Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

How To Protect Yourself From Electromagnetic Field Radiation with Cory Hillis

The increase in electromagnetic field pollution (EMF) has led to an increase in health related issues worldwide. This is especially true for a fetus and for children. They have twice the amount of damage to their DNA as adults do. The eggs a girl carries even as a child are ten times more effected. In the first 300 days after conception they are unable to repair this damage to the DNA and have ten times more damage then also. There are greater overall problems in health later on. Barrie Trower is a retired physicist who was in the British Navy and used electromagnetic field radiation as weaponry. He offers over 4,000 studies.

Children with autism may be on a program to increase their overall health and in therapies as part of a recovery process, but EMF’s can sabotage your efforts unless you protect your child from them. Learn more about how you can protect your family safely and easily in my radio show interview with expert, Cory Hillis, (show #39).

Cory’s products are by far the best I have found in my searches to help minimize the harmful effects of EMF’s. Autistic children would benefit from wearing a wrist band to protect them for damage all the time. There are multiple options for home protection too. Twenty-four hours on a cell phone is equal to 1600 chest X-rays worth of damage! Learn about Cory Hillis’ EMF solutions and products you can use for protection.

Cory Hillis’ Bio

Cory Hillis, QRA, MBA

Certified EMF Specialist & Trainer

President of EMF Solutions Inc.

Cory is the principal inventor and lead designer of EMF Solutions Inc.  Cory teaches practitioners and other key associates to become Certified EMF Specialists™.  As a holistic practitioner he began formulating EMF remediation products for his own clients.

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Craniosacral Therapy for Autism with Karen Thomas

Learn about craniosacral therapy and how it can benefit people with autism. In radio show #38, I, (Karen Thomas), take my three decades of experience as a craniosacral therapist and share it here with you. Learn how this gentle, yet very effective treatment can help children on the autism spectrum with issues such as anxiety, irritability, speech, digestion, depression, sleep, social capability, sensory overload, headaches, stomach aches, and much more. There are many important aspects to know about how the cranial bones directly affect the brain’s ability to function and what you can do about it.   

Karen’s tutorial video (Craniosacral holds)

Live radio show explaining the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy (show #38)

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The Benefits of Camels Milk (Part-1) with Dr. Jodie Dashore

Camel’s milk is newer knowledge to the general public. I did not use it with my son because it wasn’t around then, or I didn’t know about it yet. I listened to a lecture when I was recently at the Autism One conference from Barry Smeltzer, who specializes in this field.

Camels’ milk should be used along with the help of a trained physician. It is used like medicine, as in only a few drops or teaspoons to begin. It may over stimulate the immune system if used to heavily and too quickly. The probiotic strains can that cause similar changes and increasing the benefits are similar to increasing any good bacteria and giving quality probiotics. Too much will cause die off reactions.

Camel’s milk does not have the same beta-casein structure as bovine milk, so it does not cause the same reactions as casein. This means it should be tolerated by most who are sensitive to casein, (the protein in cow’s milk). As with anything new, always muscle test first to be sure your child’s body is accepting of it and to know what dosage to begin with.

Click here for a free video tutorial of muscle testing.

Some of the benefits of Camel’s milk he noted are:

It contains good fats
It contains probiotics that inhibit pathogenic bacteria and increase immunoglobulin
It heals the mucosal matrix
It prevents adhesions (as in leaky gut adhesions)
It has 3 times the amount of vitamin C than dairy
It has more minerals than bovine milk and higher protein
It has two times more antibodies than breast milk with smaller molecules to help cross the gut/brain barrier

Symptom changes noted from Camel’s milk:

may reverse allergies for people with cow’s milk allergies
may increase words and speech
help to balance the GI tract
calmer moods
weight gain
reduces acid reflux
increases empathy

It is challenging to get quality Camels milk now. They only have a small herd to supply a large demand. They are working on increasing this, but it will take time. If you do purchase some be sure it is grass fed, was low heat pasteurized (not high heat which kills the probiotics and many of the benefits), should be at least, flash pasteurized, not raw, and it should not be a powdered source because the water used to make the powder form is often not pure, has toxins, and may be sprayed with chemicals.To find camels milk near you just google your country name along with the words “camels milk”. There is a quality company in Colorado in the U.S. that will ship it frozen to you. They are TheCamelMilkCo.com. Tell them I sent you.

Children on the autism spectrum also have co-infections, or co-morbid symptoms, such as mold biotoxins, lyme disease, and compromised immune systems. These all effect the gut and their overall health, especially since 70-80% of the immune system is in the gut. These comorbid infections also cause gut issues and make our kids sick and can be the reason your child does not get better.

Learn how Camel’s milk can assist in helping kids with autism spectrum disorders and what the indications for it can be in my radio show interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore (show #43). We also discuss camels milk in (show #37). 

Dr. Jodie Dashore is co-founder on the advisory board of the International Forum for camel’s medicine (IFCAM). Dr. Dashore’s website is Bionexushealth.com.

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Why Food and Nutrition Matter For Those with Autism with Julie Matthews

What role does food play in overall autism recovery? You may have heard of the staple gluten free/casein free diet (GF/CF), but there’s much more to it than that. Food and nutrition matter greatly for those with autism and in overall autism recovery.

 

The definition of recovery is to regain health! Food is medicine that helps us regain and keep our health.

 

Please listen to my radio show interview (show #36), with Julie Matthews, author of Nourishing Hope for Autism Recovery.

In show #36 we answer the questions:

 

1) Why does food matter for autism? 

2) How does a parent get started with this approach of following a special diet?

3) What factors most influence one’s effectiveness and success, (i.e roadblocks to avoid and tips for success)?

4) What are some reasons behind picky eating, and some approached to help break through?

 

Note: show #36 will be in the show archives about 48 hours after the show airs live, (aired live April 9th).

For those already doing something with diet/nutrition:

 

1) How do you know when it’s time to further refine/change one’s diet approach, (beyond the “starter” GFCF or GAPS)?

2) What other food factors does one need to know about and consider? Let’s talk about Salicylates, Oxalates, Phenols and other things we’ve been hearing about with these diets. 

 

 

Julie Matthews BIO:

 

Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published nutrition researcher specializing in complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorders. She’s the author of an award-winning book, Nourishing Hope for Autism, and co-author of a comprehensive study proving the efficacy of nutrition and dietary intervention for autism – published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nutrients. Julie’s approach stems from her 17 years of clinical experience with autism and addresses the BioIndividual Nutrition® needs of each person. Using autism as a model for addressing complex chronic disease, her methodology helps practitioners specializing in varied disorders improve the health and healing of their clients through strategic therapeutic diet intervention. She has a private nutrition practice in San Francisco, California, and supports families and clinicians from around the world with her learning tools and professional training courses. Visit http://NourishingHope.com.

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Symptoms of Genetic Disorders Caused By Environmental Factors with Dr. Bob Miller

Genetic disorders are known to be affected by environmental factors. These mutations, or variations, can be caused by various environmental factors. Genetic susceptibilities are more common today due to increasing toxic insult in our environment. Less than five percent of humans have genetic defects at birth.

Genetic SNP’s or “snips” make the enzymes necessary for the genes to work properly. These enzymes can be blocked by toxins such as:

• Heavy metals including mercury and lead
• Chemicals in and around our homes and pesticides such as glyphosate that are sprayed in our yards as a weed killer and on our food crops. Glyphosate is a chemical found in the weed killer known as Round-up. It is also sprayed on food crops to dry them out when ready to harvest. We then ingest these extremely harmful chemicals.
• Electromagnetic field radiation (EMF’s)

When our genes cannot function properly their pathways become disrupted and multiple health and behavioral symptoms arise. This usually begins with an inflammatory response in the body which then can be seen as anxiety, sleep disruption, aggressive behaviors and much more. We often don’t realize why our kids are acting out or feel so sick but these genetic blocks are usually at the core of the problem. 

Learn how various foods and environmental toxins can affect your child’s health and behaviors in my radio show interview with Dr. Bob Miller, specialist in functional genomics. Learn how genetic function is affected by the environment and what nutritional needs there are for those with specific genetic variants. Please listen to radio show #35, Symptoms of Genetic Disorders Caused By Environmental Factors.

Bob Miller is a Traditional Naturopath specializing in the field of genetic-specific nutrition. He earned his naturopathic degree from Trinity School of Natural Health and is board certified through the ANMA. In 1993, he opened the Tree of Life practice and he has served as a traditional naturopath for 25 years. For the past several years, he has been engaged exclusively with nutritional genetic variants and related research, specializing in nutritional support for those with chronic Lyme disease.

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Comorbid Symptoms of Autism-Lyme, Mold Biotoxins with Dr. Jodie Dashore

In this interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore we dive deep into the comorbid symptoms of autism. These are the common, but commonly mis-diagnosed, and undetected additional illnesses that can prevent our children from gaining recovery from autism. Please listen to this very informative interview.

Dr. Dashore is highly specialized in the German biological and holistic treatment of children with Autism comorbid with tick-borne diseases, mold and biotoxin illness. She uses cutting- edge technology with all natural methodology. Dr Dashore designs highly individualized genetic-based biological protocols to help children with ASD achieve their full potential. See below for further details on Dr. Dashore’s background.

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Parenting Without Stress: How To Raise Responsible Kids While Keeping A Life Of Your Own with Dr. Marvin Marshall

Welcome to part 3 of the 3-part podcast series on help with school (see links below to the other two).

In this podcast, watch and learn the tools necessary for parents and educators alike to achieve the optimum results with children, and all relationships, through positive communication. This podcast helps us to understand and learn how we can empower children and receive peaceful and optimum outcomes in all areas of life.

Having close to 50 years experience working in the educational system, Dr. Marvin Marshall shows how to have young people influence themselves to become more responsible by implementing three practices and by using the Raise Responsibility System. By showing how to promote responsibility—rather than aiming at obedience—you become more effective, improve relationships, promote responsibility, and reduce stress for all family members.

Dr. Marshall shows parents, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone working with young people how to reduce stress and have young people WANT to do what adults would like them to do. His approach is unique because it is totally non coercive, yet not permissive. People who use his unique approach reduce stress for all involved and continually find working with young people a joy. Disagreements are easily handled, impulsive behavior is eliminated, and conflicts even between siblings are significantly reduced.

Also listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Marshall. It’s show #33.

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SNP Genes and Autism (Part-1) with Dr. Kendra Becker-Musante

Let’s talk about some genetic SNP’s that are associated and supported in recovering autism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, often referred to as SNPs (pronounced “snips”) are basic genetic variations in people. Respectively, in a DNA sequence. There are thousands of genes associated with AUTISM and all of them have been randomized out in clinical trials which tells us that autism is largely environmental! However, even though our genes do not define us, they can guide our way toward healing. 

Genetic susceptibilities come from trauma, both physical, emotional, and from toxic insult. Less than five percent of humans have genetic defects at birth.

Some favorite SNP’s that can be associated and supported in recovering autism:

MTHFR 

It is estimated that 98% of people with autism have the MTHFR gene snip. MTHFR or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (methyl-ene-tetra-hydro-folate-reductase), when working properly, produces the MTHFR enzyme, MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). However, if the gene is mutated it will not be able to make important compounds such as protein, and it disrupts the methylation cycle, otherwise known as detoxification. MTHFR gene mutation also disrupts the body’s ability to make the master antioxidant, glutathione. When the body cannot detoxify properly the toxins build up in the body and cause a myriad of health problems. MTHFR is also responsible for creating the process of converting the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is the amino acid our body uses to make proteins.

With the MTHFR mutation metabolic issues are common, and so is the deficiency of folate, vitamin Methyl B12 , (vital for proper function of many things including methylation, digestion and food absorption), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6, for brain function and coping with stress), or mutations of related enzymes. Folate is natural and comes from food sources such as green vegetables, beans and other whole plant foods. It is responsible for synthesizing DNA, making red blood cells, transporting oxygen, and supports the functioning of our nervous and cardiovascular systems. Adequate B vitamins, including folate are also necessary for proper cognitive function.

Folic acid is synthetic and commonly in multivitamins and fortified foods. This can cause excess to build in the body. The body has a limited ability to convert folic acid to folate. Too much folic acid can affect gene expression, may reduce immune system function, and exacerbate vitamin B12 deficiency. It is critical to make sure to check your multivitamin, because most will contain folic acid and not folate.  

With the MTHFR mutation it is important to reduce inflammatory foods from the diet such as gluten, dairy, processed carbohydrates and sugars. detoxification and the use of toxin binders can be very helpful.

Common health issues related to a disruption in the MTHFR gene are:

• Food allergies
• Inflammation
• Alzheimer’s
• Cardiovascular problems
• ADD/ADHD
• thyroid issues
• Chronic fatigue
• Eczema
• Infertility
• Drug sensitivities
• Tactile sensitivity

A couple of physical signs to look for that refer to MTHFR are:

• A sacral dimple. This would be on the top and center of the gluteal fold.
• A blue line in between the eyebrows.
• Tongue tie

 

COMT  

COMT stands for Catechol-O-methyltransferase and is an enzyme that breaks down hormones secreted by the adrenal glands to help us stay calm and handle stress. They are in a category of chemicals called catecholamines which are also neurotransmitters, or brain messengers, such as dopamine (our feel good chemical), epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), and norepinephrine (a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter).

COMT deactivates these neurotransmitters in a process that uses S-adenosyl methionine, or SAMe. SAMe assists with many things including motivation. SAMe is part of the methionine cycle which needs the help of the MTHFR enzyme to complete these chemical processes. Therefore, MTHFR and COMT are both needed. A mutation in either one of these genes causes a disruption in the physical and emotional effects of the individual.

Supplements that can be helpful:

• Magnesium is required for proper COMT function.
• Vitamin B6 is a cofactor to the COMT enzyme, so it can be helpful in its ability to be properly activated, but it must be added in slowly to avoid reactions..

Studies show “Catecholaminergic systems are involved in the regulation of aggressive behavior”.

(Catecholamines and aggression: the role of COMT and MAO polymorphisms.)

PON 1

The PON 1 gene relates to how our body’s metabolize organophosphates. It also relates to the susceptibility of vaccine reactions. 

Histamine Sensitivity (DAO)

Histamines are released by the digestive tract and the brain. When the DAO enzymes are mutated then it is difficult to remove histamine.  Histamine reactions come from the body having an allergic reaction. The body sees a food as an allergy when the immune system gets triggered to release histamine. Common symptoms are hives, extreme mood changes, poor sleep, Common causes are related to leaky gut and the MTHFR gene mutation. This can happen when an ill gut blocks methylation (MTHFR). 

For SNP’s and autism health to become balanced it is crucial to heal the gut and regulate a proper diet, and avoid specific foods beginning with a food guide.

In Summary

The SNP’s or snips, MTHFR , COMT, MAO, and histamines can contribute or be the cause of both physical and behavioral issues such as manic or depressive behaviors, pain disorders, aggression, anxiety, poor sleep, food allergies, inflammation, and much more. By working with a supportive diet and natural supplementation we can improve these symptoms and the health and behavioral symptoms of autism. Diet is exceptionally important and the gut must be healed properly.

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Electromagnetic Field Radiation and Your Health with Peter Sullivan

Please listen to this informative interview on electromagnetic field radiation (EMR)and how it can affect your health. This interview is with Peter Sullivan, the founder and CEO of Clear Light Ventures, Inc., and an environmental health founder who focuses on toxins and wireless safety. He has spent the last 15 years successfully recovering his two sons from autism and sensory issues. 

There are many health dangers involved with electromagnetic field radiation. It is known to shut down cells, their membranes, and their channels.  Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can easily penetrate brain tissue, and children absorb twice as much as an adult (Wang and Fugiwara, March 2003). The growth of beneficial gut bacteria is much slower in the presence of EMR. EMR is also a common reason for anxiety and sleep disruption.  Please listen to these interviews to become fully informed about what electromagnetic field radiation can do to your health and how you can protect yourself and your family.

Ways to reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic field radiation

Turn off your wifi at night to help reduce the EMF pollution to your body while you sleep. A stetzer meter can help gauge the EMF of the devices in your home. Cell chips and home device plug-ins can be purchased to help reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation.  For the best devices to protect yourself and your family from EMF’s please read here. 

Peter Sullivan’s Biography

Peter Sullivan is the founder and CEO of Clear Light Ventures, Inc., as well as an environmental health funder who focuses on toxins and wireless safety. He has spent the last 15 years successfully recovering his two sons from autism and sensory issues and recovered from his own environmental health issues. Peter’s work on detoxification and EMF (electromagnetic fields) have been featured in the book Toxin Toxout, the book The Out of Sync Child Grows Up, Mother Jones magazine, Paleo Magazine, and CNN’s Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man. He is an executive producer of the documentary “Generation Zapped”, about the health effects of wireless, and co-executive producer of the film “The Devil We Know” about Teflon pollution. Peter serves as a board advisor to Pure Earth (pollution.org), and the International Institute for Building-Biology Ecology. Previously, he worked as a software designer, making software easier to use at Netflix, Inc., Interwoven, Inc., Excite@Home, and Silicon Graphics. He also served as an Executive Officer and pilot in the United States Navy. He has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Detroit and an M.S. in computer science from Stanford University.

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Co-morbid symptoms of autism including PANS triggered by mold with Dr. Jodie Dashore

PANDAS or PANS is an acronym that stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. In 2010, PANDAS became PANS, which is the current proper term for it, so you may hear both.

The onset of PANS symptoms come often after a Streptococcal infection, also called Strep. After Strep. they may get tonsillitis. The onset can also be seen after an insult to the immune system that may trigger inflammation. It is known to become apparent after the H1N1 influenza vaccination which increases its likelihood. Genetically, those with mitochondrial deficiency are also more susceptible. Also look for excessive fatigue. They may even have mononucleosis (mono). Other infections that are known to trigger PANS can be Lyme disease, and Epstein Barr virus, which is what causes mononucleosis. We commonly may see mycoplasma infections such as a sore throat, or a respiratory infection. To add to the uncertainties, there may not always be symptoms of infections prior to the noting of the onset of the symptoms of PANS.

Parents may notice a sudden onset of symptoms such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or tiks. Tiks can be motor tiks where their body jerks rapidly, (not wiggling), or vocal tiks. Additional symptoms include separation anxiety, a decline in school such as in their reading and math abilities, simplified language, baby talk, bed wetting, and increased urination, aggression, and anxiety with stress. Only about on to two percent of children get PANS, but the percentage seems to be increasing.

PANS predisposes one to the symptoms of autism. Autism being a co diagnosis. Instead of a fever their brain will be effected, and thus, their psychology. PANS effects the immune system which is commonly weak in those with autism, so they are a higher percentage.

The onset of PANS is most common among children between the ages of three and eleven. It is noticed more around the age of seven or eight years old because of violent stimming. From ages three to five there may just be hyperactivity. Under the age of three it mimics the symptoms of autism.

Testing for PANS

Testing in either the early or late phase of PANS is best known through the Cunningham Test from Molecular Labs. This test identifies the antibodies associated with this disorder. Blood tests identify the illness and looks for triggers. Genetic testing is also helpful. Noted testing is done through CRISPR/Cas9, 23andme.com, MECP2. and Dr. Amy Yasko.

Treatment for PANS

Boosting the immune system and treating infections with the right diet that also reduces inflammation is essential, (see free workshop for more on diet). The goal is to keep the child stable. When going in for any vaccination ibuprofen and high doses of vitamin C can be used before and after to alter the fever response pathways.  In late phase, it becomes and autoimmune issue which requires stronger treatment for it. Camels’ milk has been known to be helpful in treating the immune responses associated with PANS and Lyme also.

PANS Resources

Karen’s live radio show interview with PANS expert, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti, show # 27. 

PANS specialist, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti’s website, PandasInstitute.org

Karen’s live radio show interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore on the co-morbid symptoms of autism including PANS triggered by mold, show #30

PANDASnetwork.org  (a support website for parents)

National Institute for Mental Health

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