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February 2011 - Issue #17

What'sInside?

Left Behind inthe USA

IEP

Book Review:If My Dog CouldTalk

Launch of anautism socialnetwork:World AutismCommunity

Recipe of theMonthGFCF ChocolateCoatedStrawberries

And More...

Inside This Issue...

BioMedical

Understanding Yeast OvergrowBy Luciana C. Leo Lac DOM Page 4

NeuroProtek Supplement For Inflammation Page 3

Left Behind in the USABy Mike Coonan Page 6,7

IEP (Individual Education Program)By Alexa Torres Page 8

If My Dog Could TalkBy Alison Ainsworth Page 5

Community Spotlight

Launch of an autism social network:World Autism Community Page 9

Autism Conference February 2011 Page 9

Parents TipsBy T. Crain http://worldautismcommunity.com/ Page 9

Recipe of the MonthGFCF Chocolate Coated Strawberries Page 11

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Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967Sarah Sweeney (954) 258-1898

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NeuroProtek® is a unique all natural oral dietarysupplement in a soft gel capsule, which may reducesymptoms of gut and brain inflammation and nervedamage. NeuroProtek® uses an exclusive combinationof flavonoids, based on the scientific research of Dr.Theoharides M.D., PhD, which have shown to reduceoxidative stress and inflammation both in the gut and thebrain. NeuroProtek® is formulated to maximize theanti-inflammatory affects of flavonoids while alsoovercoming any absorption obstacles. NeuroProtek®contains the flavonoids: Luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin.Unique to Algonot’s formulations is olive kernel oil, apowerful anti-oxidant that is instrumental in helping thebody absorb and delivery the dry flavonoids found ineach soft gel capsule. NeuroProtek® is free of thefollowing allergens: artificial colors or dyes, flavors orsweeteners, corn, eggs, fish, heavy metals, milk/casein,peanuts, preservatives, salt, shellfish, starch, sugar, treenuts, wheat/gluten and yeast. Our ingredients are notobtained from beef or beef by-products.

Flavonoids are natural molecules found mostly in greenplants and seeds. Unfortunately, our modern life dietcontains progressively fewer flavonoids and those thatare consumed are difficult to absorb because they donot dissolve in water. Under these conditions, theaverage person cannot consume enough to make apositive health difference. There are approximately3,000 flavonoids. Of those, NeuroProtek® contains three:

Luteolin (Chamomile > 95% Pure) is one of the threeflavonoids found in NeuroProtek® . Luteolin wasincorporated in this formula after published papersshowed it is important in the body: as a free radicalscavenger, an agent in the prevention of inflammation,an immune system modulator and it mimics a normalcompound that protects nerve damage.

Quercetin (Saphora Plant > 95% Pure) is a naturalnon-acidic (flavanoid) with potent anti-inflammatorycapabilities. Quercetin is added to NeuroProtek® to helprelieve the swelling associated from inflammatorydisease and protect from further damage associated withmast cell activation. The Quercetin used inNeuroProtek® is obtained from the saphora plant.Algonot decisively choose not to use the more commonand less expensive source of fava beans, which couldcause hemolytic anemia, particularly in people ofMediterranean origin.

Rutin (Saphora Plant > 95% Pure) is a glycoside of theflavonoid Quercetin. Like quercetin, rutin is extractedfrom the saphora plant and is a non-acidic natural

flavonoid that adds additional anti-inflammatory qualities.Rutin helps liberate quercetin in the intestine, makingabsorption easier. Rutin has been shown to be thestrongest antioxidant in studies.

Olive Kernel Oil (Unprocessed, MicroFiltered) Olivekernel oil is a potent low-acidic anti-oxidant that can helprepair damaged tissues. This unique oil (a lipid) playsan important role in NeuroProtek® as it is used toincrease the absorbability of these flavonoids. We useonly virgin olive seed oil from the island of Crete.

While some benefit may be noticed shortly after startingNeuroProtek, it may take 6-12 months beforemeasurable benefits are observed . NeuroProtek® doesnot require a prescription. NeuroProtek is not a cure.NeuroProtek is not an analgesic.

Source: http://www.algonot.com/neuroprotek.php

NeuroProtek®Oral Dietary supplement May Reduce Symptoms Of Gut And Brain Inflammation And nerve Damage

Yeast are present in all of us. They are funguses that normally livein our bodies (skin, mouth, throat, intestines and vagina) in harmonywith other organisms, like bacteria. However, this harmony betweenorganisms can be disrupted in the bodies of many individuals withautism. It is very important to understand that yeast are“opportunistic” organisms; this means that they will take advantageof any breakdown in the normal defense mechanism of an individualin order to multiply and grow out of control. This creates a conditionof “yeast overgrowth”.

Yeast overgrowth can be due to three main causes:

1) Over-feeding of yeast

The eating habits of today’s younger generations are not themore appropriates for them. Many children’s diets are basedon sugar such as candy, juices, or soda; and starchy foodssuch as pizza, bread, pasta or cereal. Starch can quickly brakedown into simple sugars in the body. Sugar is not only yourchild’s favorite treat, it is also the yeast’s favorite food. It caneasily grow on sugar!

2) Unbalance of organisms in the body

The number one reason for yeast overgrowth is frequentantibiotics use. Antibiotics are meant to kill the abnormalbacteria causing the infection being treated. Unfortunately,antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria; they also kill the goodbacteria in the body. When this happens, yeast no longer havecompetition and begins to overgrowth.

3) Immune dysfunction

If an individual has un underlying immune condition, then yeastwill take advantage of the situation and will start spreading.

A person with yeast overgrowth can present physical andbehavioral symptoms:

Physical Symptoms: headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea orconstipation, skin rashes, eczema, heartburn, muscle aches, a verywhite or yellow coating on top of the tongue (the coating of thetongue reflexes your Gastrointestinal System’s health), malar flush,fungal infections in the fingernails or toenails or red ring around theanus among others.

Behavioral Symptoms: My favorite most recognizable symptom ofyeast is the inappropriate laughter or the “Joker” (from Batman)laughter! Other symptoms that can present may be sleepdisturbances, unexplained intermittent crying episodes, depression,fogginess, lack of concentration, hyperactivity, inattention, anger,aggression, increased self-stimulatory behaviors, climbing orjumping off things, sugar cravings, confusion, or lethargy in amongothers.

To top it all, yeast produces toxins that depress the immune system,making an individual more reactive to allergies and more susceptibleto infections. Also, as yeast toxins are absorbed in the colon, andenter the bloodstream, they cause the individual to have yeastsensitivity which leads to many other symptoms that the individualmay present such as dark circles around his/her eyes, frequent coldsand constant runny nose, sinuses in among others.

There are many tests available to check for yeast overgrowth. Thetests can be done in blood, urine and stool. The blood test is tomeasure candida antibodies; the problem with this test is that if an

individual’s immune system is weak to detect yeast, then it will notcreate antibodies against them so the test will come out negativeeven though the person may have yeast overgrowth. The urinetest is called a Urinary Organic Test (OAT) and it measures theyeast waste products in the urine. My favorite test is the stoolanalysis which will check for the type of yeast an individual has,how much of it and what treatment will be the most effective totreat the problem. All these tests need to be ordered by a physician.

The treatment of yeast overgrowth can be very streaky. There aretwo ways of treating yeast, with medications or with alternativemedicines. The problem is that yeast are live organisms with avery strong memory, so they can get use to be exposed to aparticular products and become resistant to it. Because of thisreason, it is important to rotate medications or supplements at leastevery three months when treating yeast. Also, if you want yeastdead, the best way to speed up the process is to starve them. Itmakes no sense to be taken medicines or any other products ifyou are going to continue feeding the yeast with candy, pizza orpasta. The best base for a successful treatment is to clean up thediet.

Recommended Dietary Modifications:

Eliminate:

1. Yeast and sugar for one month

2. Milk and milk products for one month

3. Alcoholic beverages and fermented products for onemonth

4. Fruit for two weeks

Eliminating sugar can be the most difficult part of the yeast-freeeating program, in part because so many foods contain addedsugar. In addition to cane sugar and beet sugar, you will have toavoid honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses, fruit sugar(fructose), milk sugar (lactose), and malt sugar (maltose), becauseyeast grows on sugar. Refined grains and starchy foods such asbread, pizza, pasta, cereal, potatoes, and rice are also off limitsbecause they can be quickly broken down into simple sugars.

Some of the best choices to treat Yeast overgrowth:

Prescribing medications: Nystatin, Ketoconazole, Diflucan orFluconazole, and Amphotericin B in among others.

Alternative medicines: Grapefruit Seed Extract, Candida Freedom,Olive Leaf Extract, Candidase from Enzymedica, SaccharomycesBoulardii, and Berberine among others.

Understand that dosing and frequencies are recommended basedon the individual’s age and weight. A physician will prescribe thetreatment according to the individual’s unique needs. Yeasttreatments can require several treatments or reoccurringtreatments to remedy the imbalance. Rarely is one yeast treatmentthe only requirement for keeping bacteria in balance.

To ask questions to Luciana C Leo LAc DOM, please write to herat lucianaleolac@gmail.com. You can also contact her at(786)306-4967. For more information about Luciana, see her adin page 5.

By Luciana C. Leo LAc DOM

An authentic, personally photographedchildren`s book that creatively tells the reallife story of a child affected by Autism and aday in her life, with an Autism Service Dogthat "will make your heart smile."Nine-year-old Emily Ainsworth was born withautism.

A few years ago Emily was matched with a service dognamed Levi.That's when her life changed forever and it's that story thatEmily's mom Alison Ainsworth hopes to share to the worldwith her new book."This is an opportunity to tell Emily's story, that is one ofhope and grace and compassion and sheer will," Ainsworth,who is from Stony Plain, said on Monday.Ainsworth hopes her book "If My Dog Could Talk" about herdaughter's special bond with Levi, will bring moreawareness about autism and autism service dogs, to peoplearound the world."We find that having him nearby has a really calminginfluence on her and allows us all to be a more productive,happier family," said Emily's mom Alison Ainsworth onMonday.Emily and Levi are inseparable and in 2008, even appearedon the Larry King show to share their story."He's my best friend and he'll always be here for me," Emilysaid.Although at first, Ainsworth's daughter and her labradoodledog needed to be together at all times, Levi has given Emilyenough stability that she can now be without him in certainsituations and still be okay."He gives her affirmation that she needs to be able to flexher wings and conquer her horizons," Ainsworth said.People can order a copy of "If My Dog Could Talk," whichfeatures personal photos of Emily and Levi, atwww.ifmydogcouldtalk.net.

Source: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com

By Alison Ainsworth, Mother, Advocate and PublicSpeaker

Luciana C. Leo LAc. DOMSpecializing in care for children and adults with special needs

and their families

Is your child or loved one with special needs...

constantly sick or with a runny nose?having sleeping problems?

very lethargic or very hyper?aggressive to him/her self or others?

Is he/she a picky eater?or

Does he/she have seizures?Does he/she have gastrointestinal issues?

Does he/she craves particular foods?

All of the above symptoms may be due to underlyingmedical conditions, and they can be treated.

if you have any other questions regarding yourhealth or the health of a loved one, call to make an

appointment at 786-306-4967

Conditions that may benefit from the services:Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome

ADD/ADHDCerebral Palsy

Fragile X syndromeDevelopmental DelaysLearning DisabilitiesBehavioral problems

5 PM - A review of essential supplements that a child withASD should take! (English)

6 PM - Suplementos esenciales que un niño con autismodebe tomar (Spanish)

RSVP bycalling (786)306-4967 or bysending an email atlucianaleolac@gmail.com

Thursday, February 17 of 2011FREE LECTURE

351 Minorca AveCoral Gables, Fl 33134

At

Mike Coonan, President Left Behind in the USA

PEOPLE WITH A DEVELOPMENTALDISABILITY:

In the United States, about 800,000 children andadults with mental retardation, intellectualdisabilities, autism, cerebral palsy and relateddevelopmental disabilities have conditions thatare so challenging that they require specialsupports just to survive. These supports includemedical treatment, behavioral and physicaltherapy, medical and non-medical supplies,specialized training and other services so theycan become independent when they completeschool. They are all eligible for this type ofassistance through a program called the MedicaidWaiver. Across the country, about 430,000 peoplewith a developmental disability are getting helpfrom the Medicaid Waiver, while 370,000otherwise eligible people with a developmentaldisability, just like them, are placed on waitinglists. These waiting lists last for years.

Unfortunately, current public policy makes iteasier and cheaper for families to surrender ourchildren who are developmentally disabled to thestate, rather than to care for them at home. Thisis wrong!

MEDICAID WAIVER:The Medicaid Waiver is aFederal/State matchedand funded (55%/45%) state- operated program.Each state decides howmuch support they wantto provide for eligiblepeople with adevelopmental disability.One state, California,accepts responsibility for

its' citizens with a developmental disability and,therefore, has no waiting list. In contrast, moststates have disabled children and adults who areeligible for the Medicaid

Waiver on a waiting list.Many have waited morethan 7 years. Florida has40% (21,000 people) of its'otherwise eligible populationon a waiting list. In fact,there is no end in sight forthese waiting lists.

LEFT BEHIND INTHE USA:

Left Behind in the USA isa network of familieswhose child is on theMedicaid Waiver waitinglist. Our goal as a non-profit organization is

to raise funds to educateand help more familieson the Medicaid Waiverwaiting lists.

We are sponsoring the following initiatives:

Tax Relief: A Federal and (where applicable)State income tax credit up to $10,000 for familieson the Medicaid Waiver waiting list. This credit isfor Medicaid Waiver eligible services that familieson the waiting list are paying for, out of pocket,to keep their child/dependent adult at home. Wealso support a property tax exemption up to$3,000 for families on the Medicaid Waiverwaiting list. This exemption is designed to helpoffset the cost for Medicaid Waiver eligibleservices that families are paying for, out ofpocket, to keep their child/dependent adult athome, which in turn saves the state money.

Public Awareness: Left Behind in the USAhas started the "Empty Shoes Campaign." Weare collecting old, discarded shoes. In Florida ,for example, we will bring 21,000 pairs of "EmptyShoes" (representing each person on our waitinglist) to our state legislators to emphasize whattheir votes mean for the future of our children.

Television Reality Show:Left Behind in the USA is creating a series ofvideos which highlight the impact upon familieswho have a loved one forced to linger on theMedicaid Waiver waiting lists.

Outreach and Leadership Left Behind in theUSA is developing an educational campaign torecruit and train families on the Medicaid Waiverwaiting lists to participate in DD related policy andon advisory boards. For example, in Florida there

is no one from the Medicaid Waiver waiting liston the State DD Council, even though 40% of thedevelopmentally disabled population in the stateis on the waiting list. No wonder we are invisibleto policy makers!WHAT WE NEED:

We need your financial support. When weacquire non-profit status, we will ask you tosupport us with tax-deductible donations. In themeantime, we are sponsored by "The FamilyCafe, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizationequipped to accept donations in the name of "LeftBehind in the USA. " Please contact them at :1332 North Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303;by phone at 888-309-CAFE (2233); or by emailat info@familycafe.net.

Mike Coonan, PresidentLeft Behind in the USA

Go

t Pe

ace

?

Puzzle Peace is a forum for local familiestrying to define themselves without allowing a

developmental disorder to do it for them.

Join the movement! Visit to say your peace,

or contribute to our network of autism friendlyfaces and places.

Proceeds from ourgroovy car magnetbenefit the EvanReed DermerScholarship Fund

Designed to meet the unique educational needs ofone child, as defined by federal regulations helpskids reach their goals. The IEP must be tailored tothe individual student’s needs as identified by theevaluation process and must help teachers andrelated services providers understand the student’sdisability and how affects the learning process.

IEP should describe how the student learn, how thestudent best demonstrates that learning and whatteachers and serviceproviders will do to help thestudent learn more effectively.

IEP COMPONENTS

The IDEA 2004 requires thatan IEP must be writingaccording to the needs ofeach student who meetseligibility guidelines underIDEA and state regulations,and it must include thefollowing:

*The child’s present levels of academics andfunctional performance.

*Measurable annual goals, including academic andfunctional goals.

*How the child’s progress toward meeting the annualgoals are to be measured and reported to the parents.

*Special education services, related services, andsupplementary aids to be provided to the child.

*Schedule of services to be provided, including whenthe services are to begin, the frequency, duration andlocation for the provision of services.

*Program modifications or supports provided toschool personnel on behalf of the child.

*Explanations of any time the child will not participatealong with other children.

*Accommodations to be provided during state anddistrict assessments that are necessary to themeasuring child’s academic and functionalperformance.

IEP's also include other pertinent information foundnecessary by the Team, such as a health plan or aBehavior plan for some students.

MEMBERS OF IEP

Must include the student parents or guardians, aspecial education teacher, at list one regulareducation teacher, a representative of the school.

A TYPICAL IEP MEETINGINCLUDES

*One or both of the child’sparents. Consistent with IDEA’sstated policy, parents shouldexpect to be treated as equalparticipants with schoolpersonnel in developing the IEP.

*A representative of the schooldistrict (not the child’s teacher)who is qualified to provide orsupervise special education.

*The child’s teacher(s). If the child has more thanone teacher all are required to attend.

*Professionals who are qualified to explain the resultsof testing. Usually this requires at list the presenceof a psychologist and educational evaluator.

*Parents may bring with them any others involve withthe child who they feel are important for the IEP teamto hear; for example, the child psychologist or tutor.

*Parents may elect to bring an educational advocate,social workers and/or lawyer knowledgeable in IEPprocess.

*Although not required, if the child is receiving relatedservices (such as speech therapy, music therapy, oroccupational therapy), it is valuable for relatedservice personnel to attend the meeting or at leastprovide written recommendations concerning theservices in their area of specialty.

Please if you need any extra support or info for yourchild IEP contact us to smartparents1@gmail.com

IEP (Individual Education Program)

By Alexa Torres Founder of Smart Parents (Mateo 8 years)

Discover the World Autism Community

Get support and advice, and share your joys and issues.Speak with people who won’t judge you and will share theirexpertise. This online community is the ideal place to buildfriendships with people focusing on the autism spectrumdisorder.

Community Spotlight

Launch Of An Autism Social Network: World AutismCommunity

http://worldautismcommunity.com

Parents Tips: For Picky Eaters!!!

By T. Crain

We all know that with most children with autism,visual is the key but sometimes we forget just howsimple that is. My son would not eat nothing but thesame junk food (usually chips) every meal. Thenone day we went to a restaurant that had menus(sounds like big deal, huh). He got to pick from themenu what he wanted to eat. Now at home for everymeal I make a menu on what he can choose, it hasmade such a huge difference in his diet!

February 5-6, 2011 – “All Ages & Abilities” Autism/Asperger’sConference in Irvine, CA

February 10, 2011 – Wrightslaw Special Education Law andAdvocacy Training in La Plata, MD

February 17-19, 2011 – California Association for BehaviorAnalysis Western Regional Conference in Burlingame, CA

February 24-25, 2011 – Visual, Behavioral and SocialStrategies for the Student with ASD in Gainesville, Florida

Autism Conference February 2011

http://worldautismcommunity.com/

An innovative, Saturday “Parent and Me” style class for ALLchildren, regardless of exceptionality.

MOVE AND GROOVE Saturdays!Music and Dance Class - Ask for a FREE trial class!

9:00-10:00: Baby Boom! (6 months to 2 years)10:00-11:00: Tapping Tots! (2 years to 4 years)11:00-12:00: Marvelous Movers! (4 years to 6 years)12:00-1:00: Music Makers! (6 years to 9 years)

Program runs from February 5th through May 21st

All classes instructed byBoard-Certified Music Therapist & Board-CertifiedDance/Movement Therapist

RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT TODAY!Jillian Mehler, MT-BC, NMT

305-528-5836WholeStepsMT@aol.com

Classes offered at Crystal Academy110 Phoenetia Avenue Coral Gables, Florida 33134

April is Autism Awareness Month,Come Join Us at The

Saturday, Apr i l 9 th o f 2011In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness aboutautism, the United States recognizes April as the National AutismAwareness month, a special opportunity for everyone to educate thepublic about autism and issues within the autism community by teachingacceptance of differences. Autism disorders do not only affect individuals,they affect the whole family.

Join the cause by “Raising awareness one balloon at the time”. Familiesand children are going to be able to decorate their balloons and let themraise to the sky together with many other families. Bringing thecommunity together with one goal in mind, to spread awareness.

From 12pm to 4pm

Balloon Raise

At The Miami Children’s Museum980 Macarthur CswyMiami, FL 33132

Fun!

Information!

More!

For general information, sponsorship information and booth participation contact Luciana Leoat (786)306-4967 or lucianaleolac@gmail.com

Great PricesSpecialty Nutrition SupportSterile Compounded FormulasAllergen Free FormulasPotency & Sterility TestingAll Dosage Forms AvailableInsurance WelcomeFree Ground Shipping in Florida

w w w . p o s t h a s t e p h a r m a c y . n e t

Hablamos Español * Par lons Francaise * Sign Language

4401 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33021

P (954) 989-6524 F (954) 985-8239

Schedule your consultation today!

By Liette R. and Jasso (Justin Matthew 4 years)

Instructions:

1. Placed washed strawberries onto wax paper on plate.2. Mix chocolate and oil in small microwave safe ceramicbowl.3. Place bowl in microwave for at least 45 seconds on high.4. Mix chocolate until it's in liquid form.5. Have a cooking apron ready for your child to wear duringthe nextfew steps.6. Make sure chocolate is not hot before allowing your childto touch chocolate for sensory input. (seeing how chocolatemelts, and flows)7. Let your child, with a spoon, cover the melted chocolateover the strawberries by drizzling the chocolate over eachone.8. Allow your child to be creative by decorating thestrawberries with the chocolate as they see fit. Even let themtaste the chocolate while working.9. Next, place the strawberries into the refrigerator for about20 min. or until the chocolate has hardened. (This is a greatway to teach a childto be patient.)10. Once Chocolate has hardened, enjoy the strawberrieswith your child.

This is a great recipe to use for snacks, deserts, and parties.It's also agreat way to celebrate Valentine's Day with family, friends,and teachers.

Bananas can be substituted for Strawberries, and taste great.This is a way to incorporate fruits into your child's diet.

Ingredients:

1 tsp of cooking oil

1/4 cup of "semi-sweet chocolate chips, glutenfree,nut,soy free

found at Publix, Green wise section.

10-12 strawberries with stem, washed

1 sheet of wax paper

Heartfelt MusicTherapy Services

Offering in home individual

and group music therapy

For more information call

(573)286-2550

Amber Ewers, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

“ Achieving Success One Child at the Time”Registration open for 2011 school year!!!