Author: autismplusmoreblog

Yesterday, about 600p I had an appointment that I had to keep, could not reschedule, so Tyler HAD to go with me, this after a day of school and attending sports. We stopped by the house and I had him grab some books and then I slapped some oils on him as he really didn’t “want” to go.

We arrived right on time and thank goodness there was no “waiting” we went into the office for my appointment and he introduced himself (and me, Mom-Cathy) and then he sat with his books (had to ask him to read quietly like in church) and I began to have my meeting. (Told her that I hope we can do this in one sitting we may have to come back if he’s not able to handle this- she was fine with that)

He did very well, taking turns with books and my phone, but sitting patiently (THANK YOU FOR HIS CALMING BLENDS OF YOUNG LIVING OILS) – he did have a couple of moments here and there, but nothing that couldn’t be addressed with a “look” or a few “words”.

The meeting took about an hour and 1/2 and YES he made it through. At 730 (he could read the clock and the alarm on my phone was going off) he did get a little “elevated” as he knows that is his time that he takes his nighttime vitamins and fish oil. I reassured him that it was gonna be ok, we will take it as soon as we get home. I am grateful the meeting was coming to an end because this was just not going to work too well with the already off our normal schedule (autism is schedules!)

As we were leaving, the lady shared with me that they have member of their church who has an adult AU son and that they’ve seen the parents work intensely with their son and have seen him improve with ability to “tolerate” things and she said, I only met you today, but I can see that you’ve worked very hard with your son and he did an amazing job being patient today (THAT MADE ME SMILE!)

We made it home, took all his nighttime regimen and he went and had his “decompression time” with his trains, movies, computer, etc. in his room. I was concerned it was going to be a long night night since we were behind about 3 hours on our normal routine schedule BUT – just like clockwork at 1000p, he came out told me goodnight, gave me hugs, brushed his teeth and turned off the lights to go to sleep (THIS IS A NEW ROUTINE THAT HE HAS ESTABLISHED HIMSELF – THE SHUTTING DOWN AT 1000P FOR BED!)

God is good all the time! I am sooooooooo grateful for Ningxia Red, Mindwise, Sulfurzyme, Super B and the daily capsules I make for Tyler and his calming roller bottle blend and his chemical free oral care, all from Young Living. I am grateful for his other supplements too. I am grateful for slowly reducing the chemicals from him and detoxing his body (two of the drops in the capsules help support liver detoxification).

#brainhealth #youngliving #puritymatters #NingxiaRed #Mindwise #Thievesproducts #Sulfurzyme #SuperB #researchmatters #improvingourlives #autismdifferentnotless

Tyler’s annual ARD is coming up next week and his teacher has been working on the review and goals to discuss. I am going to share some of the excerpts from that because this progress is absolutely amazing and so much of it has been made this year!

When reading this I was THRILLED – When he’s capable of achieving much of this at school does it automatically mean in all environments – no. Does it mean I completely change is routines no, it just shows progress and with AU, progress is just that – baby stepped progress! Comfort environments provide different success than other environments.

REMINDERS: The Autism Spectrum is VERY VERY BROAD – Tyler is diagnosed as Classic Autism and SPD, Verbal Processing Delay, (about midway on the spectrum) was diagnosed at age 5 – Non Verbal (years of speech therapy, school and home therapy) have produced words (Tyler’ very echolalic) but we have so much work to do on actual communication and comprehension. Tyler is very very sensory, does not like music, crowds, large environments, lots of stims, very very structured and routine. For a few years, Tyler was very very aggressive and impulsive (inability to truly communicate and sensory issues can produce aggression), giggles and laughter could easily be onsets of meltdowns. About 4-5 years ago I placed Tyler on medication in order to help with anxiety issues and impulsive behaviors so that we could attend behavioral therapy and attempt to learn calming and coping skills and then I worked on decreasing medication and he’s been medication free for 6 mos and with an YLEO regimen his improvements have been massive! Just a reminder to the delay Tyler is I began potty training Tyler at age 4 and it wasn’t until he was 8 1/2 that he was fully potty-trained. You train, you back off, you train, you back off, etc. I have to work with food issues (because I believe in dietary restrictions – most of the time have benefitted Tyler). Therapies have long waiting lists and can be costly what is not covered by insurance, and even with therapies, you have to incorporate and work on things outside that therapy time. Lots of books and videos out there to help. There is much more to Tyler’s AU journey – just ask and I can share. Tyler’s progress has already gone leaps and bounds what was initially predicted for him. He still has a long way to go but so so proud of how far he’s come!

Tyler appears happy at school. He appears to be comfortable and secure while at school. He comes into the school building independently and goes to meet his teacher. If his teacher is not in the normal place, he is able to problem solve without getting upset. He will look in the classroom or by the buses. If he arrives at school during the school day, he reports to the classroom. He is able to read signs on the door and locate the class in other locations. Tyler interacts with his classmates appropriately. He makes observations and will ask what’s wrong and pick up something if someone drops something. He requires some prompts to put things down or not pick them up or put them in the trash when they may be inappropriate. For example, he will pick up trash in hallway or bathroom and bring it to class. He compliments others. He requires some prompts for appropriateness. For example, nice lipstick instead of nice lips and nice hair or I like your curls instead of messy hair or funny hair. He generally comments about the physical appearance of others.

When corrected he generally initiates an apology a little later. He has an occasional tendency to be loud at times (ex. Giggling or clapping) at inappropriate times. He needs a few prompts to stop when asked.

When he is given a work task or assignment, he will start within a minute unless he is unsure of the instructions. He likes reassurance when completing a new task/activity. He will get the teachers attention by making a comment. He will alert the teacher when he is finished. He occasionally will put his head down or just sit when finished. Tyler is able to work up to 45 minutes without a break in a group or with the teacher. He prefers to work in close proximity of the teacher. He can work independently for 15 minutes and will continue working with a prompt. He is also able to work with the teacher and read a text and stay focused while others are talking and/or doing a different assignment.

During unstructured activities, Tyler likes to work alone but will sit with peers. He does interact with familiar peers by making comments or when a peer asks a question. He likes to build with cups, Legos, and other blocks/manipulatives. He likes to knock things down and pick them up. He greets others when they come into the classroom and generally asks their names. Given free time, Tyler will act out movies and likes to look in mirrors.

Tyler’s motor skills are appropriate for school related tasks. He participates in PE with his peers and dresses out for PE independently. Tyler cannot tie his shoes and will occasionally need help with his belt if it is too tight. He is able to eat lunch and breakfast with minimal supervision.

Tyler prefers quiet activities but will wear headphones when others get loud or if he is in a crowded environment. He does not prefer to attend school-wide events such as pep rallies or assemblies but will attend and sit near the door or away from the event. He has been the greeter at the door for the events and appears to be okay during the events. He will eat lunch in the cafeteria but given a choice he likes to eat in the classroom with a few peers.

ELA: Tyler will relate things or events in stories to movies. Given a third grade text, Tyler reads with minimal support for new vocabulary. Given a third grade text he can answer multiple choice questions and recall main idea and supporting details. When getting something incorrect, he can use the text to find the information. He can sequence events using words, first, second, third and beginning, middle, and end. He can answer questions related to compare and contrast, inferencing, and author’s purpose. He can answer true/false questions with minimal prompts. Tyler’s comprehension increases when a text is read aloud and has pictures. It also increases with nonfiction text versus fiction text. He reads with inflection for questions, exclamation points, and emotion words. He self corrects when reading. If there are new vocabulary words he will read it phonetically and continue. He does not ask for help. Tyler can answer who, what, where questions with minimal verbal cues. He needs moderate prompts to answer why and how questions. Tyler needs assistance with identifying synonyms, antonyms and new vocabulary. When given a choice of books, Tyler chooses books about animals. Given independent work for reading, Tyler needs work on a first-second grade level.

Math: Tyler can add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers using a calculator. Tyler can identify numbers to the hundred thousandths place with minimal cues. He can add double digit numbers with and without regrouping without the use of a calculator or manipulatives. He requires prompts to complete subtraction problems with require borrowing. He can identify coins and their values. He can add mixed sets of coins and bills to $100 with minimal cues. He can count change back given additional time. He struggles with speed and will continue to work adding and subtracting money as well as making purchases. He needs cues to line numbers up correctly when writing addition and subtraction problems (especially when a decimal is included). Tyler an identify time to the minute on a digital and analog clock. He is currently working on consistency with identifying fractions.

Tyler can answer simple questions about simple graphs and charts.

Tyler participates in classroom jobs with minimal cues for neatness and completion. He participates in jobs such as folding and putting away laundry, starting and loading/unloading the washing machine and dryer, stocking drinks, wiping/cleaning countertops and tables, and loading/unloading the dishwasher.

He participates in cooking activities by pouring, stirring, measuring ingredients, and reading recipes with minimal prompts to participate and for correct measurements. He is able to retrieve requested items from the refrigerator or pantry. He is able to retrieve utensils and cookware with minimal prompts.

Used to be I was very strict on Tyler’s diet, with a few bend the restrictions here and there. But Tyler still used chemical toothpaste, mouthwash, consumed almost daily OTC allergy medications, Cold medications, etc. For about a year now, I have REDUCED AND/OR ELIMINATED these type of products on a daily basis.

Tyler has over the years, made wonderful improvements in many areas simply with dietary restrictions so I decided to step out and take the journey a little further! This is when I decided, after trying it for me for a while, to incorporate Young Living Essential Oils & Supplements into Tyler’s regiment and the results have been unbelievable!

Had Tyler’s annual check up with this PCP yesterday. They were THRILLED to know that Tyler has been medication free for 6 months now and that the Psychiatrist at our visit in November did NOT write another prescription for Abilify! (His PCP does not like that prescription drug for many reasons but understood why it was prescribed). For about 4 years now, Tyler was taking abilify for anxiety and impulsive behaviors many times aggressive. Tyler, for about 12 years has taken daily (per doctor’s suggestion for allergy prevention or reduction of severity) Claritin and alternating with Zyrtec. As of June he’s not taken Claritin or Zyrtec daily. One day in August the allergy overload was so severe that I gave him 1 dose of Claritin, other than that I’ve been using a regimen below. I am not anti-medication but the fewer the chemicals the better, in our situation.

Trying to remove as many “chemicals” from Tyler’s system and it’s a slow process doing it one area at a time.

Both the PCP & Psychiatrist have a hard copy of this CURRENT regiment in his folder and both are supportive of my request to continue all medication vacations. I told them that I am aware that every holistic journey is individualized and is tweaked along with way, just like prescription medications and if there are any massive changes to the regiment I will send them updated information or wait until our next visit.

MORNING – for immune building, cognitive health, system detox, allergies, focus, calm and non impulsive behaviors and sensory issues

2oz of Ningxia Red, 1 tbs of Mindwise (Brain health and cognitive health), 1 capsule which is 1 – ½ dropper of Mineral Essence, 2 Sulfurzyme Capsules, 1 packet of CVS Pharmacy’s Vitamin C immune Support and other vitamins, 1000mg calcium, 2 Animal Parade Greenz vitamins.

I make one capsule consisting of the following essential oils: for immune: 3 drops Thieves, 3 drops Frankincense, for detox 2 drops Thyme (or Juvaflex) and then for antihistamine for allergies (stop with the OTC allergy meds in June): 3 drops Lemon, 3 drops lavender, 1 drop peppermint, 3 drops Copabia.

DAILY IN THE MORNING AND AS NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY FOR CALMING, ANXIETY AND IMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS. I blend the following oils (10 drop of each) into a roller bottle and roll generously on his wrists, upper arm and bend of elbow: Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Cedar Wood, Lavendar and GeneYus. If I am out of GeneYus, and I have Brain Power, I will rub Brain Power on the back of his neck. The roller bottle lasts a couple of weeks before I refill depending on the amount I roll on him. (this is best if done on the bottom of feet, but Tyler is too ticklish and so I use his wrist)

NIGHT – for calm and steady sleep, sensory issues cognitive health:

2 Sulfurzyme capsules, 1- 250mg of Magnesium, 2 Probiotics, 1 – 5mg of Melatonin and a few drops of Gentle Baby rubbed on his wrist and 1tsp of Carlson’s Fish Oil high grade

Uses YL Thieves Toothpaste and Mouthwash or Tom’s of Maine (whichever I have available) to reduce chemical consumption

The Ningxia Red, Mindwise, Mineral Essence, Sulfurzyme, and Fish Oil combinations, in addition to other things are targets toward Neurological health including cognitive and brain health, memory, immune, inflammation and sensory issues.

To the best I can dietary restrictions: Gluten free, casein free, high fructose corn syrup free (this stuff is horrible for the brain), process sugar free (or at least minimal). I currently have food goals to reduce carbs and fruity sugars for Tyler, and would like to completely eliminate artificial sugar or continue to reduce the amount consumed.

People will first tell me, I don’t have the $. Well I didn’t think I would have the money either – but I joined YLEO to receive product at a 24% discount and then I joined the ER program, because certain products I used monthly (supplement – specifically the Ningxia Red – is what I run out of quicker) therefore I put this on an automatic shipment and I earn points that I turn around and you to apply to the purchases of the other oils and products I use. Since the oils are pure, I need very little of them, and we go through them a little faster, because I have a personal regiment as well, which I will share later. So, his regiment is like my light bill or my water, bill, etc – it comes before everything else.

People tell me, I don’t have the time to do all that. Time, well there again, I make time. I had an NT daughter and she about ran me ragged with all her school and extracurriculars, getting up making lunches, etc. If Tyler was NT and had to be at sport or academics practice at 630 a.m., I would get up early, make his breakfast and have him at practice, so for me, it’s not about having the time, it’s about making the time. 10 minute or so, to make 2 capsules, pour 2 ounces of red in the morning, and lay out other vitamins, while I am making his breakfast and lunch, isn’t so significant that it changes your entire day. The same at night – a couple of hours before bed, it takes 5 minutes to give him all his night regiment. Again it SOUNDS time consuming but it’s not. Further, you have read, research and try and see what works for you – that can be time consuming, but I used to say – I will turn off the tv for 30 minutes while I focus on reading this, that, etc. again, which I’ve done and do.

Tyler’s improvements this past year since fully incorporating this stronger regiment

1) His verbal skills have massively improved

2) Cognitive and comprehension skills are improving

3) Sensory related issues are improving

4) Independence and critical thinking are improving

5) Weight loss has improved

6) People interaction has improved

7) Peer interaction is improving

8) Overcoming anxiety and fears of trying things is improving

Preparing for ARD and transition into High School Life Skills, – Academically – Tyler is at a 3rd grade level (with assistance) in reading and comprehension, a 1st grade level independently. Math is pretty close to the same levels. We will be working on continued academics, life skills and job training skills. We will be discussing a certification for completion of high school, not a diploma. Tyler’s social skills are about the same level, so people see a 14 year old boy but Tyler’s biological age and developmental age are several years apart. I manage Tyler on his developmental age for many things and his biological age for others. Tyler will continue speech therapy (outside of school) and tutoring for comprehension and application skills.

Tyler will continue his Young living regiment and it will be modified as needed – Young Living has helped provide a healthier approach to managing the “traits” that are common with the AU Spectrum and Tyler’s diagnosis. No prescription or holistic journey is a one-size fits all – and it takes time and constant tweaking to find what is helping support the traits. I personally address the “traits” that Tyler is associated with – Sensory issues, OCD tendencies, ADD tendencies, in the Spectrum many kiddos are dual, tripled and quadrupled diagnosed but his psychiatrist and I discussed at great length one time, many times a spectrum child/adult has these “traits” but not the full diagnosis. We actually pulled some of Tyler’s diagnosis and have it down to Autism/SPD – Tyler has these traits but not these full blown diagnosis of OCD and ADD. I tend to focusing on managing behaviors (behavior does not always mean aggressive or bad, it can also mean social issues, non compliant behaviors, in appropriate behaviors, etc). I also will continue not to constantly force Tyler into a socially acceptable world and force him into what I felt and dreamed for him. We do live in a society where life can be functionable and enjoyable even if it’s outside of the society accepted norm and it’s that life where I have found Tyler to be the happiest and most thriving. It’s not going to be the social butterfly life my daughter leads but it will be a life where he can be happy and improve with progress for happiness and independence and supervised living. I never give up hope, that one day it will all click and Tyler won’t need me or any supervision, but hope stays in my heart and in the back of my mind, the realist in me, prepares him for what I see he’s capable of today, and in my future. I am raising a child to be a permanent adult in my home.

I have to thank D.P. for taking the time with me two years ago to sit with me about YLEO (the approach was initially for my own health) and as we discussed things, and I began to research I took a leap of faith and added Tyler to my journey (I have always been a guinea pig when it comes to things for Tyler) and I thank God I have, it, for now, has been a great improvement for him. Is this the answer to it all, no I doubt it, but it is the answer and a great managing system for now. I am so grateful to God that Tyler has had great teachers and paras at LPISD – the Autism team has been amazing (I am not overly thrilled with the top administrators of the SPED dept, but the hands on team, teachers and paras I am pleased with and they are the daily impactors in Tyler’s education) He’s had great OT and Speech therapist at school (he no longer receives these services at school) his OT therapist at TCH was amazing, and he met all his goals about a year and ½ ago with her and so he’s temporarily no longer in OT and his Speech therapists at TCH have been incredible. As of Tuesday, we are in speech therapy limbo as we wait to be assigned a new therapist and time schedule, since his current therapist had to resign due to personal health issues which is forcing her to return to her home state. Tyler’s tutor that we have is hard core and Tyler (though he doesn’t like to go LOL) loves this person and works very very very hard for her and oozes great results! Tyler is participating in practices (though not all events) and interacting with the special olympics team mates much better this year and we will continue to do that as well. Tyler’s golf lessons are on hold until March (weather related) and his interaction with the Golf coach improves with each lesson. The coach and I discussed goals for Tyler – that hopefully we will begin to journey around the driving range (3-holes) at least once a month during the lessons.

I see many people with children Tyler’s age and it is impactive as to how far developmentally & socially Tyler is behind but then I look at Tyler and realize how far he’s come in the years since his diagnosed 9 years ago. Tyler at age 5 was non-verbal, unpotty trained (that took 4 ½ years in itself), 0 comprehension skills, complete detachment from things, 0 independence, aggressive reactions to sensory overload and inability to communicate, etc. Once I learned of the diagnosis and became and information hound on the diagnosis, things began to make sense and I knew everything had to take a completely different approach. The spectrum is so broad from low functioning, to high function and to all those in between. Tyler is in between and was on the lower end of the spectrum slowly moving to the middle and maybe someday will be at the higher end. I can’t forget that I manage and help Tyler in different areas, developmentally and biologically and they are not anywhere near one another LOL.

I will continue to work with a more holistic approach and I do believe in many other holistic management plans but those aren’t affordable to me, but I am grateful to those families that they are affordable to as to be able to help their loved ones. Almost all holistic approaches boil down to dietary restrictions and chemical free living and detoxing a toxic system.

I am Living with an attitude of gratitude. Tyler is “classic” autism. He’s already accomplished things that were never to be achieved and I have no doubt that his future holds many more accomplishment and YLEO is definitely going to be a part of this journey!

Let me begin by saying, Tyler’s psychiatrist is wonderful. He has over 200 patients ranging in ages pre-k through 80 years old with the same diagnosis Tyler has (and even though as a parent you KNOW the diagnosis will be there forever to hear those age #’s makes you take a gulp of reality!). What I like about his style is he know that one size DOES NOT fit all. He doesn’t discourage parents from choices that they want to make, he provides a lot of information and allows the parent to choose. He has seen holistic approaches do well with some people, he’s seen complete dietary changes help others and he’s seen the full need for medications. He is fully aware of side effects of medications and will even share those with you while in the office and discuss dosages, etc. So he truly is one of a kind!

First off MEDICATION VACATION continues!!!!!! YIPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

The doctor is always pleased when a medication vacation can take place, as it truly is giving the organs a break. Abilify, though it is a great medication for the issues we targeted associated with Tyler’s diagnosis has many unwanted side effects. So the lower the dose or these medication vacations are truly a blessing.

He liked the packet I put together for him and was looking at it and wanted to hand it back and I told him, no that was for his hard copy file, he thanked me for that as he was looking at the regimen the pictures, ingredients, etc.

We reviewed Tyler’s prescription on an “as needed basis” but we both agreed not to write one at this time since I have some left over since I am not using them. He indicated that if they expire and I need some, to call the office and he will call in a prescription to the pharmacy before I can come pick up a prescription.

We discussed continued work on behaviors since “boys” grow into men and can truly hurt their parents/caretakers, etc without meaning too. He said he’s seen parents with broken noses, black eyes, broken arms, etc and it wasn’t an intent by the patient, and sometimes it’s just hard to control their reactions, but still doesn’t set aside that the physical damage was done and the patient should always know the harm they have inflicted. He said, yes, there are some patients that know what they are doing but also can’t control themselves to stop. I told him, even in all the calm, I am fully aware that it’s like a volcano, you never know when an eruption may occur. He said, KNOWING that is half the battle! So, I will continue to work on “calming” skills with Tyler. It’s not a perfect world, even I lose my cool more often than I care to admit (I will say not nearly as often as I used too though) but my thing with Tyler is I want him to not act aggressively towards teachers and students or family members for that matter. The problem with this I have learned, is I haven’t been able to find that “defense” balance mechanism which his mind could tell him – defend yourself – but that’s a worry for another day LOL.

We discussed that all the things we (and when I say we, I mean Tyler, me, therapist, tutors, teachers, coaches, family and friends) are working on with sensory issues, calming issues, communication, comprehension, speech and cognition are the target areas we need to stay focused on.

So all in all it was a great visit. If things keep going as they are, then keep doing what you are doing for now  So, the end result today, was keep doing what I am doing, and we will see him again in 6 months, and if we need to go back sooner, we can.

Gonna give another shout out to Manimal and his continued progress. Ms. Nutt was telling me that he’s very aware of his surrounding. We all know that spectrum children are very visual and see more than we realize, but he’s been EXPRESSING his awareness which is a huge progress step. He’s been relating what someone maybe wearing, an accessory, etc with another person. He told one of the paras when she had her sunglasses on her head that it was just like Cathy Bryan (little did I know he paid attention to where I place my sunglasses LOL) and a few other examples. Tuesday while we were waiting for the speech therapist, The Lion King was on the TV and he told me, that’s the Lion King, just like on “A”‘s shirt. I was very impressed and we even told the therapist that his friend  “A” had a Lion King shirt. The ability to verbally relate and express his awareness, even in the smallest of things is a huge step for him. Is this an all the time expression, no, but once it happens, you know you are on the right step for it to happen again in the future. Thank you YLEO for being a contributing factor in helping Manimal’s progress with a more natural approach to the various things related to AU/SPD.

Items used to help with Brain Health, Cognitive Function: Ningxia Red, Mindwise and Mineral Essence