1�

Improving�Concentration�

Recipe:�Chicken Pancakes�

Autism Chatter:�Potty Training�

Biomedical Q&A�

Book Review�

Calendar of�events�

Community�Spotlight�

Classifieds�

Communicating�through the�

Arts:�Introducing�

Artist Christian�Early�

And More...�

This is the title of the first book�that the artist Christian Early, a 24�year old adult with autism, help to�

puts together with his vivid�imagination and illustrations.�

Since talking, and communication,�don’t come naturally to Christian,�

painting does ...�

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Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions�

By Karen DeFelice ......................................... Page 6�

Articles�Improving Concentration by Luciana C Leo ..... Page 5�

How Vestibular Motion Therapy can help ASD . Page 8�

BioMedical Q&A�By Deborah Mellen ARNP ............................... Page 3�

Autism Chatter�How do I potty trained my son! ....................... Page 9�

ASK THE PHARMACY�By Dr Arango, Lisa Feiler RN and Dr Fishman� . Page 6�

Christian Early and Mayra Ron ....................... Page 7�

Cover Story�

Recipe of the Month�Chicken Pancakes ......................................... Page 11�

..................................................................... Page 10�

Community Spotlight�The Florida Autism Treatment Center .............. Page 3�

Calendar of Events�Events, support groups, activities and more ..... Page 10�

Inside This Issue...�

Contact Us.�

autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com�Subject: Calendar�

(Make sure we receive the information the first�week of the month prior to the event)�

autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com�Subject: Article�

autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com�Subject: Classified�

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Debbie Mellen ARNP, works with�children and adults applying bio-�medical interventions. She has a�master’s degree in nursing and 28�years of experience. “We really�need to reach every parent in�south Florida” says nurse practitio-�ner, Debbie Mellen. “People think�of autism as being just a behav-�ioral problem.�Biomedical interventions look at how the body is work-�ing chemically and biologically. It looks at a balance in�the body. It has been prove that by treating the imbal-�ances in the children’s bodies their quality of life im-�proves and most of the characteristics that are�associated with autism diminish. Here is an example.�A couple of months ago, a mother brought her child to�see me, at age 4. The child had never have a formed�bowel movement in her life. In fact, this child had up to�14 loose watery stools per day. One of the interventions�I used was implementing probiotics and changing her�diet. After doing testing, we were able to pick the right�probiotic for the child.�After the treatment…. she no longer has diarrhea and�her bowel movement were one or two a day. Well,�mom did a little happy dance. Can you imagine how�her life had now changed? Now the child can start to�be successful in potty training, and I bet her tummy feels�better too. Little things like this, a good poop, can make�such a difference in a family’s life. So that is a little�piece of the puzzle of what biomedical interventions are�about”.�

BioMedical Q&A�Community Spotlight:�The Florida Autism Treatment Centers�

The Florida Autism�Treatment Centers�(FATC) serve children�and adolescents on�the autism spectrum in�Miami-Dade and Bro-�ward counties. Its�state-of-the-art ther-�apy is geared towards�improving children’s�speech, language,�communication, cog-�

nition, social and play behaviors, as well as aca-�demic and educational performance. They also�treat behavior problems of all types – ranging from�mild to life-threatening. Therapy is provided at their�centers conveniently located in Kendall and Davie�or in family homes and schools throughout south�Florida. Program costs are highly competitive and�some insurances are accepted.�

The Florida Autism Treatment Centers specialize in�Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, widely�accepted as the most effective method possible for�teaching and treating persons with autism and�related disorders and has a vast clinical research�base supporting its effectiveness. The staff at FATC�work closely with other professionals to ensure each�child’s unique needs are fully met. All services are�provided, or overseen, by Board Certified Behavior�Analysts.�

FATC focuses on “closing the gap” between the�delays experienced by children entering the pro-�gram and typically developing children. Recent�evaluations have shown that children in the pro-�gram are mastering an average of 125 new skills�each month with some children are making three�months progress each month they are in therapy.�

The Florida Autism Treatment Centers is owned and�operated by Behavior Analysis, Inc., South Florida’s�oldest and most prestigious behavioral consulting�company. For more information or to schedule a�visit, call (954) 577-7790 or toll free at (888)�423-4284. Their website is www.behavior-�analysis.org�

4�

Great Prices�

Specialty Nutrition Support�

Sterile Compounded Formulas�

Allergen Free Formulas�

Potency & Sterility Testing�

All Dosage Forms Available�

Insurance Welcome�

Free Ground Shipping in Florida�

w w w . p o s t h a s t e p h a r m a c y . n e t �Hablamos Español * Parlons Francaise * Sign Language�

4401 Sheridan Street� Hollywood, FL 33021�

P (954) 989-6524� F (954) 985-8239�

Improving Concentration�

Another school year started, and many parents worry�about how their children will perform or behave at�school. Children with ASD have difficulty with�concentration and focus, making school goals more�difficult to achieve. It may be that the child is not�reading at the proper age level or is not able to�understand what he is reading. Or it may be that the�child gets distracted easily and has problems with�attention. It could also be that the child has problems�with homework and test taking or he is spending too�much time on an assignment. These are many of the�concerns among parents and therapist. Fortunately,�there are many simple and inexpensive remedies and�activities that would help a child that has problems�with focusing and concentration:�

·� Nature’s Prescription: Researcher Faber Taylor did a�study in 2008 by taking children on walks in different�settings (one green, and two less green). He�concluded that the physical environment in which�children play and spend time matters, and that the�greener the space, the more their attention spans�improve.�

·� Nutrition for a better brain�

w� Give a protein based food at each meal which�will help to improve focus, attention, stabilize the�mood and energy. Some protein sources are:�chicken and turkey (free range, organic), meat in�small amounts (organic, antibiotics and�hormone free), eggs (organic), nuts (check�allergies first), seeds and protein powder. Do�not let more than 5 hours pass without a protein�based meal or snack.�

w� Recipe for protein shake: Nutrabiotic rice protein�powder (2 teaspoons and gradually increase to�1 tablespoon) and mix with milk (allowed type),�water or yogurt (allowed type). Add organic�fruits (especially fruits high in antioxidants such�as blueberries) and ice. Whirl in blender. You�can also freeze for popsicles!!!�

w� Eliminate refined sugars and artificial colors.�

·� Studies have shown that teens and children who�have trouble sleeping do not perform as well in�school as students without sleep complaints. Here�are some tips to help children that have bad sleep�habits or difficulties falling sleep:�

w� Children should always go to sleep and wake up�at the same time every day, and have at least�eight to nine hours of sleep.�

w� Never give them dinner before bedtime, always�allow two hours for digestion.�

w� Try Epsom salt baths one hour before bedtime:�Add 1 cup of Epsom salt, ½ cup of baking soda�and a few drops of lavender oil into the bath tub�full of water. Let the child play for 15 to 20�minutes in it, then rinse.�

w� You can use Melatonin: Start with 1 mg 30�minutes before bedtime. If the child wakes up in�the middle of the night, then try giving 1 mg in�am hours and 1 mg in pm hours.�

·� Exercise: In today’s society, children tend to spend�more time playing video games, watching TV or�sitting in front of the computer. Physical activity is�essential to create new brain connections because it�requires coordination in between the body and the�brain. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain that�helps to nourish and sustain the overall health of the�brain. Also, the sense of confidence and�accomplishment that comes with physical�strengthening will be invaluable to them in many�areas of life.�

·� There are some supplements that can be given in�order to help with concentration. Take into�consideration that these recommendations are�general in nature and individual children vary�greatly in their response to supplements, please�consult a physician knowledgeable about these�substances to guide you in specifics about their use.�

w� EFA: 1000 to 2000 mg once a day.�

w� CoQ10: 25 to 50 mg two times a day.�

w� TMG: 125 mg two times a day.�

w� BACOPA: 75 mg twice a day.�

w� Also, many studies showed that children with�ADHD tend to have an IRON DEFICIENCY. Ask�your pediatrician to do a CBC test and to check�the Ferritin levels. If results are low, then this�deficiency must be address first before�introducing any other supplement in order to�help the attention, concentration and focus.�

A bit of school stress is inevitable and even necessary�in order to motivate our children, but some of them�need an extra hand in order to achieve their goals and�reach their maximal potential in life and as individuals.�

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ASK THE PHARMACY�

A burning sensation�at the injection site can occur when the�pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity) of�the medication is off and can happen for�various reasons including: (1) the�medication has been exposed to�

excessively high or low temperatures, either at home or�during shipping, which can cause it to crystallize or even�spoil; (2) the medication is being injected too quickly, or�(3) the compounding laboratory may not have adjusted�the pH properly.�

Your child may require you to give MB12�injections without the assistance of a�healthcare professional. It’s important to�know how to correctly administer an�injection.�

Things you'll need: (1)Prefilled MB12�syringes, (2) alcohol swabs, (3) needle disposal container�and (4) cotton.�

Pick a “meaty spot” of the�upper outer quadrant of the�buttock just under the diaper or�underwear, as shown in the�

picture (Apply 4% lidocaine or EMLA cream to area if�needed and wait 45 minutes� ), then clean�the area with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball soaked in�alcohol. Wait for the site to dry.�

Note the “target area”. Hold the syringe the way you�would a pencil or dart. Insert the needle at a 10-30�degree angle. Do not pinch-up skin. The needle should�be completely covered by skin.�

Immediately inject all the solution within 1-2 seconds.�

Remove the needle from the skin and gently hold a�dry cotton ball on the injection site. Do not rub.�

Immediately put the syringe and needle into the�disposal container.�

: If your child complains of pain during�the injection you may purchase a 4% lidocaine cream�(over the counter) from Post Haste Pharmacy to be�applied directly to the skin prior to the injection.�

Our health care professional staff is always available to�answer any of your questions and can be reached at:�

(954) 989-6524�or email�autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com� subject Ask�the Pharmacy�

Robert Fishman, Pharmacist; Dr. John Arango, Natural�Health Practitioner; and Lisa Feiler, Nurse�

, explains in her�book how enzyme therapy helped�her and her two sons greatly� im-�proved their pervasive neurologi-�cal and sensory integration�dysfunctions.�

The findings of a survey reported�in the book shows 90 % positive�results, such as significant im-�provements in health, pain reduction, language, food�tolerance, socializing and other benefits.�

Karen DeFelice deals comprehensively with all the�information on enzymes that parents or those new to�enzymes need: how enzymes work, who may benefit,�what to expect, practical tested advice on selecting�and introducing the right kind of enzymes, and how�this can be combined with other approaches and�therapies.�

Enzymes for Autism is a practical guide to help individ-�uals with autism, sensory dysfunction, migraines,�AD(H)D, yeast/bacteria, food intolerance's, chemical�sensitivity, intestinal problems, chronic fatigue, MS�pain, fibromyalgia, or bowel dysfunctions.�

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In Broward County,�Florida, there are more�than 2,407 students�enrolled in school that�have ASD. However, once�out of the school system,�this assistance ends.�According to the Site�Director of Nova�Southeastern University,�there are roughly 8,600�adults over the age of 18�

afflicted by ASD living in the same county. Research�has shown that roughly half of today’s adults with�ASD including those with low, average, or above-�average IQ’s remain at home well into their 30s and�sometimes later under their families care.�

Christian Early and his mother Mayra Ron, residents�of Broward County, are trying to fight the odds.�Christian is a 25 years old young man with autism,�and since talking or communicating doesn’t come�naturally for him, painting does. Christian started to�show interested in art at age of seventeen, when he�started his painting career with mere awkward line.�At an early age sharks captivated him but his poor�fine-motor skills prevented him from excelling in this�visual art. He continued developing his art skills�through a course of more than seven years with the�assistance of special education teachers and his�mother who never gave up on his embedded talents.�

During the first years, Christian’s art consisted on eyes�of lions that jump at you, eagles that look deeply into�your heart, bears that portray their sadness, panthers�that eat you alive just by staring, and lots more jungle�animals. One of Christian’s teachers, Carlos Villar,�noticed that he had the potential to be a cartoonist.�Since then, Carlos has been teaching Christian�different techniques and his style is now evolving into�cartoon-like characters that strike a smile: funny and�crazy ladies with long arms and pointed fingers;�portraits of himself or his family members like his�

mother, grandma or his cousins; and unique cartoons�stories of talking snails alongside other colorful�humorous creations.�

Christian is a very shy and quiet young man, but he�can express many emotions through his paintings.�He wants to be a book illustrator in order to make a�living out of his passion, the arts. He has art classes�Monday through Friday for two hours. He is working�very hard to achieve his main goal. His first work as�a book illustrator is already available to the public.�The name of the book is Can you see me? Written by�Mayra Ron (Christian’s mom). The book is based on�a story by Christian and his vivid imagination.�

Christian and his mom want to help other adults with�disabilities to find something that they enjoy doing�and that can also create an income for them. Mayra�created a non-profit organization called Art�Possibilities, which helps creating jobs for adults with�autism thru the Arts. Mayra says: “Everyone,�including those with disabilities, have something to�share with the world. In fact, sometimes these�individuals touch us deeply due to their abilities to�surpass expectations of common society and show�how they can thrive.”•�

Christian is an example of life. Individuals with�autism often feel invisible and misunderstood, but�Christian has found a way to share his inner�character. He gives us the privilege of discovering�how a man who has autism sees the world. It is not�the disability that defines a man. What distinguishes�a man from others is his courage to scream his�expression no matter the diagnosis or label.�

For more information about Christian Early or Art�Possibilities, go to�

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Vestibular motion therapy works by having the person with the disorder performing the motions that are intended�to increase the symptoms that the person presents, while at the same time working on focus, position and�coordination. This helps your brain compensate for lost balance more quickly. The therapy is based on exercises,�and sometimes it can be very challenging for children with autism. Research has shown that rocking is a calming�activity and it can help vestibular stimulation for children with ASD. But not all motion is ideal; Omni-Pendulum or�Floating Motion are the best.�

Floating Motion is the same safe motion that we felt, gently floating in our mother’s womb. Nature selected this�motion for its calming effect. Rocking increases blood which carries nutrients to the cells; lymphatic circulation�which has the task to carry the toxins away from our body; and increases oxygen delivery to the cells.�

As an inventor of health and awareness products, John Huff, created the Floating Bed which uses Omni-Pendulum�motion in order to promote better sleep and health. This�is a great option of therapy, especially for children that�have difficulties following the conventional vestibular�therapy exercises. This bed, as well as vestibular motion�therapy, increases learning and communication between�the brain hemispheres and helps balance them; increases�concentration, attentiveness, learning, balance and body�awareness, and decreases self stimulation and�hypersensitivity. At the same time the floating motions�calms the nervous system and makes the person feel safe.�This is a wonderful and rare combination. It is so much�fun that children want to use it!�

For more information you can go to:�

www.floatingbed.com�

How Vestibular Motion Therapy can help ASD?�

The vestibular system is the sensory system that responds to the position of the head in relation to gravity and�accelerated or decelerated motion. It is found in the cerebellar area of the brain and influences righting�reactions, muscle tone, standing balance, ocular orientation, visual perception, general arousal/attention, and�neck and head orientation. Vestibular damage is commonly found in a number of disorders, including autism,�PDD-NOS, ADD and ADHD. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced by a person with vestibular�disorders are:�

w� Dizziness�

w� Imbalance, stumbling, clumsiness or poor�coordination, tendency to look downward to�confirm the location of the ground�

w� Head may be held in a titled position�

w� Tendency to touch or hold onto something when�standing�

w� Trouble focusing or tracking objects with the�eyes, tendency to focus on nearby objects�

w� Sensitivity to changes in walking surfaces or�footwear�

w� Sensitivity to loud noises, poor depth perception�

w� Difficulty concentrating and paying attention�

w� Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem, anxiety,�panic�

w� Slurred speech�

w� Discomfort from busy visual environments,�sensitivity to light�

w� Easily distracted, confusion, difficulty�comprehending directions or instructions�

9�

How do I potty train my son?�I decided to start on vacation and to get all the help�that I could possibly find among family and friends.�If I could divide into steps my son’s potty training, the�first step was to teach him to sit on a potty. There are�many things you can try in order to make them feel�more comfortable while sitting on the potty, my son�felt more comfortable being naked (no clothes in the�way!) and watching Barney.�The second step was to give him lots of liquids: juice,�water, or soda. More liquid equals more pee-pee�giving him more opportunities to go pee-pee in the�potty. The first time Andres went pee-pee in the toilet�it was luck, but at home we made sure to make him�very proud of the action. Every time he went in the�toilet, we would make a big deal about it by scream-�ing, laughing and praising him. The whole family�was involved ... Grandma, mommy, daddy, his broth-�er... even the cat and the dog. Andres’s potty time�got to be the highlight of the day every day, to the�point that he finally got the idea of it!!!�But... what about when we were out of the house???�One thing I can say is... Don’t use Pull-ups, it will only�confuse them. I would carry a bag full of clothes for�him (In case of any accidents), a toilet ring and a�

pee-pee bottle to pull out when no bathrooms were�available.�The third step is very important in order for the potty�training to be successful!!! When to go pee-pee?�Some kids go by themselves, others let you know when�they need to go (by using signs, PECS or words), and�others need a schedule (either because they are non-�verbal or if they get distracted easily and forget that�they have the urge to go to the bathroom). My son�rarely goes by himself. What I do, is every two hours I�escort him to the bathroom door and stand outside�while prompting him verbally to go.�Remember, every child is unique and what works for�one child doesn’t work for another. The strategy is to�try different approaches and be patient. The timing�depends on each child. It could go from days, to�weeks, and even months, but you will succeed if you�persist. Potty training takes time.�

Autism Chatter.�

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Calendar of Events.�Sep.-Nov. 19 2009 6:00pm-�

7:00pm�

CARTOONING (10+Y)�Learning to draw�

gpolins@plantation.org�

September 2009-June 2010�

BOWLING FOR YOUTH AND�ADULTS (8+Y)�

Pembroke Pines�(954)450-3663�

October 1, 2009�9:30 am - 11:30 am�

Parents Assisting & Lending�Support (PALS)�

Fred & Helen Donn Flipse Bld�5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd�

#502 Coral�Gables, Fl 33146 (305)284-�

5263�

October 2, 2009�7:00pm - 8:00pm�

PALS Social Bingo Free�Jim Ward Community Center�

301 NW 46 Ave�Plantation Fl 33317�

dynamitescommisioner@pals�port.org�

October 2-4, 2009�

SESAME STREET LIVE!�ELMOS GREEN THUMB�Broward Center for the�

Performing Arts�

(954) 462-0222�

Oct. 15-Nov.r 13 2009�

ALICE IN WONDERLAND�Actors Playhouse�

Miracle Theatre Coral�Gables, Fl (305)4449293�

October 16, 2009�7:30pm- 8:30pm�

Martial Arts�Self-Defense Non-Contact�

lessons Jim�Ward Community Center�

301 NW 46 Ave�Plantation, Fl33317�

(954)220-4455�

October 17, 2009�10:00am- 4:00pm�

Disabilities EXPO 2009�Exhibitors, Resources,�

Products, Services,�Educational Seminars,�

Children's Activities. Free�www.211-broward.org/�

disabilityexpo.htm�

October 21, 2009�7:00pm�

ASA Meeting Understanding�Medicaid Waiver�

At ARC�10250 NW 53 St�

Building #2�Sunrise, Fl�

Every Tuesday�4:30pm-6:00pm�

PINS - N - PALS I & II YOUTH�BOWLING (8-21Y)�

Sportscenter, Sunrise�(954)357-8160�

Every Wednesday 6:30pm-�7:30pm�

EXERCISE CLASS (16+Y)�Basic exercises, with�movement to music.�

Tree Tops Park, Davie�(954)357-8160�

2nd Wed. of each month�3:00pm-4:30pm�

Employment Coalition of�Florida Creating Successful�

employment opportunities for�people with disabilities�

4800 N State Road 7 - Blvd F,�Suite 102 Ft�

Lauderdale, Fl 33319�

3rd Wednesday�7:00pm- 8:30pm�

Parent’s Support Group�hosted by Luciana Leo�

(954)584-3198�

Every Friday 7:00pm-�8:30pm�

MIRACLE LEAGUE�BASEBALL (6-18Y)�

Pembroke Pines�(954)450-3663�

Every Friday 9:30am-�12:00pm�

IEP WORKGROUPS�Parent to Parent of Miami�

(305)2799797 Ext. 229�

Every Saturdays 10:00am-�12:00pm�

ADAPTIVE AQUATIC�PROGRAM (3Y)�

Hollywood Driftwood (954)�967-4644�

Every Saturdays All�Day�

SOCIAL CLUB (10+Y) Sports,�crafts, games, field trips, etc.�

Coral Springs�(954)345-2200�

Every Saturday�11:00am-12:00pm�

Story Time Theatre Fort�Lauderdale Children's Theatre�

at Barnes and Nobles Free�

Miami Dade after school�programs (6-21Y)�

Coral Estates Park (305)226-�1622, Glouds Park (305)234-�

1673, Greynolds Camp�(305)945-3425, Tamiami Park�

(305)222-2128, Westwind�(305)380-9106�

FRIENDSHIP CLUB (18Y)�Parties, dances, special�

events and more.�Pembroke Pines�

(954)274-7321�

I am Mateo, I am 5 years old and I have autism.�

Looking for something exciting and rewarding to do�with your spare time? Can you make a weekly�commitment?�

We need people like you who are fun, loving and�non-judgmental to join our team and be part of our�Son-Rise Program. No experience is necessary, we�will provide training.�Call Valeria at (786)443-9812�

Kristin Salway�Caring Professional�

(954)274-0802 - ksalw001@fiu.edu�Looking to help special needs children�

developing life-skills.�

Nothing is impossible as long as you�believe!�

11�

Recipe of the Month.�

This recipe is great to make snacks or school�lunches for the children. The recipe is GFCF and�SCD legal. When doing the recipe, try to involve�your child. Most of the time if they helped prepare�it, they will be more open to try it! Have fun and�enjoy!�

Ingredients. Makes 4-5 pancakes.�

·� 1 Cup of boiled organic chicken breast (season�to taste while boiling). You can add 1 cup of�butternut squash already roasted to introduce�vegetables!�

·� 2 Organic Eggs. If allergic to eggs, use pear�puree (1 Gerber cup), or Egg Replacers (NoEgg�by Orgran or Egg Replacer by Ener-G Foods)�

Using a food processor, blend ingredients�together until completely smooth. Mixture will look�just like thick pancake batter.�

Use 1/4 cup of the mixture and cook in hot greased skillet�like a pancake. Batter may need to be spread out a bit so�that it is not too thick.�

These pancakes cook fast, so watch them closely.�

Gluten Free & Casein Free�

(954)816-9554�Yummyabakery@yahoo.com�www.yummyabakery.com�

15% OFF when you mention this ad�

Cupcakes�Muffins�All occasion cakes�

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