Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chelation IS Working!!!


The boys have undergone their four chelation IVs. The last of the IVs were given a week apart. During the last visit, I was given a "lab kit" to collect urine for each boy, so we'd know what was actually being drawn out of the boys. We are waiting for those results.

July 26, 2011
Second round of IVs. The boys complained that the IV solution was cold. That was it.

July 28, 2011
My sister called to tell me how her husband had noticed how well Nick could communicate. Her husband relayed how he could see Nick ascertaining information and forming thoughts in his head. He could see Nick thinking. Nick made a statement. Then Nick asked questions. Nick spoke clearly and slowly. My brother-in-law answered Nick's question. A few more questions followed. The process was SLOW, but my brother-in-law was amazed to watch the process. I suppose it was like watching the gears work in a huge clock. I was so happy to hear that Nick spoke clearly, and he was on topic. Too often, Nick swallows his words, and his topics are random. PROGRESS!

Aug 2, 2011
Third round of IVs. The boys drank a ton of water all day. No behavior issues. No health issues.

I've noticed that Ryan is talking much more. Of course, he talks about what interests him, but he's talking. Incessantly. Ryan? It was quite a joy. My dad also noticed that Ryan was talking more. It was really weird hearing Ryan's voice so much.

Aug 9, 2011
Fourth round of IVs. The boys vied to be first to get the IV. Nothing else to report.

Aug 12, 2011
About Nick:
Today he had an issue re PE. The good stuff:

1.) Nick was able to articulate his problem. (This is usually the first hurdle--knowing what the problem is!)
2.) He was patient enough for an hour for me to try to solve it. With every unsuccessful attempt, Nick remained composed. I finally found someone who was willing to help, but we still did not have resolution.
3.) Nick was willing to go to class with only the potential of a resolution. (WOW)
4.) Before he went to class, he was able to tell me what he needed to do and in the correct order. He didn't speak as slowly as he normally does when he was telling me this list. It was as if he could think AND talk simultaneously. He spoke clearly, using perfect English. (Double Wow)

Usually, Nick lets the anxiety build until he can't function. He literally can't think, speak, breath... THIS was just the first visit. Later in the day, he actually was problem-solving by himself.

August 18, 2011
Stuart missed one IV, so he received his last IV this past Mon, which was a week later than the other boys. He has been sick since he received his IV on Mon. He's had a fever of 101.5. He ran his system down by working too many graveyard shifts. I don't recommend doing the chelation if the person is not well! I am thankful that the other boys were done last week, and they are doing fine. I am happy!

Overall, I think the chelation has helped the boys. I still want to see what may result over a longer period of time. I am not really sure what to look for, but what I've seen so far is very encouraging. Very Positive!!! My boys with autism are talking!

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