In article
<4Aiqb.206935$0v4.16329932@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>, MH
<bastzine@worldnet.att.net> wrote:

Thanks and you know what "Diva" is spelled backwords.

I should do a "Mu_U and use that for my signature.

You're both Air signs, though, so you do share a little bit. : )

Martha

I wrote this  press release

THEY EMERGE FROM THEIR COCOON LIKE AN IRIDESCENT BUTTERFLY

A fifty year old diet used by adults to combat gastric illness is
having a remarkable effect on a group of autistic children who are
following it.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) restricts but does not eliminate
or limit carbohydrates . It is not a low carbohyrdate diet and is not
related to weight control.

SCD excludes a category of carbohydrates not easily digested. There is
a strong brain-gut connection and it appears decreasing bacterial
overgrowth is restoring cognitive abilities in many of the children
following the special version for autism  Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperacticity Disorder.

The diet has been promoted and guided by Elaine Gottschall, an 82 year
old scientist who has pursued her study of the effect of food on the
functioning of the digestive tract and its effects on behavior for
forty five years. .

The autistic community of parents and doctors has long endorsed other
approaches but in light of increasing success reported with SCD, more
are turning  attention to it. Gottschall has been invited to join the
prestigious international roster of speakers at the Autism One
Conference scheduled to take place in Chicago in May of 2004

Currently over 500 parents subscribe to an  online support group for
the diet. The diet and theories are presented in Gottschall's book,
"Breaking the Vicious Cycle"

Parents and teachers of autistic children report a change in their
attitude, increases in skills and responsiveness, in some cases  after
only a few weeks on the diet.

Although long term properly controlled studies have not been conducted,
numerous reports and testimonials attest to the potential this diet
holds for the autism community.

The diet has enjoyed great success among adults who follow it to heal
Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Disease and Celiac
Disease.

Recent research shows that more than 50% of children with autism have
GI symptoms, food allergies, and maldigestion or malabsorption issues

Gluten sensitivity and intolerance to salicylates are symptoms of a
damaged digestive system which is overrun with intestinal pathogens.
When the health of the gut is restored, these symptoms disappear. It is
better to cure the underlying cause than to just try to treat the
symptoms. Because SCD reaches to the root cause of these problems by
restoring the health of the digestive system, the Specific Carbohydrate
Diet is being viewed as the optimal choice for a child with ASD.

As one mother has said, "When you see them emerge, the true child, with
a loving personality, like an iridescent butterfly breaking out of its
cocoon, well, that's why we all persevere"

Here's what a few parents have to say:

Nina mother to Collin, 4.4 years old, PDD, SCD 82 days

I have been receiving encouraging notes from school after 40 days on
the diet, such as "Collin did a great job today", or "Collin had about
10 minutes of clarity today,
it was very exciting".  Last night, after 82 days SCD, I received this
note"
"I have noticed improvements in Collin over the past week.  He seems
much more alert and aware of his surroundings.  He has been doing a
great job of
following verbal commands".  

I know in my heart that this is only the beginning.
I'm slowly getting my precious little boy back.  I see his personality
emerging,
he has Mommy's stubborn streak and Daddy's impatience.  He's going to
be a challenge once he's fully recovered, I'm looking forward to it.

Kelly and Kyle

Had Kyle's 4th B-Day yesterday. He stayed to himself during dinner, but
joined in for his banana cake (relatives even ate it). He actually sang
Happy Birthday and blew out the candles and laughed and interacted with
everyone at the table! WOW! As if that wasn't enough - he actually
opened his presents - FIRST TIME EVER!! He was including his sisters
and grandparents names into his songs. Just incredible.
It is possible to laugh and cry and run a camcorder simultaneously.
Thank you Elaine.

Sue Isho, Great Britain

My almost 3 yr old son has been SCD for 14 days.  I'm seeing more
results.
I posted that at day 5 he started blowing kisses.   Well now I get a
few big smacking kisses every morning.

I think he's even trying to talk.  I think he tried to say "more" when
handing me a plate of the almond cookies today.

Eye contact is better but still limited.  He just seems very receptive
and very very happy.  He's still stimming but that I think has reduced.
He has almost stopped mouthing. I'm also not noticing a lot of toe
walking.

I'm in a state of euphoria.

Brandee mom to Hannah, 30  months, scd 3 weeks

By the way, we havd been scd "legal" for 3 weeks now.  I don't know if
it's the diet, the supplements, the anti bacterial and anti yeast meds,
or combos of all, but Hannah has had some really great days!  I have
captured so many pic of her with a huge smile on her face!  I bought
her some new clothes and for the first time ever she willingly let me
try each outfit on and she ran to the mirror to admire each new piece!
It was so much fun!  Also, my husband bought her a little tyke
basketball goal and she loves it!  Too many little things, but great
days!

The website for the adult version of the diet is:
http://breakingtheviciouscycle.info/

The site for autism is:
http://www.pecanbread.com