief that there is always something for Brian to select from the menu.
Allen is now the medical director for Pfeiffer Treatment Center in Warrenville, Illinois. he dedicates much of his time to treating autism, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and other neurological disorders. Pfeiffer Treatment Center is a facility specializing in biomchemical testing and individualized nutrient therapy for children and adults.
I continue to host the Website DietarySupport.com and hold monthly support group meetings in the Chicago area. It is great getting connected with so many other parents who agree that autism is treatable.
Many interventions have contributed to Brian's success. His big sister, Rachael, is also a huge help, as she has taught him so many things with great understanding, patience, and unconditional love. Thanks to the help and insight we have received from friends and colleagues all over the country, our family is now enjoying a much more normal life!
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