Autism, Omega 3s and Behavior

By Catherine Ebeling, RN, BSN

Uswellnessmeats.com

Autism rates in industrialized countries have risen dramatically in the last decade, and more research is being conducted looking more at the effects of diet and nutrition (both prenatal and post natal) on behavior.

Much has been written about the gluten-free/casein-free diet for autism, and this diet has a lot of merit and many have seen noticeable improvement using it. New studies are now looking more at the positive effects of fatty acids—primarily omega 3 fatty acids--on the brain and behavior, and specifically, autism. As previous studies have shown, the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on dementia, aggressive behavior, and ADHD have been very beneficial and have brought about marked improvements in these conditions. Now new research shows that there is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may help autism behaviors.

In Scotland, where autism rates have risen at the same steep incline as in the U.S., researchers have conducted studies with omega 3 fatty acids. They made an exciting breakthrough: Childhood autism may be associated with a deficiency of fatty acids, primarily omega 3 fats.

According to a study of autistic children, cell membranes in the blood of autistic children processed fatty acids at a much faster rate than other children. Brain cell membranes are largely made up of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Based on their discovery, researchers speculate fatty acid deficiency may be a partial trigger for autism. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be very important in normal brain development and capability. These particular fatty acids are recognized as essential fatty acids that are vital to our health, but cannot be produced by the body.

These essential fatty acids appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision difficulties, nerve problems, behavior problems, and ADHD.

Low levels of essential fatty acids in the general population are associated with a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, post-partum depression, PMS bipolar (manic/depression) and Rett’s syndrome. Other less severe symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include: extreme tiredness, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, and poor circulation.

Aggressive behaviors often associated with autism, and are theorized to have a relationship with omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have also found that children with autism have lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids than do typical children. In other research studies it’s been established that the use of essential fatty acids in children with autism significantly increases language and learning skills.

Since aggressive behavior often accompanies autism, omega- 3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating such behavioral difficulties. Another study showed that the use of fish oil supplements in children with autism increased red blood cell levels of omega-3 fatty acids while reducing omega-6s. These changes were accompanied by improvements in general health, cognitive skills, and sociability, as well as reductions in irritability, aggression, and hyperactivity, according to parental reports. Among children with developmental coordination disorder, which is common among people with autism, omega-3 supplementation improved reading, spelling and disruptive behaviors.

Scientific evidence suggests that imbalances or deficiencies of certain highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) may contribute to a range of behavioral and learning difficulties including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autistic spectrum disorders. This could help to explain the strong familial associations between these conditions and their common overlap within the same individuals.

Omega-3 fatty acids--also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Two of the major omega 3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. DHA is critical for early brain development, and EPA is useful for later development, cognition, and behavior.

It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.

The overall benefits suggest that creating a diet heavy in omega 3’s and including grass-fed meats, can lead to the reduction of the negative behaviors associated with autism. Further, there is no apparent harm associated with omega-3 supplementation. As with any form of supplementation, the decision to supplement the diet with more omega 3 fatty acids in children with autism should be made in along with a primary care provider.

Omega 3’s can be found in fatty wild-caught fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, and in grass-fed beef. However, many fish are high in mercury and other toxins, especially the large predators (shark, swordfish, and tuna). One of the best solutions to this diet quandary is the inclusion of grass-fed meats in the diet. Grass-fed meats are high in omega 3 fatty acids, with none of the toxins that many fish may carry. Grass-fed beef, as opposed to grain-fed commercially raised beef, has a similar omega 3 fatty-acid profile as fatty fish, without the danger of toxins such as mercury and PCB’s. Grass-fed meat is a rich source of this healthy fat because the cattle spend their lives eating green forage plants that are naturally rich in omega-3s themselves. Just by eating their natural diet, the cattle absorb these valuable fats and then pass the nutrition on. The result is beef that has nearly 60% more omega-3s than beef from cows that have been raised on a feedlot grain-based diet.

Ongoing research will help to clarify the importance of this vital nutrient and autism. Although deficiencies of omega 3’s are common in dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders, they are certainly not confined to individuals with these conditions. The standard American diet is sadly lacking in omega 3 fatty acids and everyone can benefit by including more omega 3-rich foods in their diet.

Catherine Ebeling is an RN, BSN and certified personal trainer, and has studied nutrition and health for the last 25 years. She has extensive knowledge in the areas of sports nutrition, celiac disease, and omega 3 fatty acids, and currently is a regular contributor to U.S. Wellness Meats bi-weekly newsletter. See www.USWellnessMeats.com for wholesome, organic grass fed meats and other nutritional products.

A Nutritional Perspective On Autism

By Bill Cohen
The Vitamin Connection

More than a millennium ago Hippocrates wrote, "Let food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." The food we put in our body and the chemicals and additives that we ingest are a far cry from Hippocrates call to arms.

Diet and nutrition are aspects of health care that deserve more of our attention. Scientific research has continually demonstrated safe and productive ways to improve health and disease management through improved nutrition. When a person becomes ill, nutrition can often be as helpful as drugs in contributing to restored health. Drugs are mostly synthetic and are designed to treat disease symptoms and interfere with biological symptoms after the body’s natural defenses have failed. Food, on the other hand, provides natural raw materials that the body uses to perform the functions of health maintenance and restoration.

David Sandoval is the founder and president of PHP (Purium Health
Products) He is dedicated to shattering the walls that stand between disease and healing. He is an internationally recognized leader in natural health treatments, a formulator, researcher and educator.

Sandoval is the author of the Autism Battle Plan. He learned from some of the leading health researchers in the world and has traveled all over the world to get information that can impact some of the worst diseases of our time. This article is designed to inform those with loved ones who suffer from autism and to offer a nutritional map for them to follow.

I want to make it clear that we do understand that the underlying cause of autism is not known and that there can be many factors. We do, however, suggest looking at David’s nutritional battle plan to combat autism. Many causative factors of autism have been proposed which occur during pregnancy and infancy;

1. Phytate rich foods such as soy and grains
2. A severe imbalance of minerals
3.Fetal alcohol syndrome
4.Infant vaccination
5.A decrease in seotonin activity in the central nervous system
6. Food allergies
7.Yeast infections
8.A deficiency of digestive enzymes
9 Viral infections
10. Lead poisoning
11. Genetic predisposition to develop the disease

Here are some facts:

• In the last ten years autism has gone from 1 in 100,000 births, to 1 in 150.
• Autism is the most common developmental disorder in boys
• Only 1 in 20 kids show improvement by adulthood
• Currently the medical community offers no effective treatment for autism.

According to Sandoval, the following is a nutritional battle plan in which symptoms have been shown to significantly improve in as little as three weeks.

Acceptable proteins:

Salmon
Mackerel
Sardines
Catfish
Soaked almonds
Hemp protein

Fruit:

Coconut
Mango
Prune
Papaya
Grapefruit
Cranberries

Vegetables:

Broccoli
Carrots
Spinach
Onions
Cauliflower
Beets
Sweet potato
Butternut squash
Parsley

Fats:

Tropical oils
Butter
Grapeseed oil

Nutritional Supplements:

Master Amino Complex
Revive It All
Enzyme Advantage
Advanced Probiotic Blend
C From Nature
Apothe Cherry
40x Aloe Vera Concentrate
Cracked Cell Chlorella

Aside from good nutrition, craniosacral therapy is a treatment that manipulates the bones of the skull and the underlying membranes to alleviate pressure and restriction. It helps improve brain function, spinal cord range of motion and surrounding membranes as well as the bones of the skull. Behavior modification and counseling are also very important protocols to follow.

Our goal in this article has been to provide vital information which may not be commonly known. We have covered a lot of ground in this article in a relatively short time. I invite you to explore this area if you have a friend or loved one with autism. The program described here has been attested to be working all over America and to be changing lives.

We must remember Hippocrates' great call to use food as our medicine. The American diet is sadly lacking in essential nutrients that nourish mind and body and this is in addition to any toxins and poisons in vaccines or in our water and food supply.

We must be willing to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. We should not perish because of lack of knowledge. Let us open our minds to the possibility of change. And to change properly, we must have proper information. This is what we seek to provide at The Vitamin Connection (in addition to providing holistic treatments, natural vitamins and organic products) in far more detail than in one article and in a way that's tailored to your individual needs.

For more information please contact The Vitamin Connection at 561-361-7000 or email vitaminconnect@bellsouth.net.

Special Education 101

By Louis H. Geigerman, President
National ARD/IEP Advocates

In my last article for Autism Health and Wellness, I discussed the preparations needed for a high functioning student with autism to prepare for higher education. Today, we are going to work backwards, and discuss preparations for a student in the public schools.

A student with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be entitled to services through their local public school district through the Individual’s with Disabilities Education Act aka IDEA. You notice that I intentionally used the phrase “may be entitled to”. IDEA states the number of qualifying conditions under the statute but also says that the condition must adversely affect a child’s educational performance. Therefore, eligibility is not necessarily an entitlement.

IDEA mandates that the school system assess students in all areas of suspected disabilities. For a student with an ASD, assessments should be performed in the following areas psychological, functional behavioral, functional social, speech and occupational therapy with an emphasis on fine motor, motor planning and sensory deficits After the assessments are completed, an IEP team meeting must be convened to review the findings. Should you disagree with the findings of an assessment performed by a district, you have the right to an independent educational evaluation, or “IEE,” by a professional that is not an employee of the district. The assessment must be performed in accordance with the local education agency’s criteria for qualifications.

IEEs effectively provide for the parent to receive a “second opinion” regarding their child’s abilities. This tool is quite probably one of the greatest weapons that a parent can use in their arsenal to get the help that their child needs. IEE requests are typically granted at the district administration level and not by IEP teams. Should you disagree with a district’s assessment it is not required that you tell the district why you disagree with their assessment as this could potentially hamper making a case later on in due process. When making the request to the school district for an IEE, the district can only make one of two responses, yes or no. If the answer is no, the district must take you to due process. This should not deter you as the district will act as the petitioner and will have the burden of proof to demonstrate why their assessments are valid. So if they want to take you to hearing, say fine, make my day.

Finally, when granting you an IEE, the district likely will provide you with a list of evaluators supposedly able to conduct the assessments. As a parent, you do not have to use the evaluators on their list. They are on the list for a reason and you are unlikely to obtain a truly objective assessment. A better way is to select your own evaluator that you think will be independent. When you have selected the IEE provider, be certain to chat with the provider prior to the appointment and ask them point blank that if the dispute with the district ends up in due process will the provider agree to defend their findings in a hearing? If they say so, then find another provider. Once the IEE is completed, an IEP team meeting should be scheduled to review the recommendations. Remember, all an IEP team is required to do when reviewing an assessment is to consider it. Consideration means that a discussion should ensue. If they merely read over it in the meeting and do not discuss it, that is not consideration. If the IEP team declines to adopt the assessment, demand that the district provide you with their reasons in writing through “Prior Written Notice of Refusal.” In effect, this will box in their arguments for due process.

While I am on the subject of the IEP team meeting, it is vital for you to listen and ask questions of the participants in the meeting. If you feel that they are speaking in jargon, don’t be bashful; ask them to explain what they said. Also, it is vital that you make certain that the salient points that are discussed in the meeting are reflected in the minutes. Make certain that they are reread before ending the meeting correcting all inaccurate statements. Finally, always audio record your meetings and let them know prior to the meeting that you will be recording it.

To prepare for the meeting, I would obtain a current copy of all of your child’s school records.

You are entitled to copy any document that has you or your child’s name on it that is maintained by the district as per the Family Educational Rights Act (FERPA). You need to make the request in writing to the school district for this information. The district technically has 45 calendar days to produce the records unless the information is to be used for an IEP team meeting. In that event the information is to be used in preparation for an IEP team meeting then a shorter time line is warranted so that you can be an equal participant in the proceedings. Additionally, I would request that the district provide you with all documents that will be discussed at the IEP team meeting including new assessments, progress reports, and present levels of academic and functional performance, draft IEP’S and proposed placements. The better prepared that you are, the more likely you will have a better result in the meeting.

A couple of final points for you as you prepare for your IEP team meeting. One, do not take a bad attitude into the meeting. Listen and consider all points of view. It is important that you come off as someone that is thoughtful and considerate of others. Two, educate yourself on the requirements regarding the IDEA. Thirdly, consider hiring a professional advocate to take with you to the meeting. A knowledgeable advocate can guide you through the process and make it lot less painful. For a list advocates in your area check outhttp://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/legal.advocacy.htm orhttp://www.copaa.net/find/

Louis H. Geigerman, President

National ARD/IEP Advocates

www.narda.org Email: louis@narda.org

Infertility & Reproductive Medicine Of South Broward

In today’s society, many couples try repeatedly to conceive a child without success. The office of Dr. Kenneth Gelman, Infertility and Reproductive Medicine of South Broward located in Cooper City is here to help.

Dr. Gelman specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility for both men and women. His practice offers professional evaluation and treatment for a variety of reproductive disorders. He performs general fertility evaluation, ultrasound, semen analysis, ovulation induction, artificial insemination, and invitro-fertilitzation. The doctor also treats polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent pregnancy loss and more.

Dr. Kenneth Gelman is board certified Endocrinologist and infertility specialist. We offer personalized care with state of the art ultrasound and laboratory testing.

Infertility and Reproductive Medicine of South Broward accepts most insurance plans and help patients manage the cost of their infertility treatments. Call today at (954) 432-2228 and let

Dr. Gelman be a part of your journey to parenthood.

www.infertilitybroward.com

9900 Stirling Road #300

Cooper City, Fla. 33024

Parents and Children Celebrating Summer Together

By Christina Wallerstein
PlayWorks.net

As summer comes, let's resolve to celebrate the season by slowing down and savoring what makes summer the season we dream about all winter.

Outdoor activities are a hallmark of summer, and children and adults alike delight in getting out of the house and into the sunshine. What better time for families to play and learn together?

Plant annuals, then cut flowers to bring indoors. What says summer better than vibrant marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias? Each comes in a variety of sizes, heights, and colors. If space is limited, plant a color pot of your favorites.

This will entail a trip to a nursery. Allow time to wander among the plants, learning the names of plants you like. Take snapshots of favorite flowers as well as pics documenting how your garden grew and plan on recalling your summer gardening adventure by making a one-of-a-kind scrapbook once cooler weather forces you inside again.

Children too young to print can dictate commentary; anyone who likes to draw can add garden inspired drawings.

Favorite blossoms can be laid between sheets of parchment paper and pressed between the pages of a thick book for a "straight from our garden" treasure.

Grow vegetables. Harvest and delight in the flavor of homegrown tomatoes, even if your garden is a pot on a patio. Check out square foot gardening, lasagna gardening and vertical gardening techniques for easy and bountiful harvests. One family nearby has successfully turned their urban parkway into an amazing intensive garden with a wide variety of vegetables, including corn and pumpkins, as well as giant sunflowers. I delight in walking by and watching their garden grow.

Visit your local farmers' market and breathe in the fragrance of locally grown fruit ripe from the tree. Most farmers offer samples, allowing shoppers to savor the flavors before choosing their favorites to take home.

Studies show that children who participate in the growing of food gain an appreciation of where the food they eat comes from and are more willing to eat healthy foods. Meeting farmers and sampling their produce can spark an interest in fresh food and lead to more adventurous eating. Consider inviting your child(ren) to select ingredients for a simple meal that family members prepare and enjoy together.

Lie on the grass and watch clouds float overhead...Search for a four leaf clover...
Make daisy chains and clover necklaces...Watch butterflies flit among flowers...Chase fireflies...Run through sprinklers on a hot summer's day...

Take a walk in the rain. Just the thought of that makes me envious, living as I do where summer is the dry season.

Mix up a solution of 12 cups of water, 3 cups of liquid detergent, and 3/4 cup of corn syrup, and blow bubbles. Look around for everyday objects suitable for bubble making. Here's one idea: those green square plastic baskets from the produce section of the supermarket.

Play hide and seek...Run in a sack race...Jump rope...Shoot marbles...Throw jacks, then unwind and sip ice cold lemonade...Make popsicles from fruit juice and ice cream from your favorite summer fruits...Laze away an afternoon with a good book, ideally in a rocker on a porch with an iced tea by your side, if you're lucky enough to have a porch...Take a nap in a hammock under a shade tree, if you get the chance.

Play games outdoors on a picnic table. My favorite is Think-ets, a game of tiny treasures stored in a small cloth drawstring bag. Just naming and talking about each one is fun, but that's just the beginning. Soon you'll be choosing favorites, alphabetizing, discussing similarities and differences, and playing memory games, as one trinket goes missing or another gets added or one shifts position, all while eyes are closed. No peeking allowed. Think-ets inspire creative imagination and storytelling and tuck easily in a pocket for take anywhere fun. [You can find these at playworks.net].

At Playworks, we prefer cooperative games, believing that learning to work together cooperatively beats competition when family and friends come together to play.

I recently discovered Family Pastimes, a family owned and operated company in Canada that specializes in such games. We're adding their best children's games to our website, www.playworks.net, and invite you to see for yourself what sets these games apart. I can tell you that any board game that can be played repeatedly and enjoyably by children and adults alike is a treasure. I recommend Max for starters. It's fun for all and provides ample opportunities for learning, thinking, and problem solving.

Whatever else you decide to do this summer, spend time with family and friends, sharing simple meals and making memories. Breathe deeply, smell the roses, jasmine, honeysuckle, or whatever fragrant plants grow where you live, and celebrate summer. It will be gone all too soon.

PlayWorks.net offers one of the most extensive arrays of therapeutic toys anywhere, specializing in toys kids with autism as well as for all kids in general.

Choose to Be A Health Role Model To Your Children

The Wellness Column

Presented by Scott Herman, D.C.

What “health-care attitude” are you teaching your children? One of the most valuable lessons a parent can impart to his/her children is to focus on prevention when it comes to staying healthy. This may sound like common sense, but it means battling the traditional “sick-care” model of health popular in today’s society — a system that focuses on the symptoms of disease rather than the underlying causes.

The good news is that this antiquated system is slowly being replaced by a more personal, wellness-oriented approach. And chiropractic is on the forefront of this health-care revolution!

To learn more about the chiropractic approach to wellness, call Dr. Scott Herman, a chiropractor and holistic-care provider, at (954) 917-4343 or check out his website atwww.tropicalchiropractic.com. Dr. Herman is a noted health speaker and a member of the Doctor's Speaker's Bureau. If you would like Dr. Herman to speak to your local business or organization, please call at (954) 917-4343. Upcoming topics include: De-Clutter for Optimal Health and Happiness, Chiropractic Alleviates Auto Injuries and Hypothyroidism.

The Need to Advocate for Special Needs Children and Caregivers – What We Can All Do

By Leah Postelnik

When my husband, Yomin Postelnik, found out that his state representative, Ellyn Bogdanoff, was about to go on to run for state senate, he decided to stand up to replace the void that would be left behind. The current state rep is very much in tune with the needs of the special needs community and Yomin felt that it was important to continue that record. Of course, there are many other issues that he feels strongly about, but special needs has a deep importance to him.

Yomin explains that special needs advocacy is an area that is particularly important, due to the fact that those who are most in need of a voice are most preoccupied with the noble and special task of caring for their loved ones.

He explains the need for advocacy as follows: There are many special interest groups, some of little benefit to society and others that do, in fact, campaign for causes of value. They are all, however, spearheaded by energetic people who can devote large amounts of their time to their cause. Even advocacy to combat certain diseases, that we hope and pray no one will ever know first hand, benefit from the first hand advocacy of those who have been affected by them and have recovered.

Special needs advocacy is entirely different in this regard. Advocacy is generally initiated by parents or providers who work tirelessly for the wellbeing of their children and who have little time for political maneuvering. That is why being a voice for the special needs community is so important and why those who are sensitive to the issues facing special needs parents, guardians and provider agencies need to take a lead role and run for office or advise those who do.

Yomin decided to take the plunge and opened his campaign with the websitewww.ABetterFlorida.com. His platform encompasses the needs of the district and what he feels are common sense solutions, but special needs advocacy is a central part of his mission.

Whether you’re a conservative, a liberal or a moderate; whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, a member of any other party or a member of none, if you care about special needs and have expertise in this area or a desire to assist those who do get involved in the legislative process.

There is work to be done. Autism insurance discrimination must end and testing for autism must be covered. Many kids can be mainstreamed through early detection and treatment. It’s the right thing to do and besides, it will save the system, the insurance companies and the government a substantial amount in the long run.

Advocacy for special needs parents must be made less cumbersome. Red tape must be eliminated and the system made more effective. Most importantly, the education system must adhere to basic standards of treatment for special needs kids and never ostracize children who need extra encouragement or attention.

These are not conservative or liberal issues. They’re basic decency issues that need to be addressed. Common sense also dictates that everyone benefits from most of these solutions being implemented.

But these issues have rarely been on the front burner or at the forefront of public discussion due to the simple fact that those who seek their advancement are also the most time consumed, caring for the needs of their own family.

That’s where you come in. If you have time and the ability to run for public office, please do so – as the improvements that informed voices can bring to these areas cannot be overstated. And if you don’t have the time or the ability to run yourself, advise a politician or a campaign that is receptive to the needs of autism and of the special needs community in your area. The difference you may offer can be profound.