Center for Autism and Integrative Health

Diet and ADHD

2012-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

According to J Gordon Millichap, MD and Michelle M. Yee, CPNP, authors of the article "The Diet Factor in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" found in the February 2012 Volume 129, Number 2 issue of Pediatrics magazine...

"A greater attention to the education of parents and children in a healthy dietary pattern, omitting items shown to predispose to ADHD, is perhaps the most promising and practical complimentary or alternative treatment of ADHD."

PFCs and childhood immunizations

2012-02-15T11:50:00.001-08:00

Perflourinated compounds (PFCs) have been identified as food contaminants. In addition to known immune suppression in a rodent model, a recent article in JAMA (“Serum Vaccine Antibody Concentrations in Children Exposed to Perflourinated Compounds”, Jan. 25, 2012) found that “elevated exposures to PFCs were associated with reduced humoral immune response to routine childhood immunizations in children aged 5 to 7 years”. As noted in JAMA, “these findings suggest a decreased effect of childhood vaccines and may reflect a more general immune system deficit.”

Minnesota babies born with high mercury levels, report shows

2012-02-09T06:57:00.001-08:00

From Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press (2/3/12):

One in 10 babies born along Minnesota's border with Lake Superior had high mercury levels in their blood, a state Health Department report found. Researchers noted that babies in Minnesota were more likely to have unhealthy levels of mercury compared with those born in Wisconsin and Michigan. The findings may be explained by mothers' high fish consumption, health officials said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mn-mercuryinbabies,0,5447745.story

Prenatal use of fish oil supplements may lower babies' eczema risk

2012-02-08T08:17:00.001-08:00

From The Daily Mirror (U.K.) (1/31):

Babies born to women who took omega-3 supplements during pregnancy were 36% less likely to have eczema, according to a U.K. study of almost 2,400 women. These babies were also 50% less likely to have egg allergies, researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/fish-oil-capsules-can-help-659172

Camel's milk

2012-02-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

From our friend Julie Mathews who has done research on camel’s milk.

She says: “As a nutritionist, I'd always been of the mindset, ‘no animal milk of any kind’ for children with autism. But after several parents approached me, adamant that camel's milk is different, that it had helped their children, and asking me to look into it, I did my own research.
Briefly, camel's milk has a different type of casein - it is not recognized by circulating IgE antibodies (studies have shown it to be safe with serious food allergies) and does not cause a problem for those with IgG sensitivities to other types of milk. Most interesting to me are the
immune protective proteins and immune support it provides, including having antibodies one-tenth the size of human, so they can penetrate into tissue such as the gut where infections lie, and is considered by camel milk researchers to be a "natural IVIG" therapy and ‘rehabilitate the immune system’."

For more information visit: http://nourishinghope.com/2011/11/camel-milk-healing-or-hype/

Research ties learning disabilities, cadmium exposure in children

2012-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

From WebMD (1/27):

Children ages 6 to 15 who had the highest cadmium levels in their urine were more likely to develop learning disabilities or require special education than those with the lowest levels, a study found. In the journal Environmental Health Perspective, researchers reported that cadmium levels were not associated with the risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

http://children.webmd.com/news/20120127/study-links-cadmium-exposure-learning-disabilities-kids

Lunch boxes recalled due to poison hazard

2012-01-30T10:10:00.003-08:00

From Reuters (1/24):

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced last Monday that California Innovations voluntarily recalled an estimated 248,000 insulated lunch boxes due to damaged freezer gel packs that pose a poisoning hazard. In the two reports of a dog chewing the packs received by the company, one dog died, while the other one recovered.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/24/us-lunchboxes-freezergel-idUSTRE80N26G20120124

New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

2012-01-25T09:38:00.001-08:00

From New York Times (1/19):
Only 45% of 372 children and adults among the highest functioning would qualify for the proposed autism spectrum criteria being considered by the American Psychiatric Association, an analysis found. Researchers said that an estimated 75% of patients with Asperger syndrome would not qualify for the diagnosis, while 85% of those with pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified would not qualify. The findings were presented at an Icelandic Medical Association meeting. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?_r=1

Study ties low vitamin D levels to depression risk in children

2012-01-23T06:59:00.001-08:00

From The Daily Mail (London) (1/20):

Data from the Children of the 90s research project involving more than 2,700 children showed that those with low vitamin D levels were more prone to depression. Children who had the highest vitamin D levels had a 10% lower risk of developing depression, University of Bristol researchers found.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2088876/Exposure-vitamin-D-lower-risk-mental-health-problems.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

IPad app aims to help children with autism communicate

2012-01-18T12:58:00.001-08:00

From The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (12/27)
Virginia father Joe Hill, whose son has autism, created an iPad application aimed at improving communication for children with the disorder. The Aeir Talk app, which launched Nov. 30, allows children to assemble sentences using virtual flashcards that can be customized with personal text, audio and photos uploaded by the child's parents. "The familiarity of things around them really helps in the learning," Hill said.

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/12/chesapeake-father-creates-app-navigate-autism

Children with autism have different gut bacteria

2012-01-16T13:26:00.001-08:00

From HealthDay News (1/10):
More than half of the tissue samples collected from the stomachs of children with autism showed a relatively large amount of Sutterella bacteria, according to a study in the journal mBio. Researchers noted that this bacteria was not detected in the tissue samples taken from children without autism, but said more study is needed on the link between gut bacteria and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism.

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=660530

Service dogs may lessen anxiety in autistic children

2011-12-29T10:36:00.001-08:00

Data on cortisol awakening response measurements of 42 children with autism spectrum disorders showed that trained service dogs reduced stress hormone levels and improved socialization skills of the children. In the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, parents reported an average of 33 behavior problems before living with a dog compared with 25 while living with the animal.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-17/pets/29765111_1_autistic-children-service-dogs-cortisol

Oxytocin influences effect of maternal depression on children

2011-12-28T11:55:00.001-08:00

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/12/09/love-hormone-may-buffer-kids-from-moms-depression

BPA lurks in canned soups and drinks

2011-12-21T13:09:00.001-08:00

By Anahad O'Connor New York Times 23 November 2011

A new study of people who ate one serving of canned food daily over the course of five days, the study found, had significantly elevated levels — more than a tenfold increase — of bisphenol-A, or BPA, a substance that lines most food and drink cans.

The new study, which was published last month in The Journal of the American Medical Association, is the first to measure the amounts that are ingested when people eat food that comes directly out of a can, in this case soup. The spike in BPA levels that the researchers recorded is one of the highest seen in any study.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/bpa-lurks-in-canned-soups-and-drinks/

Why are so many children being born with sex defects?

2011-12-21T07:14:00.001-08:00

1.2 million Britons are thought to have been born with some kind of disorder of sexual development as a result of errors in their genetic code. The disorders may be becoming increasingly common as a result of chemicals in plastics and hormones excreted by women taking the Pill, or similar drugs used in animal rearing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2064554/Why-children-born-sex-defects.html

Are you or someone you know suffering from a concussion or sports injury?

2011-12-16T11:18:00.001-08:00

HBOT might be able to help. For more information visit our website at http://www.ihealthnow.org/aboutus/healingwellness3.html

Sports-related concussions may affect cerebral blood flow

2011-12-14T12:00:00.001-08:00

From the American Academy of Pediatrics...

A study in the journal Pediatrics showed that cerebral blood flow significantly declined in most children ages 11 to 15 who experienced sports-related concussions. The circulation changes continued after other symptoms had subsided, which researchers said may mean that some children are returning to sports while they are still vulnerable to reinjury.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/11/28/peds.2011-2083.abstract

http://children.webmd.com/news/20111129/concussions-might-affect-kids-adults-differently

See what Blackmore's has to say about Dr. O'Hara

2011-12-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest from Blackmore's on Dr. O'Hara...

http://www.blackmores.com.au/wellbeing-blog/a-fresh-approach-to-treating-childhood-illness

EAT ORGANIC...

2011-12-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

An organic diet decreases pesticide exposure in 5 days

"Clean 15" - lowest in pesticides
1. onions
2. sweet corn
3. pineapple
4. avocado
5. asparagus
6. sweet peas
7. mangoes
8. eggplant
9. cantaloupe (domestic)
10. kiwi
11. cabbage
12. watermelon
13. sweet potatoes
14. grapefruit
15. mushrooms

"Dirty Dozen" - HIGHEST in pesticides
1. apples
2. celery
3. strawberries
4. peaches
5. spinach
6. nectarines (imported)
7. grapes (imported)
8. sweet bell peppers
9. potatoes
10. blueberries (domestic)
11. lettuce
12. kale/ collard greens

For more information on pesticides in food, visit: http://www.ewg.org/pesticidesorganics

Gardasil Vaccine Claim for Preventing Cervical Cancer Not Backed by Science

2011-11-21T11:08:00.001-08:00

Health Impact News Editor Comments: This article is from Discover Magazine, which is generally a pro-vaccine publication, and the author is a medical investigative journalist for the British medical journal (BMJ), who is not anti-vaccine. So it is not simply the anti-vaccine crowd that is complaining about the lack of science behind...

http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/gardasil-vaccine-claim-for-preventing-cervical-cancer-not-backed-by-science/

TACA Tidbits...

2011-11-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

~New research on treatment of concussion with HBOT shows marked improvements with HBOT.
For more information or to schedule a session at our office, please call 203-834-2813.

~Prenatal exposure to phthalates leads to attention problems, aggression, oxidative stress and mito dysfunction (references on file)

Your Child's Motor Development Story

2011-11-05T11:26:00.001-07:00

Come see our friend Jill Mays discuss her new book Your Child's Motor Development Story at the New Canaan Library on Wednesday 11/16 at 9:15 AM. She is gearing this talk to parents with an emphasis on the importance of sensory motor play in the baby through elementary years for healthy development, including social, emotional and neurological development. She will be sharing some of the most recent research findings on cognition and the brain that support the premise of the book.

http://newcanaanlibrary.org/events/developing-your-childs-motor-skills

Free Online Viewing of The Greater Good Movie

2011-11-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Regardless of your view regarding the relationship between vaccines and autism, watching this movie is essential. It premiers in NYC on November 5th, but you can view it for free for the next few days (see link below).

If you are like many Americans, you want to know more about the long term safety record of all vaccines especially the newer ones like Gardasil for HPV (which is now recommended by the CDC for "All" 11 year old girls AND boys).

The movie is very well done and will have a huge impact.

http://vimeo.com/31036452

Tidbits from TACA...

2011-10-24T12:29:00.001-07:00

Cortisol levels are very important in our kids. High cortisol levels affect adrenal function, mito function, activates inflammation.

Signs of Adrenal hypofunction - no sleep, crave salt, fatigue, anxiety, low cortisol

Signs of Adrenal hyperfunction - excess sweat, hyperactivity, weight gain, high cortisol

Labs to check- glucose, cortisol, aldosterone, thyroid, dhea

Treatment- Clean up environment, decrease carbs, sugars, bedtime snack with protein, b6, zinc, mg

Herbs- adaptogens including rhodiola, ginseng

Vitamins - b5, a, e

Others - licorice, chromium, cinnamon, efas, carnitine, salt, phosphatidylserine, ace (adrenal corticol extract)

On the way...news from ARI conference

2011-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

See our upcoming newsletter (will be emailed within the next week) for details on the following:

- Folate receptor auto-antibody abnormalities has important potential treatment implications
- Association between milk and folate receptor auto-antibodies
- Gut flora affects how we handle toxins
- BH4 can be have communication, oxidative stress, social and cognitive benefits
- Other treatments to consider for anxiety and OCD
- Importance of intestinal microbiomes in immune development and function over time

California 12 year olds to be vaccinated with out parents knowing

2011-10-12T08:24:00.001-07:00

News from yesterday...California 12 year olds to be vaccinated with out parents knowing written by Eileen Dannemann

Today Governor Brown signed into law AB499 which will allow 12 year old children to be vaccinated without parental knowledge or consent. This currently applies to the Gardasil and Hepatitis B vaccines, but will expand to include ANY new STD vaccine that is brought to market in the future.

This means that as of tomorrow, boys and girls as young as 12 will be alone in their doctors office, or pulled into the nurses office at school, be offered a vaccine and told that if they don't get it, they can get sick and die, the child will be given the shot and parents will never know. This also means that parents no longer have access to their child's full medical records, but are only able to request PARTS of their child's heath records once they turn 12.

The package insert for the Gardasil vaccine is 30 pages long. Take a look at it. The state of California has decided that 6th graders are competent to read and properly digest this information, to fully understanding the risks and benefits of this vaccine, and to make an informed consent decision. Absurd.

This is nothing more than a marketing ploy for Merck (who makes Gardasil) to get around parents who understand the risks of these specific vaccines, and the corrupt public officials in Merck's pocket who are handing innocent children over to them for power and profit. The California legislator that introduced this bill, Toni Atkins, took money from Merck and then lied about it when confronted on her motives for this bill.

And this morning on Fox, our friend and Canary Party member Rebecca Estepp, who is the communications director for the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy, debated former California state assembly woman Sally Lieber, who previously introduced a bill making the Gardasil vaccine mandatory for 11 year olds. Lieber had to remove her name from the leadership on the bill when it was discovered that her family was heavily invested in Merck.

Eileen Dannemann is the Directo of the National Coalition of Organized Women
www.ProgressiveConvergence.com
www.VaccineLiberationArmy.com
319 855-0307

Looking for a homemade, non-toxic play-doh recipe?

2011-10-06T10:14:00.001-07:00

Well, here it is...

3 cups flour (you can use gluten-free flour)
1 1/2 cups salt
3 tablespoons cream of tartar
3 cups water
3 tablespoons oil
food coloring

Mix together dry ingredients in large mixing bowl, set aside. In small pan bring water, oil and food coloring to a boil. Pour into bowl with dry ingredients and stir until to tough and then knead on floured table or cutting board. I like to let the children help with everything except the hot water (obviously) and when the play-doh is cool enough, it's so much fun to just play with it warm. You can keep it in a ziploc bag for several weeks.

Article: Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy Benefits Baby, Too - WE DISAGREE

2011-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

There was a recent article from Pediatric News entitled "Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy Benefits Baby, Too." In our opinion, this article, which was partially funded by Merck, is misleading and another example of "false advertising." In controlling for maternal age, black race, high school education, Medicaid or lack of insurance, and medical comorbidities, the study found that receipt of a maternal flu vaccine during pregnancy was associated with a 133.7 gram increase in birth weight. The article claimed the increased birth weight as another reason to give maternal flu vaccines during pregnancy. However, there was another statistically significant difference between the study groups related to prenatal care that questions the strength of their conclusion -- Women who received the flu vaccine had earlier and more frequent prenatal visits. We argue that the difference in prenatal care, and not the receipt of the maternal flu vaccine, is the reason for increased birth weight.

The article can be found at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/elsevier/pn_201109/#/12

Real Help Now Conference for Families with Autism - Saturday, October 1st

2011-09-27T11:21:00.001-07:00

Dr. O'Hara will be one of the featured speakers at TACA's 1st Pennsylvania Real Help Now Conference for Families with Autism which will be held on Saturday, October 1st in Malvern, PA
Visit www.realhelpnowconference.com for details and registration information

Dr. O'Hara: Detoxifying is key to health

2011-09-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. O'Hara spoke earlier this month about the importance of detoxification - click on the link below to read more about it.

http://www.ovparent.com/page/content.detail/id/506753.html

Alive and Well: The Art and Science of Living Well

2011-09-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Dr. Szakacs and Dr. O'Hara met a wonderful woman in Australia who attended the Mindd Forum and some of their patient visits. Check out what she has to say on her blog, Alive and Well: The Art and Science of Living Well.
http://aliveandwell.co/blog/2011/08/getting-recharged-at-the-2011-mindd-international-forum-on-children/

Dr. O'Hara is speaks at Mindd Foundation Fundraiser - see video

2011-09-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

If you've got 20 minutes, check out the attached video link to see Dr. O'Hara speak about Autism and ADHD at the Mindd Foundation fundraiser last month in Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJe9ZqEmumw&feature=youtu.be

Dr. O'Hara is speaking at Wheeling Country Day School on 9/6/11

2011-08-31T07:23:00.001-07:00

Dr. O'Hara will be speaking at the Wheeling Country Day School in Wheeling, West Virgina on Tuesday, September 6th @ 6:30pm. Come see her! The lecture is titled Our Canaries: Why all the Asthma, Allergies, ASD and ADHD?

Radio Interview with Dr. O'Hara

2011-08-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

On August 15th, Dr. O’Hara was featured on Australia's Radio National’s Life Matters with Richard Aedy, an illuminating interview that explores the health issues facing children in the modern world. Here is the link to the interview: www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2011/3293037.htm

Dr. O’Hara was recently featured on Australia's radio station, Mix 106.5

2011-08-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mindd Foundation delegate Dr Nancy O’Hara was recently featured on Australia's radio station, Mix 106.5 , Andrew and Claire ‘The Brighter Side of Breakfast’ show at 7.35-8.30am; interviewed by media personalities Dr Andrew Rochford and Claire Hooper.

Looking for a holistic dentist in the Fairfield / Westchester County area?

2011-08-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

Check out Leonard Kundel, DMD at www.stamforddentist.com.

A Holistic approach to Dentistry by Dr Leonard Kundel. The basis of Dr. Kundel’s practice is "Your mouth is connected to your body so it should be treated as such". To be treated holistically is to be made whole/complete.

Dr. O'Hara is speaking at Mindd Foundation International Forum for Children

2011-08-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dr. O'Hara is speaking at Mindd Foundation International Forum for Children next weekend August 13-14 in Sydney, Australia.
Please visit www.mindd.org for more information.

Arsenic found in Mott's apple juice

2011-07-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Arsenic found in Mott's apple juice

See link below for more information

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110722/NEWS01/107220338/Group-Arsenic-found-Mott-s-apple-juice?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Inspiration for all the moms out there...

2011-07-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_kay_if_i_should_have_a_daughter.html

PANDAS Study update from Dr. Cunningham

2011-07-13T11:01:00.001-07:00

The study was recently closed for regulatory reasons so no more results will be provided. If you would like your donation refunded, please contact them at: pandas-research@ouhsc.edu

HBOT Rentals Available for Summer

2011-06-29T09:13:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in renting one of our soft HBOT chambers this summer, please contact our office at 203-834-2813.

Your Healing Retreat was a huge success!

2011-06-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Your Healing Retreat is a path of education, hope and rejuvenation for parents and physicians living and working with autism and ADD. www.yourhealingretreat.com

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More Pictures!

More pictures from Your Healing Retreat 2011 are coming very soon! Please “Like” our Facebook Fan Page to receive an update when all of the pictures are posted.

The Team!

Professional colleagues, Drs. Nancy O’Hara, MD, Elizabeth Mumper, MD, Stephanie Cave, MD, Julie Buckley, MD and Maureen McDonnell, RN have worked together as clinicians, teachers, authors and nationally recognized lecturers in the field of neurodevelopmetal disorders. Read More

Powerful healing circle that closed the weekend & began a movement

Hope for You to Heal

A new concept for helping to heal children and their families affected by autism was born! The first annual Your Healing Retreat took place June 3rd to the 5th at a beautiful lakeside retreat center in the mountains of western North Carolina. Parents, therapists and physicians gathered to learn not only the biomedical approach and practical pearls for improving the health and behavior of children, they also enjoyed workshops on strategies for healing their own lives.
As most people know, living and working with children affected by autism can be exhausting! The organizers of the Healing Retreat (Dr. Julie Buckley, Maureen McDonnell, RN, Dr. Liz Mumper, Dr. Nancy O’Hara and Dr. Stephanie Cave) decided from the onset this event would be different. Yes, there were excellent and informative CME lectures on the science, and practical approaches for getting the kids better, but additionally these sisters in science spirit and spunk crafted the agenda with careful consideration for the caregivers.

Parents finally have a chance to relax and reflect...
Thanks to the generosity of our title sponsor Hopewelll Pharmacy and Compounding Center, our Gold sponsor OxyHealth and our additional high quality, hand selected companies, attendees were provided with nurturing and rejuvenating experiences that included: free massage, organic food for all meals (thank you Houston Enzymes), a lakeside wine reception, a workshops on ways to create a healthy home or office, toxin free dentistry and healthy gf/cf diets with added information on the how’s and why’s of vegetable juicing and fermented foods. Parents and clinicians alike took advantage of early morning yoga, walked the beautiful trails, swam in the lake, enjoyed the live performance by H Hanson, learned stress management techniques, benefited from sessions on healing relationships and danced (with some wild socks) at the Saturday night SOKHOP.
The 3- day event ended with a special closing ceremony that focused on the healing energy that we each possess. Together we focused that energy on our children and on ourselves. There is hope for us all to HEAL.
Follow the healing retreat movement on our soon to be launched on line community. More details to follow or go to www.yourhealingretreat.com for updates.
Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year!
The Sisters in Science, Spirit and Spunk

Parents and Physicians alike pay close attention as the speakers present cutting edge science and practical information on ways to heal our children.

Feedback

The attendees of the first annual Healing Retreat say it best:
I just wanted to let you know how amazing my experience at the retreat was! I learned so much and now I'm feeling so positive! The energy was great and I feel like I'm truly beginning to let go of fear and embrace hope. It is an amazing feeling to have hope back for my child! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I can't wait for next year!
- Alicia Ballard, Hendersonville, NC
It seemed to me that everyone was just drinking in the atmosphere and one another – both professionals and parents. Very healing experience at Kanuga.
- Kathi Kemper, MD, MPH
Chair for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Director, Center for Integrative Medicine
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
My head and heart are still reeling with insights, ideas, and a-ha's... this weekend was splendid... special and powerful in countless ways.... thank you so much for facilitating the healing and being a messenger for all....
- Kim Shufran, NC
Please start telling your friends and physicians about www.YourHealingRetreat.com

Hope for You to Heal by H Hanson

To listen to the special Hope for You to Heal song by H Hanson, visit www.hhanson.com. If you would like to purchase this song, please visit www.cdbaby.com/Artist/HHanson

Your Healing Retreat, a chance to connect with friends with nature as the backdrop

Every opportunity to bond, learn, relax and have fun...

Two of the "sistahs" feeling the good energy and looking forward to doing what they do best....sharing their knowledge on how to heal the kids.

School's out!

2011-06-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Check Autistic Traveler for your guide to trip planning...
www.autistictraveler.com

Office Space for Rent

2011-06-22T17:26:00.001-07:00

We still have additional square footage (~500 SF) available for another like-minded practitioner. Separate entrance, beautiful and airy space to rent, utilities included (except phone and internet). Please contact the office at 203-834-2813 if you are interested.

June 5th Autism Speaks Walk!

2011-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

If you are not attending the Healing Retreat next weekend (www.yourhealingretreat.com)... for our local followers, Sunday June 5th is the Fairfield/Westchester Autism Speaks Walk. Click the link below for more information.

http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443128

Healing Retreat is just a week - June 3-5, 2011

2011-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

When It Comes to Autism, Solutions, (Not Just Studies) Are Available

A new study says 32 million children in this country are affected by chronic illnesses including autism and ADD.
Link to study: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285910002500
The study concludes that more specialists and better health care access are the answers. But what if the answers lie in thinking about the problem in a new way? What if we used good science, evidence-based medicine, and some common sense to examine the underlying issues that may hold the key to not only the problem, but to the solutions?
At Your Healing Retreat, four of the most experienced medical doctors will be speaking to clinicians and parents on effective ways to prevent and improve the health and behavior of children affected by autism and ADD. Check out www.YourHealingRetreat.com
These seasoned physicians will address the fact that there is a growing subset of children that cannot handle the 87,000 chemicals in wide spread use. They will also discuss the consequences of children consuming food with little or no nutritional value (the typical American diet). Finally and most importantly they will offer solutions and practical advice to clinicians and parents who are in the trenches trying to help these children.
The numbers of children affected by autism and ADD have been growing steadily and are now astronomical. These are preventable and although it can be exhausting work, kids can improve and even recover from these disorders. Your Healing Retreat will provide pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, RNs, therapists and parents with the knowledge and practical tools needed to address the startling statistics revealed in this new study.
It's time to turn this ship around!!! PLEASE consider attending Your Healing Retreat and tell clinicians to attend so that they can learn the real reasons our kids are sick and more importantly how to help them get better.
Click here to register for Your Healing Retreat!

NATURAL OPTIONS TO TREAT INFECTIONS

2011-05-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

NATURAL OPTIONS TO TREAT INFECTIONS

Try to start these herbs and supplements at the first sign of infection in your child.

1. Garlic - Garlic supplies powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Clove or Kyolic
• Dosage: One/day
• Take with meals

2. Vitamin C
• Ester-C or Buffered form
• Follow directions on bottle for child’s weight to maximum of 1000mg per year of
age through age 5. Divide into 3-4 doses per day
• Start with small amount. If you are giving too much, your child may have
cramping and diarrhea

3. Echinacea-
• Follow directions on bottle for child’s weight.
• Discontinue after two weeks. Works best when given intermittently, not
continuously throughout the winter. If you have chronic infections, you may want
to cycle echinacea, 2 weeks on, 1 week off
• Do NOT use with goldenseal
• Echinacea and Elderberry is often sold together and is an excellent immune
booster

4. Zinc - Follow directions on bottle for child’s weight

5. Carrot juice - Drink 4 ounces daily or at least every other day. The best juicers for
home made vegetable juice are Vitamix, Champion, Acme and Omega.

6. May add astragalus for congestion

7. If you miss the early signs of an infection, start this procedure as soon as possible to
give the immune system an extra boost.

8. See your primary physician if your child develops a fever or worsening symptoms. If
he/she is placed on an antibiotic, double probiotic dose until 1 week after finishing
antibiotic (probiotic and antibiotic need to be at least 2 hours away from each other).

The above is intended as information and does not represent the only options in addressing
this problem. Please contact your primary physician prior to beginning any treatment.

Spring is here and ticks and bugs are out! Here are some natural repellents to try...

2011-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Insect Bites and Sprays

Insect spray for the house and garden:
3 drops spearmint
3 drops orange
2 qts water
Mix and spray on plants in the house and outside and in greenhouse to keep the bugs and aphids away.

Insect repellent
Peppermint works great. Just rub it all over head, arms and legs.

Here is a list of essential oils you can use on bites:
1 drop thyme Or 1 drop lavender
10 drops lavender 1 drop birch
4 drops eucalyptus
3 drops roman chamomile
1 Tbs V-6

Over the Counter Products:

Note: Lemon eucalyptus, citronella and lavender should not be used in children under 2 years old.

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus spray

Skeeter Beater

Kiss My Face natural tick repellant

California Baby Citronella products

Ambermin’s Natural Source – available at Hopewell Pharmacy (www.hopewellrx.com)

Got yeast?

2011-05-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Come see us if your child suffers from any of the following symptoms:

Inappropriate laughter
Mood swings
Spaciness
Foggy thinking
Sugar or carb cravings
Poor sleep
Frequent diaper rash
Frequent urination
History of frequent antibiotics

www.ihealthnow.org

Mercury

2011-05-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

Mercury poisoning often goes undetected for years because the symptoms presented within the body do not necessarily suggest the mercury as the initiating cause.

Mercury poisoning can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, irritability, insecurity and fatigue. Below is a list of sources that mercury can be found in:

Adhesives
Air conditioner filters
Body powders
Broken thermometer
Cosmetics
Dental fillings
Diuretics
Fabric softeners
Felt floor waxes
Polishes
Fungicides
Industrial wastes

Laxatives
Mercurochrome
Paints
Photoengravings
Psoriatic ointments
Seafood (especially large Atlantic fish)
Sewage disposal
Skin lightening cream
Tanning leather
Tattooing
Wood preservatives
Flu vaccine (93%)

Lead

2011-05-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

Hair is an excellent indicator of lead toxicity. Lead is a cumulative toxin that is retained in the central nervous system, bones, brain, glands, and hair. For children, 1 ppm has been found to correlate with increased risk of hyperactivity; over 3 ppm increases the risk of learning disabilities. Sources of exogenous lead are:

Bone meal
Car batteries
Canned fruit/juices
Ceramic glazes
Cigarette ash
Eating utensils
Auto exhaust
Leaded gasoline
Hair dyes
Insecticides
Lead crystal dishes and glassware
Lead refineries
Lead smelters
Lead water pipes
Mascara
Evaporated milk

Organ meats
Lead-based paint
Pesticides
Porcelain glazed sinks and bathtubs
Produce (near roads)
Putty
PVC containers
Rainwater
Solder
Tobacco, pre 1986 (50% lead)
Toothpaste
Toys (especially those from China)
Vinyl mini-blinds
Water, city and well
Wine

Notes from Day 3 of the Autism Research Institute Conference

2011-04-30T15:35:00.001-07:00

Opiate peptides are released from gluten & casein by enzymes in GI tract and regulate cysteine uptake (inhibit the uptake) -- Decreased cysteine uptake causes decreased antioxidant capacity and leads to increased GI inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and Autism
4/30/11
One reason some children benefit from low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is that this opiate antagonist blocks inhibition of cysteine uptake by morphine & gluten/casein-derived opiate peptides

Greater increase in cysteine uptake with human milk than with formula

Study showing milk-free diet down regulates folate receptor autoimmunity in cerebral folate deficiency syndrome

Colostrinin is a sheep colostrum that has been shown to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients

Ecogenetics = study of environmental factors that interact with genes to cause health & disease. Ecogenetic adaptation is occurring among Somali residents in Minnesota
--- < 1:1000 Somali children with ASD in 1993 (before immigration to Minneapolis, MN in mid-to-late 90's)
--- 1:60 Somali-American school children with ASD in 2005
--- 0.17% of Caucasian, Hispanic, and African-American children in ASD programs in 2005; 0.28% in 2008
--- 1-1.5% of first generation school age Somali-Americans enrolled in ASD programs - peaked in 2005; 0.9% in 2008.
(Information is from the Minnesota department of health, 2009)

80% of people in US with ASD are less than 22 years old
(Information from the Autism Research Institute, 2011)

More from Day 2 of the ARI Conference in Atlanta

2011-04-30T06:21:00.001-07:00

Children with autism have lower glutathione levels, higher markers of protein damage and higher levels of oxidative stress as shown in research by Jill James.

MeB12 & folinic acid moved behavior (communication, socialization and daily living skills) toward normal and raised glutathione levels over 3 mths (James et al)

Epigenetics (genes are the hard drive and epigenetics are the software that dictates how information is read) are altered by diet, environment and stress. It is the way the genome adapts to environmental change.

Mom"s genetic profile and imbalances affect fetus and can alter metabolism prenatally. In utero environmental factors affect fetal development. If mother carries genetic risk, then this increases the risk of problems in child.

Maternal methylation abnormalities include low folate, methionine, and SAM

Live from Day 2 of the Autism Research Institute Conference

2011-04-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Met an adult woman with autism who is an advocate for the biomedical treatment of all children and adults with autism as she is dealing with tremendous immune, mitochondria and hormonal issues.
She also said that out of 10 physicians she has found only 1/2 of 1 doctor that has helped her.

Please spread the word so we can teach more physicians how to help these children and adults. Sponsor and encourage a physician to go the healing retreat in June (www.yourhealingretreat.com).

This same woman with autism did not have any functional language until she was an adult and now is a spokeswoman!

Live from Day 2 of the Autism Research Institute Conference

2011-04-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Dr O'Hara & Dr. Szakacs are in Atlanta at day 2 of the Autism Research Institute Conference. They are blogging you pearls from the clinician seminar.

Children with autism have at least a 20% lower level of ATP than the Neurotypical control group, some up to 50% less.

The mitochondrial problem, according to Dr. Frye, is more dysregulation and an inability for the proteins to work given the level of oxidative stress in our children with autism.

More from ARI Conference Atlanta

2011-04-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

Rice protein powders are very high in glutamate (excitotoxic) - often better to supplement actual amino acids.

Elevated sarcosine (an amino acid) increases toxicity of substances like formaldehyde - sarcosine should not be present in blood or urine.

Although plant protein has many benefits (decrease ammonia levels, etc), it also has a higher % of glutamate (40% in plant protein & 11-22% in animal protein).

2011-04-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

Non epileptic treatments (ketogenic diet, GFCF diet, HBOT) improve seizures as well as improvements in sleep, communications, behavior, attention and mood (frye and Adams, submitted)

More from the Autism Research Institue Conference

2011-04-28T12:22:00.001-07:00

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) able to record neruomagnetic signals (like listening for ant footsteps in the middle of a rock concert)

Mitochondrial disorders and seizure HEADD syndrome - hypotonic, epilepsy, autism and developmental delay (filano 2002)
Complex III deficiency and seizures (filipek 2003, poling, 2006)
ASD & mito - 39% with seizures (shoffner 2009)

Cerebral folate deficiency -antibody blocks transport of folate into brain as well as mitochondrial deficiency may lead to lower levels; treat with high dose of folinic acid or 5-meTHF 2 mg/kg/day and casein free diet; antibody test done by dr Quados at SUNY Downstate

2011-04-28T12:13:00.005-07:00

www.bodyburden.org - 287 chemicals detected in umbilical cord blood, 180 cause cancer, 217 toxic to brain and nearly 200 banned for years

2011-04-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin) used as cofactor for metabolism of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Found to be lower in children with autism ( oxidative stress decreases BH4 availability (frye et al, neurotherapeutics, 2010))

2011-04-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

Study on glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) showing excitoxicity may have role in autism as it peaks in second year when regression occurs and namenda may have role in treating this.

2011-04-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

If your child has low tone and signs of mitochondrial dysfunction and/or inflammation but normal lab tests then consider testing ck-mb.

Live from the Autism Research Institute Conference in Atlanta, GA

2011-04-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Dr. O'Hara & Dr. Szakacs are in Atlanta at the Autism Research Institute Conference.
They are blogging you pearls from the clinician seminar...

Arsenic

2011-04-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Arsenic

Arsenic is a highly poisonous metallic element registered with the Chemical Poisoning and Environmental Toxicity Centers. Inorganic arsenic deposits in the hair, skin, and nails, and once within the hair follicles, as with most toxic metals, it will stay in the shaft for years. Below are some common sources for arsenic:

Animal feed
Automobile exhaust
Colored chalk
Herbicides
Household detergents
Industrial dust
Insecticides
Non-organic chicken

Non-organic rice
Pressure treated wood
Rat poisons
Seafood
Wallpaper dye/plaster
Water/city and well
Wine
Wood preservatives

Arsenic is a carcinogen, and those with high levels of arsenic within their tissues are at a high risk for skin, scrotal, liver, lymphatic, and lung cancer. Other symptoms of arsenic poisoning are:

Headaches
Confusion
Drowsiness
Convulsions
Changes in fingernail pigmentation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloody urine
Muscle cramps
Convulsions
Gastrointestinal upsets
Coma
Death

Aluminum

2011-04-25T11:41:00.001-07:00

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular metal used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals to cookware. Aluminum salts are soluble in water and are, therefore, easily assimilated into the body. Unwanted aluminum is deposited in the brain and nervous system tissues, and will continue to accumulate there. It is commonly known that aluminum is related to Alzheimer's disease.

Aluminum toxicity is sometimes elevated in children and adults with low zinc and behavior/learning disorders such as ADD, ADHD, and autism. High levels of aluminum are found in many colloidal mineral products. Aluminum is commonly found in the products below:

Alum
Aluminum cans
Aluminum cookware
Aluminum foil
Aluminum silicate found in Kaopectate
American cheese
Animal feed
Antacids
Automotive parts
Automotive exhaust
Baking powder
Beer
Ceramics
Vaccines

Your Healing Retreat receives American Academy of Pediatrics Seal of Approval

2011-04-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

The excerpt below was taken from page 9 of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Complementary and Integrative Medicine's Spring 2011 Newsletter

Your Healing Retreat
Elizabeth Mumper, MD, FAAP

My gratitude to the SOCIM Newsletter for the opportunity to share exciting news about a new venture: Your
Healing Retreat, a path for parents and physicians living and working with autism and ADD will take place
June 3-5, 2011 at the beautiful Kanuga Conference Center in the mountains of North Carolina in Hendersonville.
Four of my professional colleagues, Drs. Nancy O’Hara, MD, Stephanie Cave, MD, Julie Buckley, MD and
Maureen McDonnell, RN and I have worked together as clinicians, teachers, authors and lecturers in the field
of neurodevelopmetal disorders. As busy professionals, we have a hard time practicing what we preach about
self nurturing. Suddenly, we got a wake-up call when the youngest of us developed cancer.
We decided to create a weekend retreat, geared at caregivers- both family members and physicians dealing
with disease processes- that could prove to be helpful to everyone involved, integrating education about the
medical problems with experiences that help those caring for someone with chronic health challenges
successfully care for themselves. Our first retreat will focus on those who care for children with Autism and
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Physicians who take care of children with autism and ADHD may find themselves in “burnout” mode, due to
the magnitude of their patients’ problems and the frustrations of the parents. The retreat is designed for
medical doctors (especially pediatricians and family practitioners) who wish to understand and learn practical
science-based approaches for identifying and treating the array of medical conditions that impact behavior,
attention and speech of children affected by autism. Your Healing Retreat participants will gain access to
cutting-edge, safe and effective integrative approaches for healing children while recharging their own
batteries. They will learn relaxation techniques, tips to improve their relationships, and strategies to get back
into balance. Kathi Kemper, the former section head of the American Academy of Pediatrics Complementary
and Alternative Medicine division will speak on Stress Management: Mental, Physical and Spiritual.
CME approved lectures scheduled in conjunction with workshops and a myriad of rest, relaxation and healing
opportunities (including morning yoga, massage, hikes, organic food and cooking classes) allow conference
attendees to enjoy a spectacular retreat environment at a beautiful lake in the mountains. During the threeday
intimate meeting, a community will be built––and through the use of interactive web-based tools––
continue to be fostered long after the conference is over. At the conclusion of the “Healing Retreat”, parents
and physicians return home rested, renewed, and rejuvenated, with a resource community and real-time
implementable tools in their proverbial toolbox.
We specifically have designed the curriculum for this retreat to be very friendly and welcoming for those new
to the integrative medicine experience. We have made a conscious decision to avoid focusing on the
polarizing issue of causation with regard to autism and focus on strategies to help children with autism and
ADHD thrive and heal. We are working hard to develop an integrative medicine tool box, so that clinicians
who attend the retreat will be equipped to begin specific treatment strategies when they return to their offices
refreshed and restored.
Your Healing Retreat is a path of education, hope and rejuvenation for parents and physicians living and
working with autism and ADD. Due to the unique structure of the event, we can only accommodate 50
clinicians (MDs and DOs). Visit www.yourhealingretreat.com now to register!

To read the full SOCIM Spring 2011 Newlsetter, click on the link below.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_h3LQ-jb0t9NzI2OThmZWUtNGE2Ny00NmJlLTkyZWYtZTM1MjZhYWU1NGI0&hl=en

Mercury Levels in Fish

2011-04-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

High

Bluefish

Grouper

Mackeral (King, Spanish, Gulf)

Marlin

Orange Roughy

Seabass (Chilean)

Shark

Swordfish

Tilefish

Tuna (Ahi, Yellowfin, Bigeye, Canned Albacore)

Medium

Bass (Striped, Black)

Carp

Cod (Alaskan)

Croaker (White Pacific)

Halibut (Pacific, Atlantic)

Lobster

Mahi Mahi

Monkfish

Perch (Freshwater)

Sablefish

Skate

Snapper

Tuna (Canned Chunk Light, Skipjack)

Sea Trout

Low

Anchovies

Calamari

Catfish

Clam

Cod (Arctic)

Crab (Domestic)

Crawfish/ Crayfish

Flounder

Haddock (Atlantic)

Hake

Herring

Mackerel (N. Atlantic, Chub)

Mullet

Oyster

Perch (Ocean)

Plaice

Pollock

Salmon

Sardine

Scallop

Sole (Pacfic)

Tilapia

Trout (Freshwater)

Whitefish

Whiting

Data from: www.nrdc.org

Dyeing Easter Eggs Naturally

2011-04-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Chris Holden, Chef/ Owner of Back on Tract an SCD cook and caterer in Massachusetts.

To learn more visit www.backontract.com.

Just in time for Easter...

Prepare Eggs: Boil white cage-free organic egss with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in the water. Let eggs cool when done.

Colors:
Red: beets, paprika, pomegranate juice
Yellow: turmeric, sage, saffron
Orange: mix 3 parts yellow and 1 part beets
Green: spinach, kale
Brown: tea, leftover coffee, chili powder
Blue: Blueberries
Purple: Blackberries, concord grapes or grape juice
Lavender: red onion skins

Prepare Dye:
1. Chop or crush dye ingredients of desired color
2. Place 2 cups of water and ingredients in saucepan
3. Simmer for 5 to 60 minutes making sure that water is deeply colored
4. Strain dye and add eggs to hot colored water
5. Leave eggs in dye until desired color reached

Be creative. Use wax crayons to write words or draw pictures. The wax will not absorb the color. Use rubber bands to create a tie-dyed effect. Stickers will also add to the fun. Use your imagination and have fun!

Office Space for Rent

2011-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

We still have additional square footage (~500 SF) available for another like-minded practitioner. Separate entrance, beautiful and airy space to rent. Please contact the office at 203-834-2813 if you are interested.

Now in Theaters...Wretches & Jabberers

2011-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Wretches & Jabberers

Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette are two men with autism who have limited speech but a whole lot to say. As young people, both faced lives of isolation, unable to convey their inner intelligence. It was not until adulthood when each learned to communicate by typing—giving them a way to express their thoughts, needs and feelings—that their lives changed dramatically. After more than ten years of advocating for people with autism, they felt it was time to take their message global—to help people with autism in other countries around the world break through the isolation they both knew so well.
Tracy, Larry and their support team, Harvey Lavoy and Pascal Cheng, joined forces with Academy Award®-winning filmmaker, Gerardine Wurzburg, and Producer, Douglas Biklen. “Our goal was to shine a light on autism internationally. Larry and Tracy’s journey allowed us to portray the global face of autism through the personal stories of six men and women throughout the world,” explains Producer and Director Wurzburg. The result is the feature documentary, Wretches and Jabberers: And Stories from the Road, a provocative mixture of advocacy, personal portrait and travel adventure film—seasoned with liberal doses of humor.
The film provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from people with autism about how they understand and experience their own disabilities. Larry types, “Autism is not abnormality of the brain as much as abnormality of experience.” Interspersed with their travels are glimpses of Tracy and Larry's formative experiences in the States. For Larry, 52, who spent ten years of his childhood in a mental institution, painting became his outlet. He finds that his art makes people “want to listen to his artistic voice not his autistic voice.” However, he notes, “nothing I did... convinced people I had an inner life until I started typing.” Tracy, 42, spent his school years in segregated classrooms isolated from his peers. His breakthrough also came from typing, when he was 23-years-old. Though he now communicates with audiences of all kinds for his advocacy work, Tracy admits that he is still prone to “intense anger” about his situation. “I have always been very angry about my autism and didn't get seen as intelligent until I was out of high school.”
Despite their struggles, the two men reveal profound wisdom about their lives and convey their acceptance of autism as an expression of the diversity of humanity. This theme of diversity is underscored by the variety of customs, food and cultures of the people visited by the men—in Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland. Viewers share their eye-opening experiences as they negotiate the terrain of travel, culture and new friendships on what they aptly name The World Intelligence Magnified Tour.

Learn more at http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A new model offering hope for recovery

2011-04-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Check out Dr. Szakacs' and Dr. O'Hara's article "Autism Spectrum Disorder: A new model offering hope for recovery" on page 32 of the April issue of Natural Nutmeg magazine.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1rkyd/NaturalNutmegApril20/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F308738%2FNatural-Nutmeg-Ap...

Parents Partnering with Pediatricians to Treat Autism

2011-03-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

In an ideal world, pediatricians would know exactly what to do when a child is diagnosed with autism. Many parents know only too well, that is just not the case. Sadly, most pediatricians are still not familiar with the array of treatable medical conditions that often accompany a diagnosis of autism. GI distress, nutritional deficiencies, immune dysregulations, mitochondrial dysfunction, an inability to digest gluten or casein are all medical abnormalities that when properly identified and treated bring about positive changes in speech, behavior, cognitive function and general health.

There are of course some leading-edge physicians who over the past 10 years took the time to analyze the research, delve into the science and listen to the parents. As a result, they created strategies for safely and effectively helping to improve the health and behavior of some children. But their numbers are small and we need more of them!

How can we increase the number of doctors who will help parents prioritize treatment strategies, order the right tests, ask the right questions, interpret the test results and provide safe and effective interventions?

We have to create them!

On June 3-5^th, in a beautiful conference center in western North Carolina, 5 of the top medical experts in the autism treatment community will teach, train and prepare 50 medical doctors to return to their offices on Monday morning better equipped with the understanding and the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of children affected by autism.

Parents are already registering for this unique opportunity of education, hope and rejuvenation, But we need your help in getting the physicians there!

There’s never been an opportunity like this. The scope and depth of medical conditions in these children demands that a paradigm shift occur in the medical profession and we are asking you to help us create one. Please print out the postcard on the attached link, bring it to your pediatrician or family physician and encourage them to attend so they can become our partners in the healing and prevention of autism.

Your Healing Retreat www.YourHealingRetreat.com is being organized and presented by the “Sisters in Science, Spirit and Spunk”: Elizabeth Mumper, MD, Julie Buckley, MD, Maureen McDonnell, RN, Stephanie Cave, MD and Nancy O’Hara, MD

Physician Postcard:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_h3LQ-jb0t9NDc0MzY1YjYtNDc1Yi00M2FlLThkZTYtZjVhZWUzZmZkYzc2&hl=en&authkey=CIfOy6AD

"When the Belly is the Beast" - Conference in Dartmouth, MA on Friday 4/1/11

2011-03-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Gottschall Autism Center proudly presents

the Second Annual

"When the Belly is the Beast"

How Intestinal Health Impacts Brain & Behavior

Friday, April 1, 2011

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Rachel’s Lakeside | 950 State Road | Dartmouth, MA

Autism is often thought of as a developmental disorder or neuropsychiatric problem.

Join us on April 1st to hear how intestinal function plays a pivotal role in behavior, communication,

socialization, and cognition in people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Martha Herbert

Pediatric Neurologist and the Director of the TRANSCEND Research Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston

and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School

“Autism as a Chronic Whole Body Treatable Environmental Illness”

Dr. Alessio Fasano

Medical Director of the Center for Celiac Research and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland

“Gluten, Leaky Gut, and the Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Connect the Dots”

Pamela Ferro, RN

President of the Gottschall Autism Center and co-founder of Hopewell Associates, Inc. in Mattapoisett

“Gastrointestinal Pathology & the Use of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet in Autism”

“Mothers of Children with Autism: Strategies to Improve the Outcome of Health and Relationships”

Hosted by

Wendy Fournier

President of the National Autism Association

This year’s expanded schedule includes:

· It Takes a Village: Finding Family Resources

· Autism & the Law: Legal Basics for Parents

· Transition: A Parent’s Perspective

· Autism AWAAREness: Keeping our Loved Ones Safe

Registration is $65 per person and includes:

· Admission to all presentations

· Continental Breakfast (SCD legal menu)

· Lunch (SCD legal menu)

· Conference program book

· Family Resource Guide

For more information or to register, visit www.gotSCD.org

Inspiration from a 113 year old pediatrician

2011-03-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. Leila Denmark, a pediatrician who turned 113 last month, followed many of the principles we promote. Read her interesting and inspirational story via the link below.

http://www.sparkplugpeople.com/inspiration/dr-leila-denmark-turning-113/

Feeding Therapy, is it right for you?

2011-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Missy Olive, PhD is a Behavioral Therapist specializing in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) which includes feeding therapy. Click on the link below to read a feeding therapy success story for a child with Autism.

http://blogs.chron.com/autisminthehouse/2011/01/missy_olive_is_the_supreme_que.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+houstonchronicle%2Fautisminthehouse+%28reader+blog%3A+Autism+in+the+House%29

To learn more about Missy and what she does, please visit her website at www.appliedbehavioralstrategies.com

Attention Function

2011-03-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

ATTENTION FUNCTION

1. Remedial Activities

A. Encourage the child to use a verbally self-monitored “STOP, LOOK and LISTEN” approach to tasks to reduce impulsivity.

1. Prior to beginning an activity, have the child cue him/herself to “STOP, LOOK and LISTEN” or alternatively, “Slow down. Look before you leap.”

2. Use a visual or auditory prompt [e.g. a STOP sign on a bookmark] to help a child remember

B. Encourage the child’s self-monitoring skills by frequent review of performance and pattern of errors as immediately as possible after the completion of task [use self-checking materials].

C. The above can be supplemented by the use of reward systems [e.g. stickers, added privileges, etc] but these must closely follow in time the behavior being rewarded.

2. Compensatory Strategies

A. Seat the child near the teacher where optimal opportunity exists for capturing the child’s attention

B. Before presenting instructions to the child, capture visual and auditory attention

C. Check for child’s comprehension of task before beginning

D. If child is distracted by environment, provide a carrel or quiet study area for independent activities to help filter out distractions.

E. Incorporate brief, frequent breaks into sustained activities to help diminish effect of fatigability. Supplement with rewards for sustained performance

F. Anticipate situations that aggravate attentional weaknesses and point these out to child in advance in a supportive fashion.

G. Praise the child regularly. These children show more favorable response to positive reinforcement rather than negative.

Inspiration...

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Read the inspiring story of one of our patients in the April Issue of Golf Digest Magazine.

Golf Saved Our Life

A Passion Shared by Father and Son

by Sal Mancino

The article can be found at: http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2011-04/golf-saved-my-life

First Annual Healing Retreat - June 3-5, 2011

2011-03-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Parents and practitioners please join us at the first annual healing retreat outside of Asheville, NC the weekend of June 3-5, 2011. The retreat will be a combination of workshops, organic food, spa type treatments (like massage and HBOT) and lectures by experts in the field of autism and developmental disorders. For more information, go to www.yourhealingretreat.com

Looking for delicious gluten-free pizza made with healthy and organic ingredients?

2011-03-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

For our local readers…

Looking for delicious gluten-free pizza made with healthy and organic ingredients? Check out:

SAVOR

Eat Healthy, Live Well

430 Main Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06851

203-939-1666

www.savorhealthypizza.com

Open 11am-9pm ~ Closed Sunday

Office Space for Rent

2011-03-09T10:30:00.001-08:00

Lecture by Dr. Nancy O'Hara this Thursday in NYC

2011-03-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Lecture by Dr. Nancy O'Hara in NYC on Thursday, March 10, 2011

The National Autism Association NY Metro Chapter
In Collaboration With
Beth Israel Medical Center's Department of Developmental Pediatrics
would like to invite you to our special event

"Reducing the risk of Autism and other childhood chronic illnesses"
with Dr. Nancy O'Hara

on Thursday, March 10th 6:30-8:30pm

Beth Israel Medical Center
10 Union Square East
New York, NY 10003
2nd Floor Conference Center

Dr. Nancy O'Hara is going to walk us through some of the most important
steps you can take in order to reduce your child's risk of developing a
chronic illness such as Autism. So whether you are pregnant, would like to
become pregnant or have a young child, there are many things you can do to
lower the chances.

Autism is one illness that is on many parents mind these days, since the
rates seem to keep climbing. Dr. O'Hara is on the front lines everyday
trying to treat these children. Dr. O'Hara has a comprehensive list of
things that you should avoid, supplements you can take and simple changes
you can make in your diet in order to lower your risk. Many of us know
that it is much easier to try to prevent than treat an illness once you
already have it. Some of the steps you will hear about will be quite simple
such as replacing some of the foods you eat or the type of toothpaste you
use. Even if you can just start with a few changes, then you are well on
your way to reducing the chance of someone in your family from developing a
chronic illness.

Nancy O'Hara, M.D. is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to her medical
career she taught children with autism. Dr. O'Hara graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and earned a Master's degree
in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. She entered general
private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative
practice solely for children with special needs. She is a leader in the
training of clinicians, both in the US and abroad.

Come join us for this informative event.

Refreshments will be served.

There is no fee for the workshop

Please RSVP to Stacey Purro, LCSW at 212.844.8431 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212.844.8431 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or via email at spurro@chpnet.org

Looking for a fluoride-free, sugar-free and non-minty toothpaste?

2011-03-02T11:40:00.001-08:00

Looking for a fluoride-free, sugar-free and non-minty toothpaste? Try Snappy Jaws (in awesome orange, strawberry and pineapple flavors). It is made in Australia from local ingredients. It can be ordered online at www.naturesgoodness.com.au

Enjoy!

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

2011-02-28T11:04:00.001-08:00

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure. It significantly increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the body tissues and promotes increased oxygen transport capacity of the blood. By increasing the amount of oxygen rich blood, HBOT stimulates the body to release substances that promote healing.

In treating inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular detoxification, HBOT promotes healing in many disorders including, but not limited to:

ADD/ADHD

Autism

Chronic Inflammation

Autoimmune Diseases

Cerebral Palsy

Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome, IBD

Migraines

Multiple Sclerosis

Post Chemotherapy Treatment

Post Radiation Treatment

Stroke and Post Concussive Injuries

Center For Autism and Integrative Health offers soft and hard chamber HBOT treatment options.

ADHD Without Drugs - article by Gail Szakacs, MD

2011-02-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

Click on the attached link to read the article, ADHD Without Drugs by Gail Szakacs, MD

http://www.epidemicanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ADHD-Without-Drugs.pdf

Sleep Problems?

2011-02-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

Difficulty falling asleep, night waking and early waking can be a nightmare for parents and other family members. Sleep deprivation is a problem for your child as well, as his/her developing immune system. Here are some suggestions for helping sleep problems:

· Protein in the morning and carbohydrates in the evening

· Dark at night, light during the day

· Magnesium and Calcium

· 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP)

· Melatonin

· Herbs such as Chamomile, Milk thistle (silymarin), Kava Kava and Valerian

· Exercise

· Calming bath with baking soda, Epsom salts and lavender oil.

Lecture by Dr. Nancy O'Hara in NYC on March 10, 2011

2011-02-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

The National Autism Association NY Metro Chapter
In Collaboration With
Beth Israel Medical Center's Department of Developmental Pediatrics
would like to invite you to our special event

"Reducing the risk of Autism and other childhood chronic illnesses"
with Dr. Nancy O'Hara

on Thursday, March 10th 6:30-8:30pm

Refreshments will be served.

There is no fee for the workshop

Please RSVP to Stacey Purro, LCSW at 212.844.8431 or via email at spurro@chpnet.org

Check out these interesting and fun websites...

2011-02-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few interesting and fun websites to check out:

Laptop lunches - www.laptoplunches.com

Autistic Traveler - www.autistictraveler.com

Therapy Dogs - www.ecad1.org

Constipation - possible treatment options

2011-02-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Constipation is a problem for many of our children and may interfere with the effectiveness of other therapies. As the underlying cause(s) of the constipation are investigated by your physician, you can review the list below for possible treatment options under the supervision and guidance of your physician.

1. Prunes or prune juice

2. Fiber

3. Magnesium

4. Vitamin C

5. Senna

6. Olive Oil

7. Mineral Oil

8. Castor Oil

9. Dulcolax

10. Glycerin suppositories

11. Appropriate fluids and dietary changes

Looking for a Second Opinion?

2011-02-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

If you are currently working with a practitioner to treat you or your child, but you are seeking a second opinion, we can provide that service to you or your family member. The Second Opinion Consultation includes a review of the patient’s history, a nutritional physical examination and observation of your child’s interactions, if the patient is a child. At the conclusion of this consultation, you will be presented with a detailed list of recommendations to take back to your primary practitioner for you or your child’s treatment plan. This is an excellent option for siblings of children on the spectrum, parents planning another pregnancy or those dealing unsuccessfully with another chronic illness. For more information, please visit our website at www.ihealthnow.org.

First Annual Healing Retreat - June 2011

2011-02-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

Parents and practitioners please join us at the first annual healing retreat outside of Asheville, NC in June 2011. The retreat will be a combination of workshops, organic food, spa type treatments (like massage and HBOT) and lectures by experts in the field of autism and developmental disorders. For more information, go to www.yourhealingretreat.com

Office Space for Rent

2011-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

We still have additional square footage (~500 SF) for another like-minded practitioner. Separate entrance, beautiful and airy space to rent. Please contact the office at 203-834-2813 if you are interested.

Adjunct Practitioners

2011-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Vicki Kobliner, dietitian, Lauren Lee Stone, homotoxicologist, and Lori Coda, behavioral therapist, have joined us in our upstairs space.

We've changed our name to reflect the growing needs of our community

2011-01-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

We have also changed our name to Center for Autism and Integrative Health. We did this to reflect the growing needs of our community in integrating all of the care of their children with not only Autism, but also ADHD, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic or recurrent infections, food sensitivities, allergies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders and malnutrition.

Photos of our new space

2011-01-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Our new building at 3 Hollyhock Lane in Wilton, CT

The reception area

We've moved!

2011-01-14T12:01:00.001-08:00

We’ve recently moved to an environmentally friendly building with lots of light and space. It makes coming to work and coming for a visit more fun!

We're moving!

2010-10-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

Optimal Health Initiatives, now the Center for Autism and Integrative Health is moving. On November 11th, we will be moving down the road to 3 Hollyhock Lane in Wilton. Our phone number will remain the same - 203-834-2813. Vicki Kobliner, Lauren Stone and Lori Coda will be moving with us. Their new office will be located just upstairs from ours.

Please stop in to visit us at our new location.

-Dr. O'Hara, Dr. Szakacs and Staff

Center for Autism and Integrative Health

Diet and ADHD

PFCs and childhood immunizations

Minnesota babies born with high mercury levels, report shows

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mn-mercuryinbabies,0,5447745.story

Prenatal use of fish oil supplements may lower babies' eczema risk

Camel's milk

Research ties learning disabilities, cadmium exposure in children

Lunch boxes recalled due to poison hazard

New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

Study ties low vitamin D levels to depression risk in children

IPad app aims to help children with autism communicate

Children with autism have different gut bacteria

Service dogs may lessen anxiety in autistic children

Oxytocin influences effect of maternal depression on children

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/12/09/love-hormone-may-buffer-kids-from-moms-depression

BPA lurks in canned soups and drinks

Why are so many children being born with sex defects?

Are you or someone you know suffering from a concussion or sports injury?

HBOT might be able to help. For more information visit our website at http://www.ihealthnow.org/aboutus/healingwellness3.html

Sports-related concussions may affect cerebral blood flow

From the American Academy of Pediatrics...

See what Blackmore's has to say about Dr. O'Hara

Check out the latest from Blackmore's on Dr. O'Hara...http://www.blackmores.com.au/wellbeing-blog/a-fresh-approach-to-treating-childhood-illness

EAT ORGANIC...

More from TACA...

More from TACA...

Born Free baby bottles free of bpa; Dr. Brown’s, Evenflow, Gerber, Playtex all have levels of bpa associated with damage in lab animals associated with hyperactivity, iddm, obesity (bpa = bisphenol a)

Styrene (styrofoam) decreases glutathione (toxicology 2006), causes mito damage

Be sure to use bpa free dental sealants

Gardasil Vaccine Claim for Preventing Cervical Cancer Not Backed by Science

TACA Tidbits...

~New research on treatment of concussion with HBOT shows marked improvements with HBOT. For more information or to schedule a session at our office, please call 203-834-2813.

~Prenatal exposure to phthalates leads to attention problems, aggression, oxidative stress and mito dysfunction (references on file)

Your Child's Motor Development Story

Free Online Viewing of The Greater Good Movie

http://vimeo.com/31036452

Tidbits from TACA...

On the way...news from ARI conference

California 12 year olds to be vaccinated with out parents knowing

Looking for a homemade, non-toxic play-doh recipe?

Article: Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy Benefits Baby, Too - WE DISAGREE

Real Help Now Conference for Families with Autism - Saturday, October 1st

Dr. O'Hara: Detoxifying is key to health

Dr. O'Hara spoke earlier this month about the importance of detoxification - click on the link below to read more about it.

Alive and Well: The Art and Science of Living Well

Dr. O'Hara is speaks at Mindd Foundation Fundraiser - see video

Dr. O'Hara is speaking at Wheeling Country Day School on 9/6/11

Dr. O'Hara will be speaking at the Wheeling Country Day School in Wheeling, West Virgina on Tuesday, September 6th @ 6:30pm. Come see her! The lecture is titled Our Canaries: Why all the Asthma, Allergies, ASD and ADHD?

Radio Interview with Dr. O'Hara

On August 15th, Dr. O’Hara was featured on Australia's Radio National’s Life Matters with Richard Aedy, an illuminating interview that explores the health issues facing children in the modern world. Here is the link to the interview: www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2011/3293037.htm

Dr. O’Hara was recently featured on Australia's radio station, Mix 106.5

Looking for a holistic dentist in the Fairfield / Westchester County area?

Check out Leonard Kundel, DMD at www.stamforddentist.com.

A Holistic approach to Dentistry by Dr Leonard Kundel. The basis of Dr. Kundel’s practice is "Your mouth is connected to your body so it should be treated as such". To be treated holistically is to be made whole/complete.

Dr. O'Hara is speaking at Mindd Foundation International Forum for Children

Arsenic found in Mott's apple juice

Arsenic found in Mott's apple juice

See link below for more information

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110722/NEWS01/107220338/Group-Arsenic-found-Mott-s-apple-juice?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Inspiration for all the moms out there...

PANDAS Study update from Dr. Cunningham

The study was recently closed for regulatory reasons so no more results will be provided. If you would like your donation refunded, please contact them at: pandas-research@ouhsc.edu

HBOT Rentals Available for Summer

If you are interested in renting one of our soft HBOT chambers this summer, please contact our office at 203-834-2813.

Your Healing Retreat was a huge success!

More Pictures!

The Team!

Hope for You to Heal

Feedback

Hope for You to Heal by H Hanson

School's out!

Office Space for Rent

June 5th Autism Speaks Walk!

If you are not attending the Healing Retreat next weekend (www.yourhealingretreat.com)... for our local followers, Sunday June 5th is the Fairfield/Westchester Autism Speaks Walk. Click the link below for more information. http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443128

Healing Retreat is just a week - June 3-5, 2011

When It Comes to Autism, Solutions, (Not Just Studies) Are Available

NATURAL OPTIONS TO TREAT INFECTIONS

Spring is here and ticks and bugs are out! Here are some natural repellents to try...

Got yeast?

Check out the latest from Blackmore's on Dr. O'Hara...

http://www.blackmores.com.au/wellbeing-blog/a-fresh-approach-to-treating-childhood-illness

~New research on treatment of concussion with HBOT shows marked improvements with HBOT.
For more information or to schedule a session at our office, please call 203-834-2813.

If you are not attending the Healing Retreat next weekend (www.yourhealingretreat.com)... for our local followers, Sunday June 5th is the Fairfield/Westchester Autism Speaks Walk. Click the link below for more information.

http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443128

Met an adult woman with autism who is an advocate for the biomedical treatment of all children and adults with autism as she is dealing with tremendous immune, mitochondria and hormonal issues.
She also said that out of 10 physicians she has found only 1/2 of 1 doctor that has helped her.

Children with autism have at least a 20% lower level of ATP than the Neurotypical control group, some up to 50% less.

The mitochondrial problem, according to Dr. Frye, is more dysregulation and an inability for the proteins to work given the level of oxidative stress in our children with autism.

Dr. O'Hara & Dr. Szakacs are in Atlanta at the Autism Research Institute Conference.
They are blogging you pearls from the clinician seminar...