I remember the night like it was yesterday. Our family's pediatrician had administered a vaccine earlier that day and now he had spiked a fever, was red and inflamed at the injection point, and was screaming in his crib. I placed my hands on him and prayed fiercely that God would keep my baby alive through the night. I cried so much and mentally beat myself up for hours. I had heard the horror stories about vaccine injury and SIDS. My "crazy vegan mom" had warned me not to vaccinate my kids, but I just rolled my eyes and added it to the list of weird things she said. My other boys had been fine. I never thought it could happen to my family. But it did.
Thankfully Bo did wake up the next morning. I know other families that weren't so "lucky". But his speech immediately regressed. No more mama and dada, just a long series of baby babbles. We noticed, but so many well meaning people said "oh he's just the baby, everyone is talking for him" or "my brother/son/nephew didn't talk for a while and now you can't shut him up." That was just enough hope for us not to pursue answers.
As time went on, no words came. At 2 we started being asked if we were worried. My father-in-law made a comment that he thought Bo might be autistic. We were pissed and defensive, at first. Then those words haunted us. We could no longer ignore a potential diagnosis. I found an M-CHAT-R test online and burst into tears at the results. "I think Bo might be autistic" I told my husband.
But the fear of the unknown was completely paralyzing. I started slowly talking with friends who had special needs kiddos. The more I talked to others the more heard I felt, and the more I realized these "rare injuries" were not rare at all. One day I finally pulled the trigger and called Early Steps to get him evaluated. The day of the evaluation came and we were hopeful our little guy would do great. Not so much! It was a disaster. He showed them all of his worst moments, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He was approved for all the services.
After months of physical therapy and in home speech therapy he had 10 words. Those were my favorite 10 words of all time. We also switched up his diet and started him on some great products to help him detox and boost his cognitive function. (I go into all of that in detail below).
Then, in September of 2018 he started going to an ASD VPK class full time. His vocabulary grew. His social skills blossomed. He went from #silentbutfriendly to a little talker. All along the way God brought the most amazing, dedicated, and passionate people into our lives to help Bo. They've loved him as their own and worked with him in the good times and the bad.
I'm so happy to say that Bo just finished the first grade and his IEP has been changed to reflect that he no longer needs speech or behavioral services at school. His speech has exploded!! He's NEVER quiet anymore! I attribute it to all the great products and services he uses, but he's a legit genius child now! He loves to learn, especially math!!
This journey through vaccine injury and autism has been hard, frustrating, emotional, and scary, but watching him grow has been so rewarding and has brought out our most compassionate side as a family. We don't know what the future holds for Bo, but we know it's gonna be quite the adventure!
#believemothers
#justasking
If you're a parent, grandparent, or loved one and have concerns about someone in your life, please, I urge you to speak up for them. You are not alone, and it is not your fault. A very wise friend told me that it's better to know than to not know, and all the hoping in the world can't help your child. Find people you trust and talk it out. Then very quickly turn your fear into action and advocacy. Believe me, one day your child will thank you, even if he can't say "thank you" yet. 💖💖💖
Supplements- Modexus Longevity
For Bo: 1 capsule given in the morning daily (can put in water, yogurt, applesauce, etc.)
Modexus was 100% the biggest game changer for Bo with his gut health, speech, behavior and focus. Longevity is a gentle natural detox that helps his system do what it was meant to do, while Lift gives him that extra help he needs with cognitive function and clarity. We loved these products so much for Bo that our whole family even started taking them in place of our drug store vitamins!
Here's a direct excerpt from Modexus creator Dr. Rouse on the benefits of these 2 products for those with Autism, MTHFR gene mutation and other glutathione depleting conditions.
When using natural medicine to lessen symptoms of autism spectrum, the key to victory is found in the metabolic pathway. When the metabolic pathway is linked up with the detoxification system, you're on your way to methylation.
People on the autism spectrum often:
Modexus has created a natural solution that produces a better antibody production in ASD patients so the body can produce the specific proteins that help to keep the immune system strong.
ASD is linked to exposure to environmental toxins- heavy metals, toxins, pesticides, vaccines (contain mercury, aluminum) - that cause inflammation and cause the immune tissue in the immune system to get clogged up. Toxins are linked to major cognitive and neurological disorders. Autism spectrum falls into that category.
I've got good news for you, though.
Glutathione and the Lonicera berry together are a very potent anti-inflammatory nutritional that can isolate free radicals. They help increase oxygenation and reduce levels of lactic acid.
But the "root cause problem solving key" is to know that amino acids impart the major positive influence in autism. Glutathione is the key master molecule to improve methylation, the immune system and detoxification.
In ASD gut issues, the GI tract, is always impaired, but Glutathione and the Lonicera can physically balance GI tract issues. These ingredients are found in Modexus Longevity. Add to that Modexus Lift- which helps with brain messaging- how well a person receives and absorbs messages.
Used together (Longevity & Lift) you can see improved speech communication, social skills, eye contact, quality sleep, reduced hyper activity, and reduced repetitive habits.
It works in days, not weeks.
So, what are we doing with Lift & Longevity? We're optimizing the methylation pathways.
Best part is, it's safe enough for even the smallest child to take.
CBD Oil- HempWorx Full Spectrum CBD Oil 750mg
For Bo: 1/4 dropper given daily in the morning
We started Bo on CBD before adding in the Modexus products for the purpose of regulating his emotions, outbursts, and melt downs. It worked beautifully! And while the Modexus products support some of these same issues, we have continued to use CBD regularly as well.
Here is some information directly from HempWorx on studies finding benefits of CBD use for children with autism.
A few full-scale studies have explored the impact of CBD on children with autism. One of the largest such studies took place in Israel. The report includes the following finding:
"In 2014, The Ministry of Health began providing licenses for the treatment of children with epilepsy. After seeing the results of cannabis treatment on symptoms like anxiety, aggression, panic, tantrums and self-injurious behavior, in children with epilepsy, parents of severely autistic children turned to medical cannabis for relief."
The results of the study were encouraging. Most of the children involved saw improvement in anxiety, anger, and hyperactivity.
In addition (and perhaps as a result), they also saw significant improvements in social communication, sleep, and self-injury. A tremendous bonus is the fact that there were few side effects, and those that did appear (sleepiness and change in appetite) were mild.
Additional studies have provided similar results: CBD has proved to be helpful in a majority of cases in lessening emotional and behavioral issues and can even help to improve social communication skills.
These preliminary findings, along with the low incidence of significant side effects, are very encouraging. Studies are ongoing in clinics and research centers around the world.
HempWorx products are made from industrial hemp plants grown on American farms. Cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent that naturally occurs in industrial Hemp, is just one of over 85 cannabinoids that is identified in the cannabis plant. Our oil is CO2 extracted resulting in a solvent free, pure product.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS), an extension of our Central Nervous System, is comprised of receptors, neurotransmitters and enzymes. The ECS interacts with Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant and Endocannabinoid that are produced by our own bodies.
HempWorx products contain CBD and other Cannabinoids which bind to the ECS receptors leading to a positive impact on health and overall well-being.
WE USE THESE PRODUCTS TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM, GUT HEALTH, AND INCREASE COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Probiotic- Garden of Life Organic Kids+
Given daily in the morning
Cod Liver Oil- Carlson Laboratories
Children's Norwegian The Very Finest Fish Oil
Added into his blended smoothies, given several times a week
For more info on these and other holistic products that have helped us
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