Uncharted Waters

Today I took James to see a new doctor. Her name is Dr Ginsburg and she is what some might call a bit "crunchy" and out-there. But she comes highly recommended. She specializes in autism and women's health and her "thing" is alternative bio-medical treatments. It was overall a great visit. She was encouraging and had lots of suggestions. We are starting Melatonin supplements tonight and will possibly start Methyl B-12 shots in a few weeks. Melatonin is the hormone that your body naturally makes to make you sleepy. Some kids who have sleep problems (this includes James) respond well to Melatonin and we are hoping that James will get better sleep and therefore have better days as a result. The B-12 shots are a bit more controversial and could have a negative effect instead of a positive result. There are a lot of critics out there who think that you shouldn't give your kids anything that isn't approved by the FDA. Funny though some of those are the same people who say we should question the government and big corporations and not just do "what they tell us." So we shall see... There are others who think that you shouldn't inject your kids with needles (even the tiny insulin needles required for B-12 shots) and I say, "If your child had diabetes and needed insulin shots multiple times a day you wouldn't hesitate. So why now?" My feeling is this: Autism is scary because there is no beaten path. No two kids seem to respond to the same course(s) of treatment and so there is no "norm." And for me I have to ask myself, "Have I done enough to try to help my son get better?"

After we have tried the shots for a couple of months she wants us to put James on a gluten free-casein free-soy free diet! He is already casein free and I am super scared about this one because I know that most of the work and adjustment is going to be on our (mine and David's) part. Learning how to cook and shop all over again. But again if it means steps forward for James I am willing and getting ready!