February 2011 - Issue #17
F R EE e n O e Tak
What's Inside? Left Behind in the USA IEP Book Review: If My Dog Could Talk Launch of an autism social network: World Autism Community Recipe of the Month GFCF Chocolate Coated Strawberries
And More...
Inside This Issue... BioMedical
Contact Us.
Understanding Yeast Overgrow By Luciana C. Leo Lac DOM
Page 4
For general information or advertisement opportunities, please email or call at: autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com
NeuroProtek Supplement For Inflammation
Page 3
Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967 Sarah Sweeney (954) 258-1898 Left Behind in the USA By Mike Coonan
Page 6,7
IEP (Individual Education Program) By Alexa Torres
Page 8
Use this form to start your subscription If My Dog Could Talk By Alison Ainsworth
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Community Spotlight
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Launch of an autism social network: World Autism Community
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Autism Conference February 2011
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Recipe of the Month GFCF Chocolate Coated Strawberries
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Parents Tips By T. Crain http://worldautismcommunity.com/
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NeuroProtek® Oral Dietary supplement May Reduce Symptoms Of Gut And Brain Inflammation And nerve Damage
NeuroProtek® is a unique all natural oral dietary supplement in a soft gel capsule, which may reduce symptoms of gut and brain inflammation and nerve damage. NeuroProtek® uses an exclusive combination of flavonoids, based on the scientific research of Dr. Theoharides M.D., PhD, which have shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation both in the gut and the brain. NeuroProtek® is formulated to maximize the anti-inflammatory affects of flavonoids while also overcoming any absorption obstacles. NeuroProtek® contains the flavonoids: Luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin. Unique to Algonot’s formulations is olive kernel oil, a powerful anti-oxidant that is instrumental in helping the body absorb and delivery the dry flavonoids found in each soft gel capsule. NeuroProtek® is free of the following allergens: artificial colors or dyes, flavors or sweeteners, corn, eggs, fish, heavy metals, milk/casein, peanuts, preservatives, salt, shellfish, starch, sugar, tree nuts, wheat/gluten and yeast. Our ingredients are not obtained from beef or beef by-products. Flavonoids are natural molecules found mostly in green plants and seeds. Unfortunately, our modern life diet contains progressively fewer flavonoids and those that are consumed are difficult to absorb because they do not dissolve in water. Under these conditions, the average person cannot consume enough to make a positive health difference. There are approximately 3,000 flavonoids. Of those, NeuroProtek® contains three: Luteolin (Chamomile > 95% Pure) is one of the three flavonoids found in NeuroProtek® . Luteolin was incorporated in this formula after published papers showed it is important in the body: as a free radical scavenger, an agent in the prevention of inflammation, an immune system modulator and it mimics a normal compound that protects nerve damage. Quercetin (Saphora Plant > 95% Pure) is a natural non-acidic (flavanoid) with potent anti-inflammatory capabilities. Quercetin is added to NeuroProtek® to help relieve the swelling associated from inflammatory disease and protect from further damage associated with mast cell activation. The Quercetin used in NeuroProtek® is obtained from the saphora plant. Algonot decisively choose not to use the more common and less expensive source of fava beans, which could cause hemolytic anemia, particularly in people of Mediterranean origin. Rutin (Saphora Plant > 95% Pure) is a glycoside of the flavonoid Quercetin. Like quercetin, rutin is extracted from the saphora plant and is a non-acidic natural
flavonoid that adds additional anti-inflammatory qualities. Rutin helps liberate quercetin in the intestine, making absorption easier. Rutin has been shown to be the strongest antioxidant in studies. Olive Kernel Oil (Unprocessed, MicroFiltered) Olive kernel oil is a potent low-acidic anti-oxidant that can help repair damaged tissues. This unique oil (a lipid) plays an important role in NeuroProtek® as it is used to increase the absorbability of these flavonoids. We use only virgin olive seed oil from the island of Crete. While some benefit may be noticed shortly after starting NeuroProtek, it may take 6-12 months before measurable benefits are observed . NeuroProtek® does not require a prescription. NeuroProtek is not a cure. NeuroProtek is not an analgesic. Source: http://www.algonot.com/neuroprotek.php
By Luciana C. Leo LAc DOM Yeast are present in all of us. They are funguses that normally live in our bodies (skin, mouth, throat, intestines and vagina) in harmony with other organisms, like bacteria. However, this harmony between organisms can be disrupted in the bodies of many individuals with autism. It is very important to understand that yeast are “opportunistic” organisms; this means that they will take advantage of any breakdown in the normal defense mechanism of an individual in order to multiply and grow out of control. This creates a condition of “yeast overgrowth”.
individual’s immune system is weak to detect yeast, then it will not create antibodies against them so the test will come out negative even though the person may have yeast overgrowth. The urine test is called a Urinary Organic Test (OAT) and it measures the yeast waste products in the urine. My favorite test is the stool analysis which will check for the type of yeast an individual has, how much of it and what treatment will be the most effective to treat the problem. All these tests need to be ordered by a physician.
The eating habits of today’s younger generations are not the more appropriates for them. Many children’s diets are based on sugar such as candy, juices, or soda; and starchy foods such as pizza, bread, pasta or cereal. Starch can quickly brake down into simple sugars in the body. Sugar is not only your child’s favorite treat, it is also the yeast’s favorite food. It can easily grow on sugar!
The treatment of yeast overgrowth can be very streaky. There are two ways of treating yeast, with medications or with alternative medicines. The problem is that yeast are live organisms with a very strong memory, so they can get use to be exposed to a particular products and become resistant to it. Because of this reason, it is important to rotate medications or supplements at least every three months when treating yeast. Also, if you want yeast dead, the best way to speed up the process is to starve them. It makes no sense to be taken medicines or any other products if you are going to continue feeding the yeast with candy, pizza or pasta. The best base for a successful treatment is to clean up the diet.
2)
Recommended Dietary Modifications:
Yeast overgrowth can be due to three main causes: 1)
Over-feeding of yeast
Unbalance of organisms in the body
The number one reason for yeast overgrowth is frequent antibiotics use. Antibiotics are meant to kill the abnormal bacteria causing the infection being treated. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria; they also kill the good bacteria in the body. When this happens, yeast no longer have competition and begins to overgrowth. 3)
Eliminate: 1.
Yeast and sugar for one month
2.
Milk and milk products for one month
3.
Alcoholic beverages and fermented products for one month
4.
Fruit for two weeks
Immune dysfunction
If an individual has un underlying immune condition, then yeast will take advantage of the situation and will start spreading. A person with yeast overgrowth can present physical and behavioral symptoms: Physical Symptoms: headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, skin rashes, eczema, heartburn, muscle aches, a very white or yellow coating on top of the tongue (the coating of the tongue reflexes your Gastrointestinal System’s health), malar flush, fungal infections in the fingernails or toenails or red ring around the anus among others. Behavioral Symptoms: My favorite most recognizable symptom of yeast is the inappropriate laughter or the “Joker” (from Batman) laughter! Other symptoms that can present may be sleep disturbances, unexplained intermittent crying episodes, depression, fogginess, lack of concentration, hyperactivity, inattention, anger, aggression, increased self-stimulatory behaviors, climbing or jumping off things, sugar cravings, confusion, or lethargy in among others. To top it all, yeast produces toxins that depress the immune system, making an individual more reactive to allergies and more susceptible to infections. Also, as yeast toxins are absorbed in the colon, and enter the bloodstream, they cause the individual to have yeast sensitivity which leads to many other symptoms that the individual may present such as dark circles around his/her eyes, frequent colds and constant runny nose, sinuses in among others. There are many tests available to check for yeast overgrowth. The tests can be done in blood, urine and stool. The blood test is to measure candida antibodies; the problem with this test is that if an
Eliminating sugar can be the most difficult part of the yeast-free eating program, in part because so many foods contain added sugar. In addition to cane sugar and beet sugar, you will have to avoid honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses, fruit sugar (fructose), milk sugar (lactose), and malt sugar (maltose), because yeast grows on sugar. Refined grains and starchy foods such as bread, pizza, pasta, cereal, potatoes, and rice are also off limits because they can be quickly broken down into simple sugars.
Some of the best choices to treat Yeast overgrowth: Prescribing medications: Nystatin, Ketoconazole, Diflucan or Fluconazole, and Amphotericin B in among others. Alternative medicines: Grapefruit Seed Extract, Candida Freedom, Olive Leaf Extract, Candidase from Enzymedica, Saccharomyces Boulardii, and Berberine among others. Understand that dosing and frequencies are recommended based on the individual’s age and weight. A physician will prescribe the treatment according to the individual’s unique needs. Yeast treatments can require several treatments or reoccurring treatments to remedy the imbalance. Rarely is one yeast treatment the only requirement for keeping bacteria in balance. To ask questions to Luciana C Leo LAc DOM, please write to her at lucianaleolac@gmail.com. You can also contact her at (786)306-4967. For more information about Luciana, see her ad in page 5.
By Alison Ainsworth, Mother, Advocate and Public Speaker
An authentic, personally photographed children`s book that creatively tells the real life story of a child affected by Autism and a day in her life, with an Autism Service Dog that "will make your heart smile." Nine-year-old Emily Ainsworth was born with autism. A few years ago Emily was matched with a service dog named Levi. That's when her life changed forever and it's that story that Emily's mom Alison Ainsworth hopes to share to the world with her new book. "This is an opportunity to tell Emily's story, that is one of hope and grace and compassion and sheer will," Ainsworth, who is from Stony Plain, said on Monday. Ainsworth hopes her book "If My Dog Could Talk" about her daughter's special bond with Levi, will bring more awareness about autism and autism service dogs, to people around the world. "We find that having him nearby has a really calming influence on her and allows us all to be a more productive, happier family," said Emily's mom Alison Ainsworth on Monday.
Luciana C. Leo LAc. DOM Specializing in care for children and adults with special needs and their families
Is your child or loved one with special needs... constantly sick or with a runny nose? having sleeping problems? very lethargic or very hyper? aggressive to him/her self or others? Is he/she a picky eater? or Does he/she have seizures? Does he/she have gastrointestinal issues? Does he/she craves particular foods? All of the above symptoms may be due to underlying medical conditions, and they can be treated. if you have any other questions regarding your health or the health of a loved one, call to make an appointment at 786-306-4967
Emily and Levi are inseparable and in 2008, even appeared on the Larry King show to share their story.
Conditions that may benefit from the services:
"He's my best friend and he'll always be here for me," Emily said.
ADD/ADHD
Although at first, Ainsworth's daughter and her labradoodle dog needed to be together at all times, Levi has given Emily enough stability that she can now be without him in certain situations and still be okay.
Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome Cerebral Palsy Fragile X syndrome Developmental Delays Learning Disabilities
"He gives her affirmation that she needs to be able to flex her wings and conquer her horizons," Ainsworth said.
Behavioral problems
People can order a copy of "If My Dog Could Talk," which features personal photos of Emily and Levi, at www.ifmydogcouldtalk.net.
Thursday, February 17 of 2011 FREE LECTURE 5 PM - A review of essential supplements that a child with ASD should take! (English) 6 PM - Suplementos esenciales que un niĂąo con autismo debe tomar (Spanish) RSVP bycalling (786)306-4967 or by sending an email at lucianaleolac@gmail.com
At Source: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com
351 Minorca Ave Coral Gables, Fl 33134
Mike Coonan, President Left Behind in the USA
MEDICAID WAIVER: The Medicaid Waiver is a Federal/State matched and funded (55%/45%) state- operated program. Each state decides how much support they want to provide for eligible people with a developmental disability. One state, California, accepts responsibility for its' citizens with a developmental disability and, therefore, has no waiting list. In contrast, most states have disabled children and adults who are eligible for the Medicaid
PEOPLE WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: In the United States, about 800,000 children and adults with mental retardation, intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy and related developmental disabilities have conditions that are so challenging that they require special supports just to survive. These supports include medical treatment, behavioral and physical therapy, medical and non-medical supplies, specialized training and other services so they can become independent when they complete school. They are all eligible for this type of assistance through a program called the Medicaid Waiver. Across the country, about 430,000 people with a developmental disability are getting help from the Medicaid Waiver, while 370,000 otherwise eligible people with a developmental disability, just like them, are placed on waiting lists. These waiting lists last for years. Unfortunately, current public policy makes it easier and cheaper for families to surrender our children who are developmentally disabled to the state, rather than to care for them at home. This is wrong!
Waiver on a waiting list. Many have waited more than 7 years. Florida has 40% (21,000 people) of its' otherwise eligible population on a waiting list. In fact, there is no end in sight for these waiting lists.
Left Behind in the USA is a network of families whose child is on the Medicaid Waiver waiting list. Our goal as a nonprofit organization is to raise funds to educate and help more families on the Medicaid Waiver waiting lists. We are sponsoring the following initiatives: Tax Relief: A Federal and (where applicable) State income tax credit up to $10,000 for families on the Medicaid Waiver waiting list. This credit is for Medicaid Waiver eligible services that families on the waiting list are paying for, out of pocket, to keep their child/dependent adult at home. We also support a property tax exemption up to $3,000 for families on the Medicaid Waiver waiting list. This exemption is designed to help offset the cost for Medicaid Waiver eligible services that families are paying for, out of pocket, to keep their child/dependent adult at home, which in turn saves the state money. Public Awareness: Left Behind in the USA has started the "Empty Shoes Campaign." We are collecting old, discarded shoes. In Florida , for example, we will bring 21,000 pairs of "Empty Shoes" (representing each person on our waiting list) to our state legislators to emphasize what their votes mean for the future of our children.
Television Reality Show: Left Behind in the USA is creating a series of videos which highlight the impact upon families who have a loved one forced to linger on the Medicaid Waiver waiting lists. Outreach and Leadership Left Behind in the USA is developing an educational campaign to recruit and train families on the Medicaid Waiver waiting lists to participate in DD related policy and on advisory boards. For example, in Florida there
is no one from the Medicaid Waiver waiting list on the State DD Council, even though 40% of the developmentally disabled population in the state is on the waiting list. No wonder we are invisible to policy makers!
WHAT WE NEED: We need your financial support. When we acquire non-profit status, we will ask you to support us with tax-deductible donations. In the meantime, we are sponsored by "The Family Cafe, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization equipped to accept donations in the name of "Left Behind in the USA. " Please contact them at : 1332 North Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303; by phone at 888-309-CAFE (2233); or by email at info@familycafe.net.
Mike Coonan, President Left Behind in the USA
Got Pea ce?
LEFT BEHIND IN THE USA:
Puzzle Peace is a forum for local families trying to define themselves without allowing a developmental disorder to do it for them. Join the movement! Visit to say your peace, or contribute to our network of autism friendly faces and places.
Proceeds from our groovy car magnet benefit the Evan Reed Dermer Scholarship Fund
IEP (Individual Education Program) By Alexa Torres Founder of Smart Parents (Mateo 8 years)
Designed to meet the unique educational needs of one child, as defined by federal regulations helps kids reach their goals. The IEP must be tailored to the individual student’s needs as identified by the evaluation process and must help teachers and related services providers understand the student’s disability and how affects the learning process. IEP should describe how the student learn, how the student best demonstrates that learning and what teachers and service providers will do to help the student learn more effectively.
IEP COMPONENTS The IDEA 2004 requires that an IEP must be writing according to the needs of each student who meets eligibility guidelines under IDEA and state regulations, and it must include the following:
IEP's also include other pertinent information found necessary by the Team, such as a health plan or a Behavior plan for some students. MEMBERS OF IEP Must include the student parents or guardians, a special education teacher, at list one regular education teacher, a representative of the school.
A TYPICAL INCLUDES
IEP
MEETING
*One or both of the child’s parents. Consistent with IDEA’s stated policy, parents should expect to be treated as equal participants with school personnel in developing the IEP. *A representative of the school district (not the child’s teacher) who is qualified to provide or supervise special education.
*The child’s present levels of academics and functional performance.
*The child’s teacher(s). If the child has more than one teacher all are required to attend.
*Measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals.
*Professionals who are qualified to explain the results of testing. Usually this requires at list the presence of a psychologist and educational evaluator.
*How the child’s progress toward meeting the annual goals are to be measured and reported to the parents. *Special education services, related services, and supplementary aids to be provided to the child. *Schedule of services to be provided, including when the services are to begin, the frequency, duration and location for the provision of services. *Program modifications or supports provided to school personnel on behalf of the child. *Explanations of any time the child will not participate along with other children. *Accommodations to be provided during state and district assessments that are necessary to the measuring child’s academic and functional performance.
*Parents may bring with them any others involve with the child who they feel are important for the IEP team to hear; for example, the child psychologist or tutor. *Parents may elect to bring an educational advocate, social workers and/or lawyer knowledgeable in IEP process. *Although not required, if the child is receiving related services (such as speech therapy, music therapy, or occupational therapy), it is valuable for related service personnel to attend the meeting or at least provide written recommendations concerning the services in their area of specialty. Please if you need any extra support or info for your child IEP contact us to smartparents1@gmail.com
Community Spotlight Launch Of An Autism Social Network: World Autism Community
An innovative, Saturday “Parent and Me” style class for ALL children, regardless of exceptionality. MOVE AND GROOVE Saturdays! Music and Dance Class - Ask for a FREE trial class! 9:00-10:00: Baby Boom! (6 months to 2 years) 10:00-11:00: Tapping Tots! (2 years to 4 years) 11:00-12:00: Marvelous Movers! (4 years to 6 years) 12:00-1:00: Music Makers! (6 years to 9 years) Program runs from February 5th through May 21st All classes instructed by Board-Certified Music Therapist & Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist
RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT TODAY!
Jillian Mehler, MT-BC, NMT 305-528-5836 WholeStepsMT@aol.com
Discover the World Autism Community
Classes offered at Crystal Academy 110 Phoenetia Avenue Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Get support and advice, and share your joys and issues. Speak with people who won’t judge you and will share their expertise. This online community is the ideal place to build friendships with people focusing on the autism spectrum disorder.
Parents Tips: For Picky Eaters!!! By T. Crain
http://worldautismcommunity.com
Autism Conference February 2011
We all know that with most children with autism, visual is the key but sometimes we forget just how simple that is. My son would not eat nothing but the same junk food (usually chips) every meal. Then one day we went to a restaurant that had menus (sounds like big deal, huh). He got to pick from the menu what he wanted to eat. Now at home for every meal I make a menu on what he can choose, it has made such a huge difference in his diet!
February 5-6, 2011 – “All Ages & Abilities” Autism/Asperger’s Conference in Irvine, CA February 10, 2011 – Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training in La Plata, MD February 17-19, 2011 – California Association for Behavior Analysis Western Regional Conference in Burlingame, CA February 24-25, 2011 – Visual, Behavioral and Social Strategies for the Student with ASD in Gainesville, Florida
http://worldautismcommunity.com/
April is Autism Awareness Month, Come Join Us at The
S a t u r d a y, A p r i l 9 t h o f 2 0 11 In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the United States recognizes April as the National Autism Awareness month, a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community by teaching acceptance of differences. Autism disorders do not only affect individuals, they affect the whole family. Join the cause by “Raising awareness one balloon at the time”. Families and children are going to be able to decorate their balloons and let them raise to the sky together with many other families. Bringing the community together with one goal in mind, to spread awareness.
At The Miami Children’s Museum 980 Macarthur Cswy Miami, FL 33132
From 12pm to 4pm Balloon Raise
! n Fu
! n o i t ! a e m r r o o M Inf
For general information, sponsorship information and booth participation contact Luciana Leo at (786)306-4967 or lucianaleolac@gmail.com
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All Dosage Forms Available Insurance Welcome Free Ground Shipping in Florida
Schedule your consultation today!
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By Liette R. and Jasso (Justin Matthew 4 years)
Ingredients: 1 tsp of cooking oil 1/4 cup of "semi-sweet chocolate chips, gluten free,nut,soy free found at Publix, Green wise section. 10-12 strawberries with stem, washed 1 sheet of wax paper
Instructions: 1. Placed washed strawberries onto wax paper on plate. 2. Mix chocolate and oil in small microwave safe ceramic bowl. 3. Place bowl in microwave for at least 45 seconds on high. 4. Mix chocolate until it's in liquid form. 5. Have a cooking apron ready for your child to wear during the next few steps. 6. Make sure chocolate is not hot before allowing your child to touch chocolate for sensory input. (seeing how chocolate melts, and flows)
Heartfelt Music Therapy Services
7. Let your child, with a spoon, cover the melted chocolate over the strawberries by drizzling the chocolate over each one. 8. Allow your child to be creative by decorating the strawberries with the chocolate as they see fit. Even let them taste the chocolate while working. 9. Next, place the strawberries into the refrigerator for about 20 min. or until the chocolate has hardened. (This is a great way to teach a child
Offering in home individual and group music therapy
to be patient.) 10. Once Chocolate has hardened, enjoy the strawberries with your child.
For more information call (573)286-2550
This is a great recipe to use for snacks, deserts, and parties. It's also a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day with family, friends, and teachers.
Amber Ewers, MT-BC Board Certified Music Therapist
Bananas can be substituted for Strawberries, and taste great. This is a way to incorporate fruits into your child's diet.
“ Achieving Success One Child at the Time” Registration open for 2011 school year!!!