You're not crazy. Don't beat yourself up over what you have or haven't done in the past. You did your best with what you knew. Now you know better, so you'll do better. I also have an older child with autism (23) and it wasn't until his much youn

[Guest guest]

You're not crazy. Don't beat yourself up over what you have or haven't done in the past. You did your best with what you knew. Now you know better, so you'll do better. I also have an older child with autism (23) and it wasn't until his much younger brother was diagnosed (he's 4 now) that I started researching.

I know that it seems like you have to do so much, research for bio-med, fighting the schools for appropriate services, fighting the docs, etc. Just realize that your sons need you, and if you burn out then where will they be. So, take time to take care of yourself.

I agree that you should look for a mentor. Also, ditch the docs that are fighting you and find a DAN that will be on board with what you want to do. You won't change the other doc's minds, so why waste your energy on that?

As far as the schools go, I suggest that you contact your state's Parent Training center. Every state has a center where parents can be advised about IDEA and other education law. You may be able to find an education mentor through the center.

Good luck to you and just remember that autism is a marathon, not a sprint. This isn't an original quote on my part, but keeping this in mind has helped me alot.

Kim

Subject: Re: THE DOCTORS WON'T LISTEN!!!To: mb12 valtrex Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:05 AM

You are not crazy, that is for sure. Crazy would be not listening to your instincts. You sound like a very concerned, intelligent and thoughtful parent.I would suggest you find a mentor in your area. You can find one at either Generation Rescue or TACA. Local FEAT chapters (if you have one in your area) also have mentors. I know in my area, Sacramento, we have a pretty good network of parents that rely on each other for support and info. That is such a big help. Best of luck,Sylvia>> I am knew to the sight, this is just my first post. It is 3 am and I have been one this pc for 16 hours today. This is a ritual for me. I am so exhausted and loosing hope, I guess I have

been in denial. I have 2 boys 16 and 10. Since my 16 year old was diagnosed ADHD/innatentive type at 6, I was dumb then and allowed them to medicate him, which in turn led to side effects, in turn led to more meds. He now has 7 diagnoses. ADHD, Mood Disorder, Biploar, ODD, Social Anxiety, Severe Depression. All different Drs. I WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO MEDICATE. They tried to get me to consent to Lithium and Depakote. Most of these diagnoses were made on the basis of heredity. I am sorry, please bear with me. Now, I am ALOT more knowledgeable, I too had similar symptoms and worked out the kinks in a protocol that is great for me! Doctor thinks I am "CRAZY" literally. Which brings me to my 10 year old. He has been in and out of the hospital since birth, as was my 16 year old, but not as bad. I sat down and decided to start from the beginning. I went through baby books and went through every childhood illness, infection, from colic, reflux, GERD, to

tonsillectomy, appendisitis, asthma attacks and long and behold, both children have had almost identical illnesses. As they have grown, things have seemed to manifest themselves in different ways. My 16 year old has EXTREME attention issues, forgetfulness, chronic insommnia, betwetting regularly and some other things,while my 10 year old is now being told ADHD both types and dysgraphia (that one I agree on) The Drs want to put him on Ritalin! I am not a Dr...but I am not dumb enough to think that there is not a commom link here, am I? From my research and an EXCELLENT article I read that fit my kids PERFECT "From ADHD to Autism: A Continuum." Every sypmtom they have had since birth was linked to another sympton they had, i.e. milk allergies,colic, reflux, they were both difficult pregnancies delivered by c-sections. I AM POSITIVE my 10 year old has "celiac disease" GI disorder, weakened immune system which I would bet my last nickle he has "leaky gut

syndrome. He had GERD in the worst case. Pediatrican kept telling me it was ok, and he would grow out of it, but not until a 1 1/2 later! The stomach acid had to do damage. I FEED THEM SUPPLMENTS like crazy {I do follow a protocol, not drugging them} no difference. So I think, they do have such a VERY VERY poor diet, the pickiest eaters, maybe they are not absorbing the nutrients. I truly believe I am on to something here, oh and not to mention that they have been OVERLOADED with antibiotics! I cannot find a doctor who will listen. And I am gonna be honest, this has torn the family apart! My husband just can't handle it anymore, I am in a CONTINUOUS battle with there schools and their IEP's, I have no time for ANYTHING else, I am so exhausted and feel I have been through every avenue. I cannot find a DAN! Dr. anywhere near me. I am in the sticks....way down! The article I read makes perfect sense, Drs. want to treat each symptom, they are not looking

each symptom and want to treat each one individually, My theory is look at the symptons as a "cluster" and look at how every symptom is linked to one another, and they wanna to put them on Ritalin and Mind altering drugs! I truly believe after MONTHS AND MONTHS of research they both have signs of ADHD, some mild autistic symtoms,but , call me crazy too if you like, but in my findings, they have never been properly diagnosed, therefore, the syptoms were never treated and have done there damage and there poor immune systems into OVERLOAD! Does this make sense to anyone? It may not be coming out right, I am just so exhausted, I don't think I am making sense anymore. I think there Drs. want to have me committed! There is SOOOO much going on with them and it has gone undiagnosed for so long, symtoms just keep getting worse as knew symtoms emerge and I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO START NOW. I cannot give up, they are my babies, I cannot allow them to have to

continue going through all this! And I know NONE OF USE can take another school year without help. I am sorry for the long post, but I knew I would find support and maybe some hope in this group. Thank you for reading and if anyone could lead my in a direction, we would be eternally greatful!> > Bobbi> momof2boys BEAUTIFUL BOYS!!>