The Los Angeles Times reported this week that a new study provides some evidence that dietary changes that involve eliminating gluten or casein from the diets of children with autism are not effective at improving behavior, sleep and bowel patterns. The study was small – only 14 children – but it was the most rigorously conducted trial on the association so far.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center tested 14 children with autism who did not have celiac disease or diagnosed food allergies. The children were placed on strictly controlled gluten and casein-free diets (called GFCF diet). After at least four weeks the children were randomized to receive either milk, wheat, both or neither. The food substances were disguised in the child’s favorite foods, and neither the parents nor the investigators rating the children’s behaviors knew whether they were receiving gluten or casein.

The study found no changes in behavioral symptoms, sleep time, night walking, activity, or bowel habits and symptoms. Though carefully conducted, the study is so small that investigators can’t rule out that some kids might benefit from special diets.

Lately we’ve been spending a lot of time discussing the topic of stress and the stressful effect autism can have on family life. As behavioral health services providers who work with parents of children with autism on a daily basis, we understand thoroughly just how stressful it can be. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find some way to relieve stress. Without some outlet, the effects of stress on your health and your child’s emotional well-being can be detrimental. To that end, Wellspring has teamed up with YogaWorks to offer a FREE evening of yoga and relaxation especially for parents to learn breathing and relaxation techniques that will allow YOU to take care of YOU. Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Many of the popular techniques found to reduce stress, including breathing, stretching and meditation, have their origins in yoga.

The word Yoga is derived from the word, “yoke”—to bring together—because it does just that, bringing together the mind, body and spirit. On that same theme, we wanted to create an evening that would bring parents together and not only help you connect mind, body and spirit, but help you connect with one another. After the yoga class we invite you to stay afterwards to hang out and enjoy a snack. Please join us.

Date: Wednesday, May 26th 2010
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: YogaWorks
2475 Townsgate Rd.
Westlake Village, CA

There are many early warning signs and symptoms of autism that can present in babies, some say as early as 6 months to one year old, though most children get diagnosed with autism-like symptoms closer to the age of 18 months when the signs become more apparent. Some of the early warning signs  include:

• Impaired social interaction

• Problems with verbal and non-verbal communication

• Failure to respond to name

• Avoidance of eye contact with other people

• Repetitive movements such as rocking or twirling

• Self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging

With autism numbers on the rise (a CDC study shows that as many as 1 in 100 children have autism), it is only natural that paranoia may set in when it comes to signs of this baffling disorder whose cause is so unknown. How many of us haven’t felt that twinge of fear when your baby doesn’t respond to his name, or doesn’t say any words by the age of 12 months? How many parents have woken up panicked in the middle of the night and gone to the computer to Google the signs of autism? If you’ve ever worried that your baby may have autism but did not want to ask your pediatrician for fear of sounding like an over-worried parent, now there is a quiz you can take that will help you know if you really should ask a professional to evaluate your child.  According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, there are a number of things that parents, teachers, and others who care for children can look for to determine if a child needs to be evaluated for autism. This autism quiz asks about ‘red flags’ that could be a sign that a Pediatrician or other health professional should evaluate a child for autism or a related communication disorder.

But before you panic, keep in mind that other conditions can also cause these symptoms, that you have to consider what your child can do in an age appropriate manner (for example, a 6 month old likely won’t respond to his name), and that normal children can have some of these symptoms and behaviors (like being independent, walking on her toes, or preferring to play alone).

Having one or more of these signs, symptoms, and behaviors should prompt a discussion with your Pediatrician to see if further evaluation needs to be done. If you have any doubt, you should never fear asking a professional for help. Countless scientific studies show that when caught at a young age, early intervention using the treatment methods of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are extremely effective at helping a child with autism lead a more typical life.

To start the quiz, click on the link:
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/autism/l/bl_autism.htm

Last week we blogged about the stress of raising a child with autism and one mom’s daydream of granting her child and herself a day off from autism.  Parents of children with autism deal with increased stress due to frustration, feelings of isolation, fear of reactions from society, feelings of grief or inadequacy, concerns over finances and what the future holds for their children.  The tragic murder-suicide of a father and his autistic son that occurred yesterday in Maine underscores just how important it is to find a way to relieve some of that stress. Stress can’t be eliminated but it can be managed and it will help you be a better parent.  Taking breaks helps you relax and recharge your batteries.

There are 4 kinds of breaks:

Small Breaks: Schedule small breaks of 10-15 minutes between activities at least several times a day.  Small breaks are particularly important before or after “stressful” events such as getting your child dressed, taking your child to a doctor or therapy appointment, after your child goes to sleep. Even if you only have a few minutes, sit and clear your head, take a deep breath, enjoy a cup of tea.

Medium Breaks: Try to take a medium sized break of 1-2 hours at least once a day even if it is just relaxing in front of the TV, reading a book or surfing the web after your child has gone to sleep. Another option is to wake up early to exercise before the rest of the family is awake.

Large Breaks: Several times a month you should take an entire day to yourself, away from the pressures of the home.

Extra-Large Breaks: If possible, parents should plan a vacation away from the kids for an entire weekend. Most parents almost never do this but those that do report feeling refreshed and energized and feel that they are much more patient upon their return.

The only way to ensure that you will get needed breaks is to schedule these breaks in advance. If you wait until you have time it will never happen. Part of being a parent is committing to take care of yourself.  Just like the flight attendant on an airplane asks you to put your own oxygen mask on before that of your child’s, you need to take care of yourself so you can be around to take care of your child.