Help...need Advice on Dietary Suppliments for My Developmentaly Delayed Son!!

Hi K.,
I don't see in your post who evaluated your son as developmentally delayed. But I think if it was a quick diagnosis by a pediatrician or a pre-school program, I would take the previous poster's advice and have him evaluated again.
My son's preschool teachers pointed out a fine motor delay and with 6 mos of OT, I cannot believe how he has caught up! I just thought he didn't LIKE to color, write and draw, but he just couldn't.
My point is, you need to know exactly what you're dealing with and your diagnosis seems a little vague. My son has a friend with PDD-NOS who is doing great in a mainstream Kindergarten this year but it has been the result of speech, OT and other therapies. He's done with those now. The sooner the better!
Personally, if it was my child, I would have no trouble investigating and trying alternative/nutritional therapies--I think the hard part for you is that someone else is advocating it. I'd find that tough too, but maybe your MIL sees real similarities between your son's behavior and what she has read...try to look at it very objectively. I wish you and your son all the best!

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Hi K.,
My 3 year old son was not really talking or growing much. We had him tested for Celiac Disease (need to follow a gluten free diet), because my husband and 6 yr old have it. He has tested negative and I have been told that he probably will never develop Celiac (I had him genetically tested also for it). That being said, I put him on the gluten free diet (no dietary suppliments) and he has begun growing (he's actually wearing 3T clothes) and his speech has greatly improved. He also was accepted into our township's preschool disabled class and is making great progress. I think it is because of the gluten free diet and also the special class. I've never had my son tested for autism or would I think that he was, but the gluten free diet has worked wonders in our home. Wheat and gluten do so much damage to their little bodies as a whole, if they are not able to handle it.
I hope this helps a little. I def would not give my child suppliments just because my Mom in law wanted me to. :)
Best of luck!

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I would start with probiotics and look into talking with Len & Joe. They're Christians, and start each radio show with prayer and scripture reading - so, just a warning if you're not into that. But that info aside, they are HUGELY appreciated in our family, helping with many health issues (auto-immune, cancer, obesity, etc). They were responsible for me getting my correct Celiac Disease diagnosis. We only buy supplements from them, and call into their show regularly for health advice.

Hugs and Good luck!

Edited: Annnnnd, I can't believe I forgot to give you the website, ugh: lenandjoe.com :)

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Cod Liver Oil is INSANELY good for keeping up immunity and keeping one healthy (especially this time of year!). I have no idea why your pediatrician isn't more accepting/knowlegable of that. It sure as hell can't hurt!

If you live anywhere near Easton, I may have a pediatrician who would be a much better "fit" for you & your son. It sounds to me like you'd both bennefit from a more holistic doctor (such as an Osteopath (D.O.) instead of an M.D.).

I say, give him the cod liver oil & follow your instincts! If you feel that he may be in the autism spectrum, then treat him for that. There are lots of "alternative" therapies theorized to help with that right now. I really doubt that it could hurt!

Good luck!

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Hi

My son has eosinophilic esophagitis and his diet is extremely limited. Our doctors recommended a liquid vitamin made by Schiff. Children's multivitamin Liquid. My son is 4 and just shy of 40 pounds and we were told to give him 3 tsps mixed in his apple juice. He drinks it with no problems. Can buy online at swanson health...about $6 per bottle. Check with your doctor/ped/dietician...if he is not allergic to milk you can mix instant carnation breakfast vanilla into his milk. If you need ideas on how to get nutrition into a picky eater, make an appointment with a nutritionist...they usually have great ideas. They also would probably tell you to stay away from non FDA approved items...they are not approved for a reason :}

When the school did their evaluations were you given anything to fill out or asked for your input? If not, I think this should have been addressed. Usually the school is just doing a screening and it takes a "real professional" (develop. ped, genetics) to give you a clearer picture. I know when evaluations were done I had to give input and fill stuff out. I'm sure your mother in law is just looking out because sometimes there is an underlining cause to children having developing delays. I know that is the case for me with my 2.
Unfortunately I believe Jenny McCarthy lives in the land of OZ in hoping reality may set in for her in order for her to cope with her son and his difference. There's A LOT of controversy(sp?) with her book and whether or not her son was autistic in the first place.

Hi K., Wow, my heart goes out to you. It sounds like your MIL is looking for a "reason" a lable or tag to put on your son...one that will gain symathy instead of "ooh, delayed..." It also sounds like her intentions are good although maybe misplaced.

If you son is growing and thriving you can get around the picky eating thing with products like pediasure or ensure, a good multi-vitamins (they have gummy ones that kids love!) even a glass of carnation instant breakfast with milk is good. If he drinks a glass of milk and eats a banana he has the perfact breakfast! Try yogurts, and hide those veggies in creative ways...like grinding them up and adding them into your spegetti sauce...check out some of the reciepes on the food network web site! Hang in there and don't let the extended family get you down!! Best wishes

K.,

Sometimes kids can just be delayed or have other issues (like SPD that was mentioned in another response). My son is five. He was in Early Intervention when he was 18 months old, and then transferred to the LIU for services when he was three. He attends an LIU preschool now. I was constantly concerned about Autism. I had him evaluated through Early Intervention and also at Hershey Medical Center. Both places felt that he was not on the spectrum. He has Apraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder. So don't let others convince you that it simply must be Autism.

Also, with regard to the dietary supplements. Follow your doctors advice. We did use fish oil (from Nordic Naturals) to supplement for my son when he was younger. He did have a language explosion around that time as well. Though we're not sure if it was the fish oil or just a coincidence. Good luck, and I'm sure you're doing the best you can for your son!

K.,
I have two sons with Autism. You can contact me privately if you'd like to talk.

What I would like to share publicly, is that these children have MANY nutritional impairments and deficiencies, allergies, and co-existing conditions. It is never a bad idea to make sure that they are getting all of the nutritional support they need. If you are uncomfortable going it on your own, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Scott Faber. He will send your child for the appropriate lab work up and then let you know what your child needs.

Cod Liver Oil is FANTASTIC for so many reasons. Essential fatty acids, vitamin d and vitamin a.

I am not going to get into an Autism debate, here. But unless you are the parent of a child with Autism, you really can not possibly understand what Jenny is talking about. I have friends on both sides, and what I can say for sure is that there is no one type or one cause of Autism. Each child is totally unique in his/her expression of this disorder. It is a spectrum disorder, and it is possible to have less severe sub-types of Autism. "Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified" (PDD-NOS) is a sub-type of Autism that is diagnosed when some but not all of the criteria are met for a traditional Autism diagnosis. I have a boy with an Autism diagnosis, and I have a boy with a PDD-NOS diagnosis. They are both making incredible, and yes hard to believe, progress. Progress does not erase the original symptoms that occured over a year's time. Kids with Autism can and do get better-maybe not "recovered", but it is possible to be independent and functional in society.

Never do anything to make someone happy-especially in regards to your child's health. Get educated. Be a smart mom. Learn about Autism. Take your son for an evaluation...I'm not sure who came to his school, but you can get an evaluation at the Autism Center of Pittsburgh ###-###-####) within weeks as opposed to waiting the 6mos-1yr for an appointment at the CDU of Children's hospital. If your son does fall somewhere on the spectrum you will be able to get therapy in your home for him to help him to be as functional as possible. If not, then you have an official document to show your family and hopefully that will get them to back off. Please be sure. There is so much that can be done for these kids.
You are taking all of the right steps, ST, OT, and the special pre-school. Just keep in mind that these therapists and teachers cannot diagnose Autism. That can only be done by a psychologist nuerologist or a neurodevelopmental pediatrician.

My best to you, and again, if I can help you further don't hesitate to contact me via private message.

As far as the dietary supplements go...I wouldn't give them to my kids until I checked with a trusted professional. That being said, since you are concerned about his nutrition you may want to consult with your ped about your concerns or ask for a referral to a dietician. Or look for ways to "hide" foods in the ones he does eat. For example, hide a variety of finely chopped veggies in spaghetti sauce.

As far as the diagnosis goes...If you are receiving services from a variety of professionals and you are seeing progress it sounds to me like you are keeping on top of the situation. I don't know that you can always put a more definitive label on a delay. How did you feel after you read the book your MIL gave you? Did anything you read strike a chord with you as being similar to your son? If so, maybe a second opinion is called for. What does your husband think about this situation?

This site may have some info that you need www.dianecraft.org

I am a firm believer in parents being in charge of the decisions relating to their children. If you are not comfortable with diet supplements (which I wouldn't be either) then you shouldn't use them. Throw them away. Like another poster suggested, if you are concerned with his diet, try to hide veggies & fruits in things he likes. The cook book "Deceptively Delicious" is really good. There are lots of recipes using pureed veggies & fruits in other foods. Like spinach in the breading for chicken nuggets. Personally, my family LOVES the chocolate chip cookies with chick peas.
I'm a high school teacher...there is a big difference between an autistic child & a child with developmental delays. Since you have had a group of professionals observe your child & none felt he was on the autism spectrum, then he probably isn't. If you feel comfortable with the diagnosis, then it is probably correct. If, however; you feel the diagnosis is not correct, then I would get a second opinion.
Your husband needs to have a discussion with his mother about the situation. He needs to find out why she is so determined to stick your child with the autism label. My guess would be that she understands what autism is, so she is comfortable with it. She probably has no idea what "developmentally delayed" means & therefore is not comfortable with it. I would suggest you or your husband explain the diagnosis to her. Also tell her details of his learning plan & your expectations of his abilities in the future. If she understands the situation, she may be better able to deal with it (and therefore trust your decisions).

K.,

You need to follow your gut instinct. As for the supplements, I am familiar with Jenny's book and can say that if most adults AND children are lacking the essentials in the supplements your MIL ordered, it will NOT hurt to give them to him. The cod liver oil particularly, since that provides EFA's that would be present in a lot of food I'm certain he's not eating, as you mentioned he's a very picky eater.

I have three beautiful children, such as you do, and mine have never been diagnosed as developmentally delayed at any point, and I give all of them cod liver oil, a daily multi-vitamin and a probiotic.

At the very least you could humor her. It's not costing you anything, since she's buying the supplements for you. And when they don't do what she expects them to do, you can say "I told you so!" LOL!

I wish you luck.

Blessings,
Rolinda
wife, mother, friend

My one son has delayed proublems and no ones seems to be able to tell me what it is or what might have caused the issue or what the issue is. Well have been going threw this for 9years know and the school is miss placing him in there system. That is something that you are going to watch for and make sure that you have a very good idea on what his needs are and where you would like to see him and make sure that you are all on the same page as for his goals.
IF you need any help, please feel free to ask.

Hi K.,
I am in a similar situation and even though your son may have not been diagnosed with autism, some of the treatments may be beneficial towards his progress. I agree that you should not offer non-FDA approved medications to your child just to make others happy...you are mom and you ultimately know what is best for your baby. We personally have tried the alternative diet (gluten-free/casein-free...aka (wheat, oats, & barley-free and dairy-free) and I am telling you, it has made a world of difference!!! My son just turned four in August and he was not speaking (in a language that we could understand, anyways). He was taking Speech Therapy, OT, etc...but no REAL progress. Once we eliminated those ingredients from his diet COMPLETELY, that is when the major changes began happening right before our eyes. It seems overwhelming at first (y'know, taking away all of the foods that he has been used to eating..i.e pasta, milk, certain cereals, etc...), but there are lots of alternatives out there. Once you get used to shopping in that manner, it becomes second nature. Please just google "gluten-free" and "casein-free" diet and there are tons of sample diets, etc... out there. Feel free to send me a message if you want more info and I can share what my husband and I have done to help our son's progress. Hope this helps!

Hi K.,
My son does have autism, and a horrible diet. I do my best to introduce new foods, normally with no luck. I just make sure that he eats plenty of fruit and just in general do my best. If YOU think he needs a supplement try gummie vitamins or something reccomemded by your ped. My Dad constantly hassles me about what my son eats (or does not). Look you do your best. Get some of the V8 fruit and veggie blend drinks. I tried the juciey Juice ones and found they had a thick texture. Or you could try juicing yourself. Tell your MIL not to worry about it, that you have discussed matters with the doctor. Good luck.

Have you taken him to CHOP for a complete evaluation?
Then you will have your answer. They are very through there & IF there is something--you can catch it early.
There is ALOT of help out there; put your mind at ease.

:) D.

Hi, K.!

Cod liver oil is a great source of DHA which is an essential fatty acid (Omega-3) that aids in brain development. Your peditrician isn't very smart to tell you to throw something beneficial out. Most people in America are deficient in Omega-3's because they do not eat fish on a regular basis. Perhaps you could do some research of your own before throwing out anything, whether it is advice or supplements. That way you are making an educated choice.

Love In Christ Jesus,
D. (mom of a son who has recovered from autism)

Dear K.,

Get your son tested (by the OT) or ask them if he has a Sensory Processing Disorder. This is NOT autism, nor is it on the spectrum. My daughter was diagnosed with SPD after many people telling me she must be autistic though the developmental evaluation said she was not. SHe had a similar symptom as far as the eating went - very particular about what she would eat.

If he has been diagnosed with SPD, talk to the OT about the eating. Also if he has SPD I recommend The Out of Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz.

As for the supplements, listen to your doctor.

Good luck and I think you are doing well by your son. It is so difficult to be the parent of a special needs child. I call my daughter "special" not "special needs". Oh, and if you are using the OT from the IU, they will not be able to diagnose and treat the SPD. You will need to see an OT at Children's or another hospital. I have to tell you the speech and developmental therapy has been good but it was the OT therapy for SPD that unlocked my daughter.

A.

Hi K.

I see you've gotten PLENTY of great advice. I too have a son with PDD-NOS which is high functioning autism. His diet is AWFUL....he eats...but no veggies...EVER

Your MIL is concerned...and rightfully so since the austism spectrum is VERY BROAD...ONLY a clinical PROFESSIONAL can offically DIAGNOSE a child.

As for getting him tested for celicacs and what not..it's worth a try. My son is MILK FREE...It helped his attention.

IF HE IS GAINING WEIGHT....YOU NEED TO RELAX.......

(((HUGS))))
I truly know how frustrating it can be to have a child who is delayed.

Prayers and Positive Thoughts I send to you.

N.

This isn't quite on topic, but I can help your address the food issues :) I have a son who has Speech Aprexia and (still) gets OT for fine motor function. I would say that you might want to ask to check for a texture adversion or a sensory issue like that. Its not uncommon for a speech patient who requires services to have a related issue to taste, texture or food temp :) My oldest son has a bunch of other Dx's behind his name on his chart. I have had him in early intervention since before he was 2, have had a TON of IEPS' done and "feel you" on the neede for advice at time. Sorry this is off topic, but just wanted to add that in.

(Also, ADD and ADHD is connected to certain speech disorders. As are some anxiety issues...just keep in mind for future knowledge)