Josh is nine years old now. We started on the healing path four years ago and I’m still trying to make him well. We have made some amazing progress but I’m continuously reminded of how quickly he can slide back with the slightest insult to his fragile immune system.
I have lost my relationships with my entire family (except my husband who understands – thank God). The rest of my family members refuse to accept any of my son’s diagnosis which have been ADHD, ODD, PDD-NOS and LD. They have made it known that the only reasons for his issues must be due poor parenting. They also think I’m nuts and that I’m “depriving” my child by having him on a special diet. They go behind my back and sneak him junk foods every chance they get. Then I go home and have to deal with the behavioral and health repercussions “just a few treats” inevitably cause. Because he still gets sick a lot they say, “Obviously your weird diet and vitamins aren’t working.” (CLUELESS!)
On top of all this, my son resents me for fighting with our extended family. He is an only child and wants to spend more time with them, but can’t as a result of their ignorance. I haven’t met anyone in our area with a child my son’s age that eats a healthy diet. His friends all eat unlimited quantities of junk food. My son asks me why they can drink soda and eat candy whenever they want and don’t get sick. He’s not yet able to grasp any of this and sometimes sees me as the enemy instead of someone who is trying to help him.
This is not an easy path in life, that’s for sure. The stress of it all has contributed to me developing my own slew of medical issues. The worst days are when we are both sick at the same time. I have my husband’s support and he does his best, but he lacks a mother’s intuition. So I have to get up most days and do the many things my child needs, no matter how bad I feel myself.
I have to believe there is a reason for everything and that someday my child will be happy and healthy and able to understand all of this. I know for a fact how much worse off my child would be if I wasn’t doing biomedical interventions. That’s what keeps me going. And of course, my online groups and friends who are always there for me and also keep me focused on recovering my son. I would surely have lost my mind without them.
NOTE FROM MARCIA HINDS – Megan and Ryan’s mom:
Ryan became an aerospace engineer, because he received proper medical treatment combined with behavioral, and educational interventions. To preview my book, “I Know You’re In There – winning our war against autism”go to Amazon or my website www.autism-and-treatment.com
All profits from the book go to autism research/treatments.
Contact info for Marcia:
Phone: 805 796-8213 Email: For help finding a doctor marcia@autismandtreatment.com
There is more info to help on my website.
