I got my ad for Care clinic out of the mail box today and was reading through it..and what did I find...but one of our own, Seth and his Prayer for Care Clinic! GREAT JOB Seth, the page is so pretty, great for framing. I was so excited, I showed everyone that came by today.

Thanks again every one! He said he had a pretty good day, when he came home. At dinner I got out of him that he laid down and slept during recess. Which is his way of not getting rejected by all the peer groups during an unstructured time. And just shutting down. Also the friend he usually plays with (last year at his old school) went to a different school. As a matter of fact he is going to the contained class room. He has some major discipline and violent issues. And through the years its been diffcult because they always play togther even though they feed off each others issues. They were like oil and water. But they were safe playmates because they didnt reject each other. So I told him I had a challenge for him. Today either at lunch, before recess, or out there, he was to introduce himself to at least one new boy. He would have to say to make eye contact and say "Hi my name is Ryan. I like video games. Do you play video games?". He wasnt too happy about it but I made sure he understood that he has got to make an effort to make new friends. And here was his opportunity to make some new friends. There are a lot of new kids here that he doesnt know. (its a consolidated school district) Try it, I said. Just once. He wants friends. So if this doesnt work, I may intervene and see about a peer mentor organized through the teacher.

My concern is how to make Anthony understand. I will be in the hostipal about 4 days. My real concern is that he is very aggressive and has hit me on many occassions. But if he hits me I' would probally end back in the hospital. Does anyone have any idea's how to explain all of this to him. Gail

Today, both children started their first day of school. Both are going to new schools this year, so I'm a little stressed. My 5-year-old starts Kindergarten at a parochial school, which is 5 miles away. She is my ADHD child, and her bus trip is scheduled to be an hour (although I hear the return trip is 1 and 1/2 hours). I'm hoping she can hold it together. My 10-year-old starts fourth grade at the intermediate elementary school this year. Unfortunately, he has a completely new group of kids in his class (except for one). Because he has diabetes in addition to his autism, I'm scheduled to be at his school this afternoon to go over his medical plan. I feel like I'm starting all over again -- I just got the teachers at the old school trained and now I have to train a completely new set of people. Arghhh! Anyway, I'm hoping for the best, and I'm trying not to be too pessimistic about things. Tomorrow I go back to work (I've been off for the last 3 days). I have a feeling it will be an interesting year.

I remember people approaching my husband and I wanting to hold the baby. I remember saying no and physically moving away to help them see I wasen't joking. But we were kids, barely 20, and often family or friends or even strangers wouldn't listen. They would reach out to hold her anyway. In the beginning she would be fine for the first second or two, and then she would wail. She would scream and cry in a way that made everyone look at the offender and glare, they would usually hand her back and recoil from the stares of on lookers. Occasionally a bold few, sure in their ability to sooth would perservere for 3 or 4 min. of non stop screaming, but only the strongest few made it a full 5 min. ( the time it takes to make a bottle or go to the restroom)and then they would hand her back looking exhausted and defeated. After the first 5 or 6 months she would start screaming at the initial touch of a stranger and then by one year she would start screaming the second someone across the room even thought of picking her up. This was always blamed on my husband and I not letting enough people hold her,lol. They would tell us this as they were handing back our screaming baby, as we once again started the hours long process of soothing. These were the days where I learned the meaning of "Sometimes you can't win for loosing" I remember people asking me what does she want? As she would cry in my arms. Is that a hungry cry? or does she need to be changed? Is it nap time? When I would respond that I didn't know they would look at me with pity. Poor young girl doesn't even know how to take care of her own baby,lol. The truth is, now looking back, she wanted none of those things. She never cried for food, even if it had been hours, but she also rarely refused it. She didn't cry for a diaper change or a nap. No, she cried at these poor clueless people who wouldn't leave her alone. It is funny but at 11 years old she still rarely cries over anything other than because some poor clueless person won't leave her alone. My daughters curse her whole young life has been being beautiful, quiet, bashful and having a perpetually unhappy face. So people naturally gravitate to her and want to "fix her." The more they try the worse she gets and people take rejection so poorly... it is a never ending battle, sadly even with family. At the age of 2 she was becomming quite a little genius and yet few ever really saw it. She moved about in her world on a mission and other than the perpetually long face she was quite content as long as people were not trying to "fix her." We went to play park every week, and every week she would ride the same two seat trike in circles and stop at the same spot for kids to get on and ride in the second seat. She never talked to the other kids, she never played with them and she never seemed to see them, but we know she did because as she rode in the endless circle around and around the cones, she would stop and drop one off and allow the next one to get on. This, however, was not at the childs request. If a child wanted off before she was ready they could ask, scream, beg, ect. but the only way they were getting off early was to jump and over the next couple years a couple did just that. This was the same for getting on. If you were too slow or not paying attention you might be caught a little off guard when the trike would start to go wether you were on and seated or still at the half way point. For 2 years we did this same routine. She never said a word to anyone. Never glanced a second time at another child or adult. Even families we would invite to the house for playdates didn't exist in playpark. The only other toy she ever touched in the entire building was the little trampoline. I think it was her favorite but it was too much trouble. She would bounce for hours if I let her and if I could have I would have but there eventually were more kids who wanted a turn. They would line up with their parents, who would reassure them they would get a turn soon, and my baby girl would just keep on bouncing as if there was no one else but her. If some other child tried to get on and share it my darling would start screaming at me, or at least toward me. Or when I would finally make her get off she would sob at me for making her stop something she liked so much. For to her there was no reason and there were no kids waiting patiently for a turn. There was only she and her mommy who was taking away all her fun for no reason. Heartbreaking to always be the bad guy. At around 2 we did find some sucess with another family with three kids, one of which was a little girl about Briana's age who didn't seem to mind her playing next to her instead of with her. We felt blessed. At 2 1/2 when Briana came down sick for the first time ever,with high fevers and tummy problems going in both directions. When she refused to eat or drink anything for a week and had to be hospitalized we were very greatful for that one little friend. For where everyone else failed to convince my little darling to eat or drink anything even to get out of the hospital. That little girls mom showed up with a picture of her kiddos, a juice box and fruit pack with a promise of a playdate, she bought our ticket home from the hospital in 10 min. where the rest of us had failed for 3 days. Amazing what can be accomplished when our child understands and agrees with the "why" she must do something. It is too bad that over the years so many great people like this have outgrown our daughter. Most kids are in such a hurry to grow up these days that they move beyond her rather rapidly. But thank goodness they were there for awhile=) More to come, need sleep for now.

I was raised mostly by my grandmother, a wonderful woman, and thankfully for that. I mom and step dad were middle class drug dealers and heavy users. Growing up memories were very similar to a horror movie. I remember my dad being haulled off in a straight jacket and coffee cups and Christmas trees flying across the livingroom. I remember my dad trying to strangle my mom and my mom trying to tazer my dad. I spent most of my home time in my room and my away time with my grandma's house. Needless to say I certainly didn't want to ever marry nor have babies. I planned to live alone in a controlled and orderly way. Imagine my sursrise, at 17 years old, when I met the man I would marry at the age of 19. Okay. I thought. I can get married, it will be alright. He knew how I felt about children and the doctors assured me I could never have a child due to female issues. So surprise number 2 came 6 mos. after we were married, and days after conception, we discovered we were pregnant. Yes, days after I bacame pregnant I started throwing up and I didn't stop for 7 months. Between the never ending morning sickness, and the panic attacks over the mere thought of becomming a parent, I was sure we were all doomed. After 7 months, things finally settled down and I began to read. I read every book I could find on how to be a parent. My husband and I both realized we knew everything NOT to do as a parent, but we still had a fear of what to do. I was induced 2 weeks after my due date, and had a C- section 12 hours later after failing to progress. Our darling daughter was born without further incident. She began nursing, taking a pacifier, crying and sleeping just as they said she would. The crying and nursing were rather incessant, however. I clearly remember thinking O.M.G. what have we done!! What do I do with this thing,lol. But, as you all know, babies tend to grow on you. No matter how much they eat and cry. When we would tell the doctors just how much she was eating and crying they would assure us that it was "just collic", or "we were just new parents." This was the same thing we heard every visit. Every month. At six months old when she would throw her tantrums that would last for over 4 hours of screaming and head banging, they would claim we were exaggerating. Overly sensitive with a thriving toddler. At 8 months she was cruising the furniture and wearing a 24mo. size clothing, refussing anyone but my husband or I, but we were just overly sensitive, after all she was doing so well and reaching her milestones so early. I still look back in amazement at all the pain we went through believing it was just us. Everyone else could see all of the blessings, early to walk, early to talk(9mos.). No one believed the hell we were going through. She didn't play with toys, she didn't want to be held, she was intollerant of most baby girl clothes. And she screamed at anyone but mom and dad. The grandparents were all sure we were plotting against them I am always thankful that we didn't give up. That we kept believing we were doing things right, and that it would all work out eventually. I assure you it all works out eventually but for now duty calls and mommy is needed so you will have to wait to hear the rest=)

I took Addie out school shopping today. She's nine and this is the first year I've attempted some "light" shopping. Shoes/sneakers only for today. I was standing at an end cap while Addie was standing in the center of the isle. She came toward me and said, "She's looking at me". I said, "Who?" She replied, "That girl is looking at me!" I looked down the isle and sure enough, there is a little girl walking toward Addie and staring at her. I know kids and adults will watch Addie in a store, but it was as though Addie wasn't a real human being. She might as well been in the autism zoo cage. It clearly bothered Addie. This is a first. She's never noticed anyone staring at her. Addie is so animated and loves to read and explain and sometimes will script a bit in the store. What did I do? Well, I leaned into the young girl and said, "Stop staring, go to your mother". Could I have done that better? Probably. But my thought was, I want to yank that pretty little ponytail of yours and say "knock it off!" Now, if you knew me, I would never in the world do that. But there is a protective mother bear in me, I know that. Now, I'm sitting at home, sad one second and angry the next. My head is thinking, "Wow, she's aware of people around her, this is good!" But, there are tears in my eyes and I want to kick something. This is bad.

As the day approached for school to begin again I was excited with anticipation to have some time for myself. All summer my name rang through the house "Mom, can you.." "Mom....what are you..." "Mom, Mom, Mom..." To go to the grocery store Stephan would rush to get his shoes on to join me and then try to get him out of the toy isle before we leave! Nate started some college courses and so he went off to school first. Just two days a week. As I drove him he became quiet, scared...I told him he'd do well. And my impulse to get out of that car, walk in and help him find his class was so overwhelming I had to physically force myself not to move and give a reassuring smile and say "I'll be here when you get out, have fun!" And drive away as his figure got smaller in the mirror. He found his class and I knew I was right to let him find it on his own, but still... And then this past Monday came. I woke up Brian and Stephan and everyone had breakfast, Nate already way ahead of us and rarin' to go. But as 7:30 rolled around and I watched my two oldest walk down the road towards the school and the bus coming in the distance for Stephan my great anticipation of being alone started to wane. And as Stephan climbed onto the bus and it drove around the corner and out of view I was filled with the silence of just myself again. Yes, it is nice to go into the bathroom and not have everyone looking for you and yes, it is nice to get in and out of a grocery store in record time....but also it lends to a bittersweet reality as they all returned from school the other day. They need me less and less and although it's what I hope for and what the goal is it never quite takes the sting out of knowing that there is yet another change coming and yet another chapter that is part of their lives that I am not the central character. Yes, we're all back to school, but it is in the end very bittersweet.

Sunday afternoon I handed John a magnadoodle. Much to my surprise, he attempted to scribble without my hand over hand help. All day Sunday and Monday he worked on scribbling. At times I would take him to the door we have painted with chalk board paint and hand him over sized chalk to "mark" with. He did, again without my hand over hand guidance. While I was getting supper on the table, I handed him the magnadoodle and made a J, this time just the hook part, no top on it. I told him that one reason I like the name John, was it was only three shapes to spell, a fish hook, circle and a line and hump, one tall for h and one short for n. He grinned and took the magnadoole back to this room. I sighed out loud, sixteen, and he cannot even write his name. A very simple name at that. Oh well. A few minutes later I walked into his room to find John on the bed, magnadoodle in his lap. "Let's go eat." I said to him. He sat still, smiled and held up the magadoodle. At first I was blank...then it hit me...the three fish hook J's in the far corner, I had not made, or helped him make them. I looked at John, "You did them, you wrote a J, you have not done that in 14 years!" John smiled, got off the bed, glanced at his work, and headed for the kitchen. I stood very still, staring at his first attempt to write and let the tears flow down my face. Miracle, I decided at that minute, is simply spelled, "J".

My blog begins now. Right here, with my eleven year old daughter asleep on my lap, all 100+ pounds of her. I am so thankful she is asleep I can ignore the sweat pouring off us from the heat of a muggy summer night. We have gone to sleep this way almost everynight for 4 months now. That is how long it has been since her anxiety increased, and how long it had been since I slept a full night through. For the past 4 months we have been up late, been awakened by the screaming of night terrors, tried several sleep aids unsuccessfully and hoped to have the ability to go on. We have bought 1200 count sheets so there would be no pilling to feel like spiders. We have meditated. We have purchased devices that promised to put even the worst insomniac to sleep soundly. We have now had a 2 week reprieve. Finally an all natural supplament was offered by a doctor treating my husband at the Amen Clinic that seems to be working. She is still here with me to go to sleep but so far she has slept through. I have to file the pill into a circle with a nail file in order to get her to take it but hey one doesn't mess with what works=) She still has to follow her schedule and we too must play our intricate part. Remembering to respond at just the right time, with just the right words, so we don't throw off the entire night. But all of this is okay... because hopefully tonight will be another night of sleep!?!

Brendan has gone through what seems to be a word explosion the last few days! He has learned so many new words. It's mostly labeling flashcards, it feels like a game to him. It is just difficult to get him to tell me what he wants, I guess that will come in time.

I was looking online today and I found an autistic checklist called ATEC. Brendan scored 100 out of 180. He is in the 80-89 percentile which is pretty severe autism according to the chart. It says I can check back in a week, so I'll see how he's doing then. Here is a link to the checklist: http://www.autismwebsite.com/pfeiffer/ And here is an explanation of the results: http://www.autism-nutrition.com/atec.html

"Mom, what does it mean when John does this?" Aaron put his index and middle finger of one hand against the tips of the other index and middle finger." "More." I answered. "Oh, because he was doing that at lunch and I though he wanted something, and told him to just help himself and he did. Is that the right sign for more, would a deaf person understand him?" "I don't know if they would or not. No, it's a modified sign. More is actually all the fingers cupped and touching the thumb and then touching them together. John, unable to cup his hands, has helped me by showing me what he can do, and we adapt signs to his abilities. If anyone knowing the correct signs could decode him or not, I don't know." Aaron was quite and thought for a minute and then said "I guess it's like when someone cannot speak clearly, and you have to guess at what they are saying. John has a speech impediment of the hands." I never heard a better explanation.

My wonderful son Andrew, his Dad and a couple of Andy's mentors will be walk for Autism on Spetemebr 20th. I am the chairperson for the Hearts & Hands Walk for Autism and Family Fun Day and I know that although research is important, it is also VITAL that families get the help they need RIGHT NOW as they deal with the challenges Autism brings to their everyday lives. I know this because I have lived with, and watched my son deal with Autism for 20 years now. I also understand the challenges because I talk to dozens of parents each week in my roles as Resource Specialist and as the trainer for Autism 101 and Understanding Sensory and Behavior Challenges. SO I am proud to say that ALL THE MONEY RAISED GOES TO PROVIDE FREE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR FAMILIES!!

I am starting a new Girl Scout Troop. Girl Scout Troop #36, Augusta, Maine, for girls from central Maine. Grades 4 through 6. This troop is designed for girls with "varying abilities". There will be a Parent Informational Meeting, September 16th, 2008, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Green Street United Methodist Church, Augusta. Contact Information: Heidi Bowden, 626-3042

I wanted to get the word out about a fair that I put on. The Maine Autism Resource Fair will be held October 11, 2008 at the Augusta Civic Center. The fair is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Keynote Speaker is Dr. Vincent Carbone from the Carbone Clinic in New York. There are workshops and exhibitors. CEU's will be given. Please go to my website, www.maeproject.org for more information. Please, help pass this information along to family, friends, teachers, therapists, daycare providers, respite providers, anyone you think might be interested.

Everyone that knows me can say that when I am not talking about normal mom issues, basketball season or the MIL lol my next topic is Autism. I have been trying to get a group for parents set up in my city but the good ole school district has been fighting me on it tooth and nail, They dont want me to talk to parents or show them that they have choices when it comes to their kids rights it scares them to know that we as parents can do better by our kids and live by the old fashion ways they want to try to set in front of us. Well last month I got to meet Eric's new worker from the Pomona Regional Center and she got to meet Eric and fell in love with him instantly. So I began to tell her about the issues he had from the first week of school up until the last day, how they had to restruct their whole special needs program with the things I told them about Eric and how each child is different. Just because they have Autism dosent mean they are all the same, Oh I had a lot of ideas that she loves. So the following week I got a phone call stating she had told the people on the board of directors about me and what I could bring to the table, and they said they would love to have me sit on the board of directors at the regional center. I was in shocked, I have to sit on the committe for about a month to get a feel of how it works and then I move up from there. Oh I am so excited about this being able to go to conferences and bring back ideas to share with my family and friends talk to people who can offer me suggestions and vice versa. This has truly been a blessing for me to think I can finally be of more help to mom's like us God is good aint he lol

Here's the link from msnbc.com on parents who have been affected by the public outbursts of their autistic children. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26182016/

We're picking up schedules today, one at the High School and one at the Junior High, for my two oldest. I can't believe Daniel will be in 11th grade this year! Sometimes, it's so hard to see the changes, seems like we're making no progress, and then something will come. A bolt out of the blue. In this case, it's a schedule. Time passes, life goes on, ready or not. The big questions that were there before are still there: will he get a job? Will he be (mostly) self-supporting? I know that the brain, any brain, keeps changing and maturing through adulthood. I'm told that the autistic brain does, too. Still, I look at my 16-year-old kid and wonder how independant he's going to get. Frankly, I look at my 13-year-old and wonder the same thing, sometimes, but it's at a different level. For Catherine it's "Will she ever remember to pick up her clothes and put them in the laundry? Will she ever remember to put the milk away?" For Daniel it's all that and, "Will he ever remember, on a regular basis, to look both ways before crossing the street?" It's a big job. In some ways, it just keeps getting bigger.

I came seeking....support, help, companionship in a sea I feel like I am drowning in. This THING, Autism. I have dealt with for 10 years. It doesnt get any easier as they get older. A new set of issues, behaviors, penalties, rewards, consequences. But what enrages me is his peers behavior. Okay I get that they are 10. I get that they think its funny to teach him inappropriate words and then sit back with evil grins and watch him use them. The parents who turn thier heads and snicker, too. The parents who dont teach thier children tolerance. And just say "well they dont want to play with him right now." Even in my own family. There are days when I just have had enough. Enough with dealing with the smart mouth. Enough with dealing with a baby and a 10 year old who just doesnt GET IT why he shouldnt put his face in his baby sisters face or hold her down for a hug because she will bite him AGAIN. And the cut in services!! Dont even get me started. They should deal with the declining in clear cut IQ points over the summer. And the isolation from the lack of peer groups causes in self esteem. The sheer bordome and slipping away into the video game brain mush world. And then comes the sweet sweet smile. The "Mom I am sorry I made you mad. I wont do it again". The tears because he feels no one loves him, even though we tell him a gazillion times a day. And you just want to scream at the world (and to yourself). What about living in the day of TOLERANCE?? PS. Its very late. I cant sleep. Tomorrow is another day, Scarlett. Tomorrow.

My local newspaper featured an article on autism on Sunday, my name was mentioned (they spelled it wrong, but oh well...lol) read it at www.grandrapidsmn.com

Where did it Go??? Seems like Yesterday...school was out....just to start all over again in a couple of weeks. Boy do I feel Old....lol Summer is usually our favorite time of year...a time to relax and have fun and catch our breath. Richie has always loved to play outside...and when he can play outside and get physical activity...it really helps him to stay calm and focus. Well This summer can be summed up with C words.... Caring, Concern, Chaos,Challenges, Coping and My favorites...COURAGE, COMPASSION, CONFIDENCE and CHANGE. COURAGE to weather the storms of Life. CONFIDENCE...that no matter what comes our way....God is in CONTROL and his COMPASSION and LOVE is EVERLASTING...as Promised in 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Although I dont know what the future holds...I do know who is holding the future...my biggest problem is remembering that its not me. When I remember that...things are good...when I forget...well we all know how that turns out. So the Famous Serenity Prayer...has taken on a whole new meaning for me this summer. God Grant me the Serenity To Accept the things I cannot Change. The Courage to Change the things I Can...and the Wisdom to Know the Difference. And the final C word that comes to my mind....Content....boy is this one a struggle. Learning to be Content in all Circumstances....well I guess I have all Winter to work on that one! LOL Thanks for letting me think and reflect out in Text!

http://www.yellmalta.com/y/YellTopStories/tabid/94/selectmoduleid/527/ArticleID/318/reftab/36/Default.aspx

Does anyone know anything about "Riding Therapy" ? I know there is some connection with it and autism....but I would like more info. Has/Does anyone use it? What was the results? Any information will help...

Pop is still touch and go, but he is off of the respirator. I just wanted to thank you for all of the good thoughts. I will let you know how everything goes. Again, Thank you!

My son is 11 with low functioning Autism. He had a really bad year last year. I've been telling him school starts in 18 days and he has a meltdown saying he is not going to school. He has been in the same classroom for three years. He says he hates his teacher and it's boring. He is in a self contained class room for the profound disabled. Does anyone have any suggestions to make it easier for him.

Brendan went pee pee on the potty all by himself just now! I took him in there and he refused at first, then he kept on getting off the potty and running around and all of a sudden he went and sat on the potty and peed all by himself!!! I'm so proud of him!

My son was admitted to the hospital for he second time in less than a year. We have run the gammet on medications with out any success. He is on his 3rd medication in the hospital with out much luck of stabilizing him. I am to the point where i dont want to keep giving him these high dose potentialy harmful meds. We have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow. I dont want us to find anything but yet hope that we do. Im wondering if maybe there is a stone i have left unturned? we have been on this road for 7yrs now and only just a year ago were able to get the diagnosis of autism. within the last 2 months i was able to get a diagnosis of bipolar. which i had suspected since he was about 3. those are 2 of his diagnosis- he has a whole list. if anyone out there has any advice im all ears. thank you to all those who took the time to read this---- sierra

I noticed my son started gasping yesterday like he is not breathing right at certain times. I was wondering if anybody else was going through this too. Sometimes he also has times at night where he wakes up and is scared like he had a nightmare. I don't know if this is related or anything but I was wondering what everybody else thought

Today was Seoc's first piano lesson. I thought it went great. Firsts are usually a nightmare so I was expecting the worst, lol. No meltdowns at all. I did some hand over hand and he memorized the notes of c,d,e,f,g. It was a 30 min. lesson. The teacher seems to think he is going to do very well.

We did a magnetic foot bath the other day to detox of heavy metals and we've seen some good language since, expensive 25.00's a week. How do you know how often is too often to detox them? Does it exhaust them or put them through a lot?

Anyone here reached the point of it's no longer autism, but delays, losses from vaccines,life time of growing up disabled ect. that is what's you childs issues? I have spent the last month working with autistic kids on many levels and ages..and what I took away from it most of all...John's autism is more of less recovered..what's left...lack of physical skills, lack of speech...that's it. He has eye contact, comprehension, desires, sense of humor, but he is still a disabled person. I do not think he will ever be able to speak again..3 strokes...and he is unable to even make a sound. He knows that, he knows he cannot scream for help, or call out to us, so he stays close to people, he fears being lost. He can sign a bit, but again, the physical skills are holding him back. He longs to do school work and learn..it's as if he cannot get enough from books and we spend hours catching up there. ANYONE?? now what? I feel so lost. I understood stimming and pinching and screaming and hair pulling...now I have a nice calm teen in jeans and a polo shirt..thats as lost as ever..because lack of communication keeps him from peers...so do his physical issues..odd place we have entered here... and I wonder...will he keep recovering..or is this as good as it gets? I can live with that. I lived with a poop covered house didn't I? Yes, I do still see the autism but its odd, I see it when he is near people who stress him or are unkind or say things about him. He will withdraw at that point and pull back into himself. It is as if it is a form of protection..and we have to coax him back to us when it happens..

So let me get this straight. If you can't get the vitamins in them right, you shouldn't go detoxing, right? Doesn't the vitamins build their systems up for when you detox? Doesn't detoxing put the through a lot? I'm having a hard time getting the powdered vitamins and lemon flavored castor oil. He tastes them and is losing foods. Talked to an O.T. about putting him on a pill swallowing program, did'nt get told much except to try to get him to swallow huge gulps of water and swallow tic tacs first because they have a pleasant taste. Anyone have any more info. on getting them to slowly swallow pills? Anyone done food baths for detoxification? Anyone had great success with it?

http://www.disaboom.com/Community/Organizations/AAPD Click on archived webcasts link. It is very long you can fast forward to about half way thru Senator Tom Harkin speaks on behalf of Senator Barack Obama's views since he is currently in Afganistan and Senator John McCain gives his views. I found it very interesting.