Seeking Pro-Active Pediatrician for Autistic Son

I know a mom who has started a successful Autism support group, in the New Lenox/Frankfort/Mokena area. She is a believer in a special diet for her daughter. My understanding is the diet closely resembles the celiac diet - no gluten, no corn syrup/limit sweets/sugars. If you want to be in touch with her, I will send you a link to her e-mail. Just send me a personal message. Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi N.,
I don't have children with autism, but while working with special needs children last year I did a lot of research. I think this website may help:
http://www.autismcommunityconnection.com/index.html
It is a connection with other families in the community (Illinois) with a resource directory (doctors, businesses, etc.) you may be able to use. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

They aren't pediatricians, but autism specialists, and would probably know who is on board with your line of thinking. I'd first recommend... Dr. Anju Usman, MD, in Naperville, IL at ###-###-####
There is also Pfieffer Treatment Center in Warrenville. www.hriptc.org - but they tend to have a lot more turnover than Dr. Usman. If I were you, I would call them and ask them for their opinion. Both places work with nutritional supplements to treat autism.

There are a couple of the best autism doctors in the country in Naperville.

Dr. Usman
True Health Medical Center
Naperville

Health Research Institute - Pfeiffer Treatment Center
Warrenville

Best of luck!!

-N.

I do not know of pediatricians, but I used to work for an organization called L.A.D.S.E. (LaGrange Area District of Special Education) and we did tons of work with autistic children, and the earlier the diagnosis the better. Last I heard the director of the program I worked for is now working for the Naperville SChool District. I heard this recently from a client of mine who used to work with her as well. Her name is Pam Leonard, and she also has an autisitc son. I don't know how old he is now though. She is a wonderful, compassionate woman, who will really push to do right by your child. It might be worth a shot calling the school district to see what options you have. I'm assuming it is your 2 1/2 year old, so he could do his pre school screening soon, and then they could go from there. E.C.E. takes three and up, so if it is determined he needs that kind of support, they will push for him to get education he needs. There could be other things going on that are not autism too; like learning disablilitys, auditory processing disorder, anatomical things, etc. (so hand in there, you will find out what you need to do for him, and you are being a great Mom by being so pro active for him).

The other thing I have heard parents talk about is gluten-free diets, and chiropractic care. I'll be honest here...I worked in a clinic as a para educator to autisitic children for two years. I have seen autistic kids do better with dietary changes, but most kids with ADHD do better with dietary changes, as do just about any children, because they are not being pumped full of perservatives, and the like. Make sure you have realistic views of what "improvement" means to you. I personally never witnessed a kid be "cured" or anything like that though either. Please do not misunderstand me, I do not mean put words in your mouth or anything like that, its just sometimes people will say what you want to hear just so they can make money off of you. ANyhow, that being said, I did see kids make improvements, maybe longer focus and better eye contact, less agression, etc. And hey, a healthy diet is never bad for anyone. Talk with an allergist about having him tested for food allergies, because if it is something like celieac disease, a lot of what ever it is that is going on could probably be cleared up easily. Weigh your options, do what feels right for you and your family...but if I were you, I'd maybe start with a simple pre school screening, voice your concerns and take it from there. Good luck, and take care.

Hi N.,

I hope mamasource will be able to connect you with a pediatrician in the Naperville area who will work with you. At the moment I don't have a name to provide, but I do have information on how autistic children have been helped with diet and supplementation using Shaklee products. If you are interested, I can send you some information.

Dear N.,
Have you gotten the help you asked for yet?
I don't know of a pediatrition, but I do know of some supplements which many have used with autism & had great success.
my heart goes out to you,
N.

You might try Dr. David Dungan, I think he's in Lombard. He's definitely on board with supplementation. I'm a registered nurse and highly suggest Shaklee supplements. I can give you some info if you're interested! Take care!

Hi N.,

I don't have the name of a pediatrician (yet), but I can get one for you from my clients. I'm a special needs advocate that works privately for parents in navigating their way around resources and finding the best of the best within both the school systems and other areas.

Right now, regardless of if your son is on the spectrum or not you must be seeing some delays or changes in some developmental areas. You didn't mention if you are in 203 or 204, but in general the school system works the same. At 2.5 years old your child is still under Early Intervention services (although working with the school system will happen quickly because they take over at 3, but start the transition of paperwork at 2.5 years).

Have you contacted the Early Intervention office in your area to request an evaluation? If you have not...do so in writing and list at least 3 developmental concerns you have for your child. If you already have contacted Early Intervention and they have given you a long time line (more than 2 weeks) for the evals for your son...contact me privately and I'll help you move that along quickly.

I also have a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor in the Naperville area that does not cost the thousands of dollars of the others and does not have a tremendous waiting list. His base practice is chiropractic care and works with heavy metal detoxification, diet and supplements. (I used his guidance for my daughter who had profound medical issues and is now in recovery.)

Please don't hesitate to contact me for the names of the people I listed above...I love to give parents a jump start in the right direction when concerns arise in regards to special needs for their children.

Cheers to you for being a proactive Mom!