Re: Is Autism treatable and recoverable?

[Guest guest]

Do you know the link for the Thoughfulhouse yahoo group? What insurance do you have, if you don't mind, it might help in deciding whether or not we would risk paying out of pocket if we knew we had a chance of recovering some of the cost. Thanks for the info on the medications but aren't these steroids? How do steroids help short term in healing something long term? I think I need more information! Thanks for your post!

Re: Is Autism treatable and recoverable?

As far as I know, only Dr. Krigsman at Thoughtful House and Dr. Tim Buie in Massachusetts (?) do pill cams. When my son had his done at Thoughtful House, we paid out of pocket and 80% was reimbursed by our health insurance. I don't know if that is common or not - our health insurance seems to pay for a lot of things others don't.The treatment for autistic enterocolitis is most definitely not just a GF/CF diet and Miralax. There are several levels of treatment, and they vary depending on the kid. For my son, we started with Entocort and Pentasa (two drugs to decrease intestinal inflammation). We were supposed to move on to Prednisone but my son's gut healed before that became necessary.If you're truly interested in all the various treatments for gut inflammation Thoughtful House prescribes, they have their own Yahoo group where they are discussed frequently.As a side note, I had a friend back in Washington attempt to get her son's "generic" pediatic GI doctor at the Seattle children's hospital agree to do a pill cam on her son (so it would be covered by insurance), and he would not. It was not a procedure he was comfortable with doing, even after Dr. Krigsman came and did a presentation to his staff (and other doctors in the Seattle area) about it.- > > > >> > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago. I assure > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years and has > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and putting our > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who have seen > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and discovered > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a lawsuit > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor and he > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet would be > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed interested. > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make an > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing patients with > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She said she > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the constipation > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the Thoughtful House > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it but did > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It would be > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their child's serious > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.> > > > C.> >>

[Guest guest]

That is why we have had to go to Thoughtfulhouse even though we live in the Houston area and have the famed Texas Children's Hospital docs available. I had three different Texas Children's GI doctors tell me over the course of two years that all Tyler needed was Miralax and that kids with autism "don't have normal bowel movements". Seriously. None of them would order a colonoscopy or a scope or even a simple stool sample test to see what was going on. One actually told me to quit giving him laxatives (he was dependant upon them at this point to have any kind of bowel movement) and if he got very "backed up" take him to the ER and maybe they would order some tests. Seriously. How is this not malpractice let alone standard of care??? If you read the doctor info available for Miralax it says not to use for more than two weeks and it actually says NOT to give it to children and there have been no tests done on children for safety yet they were prescribing it (back then it was a prescription only drug) for two years straight for my boys who were 2 and 4 at the time.

At that time we were spending so much money running two fulltime ABA programs for the boys my husband started freaking out at the money involved to see Dr. Jepson and Krigsman but I got a credit card just for Thoughtfulhouse and began to finally help my son. We maxed it out in a year with everything we did for him but it was the best thing I ever did. Supplements did not work because he was too medically sick to "supplement". If your child doesn't respond to GABA, melatonin, 5 HTP, magnesium, etc... to sleep or have normal bathroom, I would suggest moving to the next level and figure out what is medically wrong with your child.

As you can tell I get very intense about this, it should not bankrupt families to get their child medically healthy enough to do what I call the "big three" - eat, sleep and poop normally. My son could have had a third arm growing out of his back and the ill-informed doctors we used all over the Houston area would have just said "oh, he has autism - this happens..."

Re: Is Autism treatable and recoverable?

As far as I know, only Dr. Krigsman at Thoughtful House and Dr. Tim Buie in Massachusetts (?) do pill cams. When my son had his done at Thoughtful House, we paid out of pocket and 80% was reimbursed by our health insurance. I don't know if that is common or not - our health insurance seems to pay for a lot of things others don't.The treatment for autistic enterocolitis is most definitely not just a GF/CF diet and Miralax. There are several levels of treatment, and they vary depending on the kid. For my son, we started with Entocort and Pentasa (two drugs to decrease intestinal inflammation). We were supposed to move on to Prednisone but my son's gut healed before that became necessary.If you're truly interested in all the various treatments for gut inflammation Thoughtful House prescribes, they have their own Yahoo group where they are discussed frequently.As a side note, I had a friend back in Washington attempt to get her son's "generic" pediatic GI doctor at the Seattle children's hospital agree to do a pill cam on her son (so it would be covered by insurance), and he would not. It was not a procedure he was comfortable with doing, even after Dr. Krigsman came and did a presentation to his staff (and other doctors in the Seattle area) about it.- > > > >> > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago. I assure > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years and has > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and putting our > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who have seen > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and discovered > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a lawsuit > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor and he > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet would be > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed interested. > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make an > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing patients with > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She said she > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the constipation > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the Thoughtful House > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it but did > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It would be > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their child's serious > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.> > > > C.> >>

[Guest guest]

Haven my computer's been down a few days. I never think it's too late. I

think a big disservice to tell parents that by 6 the kid should be talking or

any other milestone. Mom's are taking their 30+ old children out of

institutions now that biomedical and SonRise is available. Putting the adults

on a good diet, and having focus rooms. Very inspirational, but that would

have been me if my child had been affected decades ago. Deep inside I just

have to keep going.

I understand your fears and have to work through them daily myself, but I find

we get the greatest results when we have peace and decide to believe in what is

possible. A daily challenge for me. Having friends to talk with on this

board helps. SonRise has really helped with all this attitudinal stuff that

goes with these challenges.

You can get a local doctor on board such as Dr Pothuluri to help you with MDCP.

Dr Pothuluri

>

> Dear :

>

> This is why we are going to Thoughtful House. I am anxious to work with the

> nutritionist there and to develop a good rotational diet for Ethan. My

> husband wants to eventually see Dr. Arthur Krigsman. He was recommended to

> us when Ethan was three, but he was only in New York at that time, and we

> just couldn't afford to go.

>

> My husband thinks my son needs to have a colonoscopy and endoscopy to get at

> the root of his problems. I am terrified about this. My son had to go to

> the operating room for extensive dental work (his baby teeth were

> demineralizing). He had a horrible time coming out of the anesthesia.

>

> My son has had tummy trouble since birth. That is the one thing I have to

> confess was there at the beginning. Perhaps it should have been a sign to

> us not to vaccinate. That and he had to be hospitalized at one week due to

> hyperbilirubin anemia. Once he got past that, he was normal except for the

> chronic colic. We had a hard time finding a formula to supplement

> breastfeeding with. EVERYTHING overnight. The stomach problems just got

> much worse. Putting him GF/CF helped a great deal.

>

> My son loves potatoes! I have often thought we should take him off

> potatoes. But there are so few vegetables he will eat.

>

> I am having such a hard time with our school, and I was so low today. He

> STILL has made no progress in reading comp. I fear he's out of time, and

> now he will struggle all his school years.

>

> I am anxious to visit HALO. I can't wait! How far in advance do I need to

> call them and ask to come?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Haven

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Trina:

We have a employer-paid Blue Cross plan called " Premera Blue Cross. " My husband

works for Microsoft, and their internal plan is considered one of the best in

the country. It even pays for 80% of ABA costs.

Yes, I believe Entocort is a steroid. I am not a doctor, but as I understand

it, steroids are frequently used to treat inflammation in many areas of the

body. I can't tell you why it worked, but it worked. Aren't steroids commonly

prescribed for Asthma for the same reason, and even for long-term use?

Oh, and here's the link to the TH Yahoo group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/thoughtfulhousecenterforchildren/

-

> > >

> > >

> > > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago. I assure

> > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years and has

> > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and putting our

> > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who have seen

> > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and discovered

> > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a lawsuit

> > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor and he

> > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write

> > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him

> > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet would be

> > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed interested.

> > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make an

> > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing patients with

> > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She said she

> > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the constipation

> > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the Thoughtful House

> > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it but did

> > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It would be

> > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their child's serious

> > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.

> > >

> > > C.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Pothuluri and her beautiful

family. I was pretty impressed with her. She does get my approval where I have

now recommended many of my friends or acquaintances. Very glad on what you share

about her, thank you.

You've also mentioned about the families taking their individuals out on the

institutions and applying the biomedical approach. Lucky for those who have

families that care or pursue this route and have lucked out as well as this

could turn into a nightmare for some families should they choose to remove their

individuals out the institutions.

Anyways, this is what it is all about empowering all involve during Legislation

sessions of many can live out in the community with such support as the

biomedical treatments or other therapy intervention versus some families who are

part of an organization who are very proactive to keep all individuals in

institutions that are so in tune day and night when it comes to the political

arena.

The families belief from a so call organization is to have all our individuals

at the institutions where all the funds could remain at. This is one of the

reasons why when our individuals reach 21 y/o, most of the supported services or

funds are towards the institutions. Especially for most with the MR dx's and

that organization sure love to throw in that " R " word.

There are even some centers which are even named with the wording autism which I

will not mention but many are not being treated properly, once again political

here. If centers could accommodate on what you have shared, then it would be a

Godsend.

Thank you for sharing this piece though, nice to hear such stories as this. May

it come in strength in numbers.

Irma

>

> Haven my computer's been down a few days. I never think it's too late. I

think a big disservice to tell parents that by 6 the kid should be talking or

any other milestone. Mom's are taking their 30+ old children out of

institutions now that biomedical and SonRise is available. Putting the adults

on a good diet, and having focus rooms. Very inspirational, but that would

have been me if my child had been affected decades ago. Deep inside I just

have to keep going.

>

> I understand your fears and have to work through them daily myself, but I find

we get the greatest results when we have peace and decide to believe in what is

possible. A daily challenge for me. Having friends to talk with on this

board helps. SonRise has really helped with all this attitudinal stuff that

goes with these challenges.

>

> You can get a local doctor on board such as Dr Pothuluri to help you with

MDCP.

>

>

> Dr Pothuluri

>

[Guest guest]

From http://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/monographs/drug_search.jsf

ENTOCORT EC 3 MG CAPSULE

USES: This medication is used to treat a flare/attack of a bowel

condition called Crohn's disease. While budesonide does not cure this

condition, it may decrease symptoms such as pain and diarrhea. Budesonide is an

anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid hormone). It works by decreasing the

body's natural defense response (immune response).

Tonya

From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

[mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 10:41 AM

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Subject: Re: Is Autism treatable and recoverable?

Hi Trina:

We have a employer-paid Blue Cross plan called " Premera Blue Cross. "

My husband works for Microsoft, and their internal plan is considered one of

the best in the country. It even pays for 80% of ABA costs.

Yes, I believe Entocort is a steroid. I am not a doctor, but as I understand

it, steroids are frequently used to treat inflammation in many areas of the

body. I can't tell you why it worked, but it worked. Aren't steroids commonly

prescribed for Asthma for the same reason, and even for long-term use?

Oh, and here's the link to the TH Yahoo group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/thoughtfulhousecenterforchildren/

-

> > >

> > >

> > > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago. I

assure

> > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years and has

> > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and putting our

> > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who have

seen

> > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and

discovered

> > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a

lawsuit

> > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor and he

> > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write

> > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him

> > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet

would be

> > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed

interested.

> > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make an

> > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing patients

with

> > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She said

she

> > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the

constipation

> > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the Thoughtful

House

> > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it but

did

> > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It would

be

> > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their child's

serious

> > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.

> > >

> > > C.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tonya. That is a much simpler way to explain it than my guessing! And

Dr. Krigsman did explain that autistic enterocolitis (what he commonly sees when

scoping autistic kids) is more similar to Crohn's disease than any other

inflammatory bowel disease out there.

-

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago. I assure

> > > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years and has

> > > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and putting our

> > > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who have seen

> > > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and discovered

> > > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a lawsuit

> > > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor and he

> > > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write

> > > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him

> > > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet would be

> > > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed interested.

> > > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make an

> > > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing patients with

> > > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She said she

> > > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the constipation

> > > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the Thoughtful House

> > > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it but did

> > > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It would be

> > > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their child's serious

> > > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.

> > > >

> > > > C.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Happy to help!

Tonya

From:

Texas-Autism-Advocacy

[mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:01 PM

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Subject: Re: Is Autism treatable and

recoverable?

Thanks Tonya. That is a much simpler way to

explain it than my guessing! And Dr. Krigsman did explain that autistic

enterocolitis (what he commonly sees when scoping autistic kids) is more

similar to Crohn's disease than any other inflammatory bowel disease out there.

-

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > We had the same experience with Dr. Zwienner 10 years ago.

I assure

> > > > you, he has been aware of our kids issues for many years

and has

> > > > chosen to ignore them. To me that is malpractice and

putting our

> > > > children at risk. There is probably a number of people who

have seen

> > > > him and then taken their child to Thoughful house, and

discovered

> > > > there child is very ill. Might that not be a reason for a

lawsuit

> > > > against Dr. Zwienner. I criticized him to another doctor

and he

> > > > called me and said he would see Tristan again, he did write

> > > > a recommendation for digestive enzymes when I showed him

> > > > information about Houston's, and he did agree the GFCF diet

would be

> > > > good. I gave him a paper of Dr. Wakefield, and he seemed

interested.

> > > > Then when Tristan had severe constipation I called to make

an

> > > > appointment and they told me another doctor was seeing

patients with

> > > > autism. I can't remember her name, we went to her once. She

said she

> > > > could not/would not scope, but she prescribed for the

constipation

> > > > protocol. She then told us we should take him to the

Thoughtful House

> > > > which was opening the following January. We looked into it

but did

> > > > not have the high out of pocket cost of the treatment. It

would be

> > > > fair if parents got together who have proof of their

child's serious

> > > > intestional disorder, and sued Dr.Zwienner.

> > > >

> > > > C.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Irma, am I understanding correctly that people who want to make strides to

bring their adult children home have difficulty due to funding being limited to

institutional programs?

Wow we have so much awareness and work to do if this is the case?

I do know of DAN doctors going into these settings and working to get some off

of meds and onto biomedical protocols. I also know of moms taking their adult

children out to do sonrise, or in their living setting to form the relationship.

I cannot imagine working for 18 yrs to fight for everything your beautiful child

desearves only to loose further rights to that of politics once again in the

area of policy. I believe even the very severely affected are very capable

and understand. This is a nightmare to think of.

I used to wonder what my path in life would be. Much to do.

> >

> > Haven my computer's been down a few days. I never think it's too late. I

think a big disservice to tell parents that by 6 the kid should be talking or

any other milestone. Mom's are taking their 30+ old children out of

institutions now that biomedical and SonRise is available. Putting the adults

on a good diet, and having focus rooms. Very inspirational, but that would

have been me if my child had been affected decades ago. Deep inside I just

have to keep going.

> >

> > I understand your fears and have to work through them daily myself, but I

find we get the greatest results when we have peace and decide to believe in

what is possible. A daily challenge for me. Having friends to talk with on

this board helps. SonRise has really helped with all this attitudinal stuff

that goes with these challenges.

> >

> > You can get a local doctor on board such as Dr Pothuluri to help you with

MDCP.

> >

> >

> > Dr Pothuluri

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Amen !All the money going into " research " the " cause " of autism is a bit of a waste for our children, isn't it?Where are the foundations to help defray the costs of treatment for families?  Insurance won't pay for what really works.  Oh, they'll pay for psychotropics to control our kids, and they'll pay for anti-depressants so we don't stay p!*$$%^ off at those who did this to our children.  Happy happy!  I'm P!@$$%^ because I REFUSE to take their " STEPFORD " drugs. 

When Ethan started to progress and talk again, I told my husband he didn't need to accompany me back to the developmental pediatrician's office because I was sure her findings were going to be good.  She did an inventory with us and observed Ethan for all of fifteen minutes!  This is what she based her whole report on!

She sat me down and said, " Your son will probably never talk functionally, be potty trained, make a friend, graduate, or hold a job.  He will never be able to drive.  You need to start looking for institutions NOW in case something happens to you and your husband.  Then she put her hand on my shoulder and said, " But if you can just hold on until he is a little older, I have drugs I can give him that will make your  life easier. "

I removed her hand from my shoulder and said, " Doctor, I am not looking for my life to be easier; I am looking for the quality of my son's life to be better!  You can keep your drugs.  I hear Elm Street is a popular place to peddle them. "   And I walked out and never looked back.  Oh, I've kept tabs on her.  She now consults with the autism clinic at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, (which, by the way, has its lips so firmly placed on the ass of the pharma industry it is absurd)! 

Someday, when my son gets his license, when he gets into college,  there are a few mainstream doctors I intend to look up with my son beside me.  He has already proved her wrong on so many counts!  Through a thoughtful parent years ago, I learned abut the Grotto's Foundation.  Our son needed extensive dental work and would have to go to the operating room to have it.  Our insurance was barely going to cover anything.  I found out about Grotto's.  They file your insurance first and then Grotto's picks up the rest.  They cover the dental expenses for special needs children until age eighteen.  They saved us from a bill that would have broken us right then!  They do not cover braces, which our son needs, but I think Medicaid will --I hope!

So, where is the foundation to help pay for the medical expenses incurred for ASD kids who need non-mainstream medicine?  I contacted Senator Deulle a while back, and he replied to me in a two-page letter!  it was not a form letter.  He was in favor of the voucher system for children with autism.  i intend to write him back again and stay on top of this.  What things besides the medical help we need and to revive the voucher system possibility should I bring up?

We all need this, and we have to find a way to make it happen.  Any thoughts???Haven

[Guest guest]

can you share the info or link for Grotto? thank you.. i need to find resources for the cleaning part too..

Subject: Re: Re: Is Autism treatable and recoverable?To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:21 AM

Amen !All the money going into "research" the "cause" of autism is a bit of a waste for our children, isn't it?Where are the foundations to help defray the costs of treatment for families? Insurance won't pay for what really works. Oh, they'll pay for psychotropics to control our kids, and they'll pay for anti-depressants so we don't stay p!*$$%^ off at those who did this to our children. Happy happy! I'm P!@$$%^ because I REFUSE to take their "STEPFORD" drugs. When Ethan started to progress and talk again, I told my husband he didn't need to accompany me back to the developmental pediatrician's office because I was sure her findings were going to be good. She did an inventory with us and observed Ethan for all of fifteen minutes! This is what she based her whole report on!She sat me down and said, "Your son will probably never talk functionally, be potty trained, make a

friend, graduate, or hold a job. He will never be able to drive. You need to start looking for institutions NOW in case something happens to you and your husband. Then she put her hand on my shoulder and said, "But if you can just hold on until he is a little older, I have drugs I can give him that will make your life easier." I removed her hand from my shoulder and said, "Doctor, I am not looking for my life to be easier; I am looking for the quality of my son's life to be better! You can keep your drugs. I hear Elm Street is a popular place to peddle them." And I walked out and never looked back. Oh, I've kept tabs on her. She now consults with the autism clinic at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, (which, by the way, has its lips so firmly placed on the ass of the pharma industry it is absurd)! Someday, when my son gets his license, when he gets into college, there

are a few mainstream doctors I intend to look up with my son beside me. He has already proved her wrong on so many counts! Through a thoughtful parent years ago, I learned abut the Grotto's Foundation. Our son needed extensive dental work and would have to go to the operating room to have it. Our insurance was barely going to cover anything. I found out about Grotto's. They file your insurance first and then Grotto's picks up the rest. They cover the dental expenses for special needs children until age eighteen. They saved us from a bill that would have broken us right then! They do not cover braces, which our son needs, but I think Medicaid will --I hope!So, where is the foundation to help pay for the medical expenses incurred for ASD kids who need non-mainstream medicine? I contacted Senator Deulle a while back, and he replied to me in a two-page letter! it was not a

form letter. He was in favor of the voucher system for children with autism. i intend to write him back again and stay on top of this. What things besides the medical help we need and to revive the voucher system possibility should I bring up?We all need this, and we have to find a way to make it happen. Any thoughts???Haven

[Guest guest]

www.hfgrotto.org

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to add that I recovered my child, with 99% paid out-of-pocket, because the safe, natural, effective route that I chose is not covered by insurance. I don't care what they do with insurance because I don't use it. It's a waste of my time. We have military insurance. Actual fee medical visits to doctors who do not know how to reverse autism, nor do proper testing, etc. So, what good is it? Not any.

Love and prayers,

Heidi N

Amen !All the money going into "research" the "cause" of autism is a bit of awaste for our children, isn't it?Where are the foundations to help defray the costs of treatment forfamilies? Insurance won't pay for what really works. Oh, they'll pay forpsychotropics to control our kids, and they'll pay for anti-depressants sowe don't stay p!*$$%^ off at those who did this to our children. Happyhappy! I'm P!@$$%^ because I REFUSE to take their "STEPFORD" drugs.When Ethan started to progress and talk again, I told my husband he didn'tneed to accompany me back to the developmental pediatrician's office becauseI was sure her findings were going to be good. She did an inventory with usand observed Ethan for all of fifteen minutes! This is what she based herwhole report on!She sat me down and said, "Your son will probably never talk functionally,be potty trained, make a friend, graduate, or hold a job. He will never beable to drive. You need to start looking for institutions NOW in casesomething happens to you and your husband. Then she put her hand on myshoulder and said, "But if you can just hold on until he is a little older,I have drugs I can give him that will make your life easier."I removed her hand from my shoulder and said, "Doctor, I am not looking formy life to be easier; I am looking for the quality of my son's life to bebetter! You can keep your drugs. I hear Elm Street is a popular place topeddle them." And I walked out and never looked back. Oh, I've kept tabson her. She now consults with the autism clinic at Children's MedicalCenter in Dallas, (which, by the way, has its lips so firmly placed on theass of the pharma industry it is absurd)!Someday, when my son gets his license, when he gets into college, there area few mainstream doctors I intend to look up with my son beside me. He hasalready proved her wrong on so many counts!Through a thoughtful parent years ago, I learned abut the Grotto'sFoundation. Our son needed extensive dental work and would have to go tothe operating room to have it. Our insurance was barely going to coveranything. I found out about Grotto's. They file your insurance first andthen Grotto's picks up the rest. They cover the dental expenses for specialneeds children until age eighteen. They saved us from a bill that wouldhave broken us right then! They do not cover braces, which our son needs,but I think Medicaid will --I hope!So, where is the foundation to help pay for the medical expenses incurredfor ASD kids who need non-mainstream medicine? I contacted Senator Deulle awhile back, and he replied to me in a two-page letter! it was not a formletter. He was in favor of the voucher system for children with autism. iintend to write him back again and stay on top of this. What things besidesthe medical help we need and to revive the voucher system possibility shouldI bring up?We all need this, and we have to find a way to make it happen. Anythoughts???Haven

[Guest guest]

I was just explaining this very thing to the business office at my son's regular doctor (for sniffles and such).We've also paid 99% out of pocket.  We're off to ThoughfulHouse tomorrow to pay some more...

Our son is about 80% recovered.  No regrets.  Just broke.Haven