March 2010

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March 2010 - Issue #6

South Florida Autism NewsletterFREE

Take One

Autism Resource Guide

Movie Review: Temple Grandin

Planning from a parents perspective

Recipe of the month

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Inside This Issue...

Luciana C Leo (786)306-4967Sarah Sweeney (786)413-8017

Autism Chatter Page 3

ArticlesPlanning from a Parents Perspective Page 5Providing for Loved ones with special needs Page 8Swimming Lessons for Children withSpecial Needs Page 8

BioMedical Q&ABy Debbie Mellen Nurse Practitioner Page 9

Events, support groups, activities and more Page 10

Recipe of the Month

Bread: Mini Rolls (Gluten and Casein Free) Page 11

Temple Grandin Page 11

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

FOR SUPPORTINGTHE AUTISMCOMMUNITY

www.soloprinting.com

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Autism ChatterAn Open Letter to Educators from a Special Needs Parent Advocate By Pat Linkhorn

Bounce, jump and slide in our private arenas filled with gigantically fun inflatable's.Meet with support groups to share experiences and resources in our party rooms.Provide education and therapy in a safe, inflatable environment. Pump It Up is anideal location for support groups, play therapy and social events for individuals withspecial needs, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.

SPECIAL NEEDS SENSORY JUMP EVENTSPump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale offers an Open Jump Night exclusively for families withautistic and special needs children. Families meet the third Thursday of every monthfrom 5:30pm-7:00pm. Cost $8.00/child and $6.00/siblings. Parents are free!Regular monthly meeting can also be scheduled for any group. Your group will haveexclusive use of a private Pump It Up facility for up to 2-hours. Children will play inthe supervised, inflatable arenas for 90 minutes, and then families will eat andengage in fun, interactive activities together for the last 30 minutes of the event.RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY FOR OUR BIG AUTISM EVENT APRIL 22, 2010.

Socks and Signed waiver are always required to play at Pump It Up.

954-915-8484Pump It Up of Ft. Lauderdale6555 Nova Drive, STE 308Davie, Fl 33317

Look Through the Windows of My World

This "open letter" is, of course, not representative of all parents ofchildren with disabilities, but I've tried to make it a fair sampling ofthe views I've heard expressed from other parents. I know I won't liveto see Utopia and my children probably won't either, but the laws thatare being passed today providing inclusion of children with handicapsinto public schools give educators the opportunity to make this ageneration of better people. And that's one step closer!

You can't walk a mile in my shoes, but you can take a short journeywith me and I can show you some scenes from my life. I don'tordinarily open up to strangers like this, but you're not really astranger. You're the person responsible for my child's education - asuperintendent, a principal, a teacher, a guidance counselor or a specialeducation director. The object of this is not to make you feel sorry forme. Far from it. It's to try to help you understand me and my child. Ifyou can understand something about the places I've been, you maybe able to understand where I'm coming from today.

This first window shows you a death. It's not a typical death. We didn'tget flowers or have calling hours. It was a very private affair and nottoo many people even realized it at the time. This was the death of adream.

You see, I always thought I'd grow up, marry and have a couple of"normal" children. When this death occurred, and it doesn't matter

whether it happened when my child was first born, or as he began todevelop. My whole life changed. I hadn't planned to have a child whohad to use a wheelchair, or who would never be able to hear or see,or who couldn't "pass" a standard I.Q. test. I was forced to change mywhole outlook on the future. It may have taken a while to go throughall the stages I had to go through to get to where I am today. Therewas grief. A lot of that. There was a lot of denial too. I had to getthrough those two stages before I could accept what had happenedand learn to accept my child and the limitations he would put on mydreams. I had to come up with a new dream.

This next window shows me after I've learned to accept my child forwho he is. I've learned to take all the backward glances and tastelessremarks in stride. I've seen ignorance from some people I used to thinkwere intelligent and I've met some really wonderful people who Inever would have known, had my child been normal. I've had to learnhow to make people understand that my child is a child first andhandicapped second.

I've seen miracles too. I've seen the first step the doctors said wouldnever happen and I've seen the light of recognition in my child's eyeswhen he finally grasped the "meaning of something". And I've seensunsets you wouldn't believe once I had to really look at them andexplain them to my blind child. What may seem ordinary to you hastaken on a whole new significance for me.

Letter continues on page 4 (Next page)

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I've learned a whole new language too. It's called "medicalese".Doctors tend to speak in words you don't hear every day. At first, Ithought I'd never be able to keep all the terms and "isms" straight,but I speak it fairly fluently now. I'm beginning to learn "teacherese"now. You use a lot of abbreviations and numbers, but I know I canlearn your language too.Even though I've accepted my child, this next window will showyou my fears for my child's future. I realize it's going to take a lotmore effort if my child is to lead a fulfilling life. Learning may bedifficult for him and in some cases, impossible, but I've really beentrying to make his life as normal as possible. I try to focus on theabilities he has and I try to make him feel worthwhile.

I realize there are some things that my child can't do yet and he maynever be able to do some things. Sometimes, I tend to focus too muchon what he can do and not what he can't do, but it helps me and myfamily. Some days I seem to be taking three steps backward for everyone forward.

You may only see the bad things about my child. It may not seemfair to you to spend more time with him or do things differently forone child, when you have a class room full of children who learnthings in standard ways. My child may disrupt your class and maynot seem to be learning much. I don't expect you to ignore otherstudents for his sake. I don't want him forgotten in a back class roomwith all the other "different" kids either, although he may have tospend some time in a smaller class room with more individualattention. My goal is to make his life as normal as I possibly can,and being around regular kids helps. It will take some understandingon both our parts to work this out. Perhaps some of your brighterstudents could help my child in some areas. You'll be teaching themabout responsibility and they'll learn acceptance. They'll viewhandicapped children as children first and handicapped second. Theymay learn to accept my child before you do.

As a parent, I know I'm not perfect. I make mistakes every day. Irealize teachers are only human too. I also remember the time whensome of my teachers were up there with God, in my estimation. Theyhad such an impact on my life! Your lives probably aren't as worryfree or stress free as I used to think and my child may only add to aday that's too full and too underpaid. If you at least make the effortto try to treat my child as a person, I know how he will view you.Sit next to God for a while.

My attitude may not be the best you've seen lately. I may alreadyhave had some run ins with the "system" before I ever talk to you.I may come on too forcefully and seem too demanding. Maybe I've

had to be to get services for my child. Maybe my sister-in-law hasexcluded my child and I from every family get together she's hadsince I've had a "disabled" child. Maybe my husband isn't supportive.Or maybe the professionals I've dealt with before have doneeverything they could to help me. Maybe I'll assume that you willtoo, and I won't remember all the hard lessons I've learned along theway. Or I may remember each one too vividly. I may be acombination of all these feelings. Whatever the case, I am just anormal person who wants the best for my child.

I probably already know that my son won't grow up to be the captainof the foot ball team and my daughter won't be a Home Comingqueen, but that doesn't mean that I don't have dreams for them. I'vejust substituted other dreams for those I've lost. We all harbor somepretty unrealistic expectations for our children and I'm no differentthan any other parent.

If I seem to want too much from you, I don't mean to. I may have alot on my mind. I may not have totally accepted the direction mylife has taken; it sometimes takes years for a parent to get to thatpoint of acceptance. That's really not too hard to understand whenyou realize that I lived with that dream for most of my life, whereasI've lived with my "reality" for a lot shorter period. I may even befeeling cheated because my life seems so different from yours. Theremay be a lot of resentment in me. Or I could just be tired of fightingthe battle. You may have a better education than me and you mayfeel more qualified to make decisions about how and what my childwill learn.In most cases, you are the expert. But if you feel I'm realistic andI've accepted my child's limitations, there will be instances when Iwill know what will work best. In that case, I am the expert. I'velearned some things that you should be thankful you've never hadto learn.

If you take all the things you've seen through my windows intoconsideration, you may understand me and my child better. If wework together, maybe we can do what I pray for each night. That isto give my child as many opportunities as possible to lead a normallife, in a world that isn't fair.

Pat Linkhorn is an advocate/trainer/information specialist with theOhio Coalition for theEducation of Children with Disabilities.. She is also an experiencedparent and has two girls with special needs - autism and blindnessdue to prematurity. http://thelinkto.com/laugh

Source: http://www.comeunity.com/disability/advocacy-

Autism Chatter Continues...

Focusing on all behavior issues and the autism spectrum

� Behavior: Individual, HomePrograms

� Occupational: sensory,Gross, Fine, Vestibular

� Speech: Individual,Pragmatic Groups

� Tutoring

� Auditory Integration:Berard Method

� Groups: Summer, Winter,Spring

� Schools: Observations,Shadowing, I.E.P. Rep.

Aeleen B. Garrido-Tortorici MS LMHC

P (954) 434-5784C (786) 251-9479www.all4kidz.info

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Planning from a Parents PerspectiveTara Lynch, Co-Founder & Executive Director Florida SNAP & the Preventive Family Support Services

When a child with special needs becomes an adult at 18 what areyour rights as a parent to make healthcare, legal, financial &educational decisions for/with them?For many families with special needsloved ones, their care and concerndoesn’t diminish over time. As specialneeds children grow older theirparents concerns change and growtoo. Questions like what happens if you'renot here become daunting, accessingproper information and medical advicewithout guardianship can become nearlyimpossible, families begin to findthemselves mute voices at IEP meetings,housing decisions become heartbreaking, and protecting adults from legal actions when theirdecisions lead them into trouble have serious consequences. Manyfamilies are seeking information and resources on the best way toremain a decision maker and caregiver for their disabled children asthey reach adulthood and aren't sure where to start. If you have aspecial needs loved one ask yourself these questions and considercoming to our free information workshop sponsored by grantsreceived by the Preventive Family Support Services, a not for profitdivision of SNAP.

As A Parent Ask yourself: At 18, will my child be able to...

· Advocate for himself at IEP meetings from age 18 to 21and make sure he is on point with post secondary educa-tional goals and graduation requirements?

· Make health care decisions for himself, from simple den-tists appointments to discussions concerning changes intreatment or medication?

· Live independently? Drive or take mass transit?

· Manage his finances, banking, budgets, benefit eligibilityand entitlements?

· Discern the difference betweenfriendly/professional relationships andindividuals/companies/salespeople/credit-card compa-nies who are taking advantage of them?

If you answered NO to any of these questions you should considerlearning about guardianship and other legal directives that may beappropriate for your family. To learn more join us at our upcomingworkshop visit our website for workshop dates and times.

Are you a Rockefeller? Most families live within their means. No matter how much moneyyou make or if you own a home or assets, your most valuedpossession is your family and your health. In the world of specialneeds planning, understanding benefit eligibility, future planning and

how to design a strategy that will leave your family and specificallyyour special needs loved one and his benefits and entitlements in tact

can be confusing. Putting in place your LastWill And Testament isn't just for wealthypeople. For many families typical and specialneeds alike, having a will means having yourthoughts, your vote and your directions for carefor your minor and special needs childrenspelled out so a judge doesn’t have to decide.For a family with special needs loved ones, aLast Will and Testament drafted properly willinclude specific language that unlike a typicalLast Will and Testament, is designedspecifically to name guardians for adults overthe age of 18 with disabilities and most

importantly, can create a testamentary special needs trust and nametrustees that can accept any and all gifts, assets and life insuranceproceeds left by a parent to a disabled child with out compromisingtheir benefits and entitlements.As a general rule of thumb, based on Federal Government Guidelinesin the world of special need planning a mere $2,000 makes you aRockefeller. If you have children with special needs, putting yourwill in place must be done with the specific language mentionedabove. Basic cookie cutter wills won't do it, a living will won't be aquick fix and no other trust except a Supplemental/Special NeedsTrust can protect disabled individuals from compromising theirbenefits and entitlements now and into the future.

As A Parent Ask yourself: Do I have a will with special needsprovisions?

· Have I disinherited my special needs loved one and givenhis share to a sibling without realizing the legal and moralpitfalls of this choice?

· Who will be my child's guardian if I am not here?

· Am I the parent of a child that's not biologically mine?What are my rights?

· Have I named my special needs loved one as a beneficiaryon my life insurance policy, 401K, or other accounts? Ismy gift over the $2,000 mark?

If you are a parent looking for information, resources, referrals andsupport, Florida SNAP can assist you with many of the topics coveredin this article along with additional family support services. Weencourage you to join us at one of our upcoming parent trainingworkshops in Plantation or Sunrise covering topics such as ABC’sof IEP’s, Wills and Trusts, Creating Your Letter of Intent and more.Dads should RSVP for our monthly dads meet up group and shareinformation and be encouraged in their walk as parent and advocate.Learn more about our grant programs and find a comprehensiveresources list for Broward and Dade counties by calling FloridaSNAP & PFSS at (954) 806 7589 or log on to our website atwww.FloridaSNAP.com.

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Autism Resource Guide

Parent to Parent of Miami is a communityparent resource center for families ofchildren and adults with all disabilities.Located in Miami, Florida, there programserves families in Miami-Dade and Monroe

counties. With the help of Parent to Parent of Miami's specialized team,parents and professionals can find information, workshops, and otherresources to help make decisions about early intervention, early childhood,education, vocational training, employment, college opportunities, as wellas the laws that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities.

Parent to Parent of Miami, Inc.7990 SW 117th Avenue, Suite 200Miami, Florida 33183Phone: 305-271-9797Fax: 305-271-6628Email: [email protected]

The 2-1-1 Special Needs Hotline, funded by theChildren’s Services Council, is truly unique. Theprogram offers an ever-expanding list ofinformation and referrals for “all things SpecialNeeds” including physicians, camps, therapies,

legal resources, advocacy and support groups, social / recreationalresources, help with school issues and so much more! The website alsohas many features that families can benefit from! Call 2-1-1 or visit thewebsite at www.211-broward.org/specialneeds.htm today.

ASA’s full range of familysupport, children’sprogramming, public outreachand autism awarenesscampaigns are available to all

interested in the betterment of life for not only individuals and familieswith autism, but to the community of South Florida as a whole.

Autism Society of America - Broward ChapterPhone: 954-577-4141.Mailing address is:Broward County ChapterPO Box 450476Sunrise, FL 33345www.asabroward.org

Autism Society of America - Miami Dade ChapterPhone Number: (305) 969-3900Fax: (305) 947-0019Mailing address is:P.O. Box 771706Miami FL 33177www.autismsocietymiami.org

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources SystemChild Find in coordination with the school districts,locates children who are potentially eligible forservices under the Individuals with Disabilities Act(IDEA) and links them with needed services.Broward County: Gwen Lipscomb 754-321-2205Dade County: 305.274.3501

UM-NSU CARD is acomprehensive outreach and supportprogram serving people with autismand related disabilities, their

families, and the professionals who work with them. UM-NSU CARDoperates in three Florida counties under the supervision of a constituencyboard comprised of family members who help guide program policypriorities and activities. Our Services Include:

· Individual & Family Support Services· Program Consultation & Technical Assistance· Parent & Professional Training· Public Awareness & Community Outreach

UM CARD - Miami Office5665 Ponce de Leon BoulevardP.O. Box 248768Coral Gables, FL 33124-0725Phone (305) 284-6563Fax (305) 284-6555

UM CARD - North Miami OfficeNSU Technology Building1745 NE 167th Street4th FloorNorth Miami Beach, FL 33162Phone (305) 284-6563Fax (305) 284-6555

UM CARD - Broward OfficeMailing Address:3301 College AvenueFt. Lauderdale, FL 33314Building Address: 6100 Griffin RoadDavie, FL 33314Phone (954) 262-7111Fax (954) 262-3996

The Dan Marino Foundation’s mission isto “open doors” for children and youngadults with special needs by supportingcomprehensive integrated treatmentprograms, providing outreach services,advancing scientific research, and fosteringindependence through transition programs.www.danmarinofoundation.org

Talk About Curing Autism(TACA) provides information,resources, and support to familiesaffected by autism. For families

who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up thecycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helpsto strengthen the autism community by connecting families and theprofessionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories andinformation to help people with autism be the best they can be.

Talk about curing autism3070 Bristol Street, Suite 340, Costa Mesa CA 92626Phone (949) 640-4401 - Fax (949) 640-4424www.tacanow.com

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Special Needs Advisory Partners (SNAP)Provides parent and provider training on siteat schools, support groups, and locations wherefamilies seek to find information, resourcesand help for their special needs loved ones.

SNAP helps families access information on health care, educationalservices, therapies, support groups, and special needs centered resourcesthat enhance their quality of life.Address:8201 Peters Road, Suite 1000Plantation, FL 33324Phone: (954) 806 7589E-mail [email protected]

Advocates

Special Kids Law Center, LLC2241 Hollywood Blvd.Hollywood, FL 33020PHONE: (954) 342-4077FAX: (954) 923-3803Email: [email protected]

Allison Hertog, Director2000 South Dixie Hwy., Ste. 112Miami, FLTel: 305-856-2698Fax: 305-573-1559E-mail: [email protected]

The Empowerment Coach20260 NE 25th AveMiami, Florida 33180Tel: 786-859-4050Fax: 305-682-8118E-Mail: [email protected]

ACPD - Developmental Disabilities Protection & Advocacy4411 Sheridan StreetHollywood, FL 33021(954) 967-1493Email: [email protected]

Children's Home Society - Resources Early Advocacy in Children3333 W Commercial BlvdSuite 200Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309Phone: (954) 318-1035Email: [email protected]

Advocates In Motion2151 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 202Deerfield Beach, FL 33442Phone: (954) 426-9545Fax: (954) 426-4989www.advocatesinmotion.com

ESE Advisory Council24 Hour Hotline (954) 321-2252www.browardeseadvisory.com

For Religious Exemption for ImmunizationsContact the Florida Health Department

Broward County780 SW 24th StreetFort Lauderdale, Fl 33315P (954)5467-4743

Dade CountyP (305) 324-2400

ANDI was established by parentresearchers, Lisa Lewis andKaryn Seroussi, to help familiesaround the world get started on,

and maintain an appropriate diet. The ANDI mission is simple: To helpparents understand, implement and maintain dietary intervention for theirautistic children.ANDI phone: 609-737-8985ANDI fax: 609-737-8453www.autismndi.com

The Autism Research Institute (ARI), anon-profit organization, was established in1967. For more than 40 years, ARI has devoted

its work to conducting research, and to disseminating the results ofresearch, on the triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing andtreating autism. We provide research-based information to parents andprofessionals around the world.English: 1-866-366-3361Español: 877-644-1184 ext. 5

Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino CenterPediatric Urgent Care Center2900 S. Commerce ParkwayWeston, FL 33331Phone: 954-385-6200/ 1-866-558-6510www.mchdanmarinocenter.com

Compounding Pharmacies specialized in Autism Treatments

Post Haste Pharmacy4401 Sheridan StreetHollywood, FL 33021-3591Phone: (954) 989-6524www.posthastepharmacy.net

Universal Arts Pharmacy6500 West 4th AvenueHialeah, Fl 33012Phone: (305) 557-3151www.uaprx.com

Support Groups

SPEC (Support for Parents of Exceptional Children) is a supportgroup for families of children on the autism spectrum. Everyone iswelcome! Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month(excluding December and summer months), at 7:00pm at the Dan MarinoCenter in Weston. Call 954-577-4141 for additional information.

Denise's List is an online yahoo group: Your #1 source for Autismrelated information in South Florida! E-mail Denise [email protected] to subscribe. This is a very active list generating10-20 postings per day. Members exchange information on news,therapies, resources, advocacy, on just about anything concerning autism.

Autism Resource Guide continues...

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Certified Swimming, Infant/ChildCPR/First Aid, LifeguardInstructor, and Author, Julie Gross,has created a Learn to Swim inJust 5 Days Guaranteed! programthrough her company, Swim withMr. Blue. This program is perfectlydesigned to meet the needs ofchildren with Autism by the use of

repetition, association, playful maneuvers, consistency, songs, toys,colorful puppets, patience, love, encouragement and lots of high fives.

When you sign up for the swim program, you will receive Ms. Julie’sbook with DVD entitled Learn to Swim with Mr. Blue, prior to yourchild’s lessons which will help them to learn and be prepared.

Ms. Julie and her Certified Instructors, Mr. Mark, Mr. Will and Ms.Hannah, are devoted to teaching your child all about water safety andthey each have their own unique way of making your son or daughterfeel comfortable in the water. This group of Certified SwimInstructors are always ready and willing to welcome your child withopen arms, high fives and warm smiles.

Our qualified Instructors will meet the needs of your child at theirdevelopmental age.

Swimming develops muscles and coordination and is also great forcognitive processing by using multiple steps, such as moving thearms and legs, holding the breath and jumping into the water. Throughsongs and repetition your child’s cognitive and coordinating skillswill develop more, along with their self esteem and the water willmake them more relaxed.

Rachael Baldassarra, President of MyKidsCounty.org, Inc. andCo-Chair of Broward County 2010 Walk Now For Autism Speaks,has a 3 year old Autistic son who learned to swim in just 3 days withMs. Julie. Read more about her story on our websitewww.swimwithmrblue.com

To learn more about our program please call us at 954-956-9955.

If you’re caring for someone with specialneeds, you know how important it is toprepare for the future and the possibilitythat, one day, you may no longer be ableto provide the care this person’s needs.

Providing for someone with special needsinvolves preparing for the long-termneeds of a physically or mentally disabledmember of the family. Most often thespecial needs individual is a minor oradult child, but in some cases, planningmay be necessary for dependent parentsor other relatives. With a special needsadult child such preparation shouldprovide for him/her once his/her parents

(the caregivers) become disabled or die. The ability of a child with specialneeds to function will determine the required level and cost of care.

Caring for a person with a mental illness is generally considered morecomplicated than caring for a person with a developmental or physicaldisability; however, each situation is unique and should be consideredon an individual basis.

Even when other members of the family, such as siblings, are willing toassume the duties of caregiver, it is still important to provide for themanagement of assets. A testamentary or Living Trust are examples ofvehicles that can be considered for this purpose. Such a trust, sometimescalled a “Special Needs Trust,” should:

· Appoint someone to take care of this person’s property and money · Select a guardian for the individual · Set out instructions on how he/she is to be cared for · Ensure, to the extent possible, that he/she will not lose payments or benefits from government agencies · Integrate the trust with the remainder of the parent’s estate plan to ensure equity among all family members.

Not withstanding the time value of money, survivorship life insuranceon both parents could provide a cost-efficient means of funding this trustupon their death. Disability income insurance on a working parent is alsosomething to be considered.

At one time or another during his/her lifetime a person with special needscould receive benefits from, Supplemental Security Income (SSI),Medicare and/or Medicaid. Keep in mind though, that eligibility forgovernment assistance can be negatively affected by the disabledperson’s assets. For example, to be eligible for the SSI benefit, a singledisabled person cannot own more than $2,000 in cash and liquid assets.The objective of a Special Needs Trust is to supplement the child’sinheritance, not replace these government programs.

Planning for the future when you’re caring for a loved one with specialneeds can be overwhelming. A licensed financial services professionalcan help you determine what approach may best serve your needs.

Adapted with permission of the publisher from Field Guide Online, byDonald F. Cady, Copyright 2007, The National Underwriter Company.

By Gabriel Dardik

Life insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company ofAmerica, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates. Our policies containexclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keepingthem in force. Your licensed financial professional can provide youwith costs and complete details. The availability of disability incomeinsurance varies by carrier and state.

IFS-A144338 Ed. 02/2008 Expires 8/11/2010

Provided courtesy of Prudential Financial. For more information,contact Gabriel Dardik, a sales professional with The PrudentialInsurance Company of America's South Florida Agency, located inBoca Raton, FL. He can be reached [email protected] and at (954) 540-3811 or (561)955-8628.

Swimming Lessons for Children with Special NeedsLearn to Swim with Mr. Blue

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Dear Ms. Mellen,Why is Glutathione Useful?

Glutathione is a three amino acid moleculethat consists of glutamate, cysteine andglycine. In the body glutathione is adetoxifying agent and a major antioxidant.The body gets rid of chemicals, heavymetals and metabolites through theglutathione molecule. It helps the body toget rid of toxins and pollutants. Our body’sfilters, the liver and kidney, contain high

levels of glutathione.Glutathione is involved in the activation and regulation of enzymes,some of which occur in the liver where detoxification takes place.Glutathione is the major protector of our living cells and tissues.The brain and intestines, kidneys and lungs all have glutathioneactively at work to keep our body’s bio-chemistry going in a healthymanner.Glutathione is needed in the immune system. It helps white bloodcells (WBC) to replicate so we have enough WBCs to attackpathogens. It protects the DNA within the cell. It works as amaster antioxidant.Glutathione is found in every cell of our bodies. Most of the body’sglutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies anything that itperceives as bad for the body. It will transfer the harmfulcompounds into the bile to be excreted by the body. The liverreleases glutathione into the bloodstream as your body calls for itsuse. In the lungs glutathione is at work protecting lung tissue fromtoxins as they filter pollutants. In the intestinal tract glutathionehelps improve gut function and helps irritable bowel heal. Theresponse from glutathione in the gut is less diarrhea or constipation.It helps the walls of the intestine and the walls of blood vessels byhelping them remain healthy and retain their elasticity.Glutathione is useful when tapering off psychotropic drugs. Itworks in the brain by making certain receptors more sensitive. Thetwo receptors that seem to need glutathione to work most optimallyare serotonin and dopamine. Also worth noting is that glutathioneprotects the brain against free radicals. Glutathione will not passthe blood brain barrier so the brain must make its own glutathione.

We have found ways to help our body including the brain to makeits own glutathione.

a. We know that melatonin boosts glutathione production.It also helps sleep so take the melatonin about 20 minutesbefore bed.

b. If you add magnesium to the melatonin it works evenbetter at inducing and sustaining sleep. Magnesium isneeded in making your own glutathione.

c. Vitamin B12 given as a methylB12 injection. One tinyshot into the hip every third day.

d. The supplements TMG, DMG, folinic acid and NAC allincrease your own levels of glutathione production.

If you think you see a glutathione deficiency in yourself or yourchild perhaps you should seek more information about glutathione.A glutathione deficiency may show up as a balance disorder. I haveseen it when I ask a child to step on the scale to be weighed. Goingalong with a balance issue may be coordination problems.Glutathione may help decrease twitching or tremors and somenervous system disorders. Part of the molecule of glutathione is theamino acid cysteine. When cysteine levels are low we finddecreased speech and the individual appears to be ‘spacey’. Ifglutathione levels are low, cysteine levels may be low also.At homeglutathione can be given in a cream that is massaged into the skin,or nebulized by adding a small solution of glutathione that isbreathed in using the same equipment that an asthmatic uses fortheir breathing treatments. Try not to give glutathione by mouthbecause when it gets into the digestive tract it is digested rathereasily and seems to cause the yeast to flourish. The best way toreceive glutathione is an intravenous injection and it must be donewith the help of a healthcare professional.Glutathione is part of a complex process within the body. Itpromotes detoxification, boosts immune health and acts as apowerful antioxidant.

Do any readers have any questions?Email at:

[email protected] Subject Ask Ms. Mellen.

The blue in the first picture (Before mHBOT) indicates lowblood flow and limited brain activity.yellow area in the second picture, same patient (AftermHBOT) indicate higher blood flow and brain activity

Mild Hyperbaric Therapy at· Autism· ADD / ADHD / PDD-NOS· Asperger’s Syndrome· Speech Delay· Cerebral Palsy· Brain Injury· And more ...

For more info call (954)584-3198 or go to www.bodymedonline.com

Call us to find out about our monthly package $700 unlimited!!!

Prices from

$50 per hour

session at

1.3 ATA

BioMedical Q&ABy Debbie Mellen, Biomedical Practitioner

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Calendar of Events

Registration:[email protected].

(954) 3578160

EXERCISE PROGRAM

BOWLING

TEEN SOCIALS

Hawaiian Luau Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt. May 28, 2010, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Fern Forest Nature Center 201 Lyons Road South Coconut Creek, 33063

SPECIALIZED CAMPS

March 29 – April 2, 2010

Camp Matecumbe (305) 752-4966 Coral Estates (305) 226-1622 Goulds Park (305) 234-1673 Greynolds Camp (305)-945-3425 Tamiami Park (305) 222-2128 Westwind Lakes Park (305) 380-9106

PARENTS ASSIST TING AND LEARNINGSUPPORT

Parents/Guardians OnlyJanuary 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 29:30 am - 11:30 amRoom: 502(305) 284-5263

BrowardSaturday, April 17, 2010Sherman Library Green

Nova Southeastern University, Davie FlWalk Starts at 10am - Check in time is 8:30am

www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

Special Needs Dad’s GroupMarch 27th at 11am

12550 NW 29th ManorSunrise, FL 33323

954 476 5312

RSVP: [email protected]

UNDERSTANDING ADHD

What is ADHD? How does it impact academic progress?3/23/2010 6:30:00 PM -8:30:00 PMParent to Parent of Miami

PARENTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

3/24/2010 6:30:00 PM - 8:30:00 PMMCH West Kendall

INCLUSION

3/25/2010 12:00:00 PM - 2:00:00 PMMailman Center for Child Development

SENSORY NIGHT

Thursday March, 18 20105:30 pm - 7:00 pm

6555 Nova Dr. Suite 308Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33317

11

Recipe of the Month

Ingredients:

½ Cup of Oil

½ Cup of Milk Substitute (Rice, Almond, Hemp)

½ Cup Quinoa Flour or Chickpea Flour

½ Cup tapioca Starch

½ Cup Potato Starch

1 Tablespoon of Sugar

1 Egg or egg replacer (3 teaspoons)

2 Teaspoons Xantham Gum

2 Teaspoons Baking Soda (WARNING: Reed the label, mostBaking Sodas have Aluminum in them)

Preparation:

In a small bowl mix the wet ingredients: oil, milk substituteand egg.

In a large bowl mix al the dry ingredients: Quinoa Flour,Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Sugar, Xantham Gum andBaking Soda.

Combine the wet and dry mixtures, and mix with a fork oryour hand. (Don’t overbeat)

You can place little balls (2 inches) in a sprayed cookie sheet2 inches apart form each other. Baked in preheated oven 400F for 20- 25 min or until bread is gold. After cooling downyou can freeze the mini rolls and reheat them in the oven whenneeded.

TIP: When ever you are baking a cake or bread it isrecommended to place in the lower oven rack a pan with water,this way the food will have moisture during the cookingprocess.

GFCF Bread Mini Rolls

From Special Diets for Special Kids

Movie ReviewTemple Grandin, directed by Mick Jackson

The film Temple Grandin (characterperformed by Claire Dane) is basedon a true story. It paints a picture ofa young woman’s perseverance anddetermination while struggling withthe isolating challenges of autism ata time when it was still quiteunknown (1960‘s). The film touchesevery step of Temple’s life, from thetime she is diagnosed to her schoolyears, until she becomes a workingand independent adult. She not only

overcame a host of physical, mental and social obstacles but actually usedher autism to create a career for herself in animal husbandry. Today, TempleGrandin (62 years old) is best known for designing a more humane methodof herding cattle to the slaughterhouse. She is also a full professor atColorado State University and an autism advocate.This movie shows us not only how the world sees Temple, but also how shesees the world giving us the chance to have an inside of what is going on inthe mind of a person with autism.Temple has difficulties dealing with sound and touch. In the film she reactsto people's attempts to shake her hand with the remark, "I don't do that."She also has difficulties trying to figure out people expressions. One of thethings that the movie does, is to magnify the sounds of various things thatTemple encounters and she can not tolerate or they are very distracting forher like a chandelier, the sound of a fish tank or a fan. These observationsmake the spectator understand some of Temples’ behaviors and reactions.Temple has lots of support from her mother, Eustacia (Julia Ormond), whoat the time of the diagnosis at age of 4 refused to put her on an institution;her Aunt Ann (Catherine O’Hara), who introduced her to livestock industry;and her science teacher Dr Carlock (David Strathairn), who realized thatTemple literally thinks in pictures and recognized her great potential. Withthe help of her family and her teacher, she is able to make sense of how shediffers from others and use her perspective to do things others can’t.This movie not only makes you see the world from Temple’s perspective,it also makes you realize the efforts that her family made in order tounderstand her, and all the obstacles they had to go though in order to provideher with the right tools to success in life.There are many breathtaking matter-of-fact ness in the movie as well asmany uplifting moments. This movie shows everyone’s point of view... theperson with autism, his/her family, and the outsiders. Is a movie thateveryone should see. There is a phrase that Temple and her mother alwayssay in the movie referring to her…”Different, but not less”. If you can notsee the movie, I will like for you to at least keep this phrase in mind, andremember it any time you think about someone with special needs.

Temple Grandin and Claire Danes

Movie Review done by Luciana Leo

March 2010

Documents

Transcript of March 2010