It is Autism Awareness month and it makes me think most about those parents and families that are without guidance on their journey. In a blink of an eye your life changes and your child is diagnosed, this overwhelms every family and most all have little guidance. The maze of the internet becomes the constant as you search online for hope. Some parents get the care they need and others spend 10 years following dead ends. It is my mission to see parents get ALL their options for treatment. I cannot count the number of parents that have cried in frustration and in joy. Some are frustrated because nobody told them about biomedical interventions, nutrition or supplementation and others cry in joy because they found the right team and are so relieved to be getting their child back. Parents should not have to without guidance or options. I want to answer a few questions I am asked frequently.

Who can help me?
This becomes a philosophical decision for some. You must believe in the treatment approach you take because it will take work and sacrifice, from the appointments to the treatment plan. To be successful you must comply with whatever you choose to do for the maximum benefit. What do you believe will help your child? What have other parents tried with success? Are you ready, able and willing to commit to care?

Can I do more than one thing at a time?
Yes, if your doctor is taking care of the biomedical issues then the therapy can be that much more beneficial, they can be synergistic. Most parents report goals are being reached faster and improvements seem greater.

How do I know if someone is qualified?
Everyday we have to make decisions but we don’t make them without all the facts, especially when it comes to our medical care. As a parent you must interview any person you are considering as a part of your team. Your child will have better results if you get the proper team in place.

What do I ask them?
First, you must right down the goals you have for your child and make sure the provider has direct experience achieving the results you are looking to better. You must understand that nobody can tell the future but certainly they can tell you their experiences as they relate to your child and you must make the decision on who you feel most can help you get to your goals.

Stay tuned for part 2 to be posted by month end. Here are some questions I will be answering then:

Is there any age when treatment doesn’t work any longer?
How long does it take to get results?
I hear about “recovery” for autism, is this possible?

Be Well,
Dr. Brooks
Whole Child Wellness