Next week!

Some of you have requested an update and I feel now is a great time for that. A week from tonight, we will be tucked into our California hotel room, awaiting Brecken's first visit with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel the next morning. I'm not sure I will even be able to sleep!

We have waited for this day for a long time. The past year has been filled with a lot of fear. Fear of the diagnosis and of all the unknowns. But I poured myself into searching for answers and more importantly, healing. I read Dr. Kartzinel's book and it was completely overwhelming, but so SO good. I began to realize that autism has underlying medical conditions that are common in most autistic kids: gut issues, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, improper methylation (detox) pathways, immune issues, etc. Treating these problem areas promotes healing and reduces autistic behaviors. We have had success with the steps we have taken on our own. A gluten and casein free diet, along with a handful of various supplements, has improved Brecken's eye contact, awareness, and shared interest. We've also seen more sound imitations and spontaneous words. However, speech is still our biggest concern. It's time to bring in the expert.

When I think about talking to this doctor in person I get teary-eyed. I've taken Brecken to many appointments with all kinds of experts and not one of them has attempted to help heal my daughter. I've brought up various treatment options and have been met with blank stares or condescending remarks. Even members of my own family think I am wasting my time and have called Brecken's situation "hopeless." I wish I was kidding! I don't want to harp on all the negative, but I want to make it clear that this journey has been a fight. We've hit wall and bump after wall and bump. The battle has been relentless. I'm tired and ragged, but I won't be defeated. Brecken deserves better. She deserves my all because none of this is her fault. So, when I finally stand in the presence of someone who "gets it" and has recovered and healed other autistic kids, I don't know whether I will hug him or weep tears of joy and relief. Maybe I'll just keep it together for that one hour and save my tears for another time. ;)

I'm so grateful God has led us to a Christian doctor who will be His hands and feet in healing our baby girl. As long as He is with us, I know we are right where we should be.

For more info on biomed treatments in autism:

http://www.generationrescue.org/recovery/biomedical-treatment/