By Rebecca Steiner, Certified Health Coach
If you are the parent of a child with autism, life can be overwhelming. At times it might even feel impossible. As parents we want the best for our children, but nothing prepares you for raising a child on the spectrum (autism, Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and other developmental disorders). Parents of special-needs children face unique challenges. Our kids are, quite simply put, not like other kids. They might have a variety of health problems, be a very picky eater, miss developmental milestones, or have extreme outbursts and meltdowns. Many parents don’t know how to navigate these challenges successfully, and many begin to lose hope.
In your efforts to help your child, you may look to your pediatrician, read books, talk with other parents, or spend hours searching the internet, only to find you are more confused than before. There are a lot question marks and differences of opinion regarding autism: What is it? What causes it? What do we do about it? Some believe there is a genetic component, others think it is caused by vaccines. On one hand, there is a strong social push to stop viewing autism as a handicap and to embrace it as a unique and valuable difference; on the other hand, there are parents, scientists, and doctors who are looking for ways to treat it. I think both viewpoints are correct.
As a society we need to embrace and accommodate what is beautiful and unique about autism. But we must also do everything we can to improve the condition, so that our children can thrive in the world they were born into. This is not to say there aren’t a lot of positive things about autism. For example, my child has a wonderfully creative way of looking at things, and an exceptional aptitude for language. However, there are also ways that she suffers: from the physical ailments that often accompany autism, to wishing she had the same social abilities as other kids.
I believe that one of the most detrimental, unconscionable actions perpetrated by the government and the larger medical industrial complex, has been their efforts to convince parents that there is no cure for autism. I’m not sure what their vested interest is in taking this stance. We have never stopped searching for a cure for cancer or type 2 diabetes. Perhaps it is easier and cheaper to let parents, and especially mothers, believe autism is their burden to carry alone. If you have a special-needs child, you likely know how hard it can be to obtain the resources and services they need. Most parents have not brought a lawyer to a school conference before, but I know several parents of autistic children who have. If a doctor is willing to treat an autistic child, usually they only mask the problem with harsh prescription drugs, anti-psychotics like resperidone, that can have terrible side effects, but has brought in billions of dollars in revenue. At the same time, parents are trying to just get through the day. It is not uncommon for families to struggle financially because one parent has to quit their job to care for a special-needs child full time.
We may not have a cure for autism, yet, but there are so many children out there whose lives have been dramatically improved by heroic parents and doctors seeking alternative remedies. Working in health care for many years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing these transformations first hand. I have seen children gain the ability of speech simply by making changing their diet. I have watched kids meet milestones, become social, make friends, grow in height, even lose their diagnosis. There is no mistaking it, these children are happier, healthier and living a richer life.
What Parents Can Do, and How A Health Coach Can help you
Not every child who gets treatment will come off of the spectrum, but by working with a skilled, biomedical practitioner, you can certainly improve your child’s symptoms and quality of life. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t easy. Treating autism is not for the faint of heart. If you are already working with a practitioner you probably know this. There are tests, protocols, dietary restrictions, supplements, more supplements, vitamins, and appointments, just to name a few. There is also that one teensy problem of how you are going to get your kid to agree to doing any of those things. It can be overwhelming. This is where a Health Coach who specializes in autism comes in handy. A Health Coach can help you to navigate the ins and outs of the treatment process. For instance:
· Creating an individualized dietary program, based on your child’s diagnosis, symptoms, food allergies, aversions and genetics
· Helping you find a medical practitioner, if you do not already have one
· Providing food ideas, recipes and suggestions for picky eaters
· Working with you and your doctor to help you implement medical protocols correctly and efficiently
· Acting as an additional support and liaison for you and your doctor between visits
· Providing resources and tools
· Giving you tips and tricks for better compliance from your child
· Lifestyle recommendations
· Suggestions for better digestion and gastrointestinal problems
· Offering emotional support
A Health Coach can help you help your child regain their abilities. It may be challenging, but I promise you it is worth it. At 18 months my daughter was diagnosed with autism. Quickly, she lost speech, refused most foods, developed digestive issues, allergies, and tics. She stopped meeting milestones and lacked social interest. She was not growing and her doctors were concerned about her small size. While she has not lost her autism diagnosis, she has now regained her speech, eats a wide variety of foods, makes friends easily, and has mainstreamed into regular school. She is a happy, well-adjusted child. She is growing normally, and many of her health problems have improved.
Don’t Give up
Do not be discouraged by people who tell you there is no cure for autism. We are making strides all the time, and there have been so many success stories. A cure is out there. But, the scientists and the doctors alone will not find it. It will be the parents who relentlessly, and tirelessly persist, despite the struggles and the adversity who will get us there. Don’t give up hope.
If you are interested in our Health Coaching services, please contact our office for more information. We offer a free initial 15-minute phone consultation, and in-person and tele-health appointments.