guide autism where to begin - generation rescue | … of the best resources generation rescue can...

Getting an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help make it all easier for you. This guide provides you with the necessary steps to help get you started on

your journey of hope and healing.

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First Steps 3 1. Research Government Services 3

2. Research Funding Sources 3

3. Explore Traditional Therapies 4

4. Utilize the Programs & Services from GR 4

5. Explore an Allergen Free Diet 4

6. Consider Supplementation 5

7. Read, read, and continue to read 5

8. Lead a Non-Toxic Lifestyle 5


First StepsThe following is a suggested list of actions to take following an autism diagnosis. Many resources exist to guide you along the journey and provide treatment options. This is what we recommend you do first:

1. Research Government ServicesEarly intervention services are available at a local and state level. The services provided vary depending on the age of the individual and the state in which they reside. For example, if a child is 3 years or older it is recommended to first contact your local school district, as they will likely have the best knowledge of community services available.

Early Intervention Services Include: ▪ State/County Resources - Early Intervention Services ▪ Local School District ▪ Regional Centers – (California)

2. Research Funding SourcesDepending on the current family financial situation, there are several funding sources available with regard to treatment. If private health insurance is an option, this is the first place to call and investigate what coverage, if any is provided by a current plan: ▪ Private Insurance (Health Insurance) ▪ Medicaid ▪ Federal Funding ▪ Grants


http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html

http://www.schooldistrictfinder.com/

http://www.regionalcenter.org/home

http://www.autismhealthinsurance.org/health-plan-type

http://www.medicaid.gov/

http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2408

http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/autism-grants/

3. Explore Traditional TherapiesDepending on the diagnosis, several traditional therapies may be available in the local area. Insurance or government support may be available to access the following programs, such as: ▪ Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) ▪ Occupational Therapy ▪ Speech Therapy ▪ Physical Therapy

4. Utilize the Programs & Services from GR Generation Rescue is here to provide support for treatment, guidance, education and hope for recovery through the journey with autism. Apply for our treatment grant, find a physician and connect with a parent mentor: ▪ One of the best resources Generation Rescue can provide is access to parent

mentors who can assist recently diagnosed families. Call 1-877-98-AUTISM to learn more.

▪ To ensure access to treatment options Generation Rescue provides a grant program to low-income families in-need. Apply for a Rescue Family grant to start biomedical treatments.

▪ If qualifications for the grant program cannot be met, please review the following pages: ▪ Find a physician in your area with our directory of over 250 accredited

doctors throughout the country. ▪ Attend the Autism Education Summit, a conference powered by

Generation Rescue with three days of comprehensive lectures from leading experts and thought-leaders in the medical community.

5. Explore an Allergen Free DietImprovement has been seen with the removal of certain allergens such as gluten, casein, or soy from the diet. Explore a variety of special diets, including the gluten-free, casein-free diet and other allergen free diets through the following resources: ▪ Explore the the gluten-free, casein-free diet


http://www.centerforautism.com/

http://aota.org/consumers.aspx

http://www.asha.org/

http://www.theautspot.com/library/article/37/autism_physical_therapy

http://www.generationrescue.org/

http://www.generationrescue.org/resources

http://www.autismeducationsummit.com


▪ Body ecology diet ▪ Elimination diet ▪ Rotation diet ▪ Other allergen free diets

6. Consider Supplementation

Supplementation is another very important part of a effective treatment protocol. Here are a few our Science Advisory Board recommends for most autism families to consider: ▪ Multi-vitamins and multi-minerals ▪ Probiotics ▪ Digestive enzymes ▪ Fish oils ▪ MB12 ▪ Natural detoxifiers ▪ Anti-virals ▪ Anti-fungals ▪ Anti-yeasts

7. Read, read, and continue to readNew articles, expanded information on treatment, and published science in the field of autism are available: ▪ Generation Rescue Blog ▪ GR’s Resources for Families Section ▪ Healing and Preventing Autism by Jerry Kartzinel, M.D. and Jenny McCarthy

8. Lead a Non-Toxic Lifestyle

Achieving a non-toxic life in today's world is almost impossible. Understanding what is toxic, how the particular toxins are harmful and how to avoid toxins will help reduce toxic intake.

Reasonable home health improvements include: non-toxic paints, carpets, bedding, mattresses, cleansers, aluminum free deodorants, soaps, non-


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aluminum cooking utensils and pans, stainless vs. plastic water bottles, decrease electronic frequencies that contain radiation (EMF) no cell phones next to bed or in your pocket, and decrease electronics in the bedroom. Use common sense, read labels and research the ingredients.

Studies have shown genes that each parent gives to the baby in the first early days of development, during "genomic imprinting" can be changed by environmental factors, altering the function of the gene for the fetus. This is called epigenetics. Epigenetics is when a gene in our body is altered by an environmental factor that changes the function of the gene but not the actual DNA sequence.

Genes can be changed due to a toxic environment, stressors, infections and other factors. Thus meaning it is not always the parent's genetic make-up that influenced the predisposition to autism or other developmental delays, it could be many other controllable factors.

In the 1950's there were many papers on the role of early development, pregnancy, birth and it's effects on mental health, development and behavior of the child through their lifetime. These ideas weren't used again until the late 1990's where they showed a link between prenatal environment and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Additional Information about living a non-toxic lifestyle can be found at:

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is the nation’s most effective environmental health research and advocacy organization. They offer information on the latest research in the fields of environmental health as well as listings for families to make safer choices in skincare, foods and household items. www.ewg.org

Disclaimer: None of the information presented here should be considered medical advice or a "cure" for autism. The information presented represents strategies for dealing with autism that have been reported as successful by professionals and/or families with autism. While we believe this information to be accurate we are not in a position to independently verify it and cannot guarantee that it will work in any particular case. No treatment for autism should be attempted without prior consultation with a physician familiar with autism spectrum disorders.


http://www.ewg.org

Remember, you are not alone.

Generation Rescue is here to help your throughout your journey with autism.

For additional support and guidance, give us a call at: 1-877-98-AUTISM


guide autism where to begin - generation rescue | … of the best resources generation rescue can...

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