Another alternative to treating autism with medication is the Brain Balance program. It works on balancing communication between and within the two sides of the brain. This communication issue is at the root of neuro disorders, so physical and cognitive exercises that improve this communication help reduce symptoms. Their website is worth a read. www.brainbalancecenters.com

Regardless of cause, there are children and families who need help now. I like what Brain Balance - www.brainbalancecenters.com - has to say about the issue - that all neurobehavioral disorders have in common an underlying condition called functional disconnection syndrome. Through diet, behavior modification, exercises and educational techniques that help make connections, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms. While their site doesn't really talk cause (pesticides, mercury, etc.) it is worth a read, particularly the "truth" section.

My understanding is that vitamin D3 is better than D2 because it’s derived from whole food sources and is better absorbed by the body than D2. Of course, it is a crucial part of good health, and I’ve read here that it also fights the flu better than the vaccine. I’m taking extra D3 and giving it to my kids.

I can totally relate to the sensory problems while driving. My daughter has terrible SPD and is doing well now after tons of therapy, but as a baby and young toddler, car rides were horrible. The screaming! Every time we went over a bump, changed speeds, if it rained, etc. she just screamed and screamed. I ended up selling a car that I loved because it had a tight suspension and she hated it. Sometimes she screamed at the SIGHT of the car. Here are some websites that helped us help her with the sensory issues. Hope they help others! www.spdfoundation.net - info and support www.brainbalancecenters.com - education and info

I don't know how you do it! My daughter has pretty significant sensory processing disorder but is doing much better now after tons of therapy in and out of the home. In fact, she is nearly recovered. Just SPD can be draining at times. To deal with severe autism with two children day in and day out must be so overwhelming. I know you are dealing with a different animal than we are, but here are some websites I found useful that could help your readers: www.brainbalancecenters.com - education/therapy www.aitinstitute.com - auditory therapy
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Some children have behavioral issues due to maturity, age, lack of discipline, or problems at home but there are SOME children with real neurological disorders. It may manifest itself in withdrawn behavior or hyper behavior – it depends on the child. I like what Brain Balance has to say about the issue – http://www.brainbalancecenters.com . Strengthening brain communication (between the right and left sides of the brain) through education, exercises, occupational therapy, etc. can make a big difference without drugs. I understand the difficult job that teachers have with 20 or more students who learn differently and at different levels. Never-the-less, it’s not as “easy” as every child with behavior or attention problems having ADHD. Some have sensory issues, parent issues, etc.

The earlier we recognize the signs, the earlier we can begin to intervene. If one of those signs is a brain difference recognizable through MRI, then that is a great first step in early diagnosis and intervention. If you read what the Brain Balance website has to say, there is much evidence that the brain can be changed and the underlying communication issue improved to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. I love their website's explanation of functional disconnection syndrome. You can read about it at www.brainbalancecenters.com .

It all makes sense once you understand it, doesn't it? Our daughter is severely sensory defensive. She avoids noise, touch, new situations, and new foods. She is doing much better now that we know what we're dealing with. Here are some websites that have helped us: www.sensoryplanet.com - forum for parents about SPD www.brainbalancecenters.com - individualized education and therapies for neurobehavioral disorders www.aitinstitute.org - auditory therapy