DAN doctor (bio medical Treatment)

My knowledge on this is limited but I'm sure as we consult a DAN doctor and start any treatment that we deem necessarly (after testings) I will learn more, It has just been such a short period of time since I even became aware of any of this.. and very little time to learn all this information..

Here is what I have Googled.

We will see a DAN doctor on the 7th of June (Next Monday) and unfortunately insurance wont cover it, so we will have to pay out of pocket for this. They will then run lots of tests On Jamil (to check for abnormalities) and then we will treat as we see fit. We are hoping we can get our Ins to pay for the labs, but they may not. =(

Autism Biomedical Treatment

Biomedical treatment for Autism refers to the process of redressing the anomalies in the patient's Biochemistry through the use of specific nutrients. It is based on the pioneering work of Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling who demonstrated that substances naturally occurring in the body (vitamins and micronutrients) can have a profound impact on health and body functions, thereby sprouting a discipline called Orthomolecular Medicine. Despite its self-evident truth and a wealth of scientific evidence, mainstream Medicine driven by Pharmaceutical interests has resisted this nutritional approach. The mainstream view has been that we get adequate nutrients from our diet and that supplementation is futile. No drug can replace nutrient deficiencies and repair cells suffering from cellular malnutrition and toxic damage. If we persist in looking solely at drug treatment, we may continue to have the prevailing view that Autism is a lifelong disorder and is not treatable.

The medical model can move slowly to accept changes
For decades, medical students were taught a simple rule: "no acid, no ulcer." It was an article of faith that stress and an executive lifestyle contributed to acid-induced stomach ulcers. In 1982, Australian gastroenterologist Barry Marshall, M.D., and pathologist Robin Warren, M.D., showed that a bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) led to the development of gastritis and ulcers. It took years before the medical establishment accepted the idea that ulcers could be caused by infection. It was not until 1995 that the medical community accepted treatment with antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori as standard. In October 2005, Drs. Marshall and Warren were awarded the highest honor a researcher can receive: the Nobel Prize in medicine. Two lessons can be taken from the Helicobacter-ulcer story. The first is that bacterial infection and resulting inflammation might lie behind other chronic conditions. There is now emerging evidence of inflammation involved in Autism. Second, that it takes a very long time for medicine to accept even well researched medical discoveries, let alone non-medical ones, no matter how scientifically valid.

The mainstream medical model responds very slowly to "scientific" advances. For example, despite years of scientific evidence, it's only recently that mainstream Medical journals have published papers recommending nutrients such as Vitamin E and Fish oils in the prevention and treatment of Cardiovascular disease. There are good reasons for being cautious when dealing with toxic drugs with potentially dangerous side-effects. However, this caution may be less warranted when dealing with sensible administration of diet and nutrient supplements.

Scientists, Including Microbiologist Dr. Henry Butt at Bioscreen Medical, Jacques Duff and Dr. Joe Nastasi at the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic are actively looking for the microbial agents that might trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome (diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain and discomfort). We are also researching which bacteria are involved in the intestinal dysbiosis (abnormal comensal bacteria distribution in the Gut) seen in Autism. Our preliminary findings, which were pooled with those of clinics from Sydney and Queensland, were presented by Dr Butt and treatment options presented by Jacques Duff at the Autism Victoria annual Conference in July 2005.

Expected Key Benefits of Biomedical treatment for Autism

• Improvements in immune function, resulting in much healthier children who seem to be very resistant to coughs, colds, runny noses, ear infections and who seem to get over viral infections quicker than the rest of the family.
• Improvements in Gut and Bowel function. More normal stool frequency and consistency; reduction or elimination of lower abdominal pain or discomfort; reduction or elimination of loose stools or diarrhea.
• Children who are seen to thrive.
• Improved appetite and a wider variety of foods tried and consumed
• Better socialisation and initiation of communication with family members and at school; more normal social interactions and social play.
• Improved cognitive function; improved vocabulary and sentence structure; improved higher order functions.

See our Links web page on supporting evidence in the research literature that indicate that all of these gains are genuinely reported across numerous studies.

Treatment effects

There are many studies reporting improvements in Autistic behaviours and cognitive improvements using individual (mono) therapies. We have combined these research findings and mono therapies into a scientific model that explains Autistic behaviours and which enables us to methodically apply a treatment protocol combining these therapies. Their synergy gives better treatment outcomes than seen individually.

Brushing and Deep Pressure

One of the many treatments we are doing for Jamil is The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT)

Every 1.5 to 2 hours during the day I brush Jamil's arms, hands, legs, feet and back, followed by deep pressure to the feet, ankles, knees, hip, hands, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

He needs it. I have skipped one day, and the next day it was very obvious he was uncomfortable and out of his skin. I shouldn't have to do it forever, because the body can learn from all the input we give it, but either way I would if I had to, and as he gets older he could learn to do the brushing himself, as well as applying the pressure.

Sensory deprivation can distract an individual from higher cognitive processing and functioning. Brushing and Joint Compression Techniques were developed as a way to provide sensory integration to wake up the nerves, muscles, and bones to relieve this distraction.

Sensory deprived individuals often crave tactile sensations and have difficulty tuning in to requests that require higher cognitive processing. One of the tools used to treat sensory deprivation includes deep brushing and joint compression techniques to “wake up” the tactile nerves. There are many benefits to the use of this brushing and compression combo treatment including increased awareness which may prepare the individual for higher stimulatory environments. Many researchers suggest that the optimum “dosage” of this treatment may be as much as every two hours every day. However, some research does suggest that excessive use may cause damage to the tibio-femoral joint, commonly referred to as the knee. This risk is likely due to bad technique by the one administering the joint compressions. Therefore, it is important to note that this technique is being described for the sole purpose of informing you about the procedure and it’s possible benefits, not to encourage you to try it unnecessarily without trained supervision. I strongly urge you to please seek a professional opinion before attempting to utilize these procedures in the comfort of your own home.

Now that you know the reason brushing and joint compressions may be used, let me explain the procedure and the basic idea behind the therapeutic technique. The first step includes using a surgical brush to stimulate the nerves. Holding the brush firmly and using controlled, deep strokes, the administer begins with the tips of the fingers and slowly works up to the shoulder area. This stroke is repeated ten times as allowed by the receiver. This step is most efficient when performed on both arms without interference from clothing or other material. Deep brushing strokes can also be used on the back and legs, but never on the stomach or face.

Deep brushing stimulates the nerves and superficial blood vessels in the extremities of the body and offers extra stimulatory input to the sensory-deprived child. The result is a boost in circulation to the skin and stimulation in the primary sensory cortex of the brain. The repition of strokes and moderately strong pressure allows the brain to satiate its desire for stimulation and thus be more ready for more appropriate stimuli, such as socially interactive cues.

After deep brushing to stimulate the nerves, joint compressions is often utilized as a follow up to stimulate the bones and muscles. This technique can be dangerous if used improperly, also offers several worthwhile benefits when administered or supervised by a trained professional. Starting again at the fingers, the administer until the child is relatively still and the joints of the fingers are in alignment, then “pump” the joint, being very careful not to bend, twist, or otherwise damage the fingers. Slowly work up to the elbow, both shoulders, the top of the head. This can also be used on the hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

The joint compressions allow for deeper stimulation at the bone, muscle, and deeper vascular level. Stimulation of these areas alerts a slightly different area of the primary sensory cortex, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. In many ways, it’s similiar to stretching after being sedentary for a while- the extra stimulation to your body wakes your brain up and prepares it to pay attention. This is the same basic principle that is at the heart of the theory behind brushing and joint compression treatments.

Sensory Intergration

Sensory integration disorder or dysfunction (SID) is a neurological disorder that results from the brain's
inability to integrate certain information received from the body's five basic sensory systems. These sensory
systems are responsible for detecting sights, sounds, smell, tastes, temperatures, pain and he position and
movements of the body. The brain then forms a combined picture of this information in order for the body to
make sense of its surroundings and react to them appropriately. The ongoing relationship between behavior and
brain functioning is called sensory integration (SI). Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for later,
more complex learning and behavior.

Sensory experiences include touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, smell, taste, and the pull of gravity.
Distinguishing between these is the process of sensory integration (SI). While the process of SI occurs
automatically and without effort for most, for some the process is inefficient. Extensive effort and attention are
required in these individuals for SI to occur, without a guarantee of it being accomplished. When this happens,
goals are not easily completed, resulting in sensory integration disorder (SID).

The normal process of SI begins before birth and continues throughout life, with the majority of SI development
occurring before the early teenage years. For most children sensory integration develops in the course of ordinary
childhood activities. But for some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should. This is
known as dysfunction in sensory integration (D.S.I.). When the process is disordered, a number of problems
in learning, motor skills and behavior may be evident. The ability for SI to become more refined and effective
coincides with the development process as it determines how well motor and speech skills, and emotional stability
develop.

The concept and theory of sensory integration comes from a body of work developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD,
OTR, and an occupational therapist that was based in California, U.S.A. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Ayres
was interested in the way in which sensory processing and motor planning disorders interfere with activities of
daily living and learning. The beginnings of the SI theory by Ayres instigated research that looks at the foundation
it provides for complex learning and behavior throughout life.

Causes and Symptoms

The presence of a sensory integration disorder is typically detected in young children. While most children develop
SI during the course of ordinary childhood activities, which helps establish such things as the ability for motor
planning and adapting to incoming sensations, others' SI ability does not develop as efficiently. When their process
is disordered, a variety of problems in learning, development, or behavior become obvious.

Those who have sensory integration dysfunction may be unable to respond to certain sensory information by
planning and organizing what needs to be done in an appropriate and automatic manner. This may cause a primitive
survival technique called "fright, flight, and fight" or withdrawal response, which originates from the "primitive"
brain. This response often appears extreme and inappropriate for the particular situation.

The neurological disorganization resulting in SID occurs in three different ways: the brain does not receive
messages due to a disconnection in the neuron cells; sensory messages are received inconsistently; or sensory
messages are received consistently, but do not connect properly with other sensory messages. When the brain
poorly processes sensory messages, inefficient motor, language, or emotional output is the result.

According to Sensory Integration International (SII), a non-profit corporation concerned with the impact of
sensory integrative problems on people's lives, the following are some signs of sensory integration disorder (SID):

• Over sensitivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Under reactivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• Specific learning difficulties /delays in academic achievement
• Difficulty in making transitions from one situation to another
• Tendency to be easily distracted / Limited attention control
• Activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• Social and/or emotional problems
• Difficulty learning new movements
• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
• Impulsive, lacking in self-control
• Inability to unwind or calm self
• Poor self concept / body awareness

While research indicates that sensory integrative problems are found in up to 70% of children who are considered
learning disabled by schools, the problems of sensory integration are not confined to children with learning
disabilities. SID transfers through all age groups, as well as intellectual levels and socioeconomic groups. Factors
that contribute to SID include: premature birth; autism and other developmental disorders; learning disabilities;
delinquency and substance abuse due to learning disabilities; stress-related disorders; and brain injury.
Research has identified autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as two of the biggest
contributing conditions as well as learning disorders (i.e. Specific learning difficulties), developmental disabilities
and fragile X syndrome.

Diagnosis

In order to determine the presence of SID, an evaluation may be conducted by a qualified occupational or physical
therapist. An evaluation normally consists of both standardized testing and structured observations of responses to
sensory stimulation, posture, balance, coordination, and eye movements. These test results and assessment data,
along with information from other professionals and parents, are carefully analyzed by the therapist who then
makes recommendations about appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Occupational therapists play a key role in the conventional treatment of SID. By providing sensory integration
therapy, occupational therapists are able to supply the vital sensory input and experiences that children with SID
need to grow and learn. Also referred to as a "sensory diet," this type of therapy involves a planned and scheduled
activity program implemented by an occupational therapist, with each "diet" being designed and developed to meet
the needs of the child's nervous system. A sensory diet stimulates the "near" senses (tactile, vestibular, and
proprioceptive) with a combination of alerting, organizing, and calming techniques.

Motor skills training methods that normally consist of adaptive physical education, movement education, and
gymnastics are often used by occupational and physical therapists. While these are important skills to work on, the
sensory integrative approach is vital to treating SID.

The sensory integrative approach is guided by one important aspect-the child's motivation in selection of the
activities. By allowing them to be actively involved, and explore activities that provide sensory experiences most
beneficial to them, children become more mature and efficient at organizing sensory information.

Alternative treatment

Sensory integration disorder (SID) is treatable with occupational therapy, but some alternative methods are
emerging to complement the conventional methods used for SID.

Therapeutic body brushing is often used on children (not infants) who overreact to tactile stimulation. A specific
non-scratching surgical brush is used to make firm, brisk movements over most of the body, especially the arms,
legs, hands, back and soles of the feet. A technique of deep joint compression follows the brushing. Usually begun
by an occupational therapist, the technique is taught to parents who need to complete the process for three to five
minutes, six to eight times a day. The time needed for brushing is reduced as the child begins to respond more
normally to touch. In order for this therapy to be effective, the correct brush and technique must be used.

Remember - An important step in promoting sensory integration in children is to recognize that it exists
and that it plays a vital role in their development

How we got here

Jamil is a 22 month old boy, who is very intelligent. He also shows signs for Autism, and Sensory Integration Disorder. I do agree with the fact that he has a lot of sensory Issues, having worked in the field of Autism for 7 years I do not believe he actually has Autism... Now we get into the politics of it all. Diagnoses are pushed for, if a child does not fit into the box or mold that society has made up, there must be something wrong... I am guilty of pushing for a diagnosis for my son, now you may think Who in there right mind would do that? But here is the politics of it. There is simply not enough funding for Sensory problems (early intervention will pay for one hour a week) but what is that going to do for a child who is having problems with there every day life? Now Autism.. that's a whole other ball game. There is lot's and lot's of funding for Autism... Early Intervention is proven to be successful! Very very successful, and the brain is fully malleable up to age three, and I have even heard some sources say up to age five. There is even a lot of benefit from services started after age five.

So here we are. Jamil has been diagnosed with Autism as of 2 months ago. We received the report and it was almost laughable some of the markers they used. I honestly believe he is just very intelligent. The therapy can't hurt him though, so we shall peruse very avenue available to our son to give him the all the opportunities in the world, isnt' that what we all want to do for our children? Our avenue will simply be longer and more expensave than most.