We had a bit of an epiphany in regards to Kyran's behavior and sleeping. The last week has been very challenging. I'm half kidding when I say that by Sunday, I was ready to set the boy on the sidewalk with his suitcase and a sign, "Kid for Sale". However, he would only be there for about 5 seconds before he was off and running. I doubt we would get any takers.
When he was first diagnosed 3 years ago, I did a lot of research and spent time following the biomedical treatments. From everything I read about the famous gluten free, casein free diet (GF/CF), I was really skeptical for us. Kyran just did not fit the list of issues. He had never had any gastrointestinal issues, never had problems with bowel movements. He did not exhibit signs of being "addicted" to casein and gluten foods. We decided against the diet. We did introduce several tier 1 supplements with no noticeable changes in Kyran. We continued because his nutrition isn't great.
Of course I have heard of the Feingold Program. It's been around since the 1970's. I remember my mom talking about it as my brother was considered hyperactive or today he would be ADHD. She never went any farther than talking about it. I have heard moms talk about it in the Autism Community. Until today, I didn't ever take the time to really read about it. And I was reading a success story and she basically described my son.
The list of symptoms that may be helped by the Feingold Program...THIS is Kyran:
Behavior Problems
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Constant motion
Running instead of walking
Inability to sit still
Inappropriate wiggling of legs/hands
Impulsive actions
Poor self-control, unpredictable behavior
Disruptive behavior / disturbs others
Unresponsive to discipline
Destructive behaviors: throws, breaks things
Little or no recognition of danger to self
Inappropriate noises
Compulsive actions
Aggression
Perseveration/repeating of an activity
Touching things or people excessively
Chewing on clothing, other objects
Emotional concerns
Low frustration tolerance
Demands immediate attention
Irritability
Overreaction to touch, pain, sound, lights
Nervousness, panics easily
Mood swings
Learning Problems
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Short attention span
Impatience Distraction
Failure to complete projects
Inability to listen to whole story
Inability to follow directions
Neuro-muscular
involvement
Accident prone
Difficulty writing, drawing
Dyslexia/reading problems
Speech difficulties/delays
Difficulty with playground activities, sports
Tics (unusual or uncontrollable movements)
OK, I know that is a long list spelling out my child. If even a handful of that list was eliminated, I would be over the moon.
Yesterday, we were at the grocery store. We were checking out and he decided that the cashier needed a good slap on the arm. Twice. And he doesn't get when he is being disciplined. He smiled at me and then laughed. I sighed and apologized to the cashier.
After school, I decided to test it. He was fairly calm when he came in. I gave him 2 choices for snack. Both containing additives, preservative and dyes. Twenty minutes later, he was running circles, giggling like a goof ball. He was not listening and redirecting him was not working.
While I was making dinner and distracted, my little sensory seeker grabbed 2 handfuls of poo out of his pants. He then made sure I saw and then took off running down the hall. He was not caught until after several poopy hand prints made impressions. I grabbed poop kid and Paul took care of the hand prints. This is not the first time this has happened. I would classify as Impulsive and Compulsive behaviors.
It was as if I was seeing this behavior for the first time with new eyes. My kid cannot handle what is in the foods he eats. Now I knew that his diet needed to change and we had talked about trying the GF/CF diet and adding more supplements. That may come later but first we remove all additives, preservatives, dyes and salicylates. We go Feingold!
School may be an issue. I can provide Kyran's lunch and snacks but he may have a big problem with seeing the other kids eat his addictions. This will be a process at home too. A big part of the reason I am home is for Kyran. If I have to become June Cleaver and make everything from scratch to help our son, I will.
More updates to come. Hopefully, positive!
4 comments:
I grew up on Feingold in the 70s/80s to curb my hyperactivity. It works. I am still sensitive to food colorings and can tell when I have something I shouldn't. I lose control of my muscles and have to FIGHT to sit still when all I want to do is RUN. I can't have frozen daquiris, as I learned after having one at home and spending time spinning in my socks in the kitchen like a kid. LOL I'm nearly 35 and know that Feingold works. :) There is a cookbook - check it out!
I got used to eating my way. When I went with friends to little league games, I brought pineapple juice for my snow cones. I didn't cheat because mom just had to glance at me vibrating through the door and I was busted.
Now I have a natural aversion to all things hyper-colored. I can taste the coloring and it's gross.
Good luck!!
Susan, you are hilarious! spinning in your socks...hahaha! Thank you for the support. I don't think it will be that hard once we get through the first few weeks.
Hi,
I came across your blog. The Feingold diet is great and you are doing the right thing. Be sure to join the Feingold Associaiton. The group has all the info you'll need.
Susan, my son started the diet 34 years ago--he's now 38 and still finds it the thing to do.
Thank you Marcia! We are excited to get started and start seeing changes. hope you stop by again sometime. :)
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