I am not going to talk about ABA, RDI, etc., but I do feel they can be helpful. Recovery is such a difficult task, that writing down a plan is really necessary to keep track, especially since you will be learning so many new things a day. Here are some tips.
Video
Get video of your child with his/her symptoms. This is one of the things I regret. I wish I had taken more video. I never knew the recovery road would lead me to be such a public advocate. Thus, get video because you never know what you will need it for.
Diet
On the recovery journey, you will learn that there are several diets being reported that are used to reduce symptoms. I actually delayed doing the diet until they were almost recovered. I needed to get them just a little bit better to do regular school, so I finally succumbed to the diet. We went with gluten-free and dairy-free, and organic. It worked. It was the final hump to get them into regular school. There are many other diets to choose from as mentioned on my "Recovery" page, and there may even be more. I would ask on forums on where to find more detailed information.
Organ Support
The DANs, and other doctors in the autism arena, like to give many supplements to cover various deficits. Without such support, many children can not benefit from the pathogen-killing treatments. With under-working thyroids, adrenal glands, livers, kidneys, etc., you can see how this would make healing difficult. The body needs to be working well to be able to metabolize medicines, herbs, etc., and to also rid the dead pathogens and toxins that result from such medicines and herbs. Thus, either testing is done to see where the child's deficits are at, or supplements are given to ensure the organs are supported. The testing is more complex and specialized than what one would encounter with your typical doctor. Successful doctors in the autism arena have learned that testing has to be done a certain way to pick up deficits. Sometimes, only certain labs are used and thought to be the only lab reliable for accurate results.
Digestion
I have seen many people post on the forums that their children's stools looked completely normal, yet when they supplemented digestive enzymes, they got significant improvements. Also, when stool tests were done, these normal-looking stools had many abnormal test findings. Often there is a total lack of necessary microflora strains. Also, there is often too much of the wrong type of microflora, such as yeast and Clostridia Difficile. This is scary since Clostridia Difficile can be fatal. Most with autism appear to have abnormal stools, either diarrhea or constipation or a fluctuation of both. Digestion support can assist nutrient absorption while one is waiting to rid the pathogens and toxins, which likely will eventually fix the digestion problems, at least for many.
Circulation
Various supplements are given, and often they are anti-inflammatories, blood-vessel dilators, lymph-node stimulators, etc. Sometimes prescriptions are used, but often gentle herbs are used. Even foods like cod liver oil are reportedly being used towards thinning the blood and reducing inflammation. The inflammation is on the inside, such as the nerves and vessels. It's rarely on the outside, thus, not seen.
Toxins
Many are doing formal chelation techniques. But there is a myriad of ways to treat toxins, such as herbs, amino acids, vitamins, mineral formulas, seaweeds, algae, electronic gadgets, homeopathy, etc. Since many report that they get large metal dumps when they treat for pathogens, I prefer concentrating on pathogens and then detoxing along the way as it fits into the particular protocol selected. One thing that dismays me about treating for toxins, is that some people report that they have been treating toxins for years with little or no improvement. I suspect it's because their protocol is not focusing enough on treating pathogens. But realize that many successful doctors feel that treating for toxins is necessary for full recovery, especially to reduce relapse rates.
Pathogens
I have seen recovery postings where the persons said that they only used antibacterials. This definitely got my attention. I actually have seen so many such postings that I finally had to swap my thinking from toxins and viruses to bacteria and worms. It appears treating for parasites was also getting results. Treating yeast was helpful, but it just kept coming back. So, if you are only treating yeast, and not the reason their immune system is too low to keep yeast at bay, then it may be an endless battle. The pathogens that appear to be the underlying cause: worms, protozoa, and pleomorphic pathogens (Lyme, Syphilis, Brucella, Bartonella, mycoplasma, HTLV-1, XMRV ). Of course, toxins and other viruses, especially HHV6 and other herpes strains, are also a big problem. But, it appears that the pleomorphic pathogens are the smoking gun. Streptoccocus is getting a lot of attention as well. It is being referred to as chronic Strep or PANDAS, and long-term Zithromax is being used to treat it. Since Zithromax also treats protozoa, Bartonella, and Lyme, it is unclear when autism symptoms decrease, which pathogens were the culprit.
To add to this enigma, family members who feel that they are healthy are also testing positive for pleomorphic pathogens. Thus, why is it making some ill and others not? The reason appears to be immune thresh-hold. At some point, those with autism encounter immune stressors which might even be from the room they sleep in. I have read reports that invisible waves from wireless gadgetry and even items plugged-in, can effect one's immune system. Other things being blamed are: vaccines, molds, pesticides, other pathogens, toxins from any source, food choices, fluorescent lighting, etc. Even the choosing of a babysitter can make a difference (her pathogens and microflora), or maybe pathogens received from pets. Pets are carriers to many worms, protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses. It is controversial which ones transfer to humans, but definitely Bartonella and Toxoplasmosis are accepted by all as transferable to humans. Bartonella is a pleomorphic bacteria. You will find many on the autism forums now testing for and treating for pleomorphic bacteria. The symptoms that are typically going away with Bartonella treatment are namely OCD, but also speech, mood swings, anger, and ADHD might be affected.
Testing is difficult and treatment is lengthy. But the good news is, you will know what is the root of your child's problem. Don't expect to be able to go to your local doctor and get much assistance in accurate testing or treatment for autism. But, you might get lucky. If not, seek out one of the many doctors or practitioners who do know the autism connection with pleomorphic pathogens, especially pleomorphic bacteria. They will know how to test, which labs to use, and effective treatments. There are many treatment choices, and they are very similar to what is already being done in the autism arena. The difference is that by focusing on pleomorphic bacteria, you just might get faster results.
What to Choose
Choosing which biomedical techniques to implement is going to take some thought. I think it's best to research the websites referred to on my "Recovery" page or use other means of your choosing, and then decide. After you research such, you will have an idea of what you believe is going to work, what is available in your area, what you can afford, etc. Don't forget to use the forums as well to learn more about the possible doctor and treatment choices you make. Make sure you are a member of several forums, since each will have it's own personality and differing opinions. May Jesus guide you to healing.
I have started to write a more comprehensive book.
