Understanding Kids With Autism

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Posted by admin | Posted in Kids' Health | Posted on 13-03-2010

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Whenever the subject of autism is brought up, very special care and attention needs to be given. This is due to the highly-sensitive nature of the disorder. For centuries, Autism has been viewed as a medical condition that is different from others. For one, it is a condition that affects children specifically and secondly, one that is fairly misunderstood by the common masses.

This article hopes to address some of the common issues associated with autism and autistic kids. These children are often regarded as a special and unique breed. Without proper understanding, these children will be trapped in a world of their own and have no chance at all to lead a proper life and one that is deemed to be “normal” and accepted by the general society as a whole.

Before we even proceed, let’s take a look at what “normal” is in the eyes of the society. When we talk about children being normal, we have a notion that they are lively, talkative, enjoys receiving attention, enjoys making friends, have a tendency to indulge in group activities, are able to communicate their thoughts and wishes to their parents, guardians or/and peers and so on. When one or more of these elements are absent, parents (or guardians who happen to spend the bulk of time with these children) should rightfully be able to notice the change.

Signs of autism include a drastic change in behavioral patterns. For instance, a once talkative child can turn to become one that is totally reserved and who will keep everything to himself. A once polite and well-mannered child can turn to be aggressive and have a tendency for violence for no apparent reason at all. Without proper understanding and guidance, these children can go on to face many further complications. They would forever be condemned in a world that is not theirs to be chosen with no apparent way out.

To top it off, there have been a lot of apparent overlapping of signs and symptoms of autism. For instance, signs such as being reserved or having a short attention span could be mistaken for being shy in nature. Without proper understanding and counseling, these problems can go unchecked and complicate other matters further.

Comparatively, the technology and science in the medical field have made it possible for an early diagnosis to be given. This is due to the many efforts of professionals in the field conducting detailed research where autism is concerned. With that, children suffering from autism can have the highest possible chance of living and leading a life that closely resembles that of a normal individual. There are many programs for autistic children to get involved in; many support groups to help in handling the issue and much more.

It is entirely up to the parents, guardians and the society as a whole to help these special breed of children. Parents and guardians can play their part by being as attentive and observant as they possibly are able to while the society can play a big part by learning to accept autism as a genuine medical condition that can be addressed with proper understanding and guidance.

DAN Doctors: Treating Autism Naturally

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Posted by admin | Posted in Dan Feder | Posted on 06-02-2009

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Ever since autism was identified and medically acknowledged, doctors and experts have come up with various medications and treatments to treat, or at least alleviate, the symptoms of autism. Obviously, there hasn’t been any generally accepted treatment for autism, as the medical world is still debating on the matter. The debate still exists because the experts are divided on the cause of this disorder. Many believe that autism is caused by genetics (therefore, not treatable and can only be managed); a number believe autism is called by biomedical factors, from weak immune systems to certain chemicals in the body. The DAN doctors believe in the former; hence, they also believe that autism can be treated or, at the very least, can become less of a hindering factor due to significantly diminished symptoms thanks to treatments, diets, and medications.

First off, what are the DAN doctors?

DAN stands for Defeat Autism Now, a medical project that was initiated during the 1960s.

It was Dr. Bernand Rimland who created this project under his Autism Research Institute. Basically, DAN doctors undergo a specialized seminar wherein they are taught the fundamentals of the DAN Protocol (the procedure, essentially, is rooted in the idea that autism can be completely treated since it is a biomedical disorder rather than a genetic disorder).

So how do they treat people with autism? The keyword here is natural-DAN doctors use natural means to alleviate autism symptoms. These treatments simply counter what they believe are the causes of autism. For instance, DAN doctors believe autism is caused by certain food substances; therefore, they eliminate these food substances from the body.

They also believe autism is reaction to mercury found in vaccines; in effect, they use treatments to remove these toxins from the body. According to studies, the gut flora of an autistic child is filled with millions of bacteria; hence, they encourage the use of probiotics to facilitate the flushing out of these substances. Studies also indicate that the immune system of autistic children may not be functioning properly; naturally, autistic children are given substances to help negate the effect of such limiting ailment.

“What’s the difference between this and the treatment facilitated by the others,” some may ask. The generally accepted or facilitated medication for autistic children consider the disorder as a genetic and a mental problem, without even acknowledging the other problem areas. However, the said effects cited above are medically proven, even accepted-but not as the cause of autism. DAN doctors face these problem areas, but not through means that can further damage or adversely affect the body of an autistic child. DAN doctors use natural means in fighting autism.

DAN doctors use medications and treatments that are natural. For instance, gluten and casein free diets are among the main proponents of the DAN protocol. This diet is a means of detoxifying the body of harmful chemicals caused by casein and gluten; the detoxification is not done through taking countless medications, as in the case of the convention means of treating autism.

Treating autism naturally is important because it ensures you that no further damage can be done on the child’s body. Autism, according to DAN doctors, is caused by chemicals and toxins. Needless to say, only natural medications and efforts can eliminate the harmful effects of such harmful substances.