Eddie recovered Feb 15th 2008

February 19, 2008

Hi all,

Can we share our good news please. First we should qualify this a

bit ...

It's not " official " Eddie is still being formally assessed for

recovery and this will take a few months yet - BUT we have decided he

is fully recovered in terms of autism behaviours.

We intend to work on Eddie's health until he has a flat belly full-

time and can eat, healthily and within reason, what he likes without

regression or fear of anaphylaxis. Basically we want his recovery to

include his health AND not be conditional on supplements etc.

*** BUT *** here's why we believe he recovered on 15th Feb ...

Eddie went to the HAIRDRESSERS on Feb 15th for the first time in his

life AND had a haircut AND chatted with the lovely hairdressers (who

had no idea about anything) Big high chair, scissors, water spray,

hairdryer, more water spray and more scissors. He was there quite a

few minutes - spoke to the other hairdresser who was saying how great

he was if this was really his first time. Thought it was all very

interesting and fun (the water spray was a hoot). Kept still, looked

up, down etc. Answered all questions and chatted back. Just

amazing. I have only ever cut Eddie's hair while he was sleeping

except for maybe once when he was a very small baby.

Eddie's touch sensitivity meant we couldn't even hold him for maybe 2

years - no kisses no cuddles - not that he had EVER cuddled back or

held on etc because Eddie had very early onset autism. Then light

sensitivity kept us from going ANYWHERE except home, grandparents and

shops like B & Q or supermarkets that had very high ceilings. Outside

was OK but we couldn't mix with people.

So we decided that Eddie has recovered. A 4yr 4month old who can

enjoy a haircut in a hairdressers (and he's never been in one before)

is what I call recovered. I didn't know that was going to be our

recovery test! I was just so overwhelmed at the time - and we all

thought it was so so incredible. It has been a long slog - many ups

and downs - and we've got further to go yet with health and

anaphylaxis. But we've decided Feb 15th 2008 is Eddie's autism

recovery day :-)

Thanks so much everyone for all your support.

Best wishes,

Sandy

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