I used to take it for granted that all supplements were created equal.  Actually, I used to take it for granted that anyone even needed nutritional supplements.  My father started off his career working for the FDA and later went into quality assurance for the food and drug industry.  We ate what he brought home from work, grocery store brands and whatever vitamins were left over from testing (ie: generic flinstones).  It was not that he thought these were good vitamins… it was more that there really was not a knowledge as to why supplements were needed.  Today, we have come a long way, but we are still just emerging.  Today, even the American Medical Association  says that anyone who leads a life with stress, does not get enough sleep or does not eat properly, should take a multi-vitamin; however, many doctors still do not know where to lead their patients.

In the autism community, we know all too well that our children and loved ones have needs far greater than the food guide pyramid.  And in many cases, we know that nutritional supplements can go a long way to healing our childrens’ bodies.  However, we often do not know where to start, what brands are best or even if they are safe.  I took for granted, for many years, that there had to be many safe brands.  I also took for granted that the brands sold by doctors had to atleast be well tested.  I now know that many nutraceutical companies do not do third party research, do not test beyond the minimum standards and many  market to the medical community in the same way that the pharmacuetical companies market there medications. 

As a mother of three children on the autism spectrum, I hate to give parents more work to do; however, this may be one of the more important assignments.  You need to do your own research to find out the testing standards and efficacy of the products you are using.  When I started calling companies to ask what I thought were basic questions, I received responses such as. “You need to talk to one of the doctors in your area who sells our brand,” “We cannot possibly tell you how many tests we do a year,” “We test for the government recommendations.”  That last one kept me up at night.  The government minimum in an unregulated industry is ludicrous.  THAT company is one of the supplement companies that is most well known in the Autism community and not even my doctor could tell me anything about there standards. 

I used to take it for granted that I could use anything other than a store brand and consider it good enough.  I now routinely trust only one brand, because I have done YEARS of research that has led me to only one brand.  I am completely biased and have no problem admitting so.  After receiving test results, this past year that show that my daughter has barely recognizable levels of yeast, heavy metals and many of the deficiencies so common in the autism community, I use and promote the Shaklee supplements.  As I share in our book, Healing Autism Naturally, our daughter went from needing to be taught to walk and talk to now entering a Catholic School, as a 9 year old, at grade level, in the Fall.  If you would like to learn more about setting up a supplement program, please contact us.

My son returned home, from a class field trip on Wednesday, all abuzz.  Apparently the parent chaperones had been reading their  e-mail on their phones when the school newsletter came out announcing teacher changes.  My son was busy proclaiming which teacher was retiring and which teachers were going to new classes and how this affected who (he has aspergers so was completely clueless to my anxiety level that was increasing with every word)… all I heard was that the teacher we were working with for my 9 year old daughter was going to 1st grade.  My heart jumped and my head screamed as I rushed to the computer.  My fears were confirmed…

Now if you have a child with autism, you understand.  We found a teacher that desperately wanted to help in the transition of my daughter from an intensive ABA therapy setting to Catholic school and now… she was switching grades.  I immediately         e-mailed the principal and then busied myself as I was just heading out the door to give a talk to parents on nutritional approaches to autism.

I did not get far when the phone rang, and would you believe, there on the other line was the principal I so dearly love.  She wanted to assure me that the teachers going to 3rd and 4th grade (yes, they are giving my daughter a split grade to meet her needs), had already met and were completely ready to meet all my daughters needs.  All I could think was, “you called me to comfort me?”  “You placed teachers based on my daughters’ needs.”  “You actually care that much about my child.”  Of coarse, this was nothing new to us.  The teachers and staff at our school have always gone above and beyond to not just educate but love my children.

So as another year comes to an end, my word is “blessed.”  I pray that you find a blessing among the chaos of your life.  Is it a teacher, doctor, family member, babysitter, new therapy or just the flowers sprouting outside?  You are one of our blessings.  Thank you for reading our messages and being a part of our family.

Watch out for our “teacher/ school of the year contest,” and “pediatrician of the yeare,” coming soon.

As the mother of five children, three of whom are on the autism spectrum, I know all too well that children learn differently.  And I am not just talking about children on the spectrum.  In her article, in the New Brighton Homeschool examiner, Renee Nichols shares the story of one young many who found his place in homeschooling.  In her article, Renee quotes Jonathan,

When asked about his thoughts on school he stated, ” Most of the time it is challenging and hard to get through without the right help. Different kids need different things that teachers can’t supply or sometimes refuse to.” When asked what types of help make a difference he shared, ” For me, the help I need is understanding and time. When I was in public school I would never be able to finish my tests in time and they would take it and not let me ever finish and I would get a low grade. They need to understand that I don’t always get what they are saying. One time I asked the teacher how to round and she said you should have paid attention in class and never helped me. I have Asperger’s and ADHD and most of the time it is very hard to concentrate. I can be easily distracted and my head won’t let me focus. They think I am just ignoring them and carelessly doing something besides school but the truth is it comes with my challenges and they will not listen to me.”

A prayer for all of the Mothers’ with children with autism..

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will begin your day with peace in your heart.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will have a sense that your children are safe.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that the therapy bills will be paid and that your home will be warm.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will receive flowers painted in bright shades by little hands that you have held so often.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that that you will know your childs’ love, even if they cannot tell you.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that the world will be calm as you hold your child tight.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will learn that taking care of yourself is not neglecting your family.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will have the help and support you need.

This Mother’s Day, I pray, that you will be one day closer to healing for your family.

Most of all, this Mother’s Day I pray, that you will know you are not alone, that you are loved and that your child is one day better because of you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Are you attending this conference?  AutismOne and Generation Rescue are offering the 5 day conference free this year.  I am thrilled that so many families will finally receive the information they so desperately need to finally get their children help and recovery.  If you are attending, please e-mail us and let us know.  We would love to get a group together for dinner or lunch one day.  Here is the information for the conference in Chicago this year…

AutismOne/Generation Rescue 2011 Conference

On Wednesday, April 27th, Becky Cash of ASDPerspectives.com and Mika Adams of Educational Consultants will present talks on the needs of families living with Autism.  Sponsored in conjunction with the Witham Family YMCA, these talks will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Witham YMCA in Lebanon, Indiana.

6:00 p.m. Mika Adams, from Educational Consultants, will join us to speak about creating an educational plan for your child.  Mika has vast experience working in the public schools and has worked with countless families.  Mika brings the unique experience of being able to help you advocate for your child, while understanding the laws and scope of the schools.

6:45 p.m.  Becky Cash, mother of 3 children on the autism spectrum, nutrition consultant and author, will provide an interactive workshop for families on creating a family autism plan.  Our days can often get tied up in getting from one place to another or dealing with the next issue to come down the road.  Having a complete plan with help to make sure that both your children with special needs get what they needs; as well as, that each area of family living is addressed.  Becky will help you to begin looking at each area of that plan.

Please join us.  Childcare is available for YMCA members and facility tours will be available.  FREE tot he public.