Autism treatment

[confusedthirtysomething2]

My autistic son (5) seems to have hit a regression when it comes to meal times and I’m so concerned. Prior to the summer holidays, he was eating certain vegetables, meats, and sauces for over a year. Suddenly it all stopped and now all he wants is plain foods, chocolate, and pancakes. He won’t eat bolognese anymore, just the pasta and garlic bread. He stopped eating yogurts which were always a massive favourite. He’d live off pancakes and spaghetti hoops if I let him and all he asks for is sweet stuff. I feel so bad about the amount of sugar he consumes but right now he literally won’t eat anything else.

He doesn’t enjoy the park anymore. He hasn’t used his trampoline in weeks. He complains about being tired when he has to walk. He jumps at the slightest noise. Yes, I know those are autism traits but he seemed so much happier before his world started shrinking (I know it sounds dramatic but it’s the only way I can describe it).

I’ve never been one for online snake oil treatments, but Aibu to ask if anyone has had any success with supplements or a heavy metal detox? I’m scared to mention anything to my health visitor. I also want to try Mebendazole.

Sorry, that should have said - it says the address is invalid

@SilenceInside he’s in full time mainstream now because he’s so academic (double gifted) that the school’s autism unit isn’t suitable for him (it’s more a mix of learning difficulties and severe behaviours). This was recommended by the educational psychologist. I’m going to fight for him to have regular access to the nurture unit but apparently they’re full. He was happier in a smaller class half the time.

Is he in year 1? It must be a very large primary school to have an Autism unit.

I didn't really mean school support, I meant NHS or LA support that you would be aware of after his diagnosis.

I presume DS has an EHCP? If so, all the provision he reasonably requires should be in F. That includes the nurture group. Sounds like you need to request an early review. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use. Does the EHCP include therapies such as SALT and OT? What about support for anxiety?

I would speak to the GP about the recent change. You could also ask about a referral to an ARFID service.

If you think DS has threadworms you can buy medication OTC. I’m not sure why you would need the HV to consider it?

It must be a very large primary school to have an Autism unit.

Not necessarily. Some of the schools with additionally/enhanced resourced unit/bases/provisions (or what the LA calls them) are in smaller schools.

@massistar stop advertising that site. It's selling unnecessary supplements and posts like these prey on people who are vulnerable and desperate. It's pretty grim.

@SilenceInside a PP asked me to post it again. I'll bow out now as I have no personal experience and not wanting to upset anyone.

We have a few autism hubs in my LEA in normal sized primary schools ,children that get a place in the hubs though have ti have an EHCP and meet the criteria.

My daughter's autism symptoms got massively worse after a bowel disimpaction. I believe it wiped out her gut flora. There is a well researched link between gut flora and autism. You can read the scientific literature. That is why so many autistic children have gut problems. My daughter also used to get worms a lot when she was younger. I don't agree with everyone who says we should just let them eat sugar and junk food. This just makes the dysbiosis (gut flora issues) worse and makes them more nutrient deficient. My daughter has improved massively from a gf/df and high protein diet, a good quality multi vit high in b-vitamins, very high dose probiotics, no sugar or processed foods and a herbal remedy to support her liver and digestion. It's not about not wanting our kids to not be autistic. It's about wanting to see them be happy and laugh and have energy to enjoy life. But there is no quick fix. And it's all expensive. Also, autism is obviously very complicated and multi factorial. For my daughter, the gut link was obvious as she has always had stomach problems. For other children, the cause may be different.