If you have a child with a special need, you know how precious they are! Yes, they may require a bit more of our time, but I feel that as a parent I was specially chosen for my child! God blessed me as the caretaker of this beautiful, kind hearted young man that I am raising and I take this role very seriously!
Meet my son Austin!
My son may require a bit more of my time, but I feel this is a blessing to me! Why, you ask? Well you see, during the extra time spent with my son he teaches me a LOT! Just as I am guiding and teaching him, he is doing the same for me!
My son Austin is high functioning autistic with asperger tendencies. He is perpetually happy and has a BIG heart! At age 7, I wasn't sure if he would ever be able to speak in a full sentence or if anyone other than myself would be able to understand him. Today, at age 17 1/2 he has overcome nearly 97% of his autism and asperger tendencies and he is walking around with his Idaho issued learner's permit in his wallet in his back pocket! (Cheering and Tearing). There is hope….
PLEASE read on to see what worked for us, just maybe these same things will work for you and your child!
God blessed me at an early age with a desire to fight for what is right, seek knowledge in an effort to educate myself on things I did not know and instilled in me the spirit that no mountain was too wide or too high for me to climb! I learned to adjust my path not my goal! I am the forever optimist and live by extreme faith!
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
This mind set was a gift that aided me in helping my son overcome 97% of his autistic and asperger struggles. I would like to mention that I was determined to help my son without medicating him and finding natural treatments and we were very successful this way. The 1st two things that got us on the path to recovery was a gluten free and casein free diet and 7 months of twice weekly hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What is a Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet?
Let me share some details on both. A gluten free and casein free diet means NO dairy and NO wheat flour. I would highly recommend that you try this with your child. As I mentioned, my son is such a happy go lucky fella, but when he is given dairy (even as little as a teaspoon) it caused him to have excessive outbursts of anger, caused him to be oppositional/argumentative and caused him to completely lose the sensation of his bowls. This was drastic!! So if you have a child that is argumentative, has stomach and bowel issues and is on a roller coaster ride of emotions you can assist your child greatly by eliminating the dairy. The key to this is by removing 100% wheat and dairy from the diet. If you allow them to have a little here or a little there you are actually doing more harm then good and you will see full results by doing this 100%.
If you need help with this, PLEASE email me at survive@trayerwilderness.com. We have been on this diet for over 10 years and I can make many recommendations and stay tuned for my Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet 101 post that is coming next.
What it Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is done via what they refer to as a chamber. It looks like a long canvas barrel laying on it's side. You climb in from the top and lie down and they zip up the chamber and pressurize the chamber with oxygen. You can either lie there and sleep for the hour, watch a movie, read or because I needed to enjoy this treatment with my son we would sit up (I had to hunch over a little bit) and we would play games to pass the time. While you are in the chamber all you do is breath! This high pressure oxygen travels through your body rejuvenating your organs and your brain.
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can be very costly, but it is well worth every penny I spent. If you are aware of other children in your area that could benefit from this treatment, you can rent a chamber and divide the cost and use amongst several families which make it more affordable.
Austin went from a pre-primer reading level at the beginning of those treatments while in third grade to a high 2nd grade reading level in only 7 months!! (BIG cheer) You will not find someone who likes to read more than he does…. That was a pure blessing, but he also began speaking in full sentences as well…. (Tears)
Let's talk about metal detoxing?
Often times autistic and asperger children have high levels of metals in their systems. Heavy metals alter neurotransmitter activity and have been associated with behaviors of inattention and lack of alertness. You can have a hair and saliva analysis done to see what things look like for your child. It is very helpful to rid your child of these toxins which will open up new doors for your child's progress. We are currently using essential oils for our metal detoxing, see below.
Bowel and Intestine Troubles
Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia and Non-Specific Colitis is common in children with neurological disorders such as autism and aspergers. This is due to inflammation of the lymph nodes. You can find more detailed information in the webinar link below. We have utilized essential oils to remedy this, see below for our essential oil protocol.
Let's talk about supplements
Another thing we did was add several daily supplements to our son's regimen which also helped him considerably. We found with our son that he had a hard time storing calcium. Calcium is our bodies insulation from the stresses that we receive daily. Without the calcium buffer for these children they are typically over stimulated and overwhelmed which can be greatly aided by adding these simple supplements to their diet and routine. Below you will find a list of the various over the counter supplements that Austin takes on a regular basis. Unlike myself, where a B12 vitamin picks me up, it has a calming affect on my son and together with the other supplements they allowed him to stay focused and really helped him when he was having a bad day as well.
Probioitic Acidophilus Chewable Tablets
Now there were also some very wonderful supplements that we use that help greatly with aiding brain function, digestive health and amino acid therapy, but it is necessary to get them from a licensed practitioner. Dr. Harold Grams is the doctor that helped us with the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the GFCF diet and the supplements. He can be found at HaroldGrams.com. He does offer phone consults and has been helping children and adults with autism for over 35 years to which also includes his very own granddaughter.
Books I Would Recommend
Meet Jamie Now: A Life Free Of Autism by Krista Vance
Podcasts
Interview with Author Randy Lewis
Interview with Author Krista Vance
Interview with my son Austin of MountainBoyJournals.com
Vickilynn Haycraft of RealFoodLiving.com and SurvivalMomRadio.com interviewed me
Publications
Homesteading and Survival with a Special Needs Child by Tammy Trayer in Self Reliance Illustrated Issue #20
Goodbye Gluten by Tammy Trayer in The New Pioneer Magazine Issue #177
Webinar – Essential Oils and the Brain
I just did a webinar as of late with Danielle Daniel's. She shared her knowledge on how essential oils can assist those with autism, aspergers and ADHD. The webinar was an educational on essential oil basics as well as how essential oils can affect the brain, here is the post if you missed it: http://trayerwilderness.com/recorded-webinar-1-essential-oils-and-the-brain/ I would HIGHLY recommend taking the time to listen and watch this webinar. I think it will shed a lot of light for you.
For Overall Good Health
Our families has fully removed all processed foods from our diet which has made such a huge difference. We make everything from scratch – EVERYTHING and if we are traveling and have to eat out or eat something packaged we can be certain that we will be sick for at least 3 days as our bodies, no longer used to all the toxins, has to process the food we ate.
We focus greatly on good health and here are a few things we do:
- Reduce inflammation in the body & intestines
- Reduce the growth of bad bacteria in our intestines
- Increase good bacteria in our intestines with homemade water kefir soda, milk kefir smoothies or shakes or kombucha (Recipes coming soon – let me know if you are interested)
- Cleanse body and internal organs of toxins & heavy metals (liver, kidneys, intestine, colon)
- Strengthen and heal the lining of the intestines and cleanse internal organs
- Healthy diet – everything from scratch, non-gmo ingredients, whole foods
- Natural health, foraging from the wild, making our own teas, tinctures and salves
- Good Vitamins – you can get more details on what we use here
- Essential Oils – (see our protocol next)
Our Essential Oil Protocol
Our focus with the essential oils is to use what God has provide for us just as we do when we forage the plants from the wild and we are using the essential oils which is the purest form of the plant. We utilize essential oils aromatically, internally and topically.
PLEASE NOTE: You do need to take great caution with Essential Oils. Not all oils are used the same, so for example one may be able to be taken internally and another may not. It is important that you do your research and know how to use your oils. I can help you with this as well. Do not leave children unattended with essential oils.
- Lemon essential oil: Naturally cleansing and great to be added to your water daily. I use about 3 drops in an 8 oz glass cup or stainless steel. Essential Oils are naturally designed to break down toxins and chemicals so they will break down plastic so it is important to use stainless steel or glass. I use a wide mouth canning jar with easy to close and utilize lids and these Stainless Steel Frozen Drink Straws, Set of 4.
- For Toxicity and Liver Cleanse: Cilantro Essential Oil – chelates lead and mercury from the body, is an antimicrobial, antidepressant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. We use cilantro essential oil or a Detoxification Blend of Essential Oils.
- Attentiveness, Alertness and Calming: Citrus essential oils such as Lemon Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil and Grapefruit Essential Oils provide aid in attentiveness, alertness and reduce stress. Lavender Essential Oil is calming and improves mood and concentration. We use another oil blend called Focusing Blend of Essential Oils which is a blend of amyris, patchouli, frankincense, lime, ylang ylang, sandalwood and roman chamomile. Focusing Blend of Essential Oils comes in a roll on applicator bottle and is great for attention and focus and can be applied to the brain stem on the back of the neck, your pulse points on the front of your neck and inhalation. This is great for our over stimulated children and those with ADHD. We use this before he starts his schooling each day.
- Digestive System: Digestive Blend of Essential Oils is a blend of different plant oils that support the reduction of inflammation, digestive discomfort, enzymes, supports the liver and colon and elimination of bad bacteria and heavy metals. 1 drop under the tongue after a meal for about a minute and then swallow.
- Digestive Support Cleansing: Orange Essential Oils, Grapefruit Essential Oils,Lime Essential Oils, Lemon Essential Oils, Digestive Blend of Essential Oils
- Digestive Support Reduction of Inflammation: Frankincense Essential Oil, Digestive Blend of Essential Oils
- Digestive Support Elimination of Bad Bacteria, Candida & Parasites: Digestive Blend of Essential Oils, Oregano Essential Oils, Melalecua Essential Oil, GI Cleansing Formula
- Digestive Support Elimination of Heavy Metals Toxins: Cilantro Essential Oil, Detoxification Blend of Essential Oils
- Digestive Support Liver: Digestive Blend of Essential Oils, Detoxification Blend of Essential Oils
- Digestive Support Colon: Digestive Blend of Essential Oils, Probiotic Defense Blend, Lemon Essential Oils
- Vitamins For Overall Health: Supplements and the Chewable Supplements.
My Suggestions For Getting Started
Now I listed quite a few options for each bullet point, but my suggestion to get started with the oils and the protocol would be to get Lemon Essential Oils, Detoxification Blend of Essential Oils, Digestive Blend of Essential Oils, Focusing Blend of Essential Oils, Supplements or the Chewables.
Also because your days are often like mine, I would recommend you use the same Supplements I do to help you through those stressful days. Honestly, they have been the best thing I have found for myself. The beginning of this year I was really run down and was struggling with adrenal fatigue and was having a really hard time getting back on track. I was very skeptical in trying these because I have had troubles my whole life with vitamins. Often times they just made me sick versus helping me, but I started taking these and I was WOWED! I have not felt this good in such a LONG time so I truly recommend these. Also please know that I will never recommend ANYTHING to you that I do not personally use and can honestly recommend.
Oils Are Available Through Trayer Wilderness
Just a little side note, if you are interested in the oils and incorporating them into your routine, email me at oils@trayerwilderness.com and I will be happy to further discuss the specifics of what we use in detail and help you get started. You may also be interested in receiving your oils at a discount. If you are interested in a discount, please email me at oils@trayerwilderness.com and in the subject line add I Would Like A Discount on Oils.
If you have any questions, thoughts or needs, PLEASE don't hesitate to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Our children are special and so are you my dear friend! You were placed on this earth with a very special job to care for such a unique individual(s). Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope that my son and I can be an inspiration to you and help you to enjoy this journey called life! My next post will be on our experiences with schooling and homeschooling.
~ Just remember there is HOPE, NEVER give up and keep the FAITH! ~
God Bless!
Tam † ♥
Thank you, Tammy! As I read this, tears were streaming down my face. My son doesn’t have autism, per se, or even Asperger’s (that has been diagnosed, anyway), but we have a lot of issues with explosive behavior, oppositional/defiant actions, and aggression. He is 11 years old and has a pituitary tumor (which has an impact on his hormones). I am going to implement the things you have shared and will expect to see some more progress! =)
We have been eating Paleo-ish for a couple of years now, but have had trouble with all of the “treats” and “snacks” that are shoved in the kids’ faces everywhere they turn. I do make all of our meals, snacks, treats, and most everything else from scratch, but haven’t completely kicked the butter out of our diet (I do use coconut oil most of the time.).
I am a wannabe pioneer homesteader who lives on a small island in western Washington. I say “wannabe” because the extent of our homesteading is a few organic gardens and 16 pastured layer chickens. We’re getting there!
Anyway, thank you for sharing your journey! It has inspired me, to say the least! I admire your determination, strength, and FAITH! God bless you all!
Cresta,
I just read your post with tears rolling down my face… 🙂 We so very much want to be a light to others with our faith, with autism and our knowledge. It does my heart good to know that we are helping others and indeed accomplishing our goals. I wanted to check in with you to see how things are going?
You my dear are a homesteader.. It takes baby steps in everything we do to accomplish our dreams and your are on the right path and sounds like you are doing wonderfully. I hear you on the snacks… It is always SO hard when you go to events or parties… Everyone wants to give children things and when they go for healthy stuff they always went for cheese which would send my guy over the edge and I remember so well being at those events and how you had to watch your child like a hawk because of that…
What will be great for you as it was for me, when your child becomes and advocate for themselves knowing that certain foods will make them ill.. My son really guarded himself with that and I LOVED it..
I hope you are all well and yor new year is off to a wonderful start!!
Blessings lovely lady
Tam
Tammy this is a great article. I’m so impressed with your knowledge and your son. This is going to help so many people that I share it with. Thank you with all my heart.
Valerie thank you so much for your kind words!! Our biggest hope and prayer is that we can help others with our knowledge!! Blessings to you and yours and feel free to reach out anytime!!
Interesting. I’m kind of rattling around in my head the entire concept of “conquering” autism and what that would look like. I’m married to a man with Asperger’s, and our 7 year old son has it. Definitely a family trait in my husband’s family – his brother’s elder son has severe autism. Our son started speaking at about 3 1/2, and started reading 6 months later. Apparently he was learning to read in his head while we were trying to get him to speak. 🙂
All of our children (not just our son with Asperger’s) are allergic to casein, but we don’t eliminate all dairy. We simply use goat products, which they can tolerate without problems.
Hi Marie,
Yes we just increased our milk goats from two expecting Mommas to 6 total which will really be a blessing for us. The goats milk is great and I LOVE making ice cream, cheese, kefir, butter, etc…. I think that is really interesting with your child learning to read like that. They have brilliant minds and learn in very unique way. My son does some really amazing things with math. We have overcome so much with the aid of some supplements, herbs and essential oils, our vast space, homeschooling and lots of love and patience. It can be done. The diet plays such a huge role for us and can be a hard thing to start, but 100% worth it. I know you can agree that our days and yours will never be boring or without an unusual event though of some sort or another. Blessings to you and yours may dear and look forward to getting to know you better!!