[Norm Tailless]

Hi Dave,

I haven't found an explanation regarding the mechanism for propionic acid reaching the brain either. I thought the theory explaining the link between gluten/casein and autistic behaviour was that their protein by-products (peptides?) can pass through the intestinal tract because of digestive problems. In that case, the idea of testing the child's urine for these proteins before trying the gluten/casein free diet makes sense (this is what we did and our son’s urine was normal). According to this page http://www.autismcanada.org/glutensugar.htm when you do that the control study showed a link between diet and autism and when you don't the link is not so clear (but I haven't read the original articles).

But I did read (http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1267796) that a treatment with Metronidazole can have a significant reduction in the gut species that produce propionic acid (I don't really know if that's good for you though, since Metronidazole also kills good intestinal flora).

What I find puzzling is that none of these significant recoveries based on restricted diet are compatible with the observations regarding major brain structure differences (in terms of size of neurons, proportion of grey matter v.s. white matter, or size of minicolums, etc) in autistic people which is believed to be a source of communication bottleneck. There are lots on this topic: e.g. http://www.awares.org/conferences/show_paper.asp?section=000100010001&conferenceCode=000200010005&id=10
I can’t imagine any kind of diet would change brain structure or neuron size.

So, it seems to me that there are at least two independent mechanisms leading to autistic behaviour. One seems to be caused by food allergies and the kids who benefit from diet restriction also tend to also display gastrointestinal problems. The other mechanism seems to be a problem with the brain circuitry and these kids do not benefit from the “miracle” of restricted diets…and I am afraid those of us moms/parents with kids that fall into this category are never going to be hailed as “miracle moms” with miraculous recoveries of our kids.

It seems to me these two mechanisms need to be separated before the correct treatment can be discussed. However, I don’t find any research supporting my theory.

What is your opinion based on your research?

Thanks,

A mom – tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the clarification. Given that child care expenses must be claimed by the spouse with the lower income, when you have both expenses to deal with (when both parents need to work) this could make a big difference.

Your other point regarding shifting the "medical expense tracking period" is relevant too. I only heard about it last night at the meeting. Since my son was diagnosed in the summer, I plan to make that period coincide with the beginning of the "spike" in our expenses.

I guess nothing is simple for parents of autistic children, so we can't expect our taxes to be simple either :-)

Thanks,
tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

Re: Tax issues – which spouse claims?

Thanks very much to North Shore ASBC Parent Support Group organizers and speakers last night for the great presentation on Tax and School issues.

Last night some parents mentioned that their accountants had advised them that the lower income parent must claim the medical expenses. If you see the General Income Tax and Benefits Guide for 2006, there is an example in the bottom of page 42 and top of page 43. It seems to imply that either parent can claim based on which scenario is more beneficial to them.

I am not an accountant and am rather confused about this. Any information would be appreciated. If you post your reply, I think it would be beneficial to other parents as well.

Thanks!
tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

I watched it online on CPAC. It seemed they mostly voted along party lines and defeated it. The number seems about right.

What's the next step?

This thing gets no media attention. It's hard to compete with Bill Gaets shaking hands with the PM…..

[Norm Tailless]

Dear Parents,

This is our first year with therapy and tax time is coming soon. I am wondering if any of the money we spent on diagnosis, therapy, OT, or classes, which was not covered by or went over our funding is tax deductable.

Thanks.

tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

*************** THANKS!!!! ******************

On behalf of parents with newly diagnosed kids who are still at the overwhelmed, lost and and bewildered stage of this journey, I would like to thank all of you politically active parents, who have been fighting for years and have made our struggle that much easier. Hopefully at some point, when we learn how to get through the daily struggle, we can all pick up the fight and contribute…..

[Norm Tailless]

Hello,

We are wondering when and how you get your "Behaviour Intervention Plan".

Are you supposed to ask your consultant for it explicitly, or is it normally done before you start your ABA program?

We were under the impression that getting the plan was an implicit part of starting an ABA program. We have had an ABA program going for many weeks, but we have no plan yet. Of course we have a hard time understanding where the program is going without a plan.

Thanks for any info.

tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

The Boy Inside…

This sounds interesting. More info available on:
http://www.mskproductions.ca/the-boy-inside

If parents/families of Asperger kids are planning to attend, we are interested to try to attend together and meet others.

tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

[Norm Tailless]

*** Still Need Senior ABA Therapist in West Vancouver ***

OK, with all these ads we realize there are not that many available senior therapists out there!

So if any of you senior therapists can handle a bit of extra work for a month, join us to help launch our "all green" team on the right track.

We are just starting a home-based ABA program for our 5 year old son with Asperger Syndrome. He is smart, sweet, and high functioning.

Of course, we would also be in interested in a senior therapist for a long term position or an experienced junior to be trained as a senior.

We are very close to Park Royal and many bus lines.

If interested please email tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

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[Norm Tailless]

**Senior ABA Therapist needed in West Vancouver**

We are starting a home-based ABA program for our 5 year old son with Asperger Syndrome. He is smart, sweet, and high functioning.

We prefer experienced candidates, but are also willing to train junior therapists for the senior position, given they have the right personality and commit to staying for a year.

We are very close to Park Royal and many bus lines.

If interested please email tailatrophy@yahoo.ca

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