Debating an Autism Cure

My son was diagnosed with Autism, just after he turned three years old. Having a cousin also on the spectrum, I knew the signs. Ok, so what was the next step? Therapy, medical testing, special diet? What was I supposed to do now?!

The psychologist who diagnosed my son, was kind enough to give me a list of "recommendations", for what I should consider next, as a parent. Of course I should send a copy of the diagnosis to his Pediatrician. Let's not forget continue with therapy, and get more if necessary. This would mean applying for a service coordinator with the county, and apply for funding (and respite care, if needed) as well. There were SO many things to consider, and I felt truly helpless. I joked to her "Is there an "Autism 'Post-Diagnosis' For Dummies" book out there? Suddenly, I felt completely ignorant as a parent!

I remember setting up an appointment with Children's Hospital, at their Autism clinic. My son met with a Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrician, who watched him play as she asked questions about his development. She sent us to a lab, where they drew 6 vials of blood.. Imagine a 3 year old child with no clue to what was happening, desperately squirming and screaming to get away.

My husband and I have pondered the Gluten/Casein free diets. We have heard that many children with Autism have a great response to it, in terms of gut and behavioral issues, and even with speech. There is so much junk in what humans typically eat, that our whole family decided to try it- despite the fact his test results showed no real reason to be "gluten (or casein) free". We have also given thought to supplements and the like, however just putting my son on regular chewable vitamins has caused behavioral issues at school.

I called the county for a service coordinator, to get my little guy set up with respite care, should the need for child care ever arise. We have signed up for the waivers, the family support funding, and so on. Through them, my son is now receiving both Speech and Occupational Therapy once a week, aside from what he already gets in his special needs preschool.