Re: autism is not a disease....??????

January 10, 2001

Um, I don't think ANYONE on this list would " belittle " autism. We spend

HOURS on this list looking for things to help our children.

January 10, 2001

Um, I don't think ANYONE on this list would " belittle " autism. We spend

HOURS on this list looking for things to help our children.

January 10, 2001

Can someone explain the basis of this to me? What makes something a disease

and what makes something a disorder? Alcoholism is considered a disease.

Why isn't autism? Just curious.

January 10, 2001

Can someone explain the basis of this to me? What makes something a disease

and what makes something a disorder? Alcoholism is considered a disease.

Why isn't autism? Just curious.

January 10, 2001

Can someone explain the basis of this to me? What makes something a disease

and what makes something a disorder? Alcoholism is considered a disease.

Why isn't autism? Just curious.

January 10, 2001

I am curious, Dr. Yazbak said that just because the children didn't get a

vaccination, doesn't mean the parent didn't. He has made a connection to

Mother's who never developed titers to certain virals, and their children

being autistic. It doesn't always happen when the child gets vaccinated, it

can happen in utero if the mom is harboring virals, and hasn't developed

titers herself. She then passes the live viral to her child in utero, and

the child can be " born autistic " Just a thought-Shari NY

January 10, 2001

Okay! I am not trying to " belittle " anyone!!! If it weren't for us

parents taking all these extreme excellent measure our kids would be

lost!! Applause to all of us parents!!!

The point in this message is being lost due to the improper wording

" disease " ??? (I didn't notice that word used & I feel strongly that

it is very very wrong).

Also the comment about PECS is was I feel stated out of frustation and

we all know that we want to just throw out the cards and CF/GF diet

and feed our kids pizza and hear their voices, etc. like other people

do! It is Hard for US and WE all works hard for OUR kids!

Read the orginal post for the info in it. You don't have to have

amalgam fillings & it isn't just Mercury.

Thank you for sharing the way in which you interpetted

things, I glad that you explained how you feel I hope the info I

shared helps to get the important information through for OUR kids

that WE are working so hard for.

Hugs,

Cathie

> > > Discover symptom...identify and treat problem....then assist

> > recovery.

> > > We went from symptom (autism) to recovery (therapy) without

> > identifying and treating his medical problems.

> > > We know now that my son has EXTREME heavy metal poisoning

> (Mercury

> > from vaccines), astronomical internal overgrowth of yeast, food

> > allergies to gluten and casein (all wheat and dairy), bananas (his

> > fave food), eggs, peanuts, coffee...and this is just the tip of

the

> > iceberg. However, if it was up to the pediatrician, neurologist,

> > therapists, and teachers I would still be messing around with

> pictures

> > instead of getting my son well. Dr. Amy's son is no longer

> autistic.

> > and she has helped so many that there is an egroup (dramy'skids).

> > There are so many children recovering from Autism that there is an

> > egroup called autism recovery (?) One thing is for sure. If you

are

> > strong enough to look deeper, Autism is not permanent.

........laurie

> > >

> > > Mercury-Autism FAQ (originally from Autism-Mercury list dated

> August

> > 2000)

> > >

> > > Q: How is Mercury Poisoning related to Autism?

> > >

> > > In their paper " Autism: A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning "

> Bernard

> > et. al,

> > > http://www.autism.com/ari/mercurylong.html have revealed a

> > startling

> > > similarity in the symptoms of Autism and Mercury Poisoning.

> While

> > > this may sound frightening, it actually shines a bright ray of

> hope

> > into

> > > the lives of families living with an autistic child. Why?

> Because

> > > mercury poisoning can be cured.

> > >

> > > Q: Who is Andy Cutler?

> > >

> > > Andy Cutler is a Ph.D. chemist who found himself sick with

> mercury

> > > poisoning and figured out how to get well. He wrote a book

> called

> > > " Amalgam Illness: Diagnosis and treatment " It sells for $35 and

> you

> > > can order it directly from his web site:

> > > http://hometown.aol.com/noamalgam. Andy spends many hours

> answering

> > > questions on our list, and he always tells it like it is—no

bull.

> > >

> > > Q: Who is Dr. Amy?

> > >

> > > Dr. Amy Holmes is an M.D. in Louisiana who is working with

> parents

> > of

> > > many autistic children to help them chelate mercury and other

> toxic

> > We saw Dr. Amy last month!!!!

> > > metals from their children. Dr. Amy used to be an oncologist.

> She

> > She is great!!!...laurie

> > > retired to raise her infant son, only to find out that he has

> > autism.

> > > Now she has gone back to work to help her son and others'

> children.

> > > Dr. Amy has a website:

> > http://www.healing-arts.org/children/holmes.htm ......READ

THIS!!!

> > > that describes the mercury problem and her treatment protocol.

> > > Licensing laws prohibit Dr. Amy from consulting with people who

> > > are not her patients. However, your doctor may call Dr. Amy at

> > > (225)767-7433 to consult with her or receive a faxed copy of her

> > protocol.

> > >

> > > Q: How dangerous is mercury?

> > >

> > > Very. Mercury is the second most toxic element on earth, second

> > only

> > > to plutonium. The amount of mercury found in one mercury

> > thermometer

> > > is enough to pollute a small lake. Mercury toxicity has been

> linked

> > to a

> > > large number of diseases, including arthritis, altzheimer's,

> > multiple

> > > sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome,

> > depression,

> > > bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, learning disabilities and ADHD.

> > >

> > > Q: How could my child have become mercury poisoned?

> > >

> > > Many parents believe the major culprit to be thimerosal, a

> > > preservative used in vaccines and other medications. Thimerosal

> is

> > > 50% mercury by weight. In October 1998, the FDA banned the use

> of

> > > thimerosal in over the counter medications, but it is still used

> in

> > most

> > > vaccines. Since multiple vaccines are often given on the same

> day,

> > > the amount of mercury injected into a typical infant exceeds the

> > EPA's

> > > " safe " limits. Before the FDA ban, mercury had been added to

eye

> > > drops, contact lens preparations, nasal sprays, contraceptive

> > creams,

> > > hemmhoroid creams, lubricating gels, allergy injections, and

> > antiseptics

> > > such as Mercurochrome® and merthiolate.

> > >

> > > There are many other common sources for mercury exposure.

Here's

> > > a short list:

> > > Dental amalgams

> > > Released into the air by coal burning plants

> > > Fish and shellfish, especially tuna, salmon and swordfish

> > > Some paints

> > > Thermometers and blood pressure gauges (especially if mercury

> from

> > > broken instruments was spilled on carpet)

> > > Fluorescent light bulbs

> > >

> > > It is important to note that mercury present in a mother's body

> is

> > > passed to her baby through the placenta, and later, through

> breast

> > > milk. See: " Mercury from maternal " silver " tooth fillings in

> sheep

> > > and human breast milk. A source of neonatal exposure. " By Vimy,

> > > Hooper and King: http://hera.algonet.se/~leif/yrvim97a.html

> > >

> > > Q: But my dentist told me that dental amalgam is perfectly

safe.

> > >

> > > The presence of mercury in dental amalgams is a very

> controversial

> > > subject. Despite the fact that dental amaglam contains 50%

> mercury,

> > > the American Dental Association's official position is that

> > > dental amalgam is safe, and that mercury does not pose a health

> > risk.

> > > However, numerous research studies show that dental amalgams are

> a

> > > major source of mercury toxicity. Because of the ADA's position,

> > > your dentist risks losing his license if he tells you that

> mercury

> > is

> > > dangerous, no matter what he personally believes.

> > >

> > > Q: If mercury poisoning is caused by vaccines, they why don't

> > > aren't all kids mercury toxic?

> > >

> > > Sensitivity to mercury varies widely from person to person, as

> does

> > > the body's natural ability to detoxify. Some children can get

> rid

> > of

> > > the mercury quickly, while in others, the toxin remains in the

> body

> > > longer, allowing it time to bind tightly in the brain and other

> > organs.

> > >

> > > Q: How can I find out if my child has mercury poisoning?

> > >

> > > Dr. Amy Holmes lists a number of useful medical tests on her

> > website:

> > > http://www.healing-arts.org/children/holmes.htm. A trace

> minerals

> > > analysis, or hair test, is an inexpensive, non-invasive and

> > > reasonably accurate test for determining the body's burden of

> > > mercury and other heavy metals. Doctor's Data (708/231-3649) is

> a

> > great

> > > source for obtaining this test. Keep in mind that mercury may

be

> so

> > > tightly bound in the body's organs that it doesn't show up in

> large

> > > amounts in the hair test. Instead of looking at mercury by

> itself,

> > > it is necessary to look at all of the elements and to apply the

> > > " counting rules " (posted in files) to determine if mercury is

> > present.

> > >

> > > Q: OK, I'm convinced my child is mercury toxic. What do I do

> now?

> > >

> > > If your child has dental amalgams, you will need to find a

> mercury-

> > > free dentist who can replace the silver amalgam fillings with

> some

> > > other material. Next, you should try to find a doctor who can

> help

> > > with chelation. Keep in mind that most regular allopathic

> doctors

> > > are not familiar with mercury toxicity. You don't have to go to

> a

> > > regular MD. " Alternative " doctors such as osteopaths,

> naturopaths,

> > > homeopaths and chiropractors may be able to help you obtain

> > chelating

> > > agents and monitor your child's health during the process. You

> > > don't have to have a doctor to chelate, but it is a very good

> idea.

> > >

> > > Q: What are chelating agents?

> > >

> > > Chelating agents are compounds with two or more binding groups

> for

> > > certain metals combined into one molecule. Chelating agents for

> > mercury are

> > > DMPS(2,3 dimercaptopropanesulfonate sodium), DMSA(2,3 meso

> > > DiMercaptoSuccinic Acid. Generic name: Succimer. Trade name:

> Chemet)

> >

> > > and LA (alpha-lipoic acid).

> > >

> > > DMPS has been approved for bulk distribution by compounding

> > > pharmacies and is excellent for removing mercury from the body

> (but

> > > not the brain) if it is used properly. Unfortunately many

> physicians

> > > use it and other chelating agents improperly, and like any drug

> > > these can be extremely dangerous when not used right.

> > >

> > > DMSA is a prescription medication which has been approved by the

> FDA

> > > for lead-poisoning in children. It also works well for mercury.

> > > DMSA removes mercury from everywhere in the body except the

> brain,

> > > because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

> > >

> > > Alpha-lipoic acid(LA) is an over-the-counter supplement which

has

> > > been found to effectively chelate mercury. Unlike DMSA and

DMPS,

> LA

> > > will cross the blood-brain barrier, and so it can move mercury

> out

> > of

> > > or into the brain. LA should not be used if there has been

> recent

> > > mercury exposure (within 3 months) or if your child has high

> copper

> > > levels, since LA reduces copper excretion.

> > >

> > > What is the proper dosage and administration schedule for DMSA

> and

> > LA?

> > > The dosage is less important than the administration schedule.

If

> > you

> > > remember nothing else about this FAQ, remember this: DMSA or LA

> > must

> > > be given in small, frequent doses (every 3-4 hours, even at

> night)

> > > over several days to be effective. Infrequent dosage will just

> stir

> > up

> > > the mercury and redistribute it in the body, making your child

> > sicker.

> > >

> > > For DMSA or LA, start with 1/8 to ½ mg. per pound of child. If

> > > giving LA by itself, give it every 3 hours. DMSA is given every

> 4

> > > hours. DMSA + LA should be given every 3 hours. DMPS alone

> should

> > be

> > > given every 8 hours.

> > >

> > > Chelation should be done in cycles of at 3 to 7 days on the

> > chelator,

> > > followed by at least as many days off as a rest period. Many

> > parents

> > > find it convenient to chelate on weekends, starting when the

> child

> > gets

> > > home from school and stopping on Monday morning, with weekdays

as

> > > rest days. With the schedule, sleep is only interrupted on

> weekends

> > > and parents don't have to depend on school employees to give the

> > medicine.

> > >

> > > Q: I've started chelating and my child is having bad side

> effects.

> >

> > > What can I do?

> > >

> > > Some side effects that listmembers have reported include

> increased

> > > urination, redness of the face and extremities, rash, heartburn,

> and

> > > diarrhea. Your child may also show an increase in autistic

> symptoms

> > > (may become more " stimmy " or show more oppositional behavior).

> > > If the side effects are severe or difficult to deal with, stop

> the

> > cycle

> > > and allow a rest time, then start the next cycle with a lower

> > > dosage. You may also want to try a shorter chelation cycle,

with

> a

> > > larger rest period in between.

> > >

> > > Q: I've made an appointment for a hair test and I'm trying

> > > to find a doctor to help me chelate. Is there anything I can do

> > right now?

> > >

> > > Yes—you can begin supplementation. There are many dietary

> > > supplements that can help your child to feel better now, and

> during

> > > the chelation process. Here are some important ones:

> > >

> > > Take these 4 times a day: Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Milk

> > > Thistle extract

> > > Take these often(frequency not as critical): Zinc, Magnesium,

> > Vitamin

> > > E, mixed carotenes and lypocene, flax seed oil.

> > >

> > > Q: My doctor says that my child is not mercury toxic because

his

> > > blood and urine mercury levels are " within normal limits. "

> > > What do you think?

> > >

> > > Most MDs are more familiar with lead poisoning than mercury

> > > poisoning. Blood and urine tests are the standard for measuring

> > > lead, but these tests are inadequate for mercury. This is

> because

> > > once mercury enters the body, it very quickly leaves the

> bloodstream

> > > and accumulates in the internal organs. Therefore, urine and

> blood

> > > tests will only show mercury if the person has been exposed to a

> > > large amount of mercury very recently. Chronic long-term

exposure

> > > (amalgams) or old exposure (vaccines) will not show up with

these

> > > tests. A better way to test for mercury is the above-mentioned

> hair

> > > elements test.

> > >

> > > Q: My alternative doctor wants to do a DMPS challenge test. Is

> > this safe?

> > >

> > > No. DMPS challenge tests and IV chelation with DMPS can be very

> > > dangerous—see www.dmpsbackfire.com A challenge test is when a

> > > doctor administers a large amount of chelator in a single dose,

> and

> > > then tests the urine for metals. Challenge tests in general

> aren't

> > > useful for diagnosing mercury toxicity because everyone has some

> > > mercury in them, and DMPS (or DMSA) will mobilize it. If DMPS is

> to

> > > be used, it should be administered orally, every 8 hours. And

no

> > one

> > > should take a chelator of any kind if they have dental amalgam

> > fillings.

> > >

> > > Some doctors suggest doing the same sort of challenge test using

> a

> > > large oral dose of DMSA, or will suggest treatment with

> infrequent

> > > doses of chelator (once a day or every other day) This is also

> > > dangerous. Chelators should always be given in frequent, small

> > doses

> > > (every 3-4 hours for DMSA, every 8 hours for DMPS).

> > >

> > > Q: I've heard that glutathione, chlorella, cilantro, cysteine,

> MSM,

> > > NAC, garlic, and saunas will chelate naturally, and that the

> natural

> > > way is better. Is this true?

> > >

> > > Don't assume that because something is " natural, " that it

> > > is necessarily better. As Andy has reminded us, strychnine and

> > botulism

> > > are natural, and deadly. That said, some natural remedies are

> > excellent.

> > > LA is a natural supplement available at health food stores, and

> it

> > has

> > > been found to be a good chelator for mercury and arsenic.You

have

> to

> > > read about and study each one so that you have some idea what

you

> > > are giving your child. All of these remedies have been

discussed

> on

> > > the list, and some of our listmembers swear by them. You are

> > > encouraged to inform yourself and make up your own mind. But

> > > here's what Andy and Amy say about them:

> > >

> > > Glutathione – Andy: " Glutathione is not a chelator.

> > > Supplemental glutathione itself is of very little value since

> your

> > gut should

> > > digest it. If your gut is not digesting it you will soon start

> > > taking other things to MAKE your gut digest it because letting

> > > undigested things like glutathione into your bloodstream will

> soon

> > > cause major allergy problems. "

> > >

> > > Chlorella—Andy: " While there is little in press that shows

> > > chlorella to be harmful, there are multitudinous observations of

> > real people

> > > which show that. All you have to do is ask around. Chlorella is

> > simply

> > > another " sulfur food. " It is very harmful to people who are high

> in

> > sulfur. "

> > >

> > > " Dr. Klinghardt, is the one that popularized DMPS injections and

> > > DMSA every other day, the first and second most dangerous

mercury

> > > treatment protocols. Now he is on to chlorella, which is also

> very

> > > dangerous. I know several people who took it per his protocol

and

> > > suffered permanent neurological damage as a result. "

> > >

> > > Cilantro—Andy: " There is some superstition that cilantro

> > > helps, and it really may, but it isn't clear how to use it. "

> > >

> > > And this from Dr. Amy Holmes— " Cilantro. Untested. A few reports

> > > that it MAY cross the blood-brain barrier and chelate mercury,

> but

> > no

> > > data. Please bear in mind that no one knows what the ingredient

> in

> > > cilantro is that MAY do this. Is every cilantro equal? Who

knows?

> I

> > > don't see how one could possibly be even somewhat sure that you

> are

> > > keeping a relatively steady blood level of THE INGREDIENT when

we

> > > don't know what THE INGREDIENT is or if all cilantro has the

same

> > > amount of it. And if anything in mercury chelation is more

> > important,

> > > I can't think of it. "

> > >

> > > Cysteine—Not a chelator. Andy: " Don't give cysteine/cystine

> > > or sources of it during ALA chelation unless you definitively

> know

> > the

> > > child has low plasma levels of cysteine (not low-ish,

> definitively

> > > abnormally low). " Dr. Amy: " I think we are much better off

leaving

> > glutathione,

> > > MSM, cysteine, etc. supplements alone. They cause many more

> problems

> > than

> > > they can fix in an untested person.

> > >

> > > MSM—Not a chelator.Andy: " The more I hear about MSM the more

> > > I suggest people avoid it. I keep getting random negative

> reports. "

> > > And " It is an exceptionally bad idea to use MSM, cysteine, NAC

or

> > > glutathione with LA since LA naturally increases your body's

> > cysteine

> > > and glutathione levels. "

> > >

> > > NAC—This is a supplement which will cause the body to produce

> > > more glutathione. Andy: " Neither NAC nor glutathione remove

any

> > > mercury from the brain - but they do make whatever mercury is

> > > there a lot more toxic if administered in excessive amounts. "

> > >

> > > Garlic—Not a chelator, but posters say it's great for pinworms.

> > >

> > > Saunas—Andy: " Sauna has been used to detox mercury miners

> > > since time immemorial - when they get too messed up, they

> > > go to the sauna during work hours instead of into the

mineshaft. "

> > > " Sweating does indeed increase mercury excretion. Probably

> > > an hour or two of sauna is the same as 50 mg of DMSA every

> > > 4 hours for a day. "

> > >

> > > Note: Posters urged caution with saunas because mercury toxic

> > people

> > > are often heat sensitive.

> > >

> > > Q: I've gotten back the hair test results for my child, and it

> > > shows he has high levels of other metals besides mercury. What

> > should I do?

> > >

> > > Generally, you remove the other metals first. High levels of

> lead,

> > > copper, arsenic, antimony or aluminum can cause symptoms similar

> to

> > > mercury poisoning. If your child has high levels of several

> metals,

> > > he is likely very sick. Test again in three months.

> > >

> > > Recommendations for chelating other metals:

> > >

> > > Lead: Use DMSA, but follow the protocol for mercury in case

> mercury

> > > is present as well. Administer every 3-4 hours for several

days,

> > > then rest for the same number of days, etc.

> > >

> > > Arsenic: LA works very well for arsenic. Chelate using mercury

> > > protocol (every 3 hours, with on/off cycles).

> > >

> > > Antimony: Use SAMe, 5 mg a day per pound of kid in divided

> doses.

> > Or

> > > you can use the " poor man's methylating mix " of B-12 (100 mcg

per

> > > pound), folate (10 mcg per pound) and TMG or choline (10-20 mg

> per

> > > pound). Spread these through the day. They may be energizing so

> you

> > > might want to give them in the earlier part of the day.

> > >

> > > Copper: Copper absorption can be greatly reduced by giving 25 mg

> > zinc

> > > + 250 mcg molybdenum 4 times a day, and also by excluding high

> > copper foods

> > > from the diet. Nuts, organ meats, shellfish, molasses and

> sometimes

> > unwashed

> > > produce are high. Glycine, taurine and milk thistle extract

might

> > help get

> > > rid of copper faster.

> > >

> > > Note: You should not give LA if your child has high copper

> levels,

> > > as LA will drive copper levels higher.

> > >

> > > Aluminum: Restrict dietary intake. Don't cook in aluminum

pans,

> > > or drink sodas from aluminum cans. Certain baking powders,

> antacids

> > and

> > > antiperspirants contain aluminum, so be sure to check labels.

> > >

> > > Cadmium: Zinc may help.

> > >

> > > Antioxidant supplements help reduce the symptoms of all heavy

> metal

> > > problems.

> > >

> > > Q: My child is GFCF. Can I continue the diet?

> > >

> > > If it makes your child feel better, then by all means continue.

> > > Bernie Windham has written a paper that describes how mercury

> > > interferes with the enzyme that is needed to digest gluten and

> > > casein. Many people who are mercury toxic are sensitive to food

> that

> > > are high in sulfur, which includes all dairy products.

> > >

> > > Regarding yeast: Mercury causes damage to the immune system, and

> a

> > > weakened immune system allows yeast, bacteria and and all sorts

> of

> > > other nasties to proliferate in the body. Yeast overgrowth can

> > > cause " leaky gut " —a condition in which the lining of the

> > > intestine becomes somewhat porous, allowing undigested particles

> to

> > enter the

> > > bloodstream, causing allergic reactions. Mercury toxic

> individuals

> > > often suffer from food allergies. Therefore, a GFCF (gluten and

> > > casein-free) diet is probably a good idea before and during

> > > chelation. Theoretically, once the mercury is removed, the

> immune

> > > system is restored, and the gut is allowed to heal (this may

> require

> > > antibiotics and/or anti-fungals), the child may be able eat

> > > " regular " foods again.

> > >

> > > Q: Has anyone actually " cured " their autistic child by

> > > chelating them?

> > >

> > > The book " Turning Lead Into Gold " describes several cases of

> > > children with " autistic tendencies " who improved dramatically

> after

> > > chelation for lead. As of this writing, no one on this list has

> > completely cured their

> > > child from mercury poisoning. But it's early yet. Dr. Amy is

> > > getting some wonderful results with the children in her

practice,

> > and

> > > numerous parents have reported improvements in their autistic

> > > children with each chelation cycle.

> > >

> > > Q: How long does it take to complete chelation?

> > >

> > > Six months to two years, depending on how toxic a person is and

> how

> > > quickly you chelate. Children younger than 8 seem to respond

more

> > > quickly than older children.

> > >

> > > Q: My child has only one amalgam filling, and I can't seem to

> > > find a dentist who will agree to replace it. Can't I go ahead

and

> > > chelate?

> > >

> > > Absolutely not. You cannot start chelation if there are any

> silver

> > > amalgam fillings present. The chelator will remove mercury from

> the

> > > filling and deposit it in your child's body, making him even

more

> > > toxic.

> > >

> > > Q: How can I find a mercury-free dentist?

> > >

> > > Try the following website:

> http://www.altcorp.com/hgfreedentist.htm.

> >

> > > Or Send a #10 SASE with 78 cents postage to:

> > > Foundation For Toxic-Free Dentistry (or just use FTFD)

> > > P.O. Box 608010

> > > Orlando, FL

> > > 32860-8010

> > >

> > > Be very careful when selecting a dentist. Composite fillings

> > require

> > > more skill in placement than amalgam, and the risk for further

> > > mercury exposure during amalgam replacement is great. The

> dentist

> > > should follow something similar to the IOAMT

> > > protocol: http://mall.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/mercury/iaomt.htm for

> > > amalgam removal and replacement.

> > >

January 10, 2001

Okay! I am not trying to " belittle " anyone!!! If it weren't for us

parents taking all these extreme excellent measure our kids would be

lost!! Applause to all of us parents!!!

The point in this message is being lost due to the improper wording

" disease " ??? (I didn't notice that word used & I feel strongly that

it is very very wrong).

Also the comment about PECS is was I feel stated out of frustation and

we all know that we want to just throw out the cards and CF/GF diet

and feed our kids pizza and hear their voices, etc. like other people

do! It is Hard for US and WE all works hard for OUR kids!

Read the orginal post for the info in it. You don't have to have

amalgam fillings & it isn't just Mercury.

Thank you for sharing the way in which you interpetted

things, I glad that you explained how you feel I hope the info I

shared helps to get the important information through for OUR kids

that WE are working so hard for.

Hugs,

Cathie

> > > Discover symptom...identify and treat problem....then assist

> > recovery.

> > > We went from symptom (autism) to recovery (therapy) without

> > identifying and treating his medical problems.

> > > We know now that my son has EXTREME heavy metal poisoning

> (Mercury

> > from vaccines), astronomical internal overgrowth of yeast, food

> > allergies to gluten and casein (all wheat and dairy), bananas (his

> > fave food), eggs, peanuts, coffee...and this is just the tip of

the

> > iceberg. However, if it was up to the pediatrician, neurologist,

> > therapists, and teachers I would still be messing around with

> pictures

> > instead of getting my son well. Dr. Amy's son is no longer

> autistic.

> > and she has helped so many that there is an egroup (dramy'skids).

> > There are so many children recovering from Autism that there is an

> > egroup called autism recovery (?) One thing is for sure. If you

are

> > strong enough to look deeper, Autism is not permanent.

........laurie

> > >

> > > Mercury-Autism FAQ (originally from Autism-Mercury list dated

> August

> > 2000)

> > >

> > > Q: How is Mercury Poisoning related to Autism?

> > >

> > > In their paper " Autism: A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning "

> Bernard

> > et. al,

> > > http://www.autism.com/ari/mercurylong.html have revealed a

> > startling

> > > similarity in the symptoms of Autism and Mercury Poisoning.

> While

> > > this may sound frightening, it actually shines a bright ray of

> hope

> > into

> > > the lives of families living with an autistic child. Why?

> Because

> > > mercury poisoning can be cured.

> > >

> > > Q: Who is Andy Cutler?

> > >

> > > Andy Cutler is a Ph.D. chemist who found himself sick with

> mercury

> > > poisoning and figured out how to get well. He wrote a book

> called

> > > " Amalgam Illness: Diagnosis and treatment " It sells for $35 and

> you

> > > can order it directly from his web site:

> > > http://hometown.aol.com/noamalgam. Andy spends many hours

> answering

> > > questions on our list, and he always tells it like it is—no

bull.

> > >

> > > Q: Who is Dr. Amy?

> > >

> > > Dr. Amy Holmes is an M.D. in Louisiana who is working with

> parents

> > of

> > > many autistic children to help them chelate mercury and other

> toxic

> > We saw Dr. Amy last month!!!!

> > > metals from their children. Dr. Amy used to be an oncologist.

> She

> > She is great!!!...laurie

> > > retired to raise her infant son, only to find out that he has

> > autism.

> > > Now she has gone back to work to help her son and others'

> children.

> > > Dr. Amy has a website:

> > http://www.healing-arts.org/children/holmes.htm ......READ

THIS!!!

> > > that describes the mercury problem and her treatment protocol.

> > > Licensing laws prohibit Dr. Amy from consulting with people who

> > > are not her patients. However, your doctor may call Dr. Amy at

> > > (225)767-7433 to consult with her or receive a faxed copy of her

> > protocol.

> > >

> > > Q: How dangerous is mercury?

> > >

> > > Very. Mercury is the second most toxic element on earth, second

> > only

> > > to plutonium. The amount of mercury found in one mercury

> > thermometer

> > > is enough to pollute a small lake. Mercury toxicity has been

> linked

> > to a

> > > large number of diseases, including arthritis, altzheimer's,

> > multiple

> > > sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome,

> > depression,

> > > bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, learning disabilities and ADHD.

> > >

> > > Q: How could my child have become mercury poisoned?

> > >

> > > Many parents believe the major culprit to be thimerosal, a

> > > preservative used in vaccines and other medications. Thimerosal

> is

> > > 50% mercury by weight. In October 1998, the FDA banned the use

> of

> > > thimerosal in over the counter medications, but it is still used

> in

> > most

> > > vaccines. Since multiple vaccines are often given on the same

> day,

> > > the amount of mercury injected into a typical infant exceeds the

> > EPA's

> > > " safe " limits. Before the FDA ban, mercury had been added to

eye

> > > drops, contact lens preparations, nasal sprays, contraceptive

> > creams,

> > > hemmhoroid creams, lubricating gels, allergy injections, and

> > antiseptics

> > > such as Mercurochrome® and merthiolate.

> > >

> > > There are many other common sources for mercury exposure.

Here's

> > > a short list:

> > > Dental amalgams

> > > Released into the air by coal burning plants

> > > Fish and shellfish, especially tuna, salmon and swordfish

> > > Some paints

> > > Thermometers and blood pressure gauges (especially if mercury

> from

> > > broken instruments was spilled on carpet)

> > > Fluorescent light bulbs

> > >

> > > It is important to note that mercury present in a mother's body

> is

> > > passed to her baby through the placenta, and later, through

> breast

> > > milk. See: " Mercury from maternal " silver " tooth fillings in

> sheep

> > > and human breast milk. A source of neonatal exposure. " By Vimy,

> > > Hooper and King: http://hera.algonet.se/~leif/yrvim97a.html

> > >

> > > Q: But my dentist told me that dental amalgam is perfectly

safe.

> > >

> > > The presence of mercury in dental amalgams is a very

> controversial

> > > subject. Despite the fact that dental amaglam contains 50%

> mercury,

> > > the American Dental Association's official position is that

> > > dental amalgam is safe, and that mercury does not pose a health

> > risk.

> > > However, numerous research studies show that dental amalgams are

> a

> > > major source of mercury toxicity. Because of the ADA's position,

> > > your dentist risks losing his license if he tells you that

> mercury

> > is

> > > dangerous, no matter what he personally believes.

> > >

> > > Q: If mercury poisoning is caused by vaccines, they why don't

> > > aren't all kids mercury toxic?

> > >

> > > Sensitivity to mercury varies widely from person to person, as

> does

> > > the body's natural ability to detoxify. Some children can get

> rid

> > of

> > > the mercury quickly, while in others, the toxin remains in the

> body

> > > longer, allowing it time to bind tightly in the brain and other

> > organs.

> > >

> > > Q: How can I find out if my child has mercury poisoning?

> > >

> > > Dr. Amy Holmes lists a number of useful medical tests on her

> > website:

> > > http://www.healing-arts.org/children/holmes.htm. A trace

> minerals

> > > analysis, or hair test, is an inexpensive, non-invasive and

> > > reasonably accurate test for determining the body's burden of

> > > mercury and other heavy metals. Doctor's Data (708/231-3649) is

> a

> > great

> > > source for obtaining this test. Keep in mind that mercury may

be

> so

> > > tightly bound in the body's organs that it doesn't show up in

> large

> > > amounts in the hair test. Instead of looking at mercury by

> itself,

> > > it is necessary to look at all of the elements and to apply the

> > > " counting rules " (posted in files) to determine if mercury is

> > present.

> > >

> > > Q: OK, I'm convinced my child is mercury toxic. What do I do

> now?

> > >

> > > If your child has dental amalgams, you will need to find a

> mercury-

> > > free dentist who can replace the silver amalgam fillings with

> some

> > > other material. Next, you should try to find a doctor who can

> help

> > > with chelation. Keep in mind that most regular allopathic

> doctors

> > > are not familiar with mercury toxicity. You don't have to go to

> a

> > > regular MD. " Alternative " doctors such as osteopaths,

> naturopaths,

> > > homeopaths and chiropractors may be able to help you obtain

> > chelating

> > > agents and monitor your child's health during the process. You

> > > don't have to have a doctor to chelate, but it is a very good

> idea.

> > >

> > > Q: What are chelating agents?

> > >

> > > Chelating agents are compounds with two or more binding groups

> for

> > > certain metals combined into one molecule. Chelating agents for

> > mercury are

> > > DMPS(2,3 dimercaptopropanesulfonate sodium), DMSA(2,3 meso

> > > DiMercaptoSuccinic Acid. Generic name: Succimer. Trade name:

> Chemet)

> >

> > > and LA (alpha-lipoic acid).

> > >

> > > DMPS has been approved for bulk distribution by compounding

> > > pharmacies and is excellent for removing mercury from the body

> (but

> > > not the brain) if it is used properly. Unfortunately many

> physicians

> > > use it and other chelating agents improperly, and like any drug

> > > these can be extremely dangerous when not used right.

> > >

> > > DMSA is a prescription medication which has been approved by the

> FDA

> > > for lead-poisoning in children. It also works well for mercury.

> > > DMSA removes mercury from everywhere in the body except the

> brain,

> > > because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

> > >

> > > Alpha-lipoic acid(LA) is an over-the-counter supplement which

has

> > > been found to effectively chelate mercury. Unlike DMSA and

DMPS,

> LA

> > > will cross the blood-brain barrier, and so it can move mercury

> out

> > of

> > > or into the brain. LA should not be used if there has been

> recent

> > > mercury exposure (within 3 months) or if your child has high

> copper

> > > levels, since LA reduces copper excretion.

> > >

> > > What is the proper dosage and administration schedule for DMSA

> and

> > LA?

> > > The dosage is less important than the administration schedule.

If

> > you

> > > remember nothing else about this FAQ, remember this: DMSA or LA

> > must

> > > be given in small, frequent doses (every 3-4 hours, even at

> night)

> > > over several days to be effective. Infrequent dosage will just

> stir

> > up

> > > the mercury and redistribute it in the body, making your child

> > sicker.

> > >

> > > For DMSA or LA, start with 1/8 to ½ mg. per pound of child. If

> > > giving LA by itself, give it every 3 hours. DMSA is given every

> 4

> > > hours. DMSA + LA should be given every 3 hours. DMPS alone

> should

> > be

> > > given every 8 hours.

> > >

> > > Chelation should be done in cycles of at 3 to 7 days on the

> > chelator,

> > > followed by at least as many days off as a rest period. Many

> > parents

> > > find it convenient to chelate on weekends, starting when the

> child

> > gets

> > > home from school and stopping on Monday morning, with weekdays

as

> > > rest days. With the schedule, sleep is only interrupted on

> weekends

> > > and parents don't have to depend on school employees to give the

> > medicine.

> > >

> > > Q: I've started chelating and my child is having bad side

> effects.

> >

> > > What can I do?

> > >

> > > Some side effects that listmembers have reported include

> increased

> > > urination, redness of the face and extremities, rash, heartburn,

> and

> > > diarrhea. Your child may also show an increase in autistic

> symptoms

> > > (may become more " stimmy " or show more oppositional behavior).

> > > If the side effects are severe or difficult to deal with, stop

> the

> > cycle

> > > and allow a rest time, then start the next cycle with a lower

> > > dosage. You may also want to try a shorter chelation cycle,

with

> a

> > > larger rest period in between.

> > >

> > > Q: I've made an appointment for a hair test and I'm trying

> > > to find a doctor to help me chelate. Is there anything I can do

> > right now?

> > >

> > > Yes—you can begin supplementation. There are many dietary

> > > supplements that can help your child to feel better now, and

> during

> > > the chelation process. Here are some important ones:

> > >

> > > Take these 4 times a day: Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Milk

> > > Thistle extract

> > > Take these often(frequency not as critical): Zinc, Magnesium,

> > Vitamin

> > > E, mixed carotenes and lypocene, flax seed oil.

> > >

> > > Q: My doctor says that my child is not mercury toxic because

his

> > > blood and urine mercury levels are " within normal limits. "

> > > What do you think?

> > >

> > > Most MDs are more familiar with lead poisoning than mercury

> > > poisoning. Blood and urine tests are the standard for measuring

> > > lead, but these tests are inadequate for mercury. This is

> because

> > > once mercury enters the body, it very quickly leaves the

> bloodstream

> > > and accumulates in the internal organs. Therefore, urine and

> blood

> > > tests will only show mercury if the person has been exposed to a

> > > large amount of mercury very recently. Chronic long-term

exposure

> > > (amalgams) or old exposure (vaccines) will not show up with

these

> > > tests. A better way to test for mercury is the above-mentioned

> hair

> > > elements test.

> > >

> > > Q: My alternative doctor wants to do a DMPS challenge test. Is

> > this safe?

> > >

> > > No. DMPS challenge tests and IV chelation with DMPS can be very

> > > dangerous—see www.dmpsbackfire.com A challenge test is when a

> > > doctor administers a large amount of chelator in a single dose,

> and

> > > then tests the urine for metals. Challenge tests in general

> aren't

> > > useful for diagnosing mercury toxicity because everyone has some

> > > mercury in them, and DMPS (or DMSA) will mobilize it. If DMPS is

> to

> > > be used, it should be administered orally, every 8 hours. And

no

> > one

> > > should take a chelator of any kind if they have dental amalgam

> > fillings.

> > >

> > > Some doctors suggest doing the same sort of challenge test using

> a

> > > large oral dose of DMSA, or will suggest treatment with

> infrequent

> > > doses of chelator (once a day or every other day) This is also

> > > dangerous. Chelators should always be given in frequent, small

> > doses

> > > (every 3-4 hours for DMSA, every 8 hours for DMPS).

> > >

> > > Q: I've heard that glutathione, chlorella, cilantro, cysteine,

> MSM,

> > > NAC, garlic, and saunas will chelate naturally, and that the

> natural

> > > way is better. Is this true?

> > >

> > > Don't assume that because something is " natural, " that it

> > > is necessarily better. As Andy has reminded us, strychnine and

> > botulism

> > > are natural, and deadly. That said, some natural remedies are

> > excellent.

> > > LA is a natural supplement available at health food stores, and

> it

> > has

> > > been found to be a good chelator for mercury and arsenic.You

have

> to

> > > read about and study each one so that you have some idea what

you

> > > are giving your child. All of these remedies have been

discussed

> on

> > > the list, and some of our listmembers swear by them. You are

> > > encouraged to inform yourself and make up your own mind. But

> > > here's what Andy and Amy say about them:

> > >

> > > Glutathione – Andy: " Glutathione is not a chelator.

> > > Supplemental glutathione itself is of very little value since

> your

> > gut should

> > > digest it. If your gut is not digesting it you will soon start

> > > taking other things to MAKE your gut digest it because letting

> > > undigested things like glutathione into your bloodstream will

> soon

> > > cause major allergy problems. "

> > >

> > > Chlorella—Andy: " While there is little in press that shows

> > > chlorella to be harmful, there are multitudinous observations of

> > real people

> > > which show that. All you have to do is ask around. Chlorella is

> > simply

> > > another " sulfur food. " It is very harmful to people who are high

> in

> > sulfur. "

> > >

> > > " Dr. Klinghardt, is the one that popularized DMPS injections and

> > > DMSA every other day, the first and second most dangerous

mercury

> > > treatment protocols. Now he is on to chlorella, which is also

> very

> > > dangerous. I know several people who took it per his protocol

and

> > > suffered permanent neurological damage as a result. "

> > >

> > > Cilantro—Andy: " There is some superstition that cilantro

> > > helps, and it really may, but it isn't clear how to use it. "

> > >

> > > And this from Dr. Amy Holmes— " Cilantro. Untested. A few reports

> > > that it MAY cross the blood-brain barrier and chelate mercury,

> but

> > no

> > > data. Please bear in mind that no one knows what the ingredient

> in

> > > cilantro is that MAY do this. Is every cilantro equal? Who

knows?

> I

> > > don't see how one could possibly be even somewhat sure that you

> are

> > > keeping a relatively steady blood level of THE INGREDIENT when

we

> > > don't know what THE INGREDIENT is or if all cilantro has the

same

> > > amount of it. And if anything in mercury chelation is more

> > important,

> > > I can't think of it. "

> > >

> > > Cysteine—Not a chelator. Andy: " Don't give cysteine/cystine

> > > or sources of it during ALA chelation unless you definitively

> know

> > the

> > > child has low plasma levels of cysteine (not low-ish,

> definitively

> > > abnormally low). " Dr. Amy: " I think we are much better off

leaving

> > glutathione,

> > > MSM, cysteine, etc. supplements alone. They cause many more

> problems

> > than

> > > they can fix in an untested person.

> > >

> > > MSM—Not a chelator.Andy: " The more I hear about MSM the more

> > > I suggest people avoid it. I keep getting random negative

> reports. "

> > > And " It is an exceptionally bad idea to use MSM, cysteine, NAC

or

> > > glutathione with LA since LA naturally increases your body's

> > cysteine

> > > and glutathione levels. "

> > >

> > > NAC—This is a supplement which will cause the body to produce

> > > more glutathione. Andy: " Neither NAC nor glutathione remove

any

> > > mercury from the brain - but they do make whatever mercury is

> > > there a lot more toxic if administered in excessive amounts. "

> > >

> > > Garlic—Not a chelator, but posters say it's great for pinworms.

> > >

> > > Saunas—Andy: " Sauna has been used to detox mercury miners

> > > since time immemorial - when they get too messed up, they

> > > go to the sauna during work hours instead of into the

mineshaft. "

> > > " Sweating does indeed increase mercury excretion. Probably

> > > an hour or two of sauna is the same as 50 mg of DMSA every

> > > 4 hours for a day. "

> > >

> > > Note: Posters urged caution with saunas because mercury toxic

> > people

> > > are often heat sensitive.

> > >

> > > Q: I've gotten back the hair test results for my child, and it

> > > shows he has high levels of other metals besides mercury. What

> > should I do?

> > >

> > > Generally, you remove the other metals first. High levels of

> lead,

> > > copper, arsenic, antimony or aluminum can cause symptoms similar

> to

> > > mercury poisoning. If your child has high levels of several

> metals,

> > > he is likely very sick. Test again in three months.

> > >

> > > Recommendations for chelating other metals:

> > >

> > > Lead: Use DMSA, but follow the protocol for mercury in case

> mercury

> > > is present as well. Administer every 3-4 hours for several

days,

> > > then rest for the same number of days, etc.

> > >

> > > Arsenic: LA works very well for arsenic. Chelate using mercury

> > > protocol (every 3 hours, with on/off cycles).

> > >

> > > Antimony: Use SAMe, 5 mg a day per pound of kid in divided

> doses.

> > Or

> > > you can use the " poor man's methylating mix " of B-12 (100 mcg

per

> > > pound), folate (10 mcg per pound) and TMG or choline (10-20 mg

> per

> > > pound). Spread these through the day. They may be energizing so

> you

> > > might want to give them in the earlier part of the day.

> > >

> > > Copper: Copper absorption can be greatly reduced by giving 25 mg

> > zinc

> > > + 250 mcg molybdenum 4 times a day, and also by excluding high

> > copper foods

> > > from the diet. Nuts, organ meats, shellfish, molasses and

> sometimes

> > unwashed

> > > produce are high. Glycine, taurine and milk thistle extract

might

> > help get

> > > rid of copper faster.

> > >

> > > Note: You should not give LA if your child has high copper

> levels,

> > > as LA will drive copper levels higher.

> > >

> > > Aluminum: Restrict dietary intake. Don't cook in aluminum

pans,

> > > or drink sodas from aluminum cans. Certain baking powders,

> antacids

> > and

> > > antiperspirants contain aluminum, so be sure to check labels.

> > >

> > > Cadmium: Zinc may help.

> > >

> > > Antioxidant supplements help reduce the symptoms of all heavy

> metal

> > > problems.

> > >

> > > Q: My child is GFCF. Can I continue the diet?

> > >

> > > If it makes your child feel better, then by all means continue.

> > > Bernie Windham has written a paper that describes how mercury

> > > interferes with the enzyme that is needed to digest gluten and

> > > casein. Many people who are mercury toxic are sensitive to food

> that

> > > are high in sulfur, which includes all dairy products.

> > >

> > > Regarding yeast: Mercury causes damage to the immune system, and

> a

> > > weakened immune system allows yeast, bacteria and and all sorts

> of

> > > other nasties to proliferate in the body. Yeast overgrowth can

> > > cause " leaky gut " —a condition in which the lining of the

> > > intestine becomes somewhat porous, allowing undigested particles

> to

> > enter the

> > > bloodstream, causing allergic reactions. Mercury toxic

> individuals

> > > often suffer from food allergies. Therefore, a GFCF (gluten and

> > > casein-free) diet is probably a good idea before and during

> > > chelation. Theoretically, once the mercury is removed, the

> immune

> > > system is restored, and the gut is allowed to heal (this may

> require

> > > antibiotics and/or anti-fungals), the child may be able eat

> > > " regular " foods again.

> > >

> > > Q: Has anyone actually " cured " their autistic child by

> > > chelating them?

> > >

> > > The book " Turning Lead Into Gold " describes several cases of

> > > children with " autistic tendencies " who improved dramatically

> after

> > > chelation for lead. As of this writing, no one on this list has

> > completely cured their

> > > child from mercury poisoning. But it's early yet. Dr. Amy is

> > > getting some wonderful results with the children in her

practice,

> > and

> > > numerous parents have reported improvements in their autistic

> > > children with each chelation cycle.

> > >

> > > Q: How long does it take to complete chelation?

> > >

> > > Six months to two years, depending on how toxic a person is and

> how

> > > quickly you chelate. Children younger than 8 seem to respond

more

> > > quickly than older children.

> > >

> > > Q: My child has only one amalgam filling, and I can't seem to

> > > find a dentist who will agree to replace it. Can't I go ahead

and

> > > chelate?

> > >

> > > Absolutely not. You cannot start chelation if there are any

> silver

> > > amalgam fillings present. The chelator will remove mercury from

> the

> > > filling and deposit it in your child's body, making him even

more

> > > toxic.

> > >

> > > Q: How can I find a mercury-free dentist?

> > >

> > > Try the following website:

> http://www.altcorp.com/hgfreedentist.htm.

> >

> > > Or Send a #10 SASE with 78 cents postage to:

> > > Foundation For Toxic-Free Dentistry (or just use FTFD)

> > > P.O. Box 608010

> > > Orlando, FL

> > > 32860-8010

> > >

> > > Be very careful when selecting a dentist. Composite fillings

> > require

> > > more skill in placement than amalgam, and the risk for further

> > > mercury exposure during amalgam replacement is great. The

> dentist

> > > should follow something similar to the IOAMT

> > > protocol: http://mall.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/mercury/iaomt.htm for

> > > amalgam removal and replacement.

> > >

January 10, 2001

I do believe there are (at least) 2 kinds of autism, those with the purely

genetic 'born-with-it' kind of autism and those with 'aquired' autism.

These aquired autism kids make up the epidemic numbers of approximately

75-80% of all the kids dxd today, which is borne out by the consistent

numbers we see of reaction to biological therapies and histories. The kids

who have had no vaccines are few and far between, especially a child as the

one described below. I think one day we will reclassify these kids with

'aquired autism' with something else more fitting to the medical issues

inside these kids.

Holly

----- Original Message -----

Ok,

I take issues on this, what about the kids that have had no vaccines,

no mercury issues (no meds ever, always purified water, organic food,

the works). I know kids like this, that are autistic. You are

belittling the problem of autism(which is multifaceted), and the

parents that work so hard to help their autistic kids.

Um mUhammad

January 10, 2001