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Q&A session 6 with the Director of The
Son-Rise Program®, Bryn N. Hogan.
Topic: Asperger's Syndrome and
Milk
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Casein in Dairy and Asperger's
Q: Dear Bryn,
How would you approach a child with Asperger's Syndrome,
who for the last six years has virtually lived on six
pints of milk a day? He does not and will not sit with
the family for a meal and at six years old is still
spoon fed his breakfast. If we did not do this, he would
not eat anything.
At school he refuses school meals, will not eat packed
lunch, (and has even on occasions been caught throwing
food away). I am baffled by this and desperate to find
a solution to this potentially life threatening problem,
that is connected to Asperger's Syndrome. I have been
through all the normal channels of professional help,
but have reached the end of the line. If you can offer
any support or advice, I am willing to listen and try.
Thank you,
James M.
A: Dear James,
Thank you for sharing your question and concern, I will
do my best to give you information that may be helpful
to you and your son.
What you are describing is actually not as unusual as
you may think. Many, many children who are on the autistic
spectrum have unusual eating habits, oftentimes, similar
to what you are describing. I have had parents talk
to me about their child only eating potatoes for three
years, or a certain cookie etc.
My suggestion would be to pursue the avenue of food
allergies. The behavior you are describing sounds very
consistent with an allergy to Casein (a substance found
in dairy products). Oftentimes, children (and adults)
crave the very thing that they are allergic to. We have
seen children, again and again, who, when allergy tested,
are allergic to the very limited food that they will
eat. There are numerous studies that have been published,
over the last 2 years, which discuss the possible relationship
between the unusual behaviors of children on the autism
spectrum and allergies to Casein and Gluten (found in
wheat products). I would recommend that you read the
book, "Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD", written
by Dr. William Shaw. This book is very helpful in not
only educating the reader in these matters, but also
helping you to know where to go for testing, information
etc. You could also use the internet to research these
two areas of possible allergy.
One additional thought as you continue: I have noticed,
over the last seventeen years of working with children
with special needs, that oftentimes we who care for
children are part of the reason that certain behaviors
continue. You could explore certain questions for yourself
such as:
- How often do you offer alternative foods?
- When alternatives are offered, are they done with
excitement and enthusiasm?
- How do you feel when you offer a food, and he says
no?
Exploring these questions might help you to become
aware of any "attitudinal glitches" or areas where you
feel stressed or ill at ease. By removing your stress
or tension, you could become even more powerful in helping
him to eat more varied food. Please do consider reading:
Happiness Is A Choice , by
Barry Neil Kaufman, as this book can really help you
to work on your attitude, if this is of interest to
you. In addition, the book, Son-Rise: The
Miracle Continues, (same author), might
tell you more about our Son-Rise Program®,
here at The Option Institute. Also, please do feel free
to contact us for a free initial call where perhaps
we could help you to decide if our programs could be
of support to you and your son.
I hope this helpful for you.
With warm regards,
Bryn N. Hogan
I hope that as the weeks
progress, I will have ample opportunity to answer all
the questions from everyone who is wanting support.
For me, this is another rare and unique opportunity
to offer our support and guidance to those who want
help. Thank you all for making this exciting exchange
possible through your participation. Please know you
can contact us by telephone to speak to a staff member
if you have more questions. Call us at: (413) 229-2100
Q&A Session
6
Intro to Q&A Session
6
Husband's
Involvement
Asperger's
Syndrome and Milk
The Son-Rise Program®
in the Classroom
Autism and the Effects
on Siblings
Sensory
and Communication Challenges
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