New to this site...HI!

[Boshie]

Hi
Looking for an active site, particularily one that is open minded to various approaches to helping our children. My sweetie is 13 years old with a dx of PDDNOS, mostly nonverbal, no aggressive issues but has biomedical probs. Currently doing the DAN protocol, just started so no useful advice as yet. Believe in the supplements, high nutrition and dragging my feet on the diet thing. Also want to start up the signing thing again; tried when he was younger but because of fine motor probs got no where fast - think he's ready now! Hope to hear from someone!
Boshie :)

[sharon]

Signs are great. Any luck w/ PECS?

[AutMom]

Boshie, Have you done any testing to see if diet is needed? My son is Casein Free. Do you have a DAN doctor?

[Boshie]

[QUOTE=sharon]Signs are great. Any luck w/ PECS?[/QUOTE]
Hi Sharon
Did the PECS long time ago -didn't go to well as he wants everything and right now. By the time I find the picture even with boards he is in a rage. For us it's not very convenient as there are so many pics needed. Signing would be better since all you need are your hands, and hopefully enough fine motor control. Went to the library today and picked up a signing book and signing tape....all try a few common ones...maybe help, toilet, drink etc. Do you do PECS?
Boshie

[Boshie]

Hi Autmom
Yes I have a DAN doctor and we've just finished the first set of tests, I should get the results soon :) . I suspect casein may be a prob cause there's alot of family history of this and now that I mention glutein all of a sudden relatives are noticing or telling me "Oh yeah I always get headaches" or "I'm severely allergic to wheat..." Don't know if it's sympathy pains, out doing each other, or based on fact. Personnally I get dull fuzzy head feeling from wheat type foods, but never really noticed before reading about it :). I'm quite excited about the results....very interested to see the hair toxic metals one as I did this back when he was 5 and I can compare the tests. I guess your quite far along with the DAN protocol as your boy is 20, or are you a late bloomer like me? It just occurred to me today...is there an actual endpoint to this DAN thing ;) ?
Boshie

[AutMom]

Well, the closest DAN doc around here does not take my insurance, and I can't afford him.........so I'm kinda on my own. My son's local doc wouldn't even order the hair elements test since it was, "unwarranted" so said the nurse. So I had to order it through direct labs, who have their own docs. It was a year ago when I had an OAT and Peptide test done, and seriously got into supplements. Over the years we've done different things though, such as St. John's Wort, Sensory Integration, Home AIT, etc.

Not sure about an endpoint. I think some people ease off of supplements and diets after chelation, though it takes a long time.

[sharon]

Boshie
There are some great books for sign out there. I always accept approximations of the sign to start to build in success. With more communication, things will get better for everyone.

I have used PECS with my little darlings with varying degrees of success. As we all know, each child is unique and what might work for one may not work for another.

I have seen the most success introducing PECS very slowly - and it doesn't have to be the "official" variety. I begin by taking pictures of two favorite things and in the context of this pleasant experience, introduce the photo. No pressure, no demands. It's simply a communication between myself and the child. The next step would be that when I know a child wants a particular item or activity, I would acknowledge the request and bring the card. I know this may sound simplistic but it's a start. When you see the relief on a child's face as they realize you "got it", well, that's priceless.

The other thing that I wanted to mention is that even when an idea has not worked in the past, as long as there are not negative experiences attached and remembered, it doesn't hurt to trot it out and try again.

I've also seen some great stuff with the diet and chelation.

( I'm pretty inept on the computer, how do you get the smiley faces? Insert one here)
Good Luck!

[AutMom]

[QUOTE=sharon]
( I'm pretty inept on the computer, how do you get the smiley faces? Insert one here)
Good Luck![/QUOTE]

If you click on the reply button, your text box has a bunch of smilies on the right. Just click on them.:) If you use the quick reply box you won't have smilies.

[Boshie]

Hi Autmom
The DAN tests aren't covered here either, it is a bit of an expense, thank goodness I finally got a job where I can afford it! The DAN doc cost $700 to just start and if I have to reconsult it will be another $350, not too bad considering other DANs, of course the tests, shipping and handling are extra. I think the Antibodies test was the most expensive so far being around $700. But if finances are a prob(when are they not :eek: )? I highly suggest the hair analysis for approx $50 and the 90 food test IgG for approx $185, these 2 tests will give parents alot of answers as far as what foods to stay away from,toxins in body and deficiences. It beats guessing all the time....I, like many other parents I'm sure have a cupboard full of supplements...and I think you get to the point of asking yourself...which are necessary?...am I creating an imbalance?...what is he/she missing? These tests will take some of the mystery out of it.
Boshie

[Boshie]

Hi Sharon
I'll try the PECs again if this signing doesn't take off...have a few pics around the house ....yeah know, tapes,toilet,wash hands etc, little guy determined to hide/destroy them all! Practiced signing last night at work(now everyone probably thinks I'm a little off too!). Here's a few smilies case you run out :) :) :) :) :)
Boshie