Parents strive to do their best for all their children, and this is especially challenging for those with special needs. So, families seek assistance from assorted channels; including books, other parents, therapists, teachers, professional practitioners, and of course, the Internet.

Inevitably, discussions arise about the ‘best way’ to handle specific situations, including the core domain difficulties of social isolation, repetitive motions (‘stims’) and communication.

Due to the enigmatic combination of signs and symptoms that presently fall under an Autism Spectrum diagnosis, there are usually more opinions than the number of authorities involved.

Conflicting information emanates from various sources:
Often, child neurologists are negative about practitioners who offer alternative medical interventions. There has been little change in the advice that they have offered for the past 25 years. Their information is based upon children who were previously put into mental institutions with other ‘retarded’ individuals.
What is the parent of a 5-year-old with apraxia to do? “Get more therapy!” Really? That’s all you’ve got, doc?

Likewise, pediatricians are generally clueless regarding ASD. Whenever a professional concludes, “We should wait for 6 months or so, to give a diagnosis,” parents should seek more substantial advice. What other medical condition is assigned this situation? Certainly not ear, throat or sinus problems, which appear to require immediate antibiotic intervention, regardless of a fever or other confirmatory signs.

Specialists, such as gastroenterologists, allergists, immunologists, pulmonologists and dermatologists seem to have tunnel vision, when it comes to autism. ‘Constipation’ and ‘eczema’ are descriptive terms, not astute diagnoses. Steroids are short-lived band-aids. Miralax® and Prilosec® are downright dangerous.

Psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, and psychologists are considered experts in assigning an accurate diagnosis. However, RisperdalAbilify, and Adderall never made any child speak. Plus, there are a multitude of negative side effects.

Speech and Language Therapists are the authorities who have been on the front line of the autism epidemic. Children who do not speak are apraxic – period! Advice, such as, “He doesn’t want to speak,” is meaningless. “Mommy, I want juice,” is easier than dragging a parent to the refrigerator. The child would say it, if the circuits worked correctly.

Occupational and physical therapists should be a mainstay, until fine motor skills become age-appropriate. If there were a supplement or medication for such abilities, we would all take a pill and get piano lessons. In the meantime, it takes practice, practice, practice. Children who avoid handwriting lessons are not ‘easily distracted’; they simply don’t wish to ‘suck’ in another activity that other kids tolerate or even enjoy.

Behavioral therapists who claim that a young child is too disruptive and requires medication should seek other employment. Similarly, assigning blame to the family for inconsistent or incorrect responses is not helpful. The more challenging the behavior, the more that a professional should seek the cause and treatments.

The Internet is a collection of stories, with little supporting information. Parents should seek sites that use hyperlinks to actual studies and avoid those with quick fixes or magic remedies. If it worked, we would know about it.

Other families are helpful, for sure. However, their experience is limited to the number of children, their ages, and their condition. No matter how well-meaning, the information needs to be taken with a great deal of salt.

The solution to all of these various expert opinions, is aided by an experienced medical practitioner who has cared for many patients and listens. By taking into account the history, physical, laboratory findings, and previous treatment regimes, a framework for real progress can be constructed.

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