Anyone catch the article in Newsday today, “Study in South Korea finds higher rate of autism,” by The Associated Press Carla K. Johnson (AP Medical Writer) (http://www.newsday.com/news/health/study-in-south-korea-finds-higher-rate-of-autism-1.2864765)? Seems that South Korea puts the autism rate at one (1) in thirty eight (38)! Is autism truly that prevalent? It seems like it sometimes . . .
Personally, I don’t know what to say about the study. It was based on an extremely large survey (55,000 students), follow up and some testing, although there is speculation that the population that responded to the survey may have been disproportionately made up of parents with children with issues, and it was indicated that very few of the children actually went through an entire diagnostic procedure. How accurate was the survey? And, how can it be so very different from our own CDC’s estimate of one (1) in one hundred (100) (although, I have mentioned it before, that estimate is probably low).
But it makes you think. How do we define “autism”? How do we diagnose it? How accurate can we possibly be when it comes to disorders that are so subjective in nature?
What’s really at issue, though, is once it is diagnosed, what do we do about it?
And, again, sorry to anyone following this blog. I am still working on my book about my son, and how we helped him “recover” from ADHD, ODD, and PDD. The first half is done – the part about our story (from a father’s perspective). The second half, the one with all the relevant research about the methods we used, is taking a while. Seems there’s a whole lot of stuff that supports what we did. I’m still trying to glean through the best of it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Don't you love being right?
My friend (and a Spark Development supporter), Donna, sent me an email with this title a couple of days ago. She was referring to an article that appeared in Newsday entitled "The dark side of brightly colored food" (at A34, March 29, 2011) (it appears on the web as: "Opinion: Danger of artificial food dyes" (http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/opinion-danger-of-artificial-food-dyes-1.2787500).
Written by a Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University (David W. Schab) and The Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (Michael F. Jacobson), the article makes some excellent, and disturbing, points about (i) artificial dyes and their PROVEN connection to attention and behavior issues; and (ii) the FDA's previous reluctance to admit any such link even though that link had been addressed in Europe some SEVEN years ago!
Specifically, the article notes that "According to a growing number of scientific studies, [artificial dyes] are causing behavioral problems and disrupting children's attention. . . . In a significant turn from the agency's previous denials that dyes have any influence on children's behavior, an FDA staff report released last week concluded that synthetic food colorings do affect some children." Emphasis added.
The sad part is, that nutritionists, like the one who helped my son, Robert, recover from ADHD and PDD, knew about this DECADES ago! And if that wasn't enough, studies about artificial dyes and their effects on behavior have been coming out of Europe for the past several years.
In fact, the article notes, that "In 2004, one of us, David Schab, co-wrote an analysis of the best studies of food dyes' effects on behavior. That analysis found striking evidence that hyperactive children who consumed dyes became significantly more hyperactive than children who got a placebo.
At the same time, the British government funded two studies, each involving almost 300 children. Their results were even more startling: Artificial food dyes, in combination with a common preservative, could make even children with no known behavioral problems hyperactive and inattentive. Health officials in the United Kingdom urged manufacturers to stop using the six dyes -- including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 -- involved in those studies. Next, the European Parliament required that foods containing those chemicals bear a label warning that the dyes 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'"
No such research or warnings ever came from the good, old FDA.
Anyone get the feeling the FDA isn't really on our side?
Another interesting little tidbit in this article, and one that should really get you mad, is the fact that "[a]rtificial colorings are meant to manipulate consumers' perceptions. Manufacturers tout research showing that redness enhances the impression of sweetness, and that in tests with beverages and sherbets, color did more to influence consumers' perception of the flavor than the flavor itself." Emphasis added.
Anyone feeling a little controlled by marketers?
Our diets really do impact the way we feel, the way we act, our attention, our behavior, and our ability to learn. This simple FACT cannot be stressed enough. Indeed, it's why nutrition counseling is a part of our program.
Remember, dietary issues usually fall into one of these categories:
-- Food Allergies or Sensitivities. While some people may experience adverse physical reactions to foods such as itching, hives or swelling, other people may have adverse behavioral reactions to eating certain foods. Thus, while there may be no physical manifestation of an issue, certain foods can, like the artificial dyes noted above, cause behavior problems including, but not limited to, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Other common culprits include artificial sweeteners, dairy products, and even wheat and corn.
-- Nutritional Deficiencies. Given our love of processed and fast foods, is it any wonder that many children are deficient in nutrients essential to optimal development? Probably at the top of the list are essential fatty acids. Indeed, research has shown that the vast majority of children diagnosed with ADHD are deficient in essential fatty acids.
-- Injured/Impaired Gut. I've written about this before. Exposure to environmental insults, including the overuse of antibiotics, can impair a child's ability to properly digest food. Thus, even if he or she is eating properly, his or her body simply cannot process the food correctly. Or, in more severe cases, the child's gut may allow improperly digested substances to pass into their systems, or may even be producing toxins that affect behavior and development.
So, if your child is having these types of attention and behavior issues, take a good, hard look at what they are eating. If you suspect an issue, I urge you to consult with a knowledgeable nutritionist immediately.
Written by a Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University (David W. Schab) and The Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (Michael F. Jacobson), the article makes some excellent, and disturbing, points about (i) artificial dyes and their PROVEN connection to attention and behavior issues; and (ii) the FDA's previous reluctance to admit any such link even though that link had been addressed in Europe some SEVEN years ago!
Specifically, the article notes that "According to a growing number of scientific studies, [artificial dyes] are causing behavioral problems and disrupting children's attention. . . . In a significant turn from the agency's previous denials that dyes have any influence on children's behavior, an FDA staff report released last week concluded that synthetic food colorings do affect some children." Emphasis added.
The sad part is, that nutritionists, like the one who helped my son, Robert, recover from ADHD and PDD, knew about this DECADES ago! And if that wasn't enough, studies about artificial dyes and their effects on behavior have been coming out of Europe for the past several years.
In fact, the article notes, that "In 2004, one of us, David Schab, co-wrote an analysis of the best studies of food dyes' effects on behavior. That analysis found striking evidence that hyperactive children who consumed dyes became significantly more hyperactive than children who got a placebo.
At the same time, the British government funded two studies, each involving almost 300 children. Their results were even more startling: Artificial food dyes, in combination with a common preservative, could make even children with no known behavioral problems hyperactive and inattentive. Health officials in the United Kingdom urged manufacturers to stop using the six dyes -- including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 -- involved in those studies. Next, the European Parliament required that foods containing those chemicals bear a label warning that the dyes 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'"
No such research or warnings ever came from the good, old FDA.
Anyone get the feeling the FDA isn't really on our side?
Another interesting little tidbit in this article, and one that should really get you mad, is the fact that "[a]rtificial colorings are meant to manipulate consumers' perceptions. Manufacturers tout research showing that redness enhances the impression of sweetness, and that in tests with beverages and sherbets, color did more to influence consumers' perception of the flavor than the flavor itself." Emphasis added.
Anyone feeling a little controlled by marketers?
Our diets really do impact the way we feel, the way we act, our attention, our behavior, and our ability to learn. This simple FACT cannot be stressed enough. Indeed, it's why nutrition counseling is a part of our program.
Remember, dietary issues usually fall into one of these categories:
-- Food Allergies or Sensitivities. While some people may experience adverse physical reactions to foods such as itching, hives or swelling, other people may have adverse behavioral reactions to eating certain foods. Thus, while there may be no physical manifestation of an issue, certain foods can, like the artificial dyes noted above, cause behavior problems including, but not limited to, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Other common culprits include artificial sweeteners, dairy products, and even wheat and corn.
-- Nutritional Deficiencies. Given our love of processed and fast foods, is it any wonder that many children are deficient in nutrients essential to optimal development? Probably at the top of the list are essential fatty acids. Indeed, research has shown that the vast majority of children diagnosed with ADHD are deficient in essential fatty acids.
-- Injured/Impaired Gut. I've written about this before. Exposure to environmental insults, including the overuse of antibiotics, can impair a child's ability to properly digest food. Thus, even if he or she is eating properly, his or her body simply cannot process the food correctly. Or, in more severe cases, the child's gut may allow improperly digested substances to pass into their systems, or may even be producing toxins that affect behavior and development.
So, if your child is having these types of attention and behavior issues, take a good, hard look at what they are eating. If you suspect an issue, I urge you to consult with a knowledgeable nutritionist immediately.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Just a Quick Update
Hi Everyone,
No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I know I haven't blogged in a while, and for those who follow, I do apologize. I just tend to get drawn into one project at a time -- I admit, I'm not the world's best multi-tasker.
So, what have I been up to? Well, several years ago, I wrote a book about our experiences with our son, Robert. You know, the kid originally diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and PDD? Well, I've dusted off the cobwebs, and in this age of digital self-publication, have been revising the text, getting feedback, editing, and in general, getting the book ready for the internet.
Perhaps some of you will even read it. That would be cool.
Anyway, working on that has taken me away from this. But, not for long. There's some interesting stuff in the news, and I'm sure I'll blog about it here.
One last note: Congratulations to my son, Robert. He was just accepted into a very competitive design program at FIT -- only 50 spots open each year, and my Poppy got one!
That's my boy.
No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I know I haven't blogged in a while, and for those who follow, I do apologize. I just tend to get drawn into one project at a time -- I admit, I'm not the world's best multi-tasker.
So, what have I been up to? Well, several years ago, I wrote a book about our experiences with our son, Robert. You know, the kid originally diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and PDD? Well, I've dusted off the cobwebs, and in this age of digital self-publication, have been revising the text, getting feedback, editing, and in general, getting the book ready for the internet.
Perhaps some of you will even read it. That would be cool.
Anyway, working on that has taken me away from this. But, not for long. There's some interesting stuff in the news, and I'm sure I'll blog about it here.
One last note: Congratulations to my son, Robert. He was just accepted into a very competitive design program at FIT -- only 50 spots open each year, and my Poppy got one!
That's my boy.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Eat Smart -- That Is, Eat To Be Smart
A new study reports that what you eat affects your IQ.
"Startling," "new" research shows that if you eat junk food (i.e., high in fat and sugar, and processed foods) during the critical years of neurodevelopment (i.e., up to the age of three), your IQ will be lower. Conversely, if you eat healthy food (fruits, vegetables, etc.) during this time period, your IQ will be higher. http://www.newsday.com/news/health/processed-fatty-foods-may-dumb-down-your-kids-study-1.2668600
And it only took a team of researchers in the year 2011 to figure this out . . .
"Startling," "new" research shows that if you eat junk food (i.e., high in fat and sugar, and processed foods) during the critical years of neurodevelopment (i.e., up to the age of three), your IQ will be lower. Conversely, if you eat healthy food (fruits, vegetables, etc.) during this time period, your IQ will be higher. http://www.newsday.com/news/health/processed-fatty-foods-may-dumb-down-your-kids-study-1.2668600
And it only took a team of researchers in the year 2011 to figure this out . . .
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Genetics vs. Environment
“Study: Spacing babies close may raise autism risk,” by CARLA K. JOHNSON (AP Medical Writer) (Jan. 10, 2011):
“Close birth spacing may put a second-born child at higher risk for autism, suggests a preliminary study based on more than a half-million California children. Children born less than two years after their siblings were considerably more likely to have an autism diagnosis compared to those born after at least three years. The sooner the second child was conceived the greater the likelihood of that child later being diagnosed with autism. The effect was found for parents of all ages, decreasing the chance that it was older parents and not the birth spacing behind the higher risk.
‘That was pretty shocking to us, to be honest,’ said senior author Peter Bearman of Columbia University in New York. The researchers took into account other risk factors for autism and still saw the effect of birth spacing.
‘No matter what we did, whether we were looking at autism severity, looking at age, or looking at all the various dimensions we could think of, we couldn't get rid of this finding,’ Bearman said. Still, he said more studies are needed to confirm the birth spacing link.”
So reads an article published in Newsday. http://www.newsday.com/news/health/study-spacing-babies-close-may-raise-autism-risk-1.2601091
So, if birth spacing puts a child at “considerably more” risk of having ASD, and “no matter what [the researchers] did . . . [they] couldn’t get rid of this finding,” then how on earth can ASD be a purely genetic disorder that is inherited? I mean, assuming the mother and the father of the second children in this study are the same, how can the genetics be any different?
Also, what about the “old days” before the ASD epidemic? I know my Grandparents had six kids, and my wife’s grandparents had eleven (ow!), all pretty close together, and no ASD issues there . . .
Doesn’t this speak far more to our own frailty? Do you think, maybe, we’ve weakened our bodies, weakened our immune systems, made ourselves more susceptible to injury from environmental factors through poor nutrition, over use of antibiotics, lack of exercise, etc., and now our children are paying the price?
Don’t write off Wakefield just yet . . .
Friday, January 7, 2011
Spark Development Center Video Testimonials
Janice
Donna
Marilyn
Ellyn
Please remember that all individuals are different and results will vary.
To read parent testimonials, Click Here.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Cover Your Eyes -- Nintento 3DS Is Here
Did you hear about Nintendo’s warning regarding young children’s use of its soon to be released Nintendo 3DS System? According to Nintendo, “Vision of children under the age of six has been said [to be in the] developmental stage.” Apparently the company is worried that because the 3DS system “delivers 3D images with different left and right images, [the system may have] a potential impact on the growth of children’s eyes.”
In July, Sony warned of similar issues with its PlayStation 3: “Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions."
Some commentators feel that the dangers may be exaggerated, and that Nintendo and Sony are just “covering their asses” in case there is some legal suit down the road trying to pin liability for eye problems on the companies.
This may, in fact, be true, but as has been demonstrated before, too much television, computers, video games, etc., is NEVER good, 3D or otherwise. (http://sparkdevelopment.blogspot.com/2009/01/dont-touch-that-dial-literally.html).
Maybe a warning from the manufacturers themselves about keeping young children away from these games, taking breaks, and watching for potential eye problems is simply overdue.
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