Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome usually develop an in-depth knowledge of these high-interest topics, often amassing an astonishing recall of facts and data on their favorite topic. This renders Asperger children experts on their chosen topic and their expertise should be commended and respected, whilst directing them to appropriately make use of their knowledge in social situations.

Children with Aspergers Syndrome will need very specific direction as to when and how they may appropriately talk about their high-interest topic in the classroom or in the playground, (this should be part of an on-going Social Skills program involving both children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their neurotypical peers) so as to learn about turn-talking and following topic-shifts in conversation.

As the ASD child matures their friends and family can use a ‘signal’ word to let them know if they are tending to run on too long about their topic. E.g. bananas. Also, give them some specifics to look for signs of boredom or disinterest in the listener, and encourage them to use these cues to stop talking about their favorite topic.

E.g. listener breaks eye contact, or turns their shoulders/body away. However keep in mind that while you may have heard it again and again, the new listener may find their knowledge interesting and engaging. Everyone’s star deserves to shine brightly sometimes!

Smart educators will use this favorite subject or topic to actively engage Asperger Syndrome children in the classroom, keeping their interest and motivation levels at a premium across all curriculum areas E.g. in a Math’s lesson Addition may be a problem area, but for a child interested in dinosaurs ’2 Diplodocus in a field, and another one came along, how many Diplodocus altogether?’ Addition takes on meaning.

To encourage children to focus on subjects other than the high-interest area, draw similarities, or point out differences E.g. High-interest topic – Dinosaurs. ‘Unlike Dinosaurs which were reptilian, sharks are cartilaginous fish.’

As the child matures their knowledge base can be used as an example of preferred learning styles or methods, by examining the Asperger child’s information categorising technique. (Note: you will have to carefully refocus attention back to the task to avoid hearing all about dinosaurs, but if you can make the connection it’s worth the effort!)

Within the classroom Asperger children should be acknowledged as experts on their topic, and their peers should be encouraged to refer to them for assistance in that area. Over the years our son has amassed vast amounts of knowledge on a variety of very unrelated subjects and always the fascination was taken to the nth degree. This has given him expertise in many areas, and we often refer to him for definitive answers to our queries. We always squabble over whose team he should be on when we play Trivial Pursuit or other general knowledge games!

So I recommend nurturing your Asperger child’s thirst for knowledge, in a supportive and directed manner. In this way you may manage to turn their ‘obsession’ into their source of income in their adult lives, otherwise referred to as their “bread and butter” specialty.

We Recommend:

While there is no specific treatment or ‘cure’ for Asperger’s Syndrome, there are many interventions that can significantly improve the functioning and quality of life of people and children with Asperger’s. It is important to properly classify the condition and remember that it is not Asperger’s disease, but rather a syndrome. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

It is important that you only use natural remedies from a reliable source, as the quality of herbs used as well as methods of preparation may affect the strength and effectiveness of the remedy. Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, certain herbal ingredients such as St. John’s Wort, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora, and Chamomile, among others, may be recommended as part of a holistic treatment plan.

MindSootheJr. Promotes emotional and psychological health and balanced mood in children.

Focus Formula Helps maintain optimal mental focus, concentration, attention span and memory function.

Tula Tantrum Tamer Helps reduce tantrums, soothe fiery tempers and reduce frustration in young children.

About the author

Nelle Frances is the mother of a 15 year old with Asperger’s Syndrome, a Special Needs Educator and Author of the Ben and His Helmet series of books for Asperger children. She is also an active member of 5 Asperger’s Syndrome Support and Advocacy Groups. For more information and Support Strategies visit http://www.nellefrances.com

It offers specific strategies for intervening and helping the child to cope with these obstacles, such as teaching the child how to socialize with humor and empathy, alternatives for… More >>

Helping a Child With Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger’s Disorder: A Parent’s Guide

Asperge’s Syndrome was first identified in 1944, but was only officially recognized as a diagnostic category in the DSM IV in 1994. As a result, many children were misdiagnosed over the years as ADD/HD, Autistic, OCD or even schizophrenic.

Many different terms are currently applied, leading to great confusion on the part of parents and educators. Aspergers Syndrome may also be referred to as High Functioning Autism (HFA), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD – NOS), Atypical PDD or even Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD).

There is still debate as to exactly how Aspergers Syndrome should be classified. In addition, it is not always an easy, clear cut diagnosis to make. As a result, diagnostic errors continue to be made and this often affects treatment, as well as access to appropriate help and information.

Parents may find themselves going from one doctor to another, becoming more and more confused and frustrated in their attempts to help their child. (See bottom of the page for information about natural remedies for Aspergers Syndrome)

What is Aspergers Syndrome?

Aspergers Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder which is classified as one of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). It is characterized by significant impairment in social interaction, as well as the development of repetitive and restricted fields of interest, activities and interests.

While there are some similarities with Autism, people with Aspergers usually have average to above average IQ, and do not demonstrate clinically significant delays in language or self help skills.

While they may have an extremely good command of language and have a very rich vocabulary, they are unable to use language appropriately in a social context and often speak in a monotone, with little nuance and inflection in their voice.

Children with Aspergers may or may not seek out social interaction, but always have difficulty in interpreting and learning the skills of social and emotional interaction with others, leading to significant impairment in relationships and peer interaction.

Although parents often notice problems at an early age, diagnosis is usually made during preschool age or later. While both boys and girls can have Aspergers, the syndrome is more common in boys.

What are the symptoms of Aspergers Syndrome?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) lists the following symptoms for diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome

A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

1. Marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

1. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
4. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years)

E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood

F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia

What are the causes of Aspergers Syndrome?

It is not known what causes Aspergers Syndrome, although there appears to be a definite genetic component as it tends to run in families. While there is as yet no clear evidence as to the causes of Aspergers Syndrome, there may be certain ‘triggers’ which may precipitate the condition.

These include environmental factors like pollution, food intolerances (particularly to foods containing wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy products), digestive problems and even childhood vaccinations (particularly the MMRI).

There are also suggestions that Aspergers Syndrome may sometimes be linked to high levels of Candida in the gut. Clearly much more research is needed in this area.

One thing is sure – Asperger’s is NOT caused by bad parenting or problems in the family! It is unfortunate that many parents have been made to feel guilty for a neurological disorder which is not their fault.

Is there a cure for Aspergers Syndrome?

Aspergers Syndrome can currently not be cured and the condition is lifelong. However, with correct treatment and therapy, many people with Asperger’s can go on to lead normal lives and may even excel in certain areas of occupational functioning.

Can Aspergers Syndrome be treated?

Yes, most definitely! However, because Asperger’s is a relatively new diagnosis in the field of developmental psychology and psychiatry, many treatment approaches are still in the developmental stages and lots of work still needs to be done in this area.

One thing has definitely been established – the sooner treatment begins, the better! This applies especially to remedial, educational and therapeutic intervention.

While there is no specific treatment or ‘cure’ for Aspergers Syndrome, there are many interventions which can significantly improve the functioning and quality of life of people and children with Asperger’s.

Social Skills Training

This should be one of the most important components of a treatment program. Children with Aspergers Syndrome can be helped to learn social skills by an experienced psychologist. Body language and nonverbal communication can be taught in much the same way as one would teach a foreign language.

Children with Aspergers can learn to interpret nonverbal expressions of emotion and social interaction. This can assist them with social interaction and peer relationships and prevent the isolation and depression that often occurs as they enter adolescence.

Teenagers can sometimes benefit from group therapy and can be taught how to use the teenage ‘slang’ and language forms of their peer groups.

Educational Intervention

Because children with Asperger’s Syndrome may differ widely in terms of IQ and ability levels, schools should learn to individualize educational programs for these children.

Some of them may cope well in a mainstream class with additional support, while others may need to receive specialized education. In all cases, teachers should be aware of the special needs of Asperger’s children, who often need a great deal more support than first appears necessary.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic approaches which focus on supportive therapy, the teaching of social skills and concrete behavioral techniques are more effective than approaches which concentrate on emotional in depth therapy, which may be too uncomfortable and stressful for the person with Asperger’s.

Children can benefit from play therapy and ‘story’ therapy aimed at raising awareness of nonverbal communication, development and teaching of empathy and learning of social skills.

Diet

Although there is no conclusive evidence, there are strong suggestions that changes in diet may significantly reduce the symptoms of some children with Asperger’s Disorder.

Many parents report that their children become much more manageable when certain classes of food are eliminated from the diet. These include dairy products, sugar, gluten, wheat and some artificial colorants and preservatives like MSG and tartrazine.

It is worthwhile consulting a trained nutritionalist to assist with dietary intervention and parents should not simply eliminate important foods from their children’s diets without expert advice.

Psychopharmacological Interventions or Drug Therapy

Many children and adults with Aspergers Disorder do not need any form of medication, while others need to be treated symptomatically While there are no specific ‘Asperger’s’ drugs, psychiatric drugs can be used to treat some of the problems which may manifest or be associated with Asperger’s, such as ADD/HD, depression, mood swings, temper tantrums, irritability, aggression, obsessions and compulsive behaviors and anxiety.

Many of the drugs used to treat the other Pervasive Developmental Disorders like Autism are also used to treat some of the associated symptoms of Asperger’s. These include Ritalin, Adderall, Paxil, Strattera, Prozac, Risperal and others.

Like many psychiatric drugs, these often come with unwanted side effects and the risk of addiction and their benefits should always be weighed against the potential harm they could cause, particularly in the case of children. Remember that you should always consult your doctor before altering or discontinuing any prescription medication.

It is also important to realize that there are effective herbal and homeopathic alternatives to many of the prescription drugs. As with any medication, it is always best to consult your doctor before changing or discontinuing any prescribed medicines.

Natural alternatives

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to the synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, Native Remedies recommends the following remedies to assist in an overall treatment plan.

Remedies may be used independently or in combination.

Herbal remedy for depression, mood swings, repetitive behaviors, irritability, and aggression

These may all be symptoms of serotonin imbalance and may show improvement with the use of our 100% herbal MindSoothe Jr. formula (available in capsules for adults and drops for children).

The ingredients of MindSoothe Jr. have been clinically proven to assist in balancing serotonin levels and act as SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) in much the same way as the synthetic SSRI’s do.

Herbal remedy for anxiety (calm and soothe)

Tranquilizing drugs may be very effective in calming autistic children and adults, who can easily become highly distressed and volatile over seemingly small changes in their environment. However, many tranquilizing drugs are also addictive and individuals may build up tolerance, resulting in the need for increasingly higher doses.

PureCalm is a herbal formula which has been especially formulated to calm and soothe children and adults without the risk of side effects and potential addiction.

Available in easy to administer drop form, the dosage may be adjusted to suit children or adults. PureCalm may be taken on its own when needed for quick symptomatic relief, and is also safe to use with most prescription and herbal medicines.

Herbal remedies for ADHD, hyperactivity and concentration

Like the benzodiazepines and tranquilizing drugs, the psycho-stimulants come with documented side effects and potential for dependency. Yet many parents find it very difficult to deal with Asperger’s children who also have symptoms of ADHD,hyperactivity and concentration problems.

For the treatment of hyperactivity, restlessness and lack of concentration, Native Remedies has developed two highly effective remedies:

Focus Formula is a 100% herbal remedy which has been especially formulated to treat the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults alike. Focus comes in a tincture an is easily administered as drops in some juice or water.

Native Remedies also offers BrightSpark, a safe and effective homeopathic formula. BrightSpark can be effectively used on its own or it can be combined with Focus Formula for severe or stubborn cases or for children with defiance and anger problems.

Herbal remedy for tantrums

Many Asperger’s children have violent tantrums, sometimes seemingly without cause. Tantrums may often be a result of the child’s frustration at being unable to communicate or understand, and may also be a response to changes in routine or environment.

Tantrum Tamer, a specially formulated homeopathic remedy, uses proven homeopathic ingredients which can greatly reduce or eliminate distressing and hard to handle tantrums.

Tantrum Tamer dissolves easily in the mouth and is pleasant tasting and readily accepted by children.

Remedies may be used independently or in combination. See bottom of page for discount combination packages

How have these products helped others?

Our son is Asperger’s PDD. He is on Concerta 36 mgs, but he still was having anxiety and tantrums, and other issues. Since he is on the PureCalm, he has not had a tantrum, and has not displayed many of the behaviors that concern us. He does not have any side effects from the PureCalm, and he’s much calmer!! I can’t describe the relief. – E., Kansas

“Super, Super products. My two children, ages 11 and 6 have Asperger’s Disorder and ADHD. My life was crazy trying everything from vitamins, minerals, amino acids, color therapy, NAET, homeopathy, chelation, and several others. My 6 year old is taking brightspark 3X a day. He is sweet and kind again. No more outbursts. The biggest joy is to see my son with Asperger’s giving good advice to his younger brother. He is much more socially appropriate since be began taking mindsoothe and PureCalm.” Lisa, PA

“I felt that I really wanted to write to you to say thank you for the wonderful change that we have seen in my child. I always knew that there was something different about him but we went from doctor to specialist for years with everyone having a different opinion. This really did a lot of damage as well as teachers who did not understand. Finally only last year we saw a wonderful doctor who told us that he had Asperger’s and everything fell into place! We have tried various prescription and natural drugs over the years most of which have not helped or had side effects. I was not happy with this and am so glad to have found a natural remedy (MindSoothe, Jr) that finally works. After three months, the mood swings have virtually disappeared, the obsessing over things has improved dramatically and he is more responsive and able to listen to what others have to say instead of behaving as if he was on his own planet all the time. What a difference to our household!” Gayle, UK.

My daughter was diagnosed w/PDD. NOS and the doctors put her on prescription medicine which helps ADHD children. She had some side effects so we took her off of it. I found your website and ordered FOCUS. She is only 5 and I give only in the morning before school w/some juice. After a few weeks on FOCUS she has been getting much better reports sent home from school and has even been able to discontinue her OT. I feel that FOCUS along with a small adjustment in her diet has helped more than the prescription meds. the doctor originally had her on – Lisa S., NY

“I would have been the last person to believe that a herbal could help my son who has Asperger’s and just could not cope with even the smallest distraction in class without becoming frustrated and losing concentration. But my wife insisted that Focus had helped her friends child and I thought it would set my wife’s mind at rest to try it, which we did. I am writing to say that I am very impressed at the difference. I can see it when my son does his homework and the reports from school are very positive. I guess I should have listened to my wife long ago – after reading all the information on your web site I have apologized to my wife and my son because I did not really understand what he was going through ” Graham.

“My 6 year old child has Aspergers and has been helped tremendously by using a combination of BrightSpark and Focus. He is a very clever little boy and does well at school but people find him strange because he always talks off the topic and carries on and on about the same thing which no one else is interested in. The other kids laugh at him and he was so angry and upset all the time, with a permanent frown on his face. Its also difficult for him when the other kids distract him in the class and then he becomes angry and blows up! He has even asked the teacher if he can move his desk outside the classroom! Since he has been taking your products, He is much happier now and can do his work more easily. I notice that he is not so much off the point either when he talks about things!” Mathilda H.

“PureCalm really helps my son who is diagnosed with Asperger’s. He is doing quite well in his job and he has even managed to find a wife who understands him which I thought could never happen! Don’t get me wrong, I love my son – but he was never the easiest person to live with due to his anxiety about everything. When something was stressing him it was as if he just couldn’t let it go and he would become more and more upset. When he gets like this, PureCalm helps him to calm himself and he can even see that he may be worrying for nothing. Thank you for your help and patience in advising me. This is a wonderful service which I am referring to all my friends!” Marge

“I want you to know that I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown with my son who is 6 and is diagnosed with Aspergers disorder. Although he has many problems, the worse one for me was when he would begin to shout and break things because something had upset him. Sometimes we didn’t even know what it was. I can hardly believe the difference that your product has made! he has been on the Mindsoothe Jr and the Tantrum Tamer for about five weeks and already we can see that the temper that he had is much easier to manage and he seems happier and more settled. When he does begin to shout and throw himself around, we give him the Tantrum Tamer again, which he loves and he is quiet again. This stuff is like a miracle! I am also starting myself on your adult Mindsoothe and can already feel the difference.” Freda B.

“We have been using your mindsoothe jr and serenite jr for about 6 weeks and my little boy is sleeping soundly again and is also a lot more responsive to us. As he has aspergers, he did not make eye contact and always struggled to understand what we said even though he is very bright with numbers and shapes and can tell you what any word means. Both my husband and I have noticed a big improvement and it is wonderful not to battle every night. Thanks!” Lindi G.

Aspergers Natural Treatment Packs

To assist you with your choice of remedies, Native Remedies has put together a number of treatment ComboPacks, based on the problems most commonly associated with Aspergers Syndrome

All remedies are manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards. Individual ingredients are well-researched and are natural, safe and effective.

Our remedies are backed by our 60-day money-back guarantee so you can experience relief risk-free.

As of this date, there is no known cure for Asperger’s Syndrome, but there are effective treatments and medications that can be used to intervene and redirect behavior so that the individual can function better in social situations. Education is paramount to early intervention and understanding when coping with someone with AS. It is important to educate parents and teachers and other adults who come into contact with children and adults with AS so that their behaviors can be understood and modified with help from treatment and therapy. Individuals receiving this assistance can lead functioning lives.

Asperger’s Syndrome is difficult to diagnose and many children have been misdiagnosed before receiving the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.

A specialist in psychosocial evaluation usually performs an evaluation. A history of symptoms is usually taken, and the child’s development of motor skills and language skills as well as personality and behavior patterns are observed. The child’s social development is assessed as well as communication skills and social interaction.

Asperger’s Syndrome is treated using behavior interventions, psychotherapy, education of parents and other adults in contact with the child, and medications. Specialized educational interventions are necessary as well as social training, and language therapy. Sensory integration training is necessary for young children in which occupational therapist help to desensitize the child to stimuli such as light, sound and touch. Older children undergo psychotherapy or behavioral/cognitive therapy. Medications may also be used as part of the treatment plan. There should be a team aspect involving all of the caregivers medical and otherwise of the child including doctors, teachers, babysitters, friends, other family members and parents. Getting help early is key to being able to help the child to cope with the signs and symptoms of AS.

Children with AS respond to self-help programs and programs that address the areas of deficiency such as curriculum or programs that address the particular needs of the child.

Families with children with AS need support for emotional and physical needs.

The key to success is through education and early intervention.

While we have all heard about autism, many of us have only vague ideas of what the diagnosis means and what can be done to help children and adults lead as normal a life as possible.

The truth is that autism, being a spectrum disorder, affects different people in different ways and no two autistic children are exactly alike. There are also many different theories about what causes autism and what can be done to treat it.

This makes things very confusing for parents who are struggling to come to terms with what is best for their child.

Diagnosis and symptoms of autism

Autism is a neurological disorder and one of five developmental disorders classified under the heading of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) is made up of 5 different disorders:

• Autism
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
• Rett’s Disorder
• PDD – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD – NOS)

It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans, including children and adults, may have autism. There are currently no medical tests which can diagnose autism.

Diagnosis is usually based on careful observation as well as information provided by parents and other caregivers on the child’s behavior, communication, social interaction and developmental levels.

There are also a number of screening tests or questionnaires which can be performed, including the CARS rating (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) and CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). Diagnosis can be made by Pediatricians, Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists or by a multi-disciplinary team.

In order to make a formal diagnosis of Autism, the following symptoms must be present (DSM lV-TR)

Impairment in social interaction

1. Lack of eye contact, facial expression and social gestures
2. Failure to develop peer relationships
3. Does not seek out social interaction
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Impairment in communication skills

1. language delay or absence
2. inability to initiate and sustain conversation
3. stereotyped or ‘strange’ use of language
4. lack of make believe or social play

Restricted, stereotyped and repetitive behavior, interests and activities

1. abnormally intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest
2. inflexible insistence on certain nonfunctional rituals or routines
3. stereotyped and repetitive movements e.g. hand flapping, preoccupation with parts of objects

To make the diagnosis at least 6 of the above must be noted, as well as developmental delays in at least ONE of the following areas:

1. Delayed or abnormal social interaction
2. Delay or abnormal use of language in social interaction
3. Delay or absence in symbolic or imaginative play

The delays or impairment described above can vary from mild to severe. Remember that many healthy children will display some of the above symptoms. This does not make them autistic!

It is important that the full cluster of symptoms described above be present. Some of these symptoms may be present from early infancy, but usually become more obvious by 2 – 4 years of age.

What causes Autism?

There is no known single cause of autism. It is known that autism is a neurological disorder and that there may be differences in the shape and the structure of the brain of autistic children as opposed to non-autistic children.

It is thought that, in certain cases, there might be a genetic predisposition to autism, which may run in families. Whether the predisposition to autism is genetic or not, there may be several ‘triggers’ which can precipitate the disorder.

These could include problems in pregnancy and birth, viral infections, exposure to certain environmental chemicals or pollutants, digestive abnormalities or even allergies to certain foods (e.g. milk and dairy products).

There are also suggestions that autism may be caused by a reaction to childhood vaccines. Obviously more research is needed in this area.

It is important for parents to note that autism is not a mental illness and is not caused by bad parenting or problems in the home. All too often parents are made to feel guilty and as if they have done something wrong, which is not the case.

Parents of autistic children need as much support and help as possible and should not be made to feel that they are the cause of their child’s problem.

What are the natural treatment options?

While there are many different theories about the best course of treatment for autism, most professionals agree that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances are that the child will be helped.

Educational and therapeutic approaches

These include specialized education as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, sensory integration, behavior modification and speech therapy. Depending on the symptoms and the areas of developmental delay, these therapies can be extremely effective and can be combined into the overall treatment plan.The earlier they are begun the better the chances of improvement. It is important to realize that none of these therapies are ‘quick fixes’ and need perseverance over a long period of time.

Dietary intervention

There are indications that certain vitamins and mineral supplements may improve functioning in autistic people. While there is some disagreement regarding this amongst medical professionals, many parents have reported marked improvements after a program of nutritional supplements. There are also a number of clinical studies which strongly support the use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in the treatment of autism and have demonstrated significant improvement.

As nutrition is such a vital ingredient in brain development, it stands to reason that supplementation may have a positive benefit, although this would vary from individual to individual. Some experts have gone as far as to suggest that certain cases of autism could be as a result of nutritional deficiencies or mal absorption of nutrients from the diet. The subject is a very complex one and outside the scope of this discussion.

There are also suggestions that autistic symptoms can be caused as a result of mal absorption and intolerances to certain foodstuffs, especially dairy products and gluten contained in wheat and grain products. Some parents have reported remarkable changes after the elimination of these foodstuffs from the diets of their autistic children.

Natural alternatives

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to the synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, Native Remedies recommends the following remedies to assist in an overall treatment plan.

Remedies may be used independently or in combination. See bottom of page for discount combination packages.

Herbal remedy for depression, mood swings, repetitive behaviors, irritability, and aggression

These may all be symptoms of serotonin imbalance and may show improvement with the use of our100% herbal MindSoothe Jr. formula (available in capsules for adults and drops for children).

The ingredients of MindSoothe Jr. have been clinically proven to assist in balancing serotonin levels and act as SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) in much the same way as the synthetic SSRI’s do.

Herbal remedy for anxiety (calm and soothe)

Tranquilizing drugs may be very effective in calming autistic children and adults, who can easily become highly distressed and volatile over seemingly small changes in their environment. However, many tranquilizing drugs are also addictive and individuals may build up tolerance, resulting in the need for increasingly higher doses.

PureCalm is a herbal formula which has been especially formulated to calm and soothe children and adults without the risk of side effects and potential addiction.

Available in easy to administer drop form, the dosage may be adjusted to suit children or adults. PureCalm may be taken on its own when needed for quick symptomatic relief, and is also safe to use with most prescription and herbal medicines.

Herbal remedies for ADHD, hyperactivity and concentration

Like the benzodiazepines and tranquilizing drugs, the psycho-stimulants come with documented side effects and potential for dependency.

Yet many parents find it very difficult to deal with Autism children who also have symptoms of ADHD,hyperactivity and concentration problems.

For the treatment of hyperactivity, restlessness and lack of concentration, Native Remedies has developed two highly effective remedies:

Focus ADHD Formula is a 100% herbal remedy which has been especially formulated to treat the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults alike. Focus comes in a tincture an is easily administered as drops in some juice or water.

Native Remedies also offers BrightSpark, a safe and effective homeopathic formula.

BrightSpark can be effectively used on its own or it can be combined with Focus ADHD Formula for severe or stubborn cases or for children with defiance and anger problems.

Herbal remedy for tantrums

Many Autism children have violent tantrums, sometimes seemingly without cause. Tantrums may often be a result of the child’s frustration at being unable to communicate or understand, and may also be a response to changes in routine or environment.

Tantrum Tamer, a specially formulated homeopathic remedy, uses proven homeopathic ingredients which can greatly reduce or eliminate distressing and hard to handle tantrums.

Tantrum Tamer dissolves easily in the mouth and is pleasant tasting and readily accepted by children.

The above remedies may be used independently or in combination. See bottom of page for discount combination packages

How have these products helped others?

“My son was diagnosed with Autism when he was three years old and we have struggled with him a lot because he rocks himself and is very restless all the time and also gets frustrated and he hurts himself. I was recommended that he go on an antidepressant to help the stimming which really worried me as he is so young and also he is very sensitive to medicines. After I found Mindsoothe Jr and all the information on your website, I thought I would rather try a natural product and I am very glad I did. My son is much calmer and the stimming has improved a lot – to only when he is upset or stressed. Then we let him suck on the K-OK KiddieCalmer and he is much better. He is also happier and can play with us now which he never did before. This is after only 6 weeks and I know that we will see more improvement from now on because he is much easier to reach. Thank you very much – I can really recommend your products and I have put my name down for repeat orders” Sharon, CA

I have an 18 year old, mid-range functioning, autistic son that was in such anxiety over the transition to the bus and school that we were considering putting him in a group home. I was desperate in trying Mindsoothe, but thought anything is worth a try. We have been giving him a child’s dose as soon as he gets up, in his juice and our mornings have never been so smooth. Thank you so much for keeping our family together and giving him the peace of mind to make these transitions easier. His school notes have NEVER had words like fun, cooperative, and finishes his work before. THANK YOU – Karen, GA

My daughter was diagnosed w/PDD.NOS and the doctors put her on prescription medicine which helps ADHD children. She had some side effects so we took her off of it. I found your website and ordered FOCUS. She is only 5 and I give only in the morning before school w/some juice. After a few weeks on FOCUS she has been getting much better reports sent home from school and has even been able to discontinue her OT. I feel that FOCUS along with a small adjustment in her diet has helped more than the prescription meds. the doctor originally had her on – Lisa S., NY

“I am writing about the big improvement in my daughter, Janey who is autistic. She can’t be taught in a mainstream school because she can’t keep up in a big class but she is in a special needs school. The teacher said that unless she had Ritalin she would never be able to learn anything, which I was very upset about due to all the negative stuff you read. My daughter is such a sweet child but she cannot concentrate on one thing and jumps around not even able to sit still on her seat. If she does sit still, she is flapping her hands or tapping her pencil and nothing goes in. After one week of Focus we could see that she was calmer and after 6 weeks she could sit still and do some drawing. Now she is more calm and responsive in class and I can notice that she is happier to go to school. I can tell you that the teacher can’t believe it as she said that the natural stuff is not strong enough for my child, but she was wrong!!” Stacy, CT

“This remedy (BrightSpark) has brought about the most amazing change in my daughter who is autistic! We want to recommend it to other parents who have been told that their children will never change as we have been told by the doctors. She is so much more calmer and will even sit on my lap for the first time in her life which makes my heart so happy!!! I know that you cannot cure autism but my daughter is a different child and we can see the changes every day. I think that it is because this is the first time that she is beginning to notice what is going on around her. I just wanted to say that if anyone has any doubts, rather try it for yourself and you will see the difference. Thanks for everything!” One Happy Mother.

“My 11 year old becomes very upset and stresses over small things, for example if we have to move the furniture to clean underneath it then we have to do it when she is asleep! This is because of her autism which she can’t control so we understand but it is very difficult to keep everything the same all the time, which obviously we can’t – so sometimes she screams and cries and then you can’t get her to stop. My friend was taking PureCalm Drops for herself and said why not try it, so we did. It helps very much when my poor child needs to calm down and we just drop it in her juice and she drinks it because she loves her juice! She doesn’t get drowsy just calmer.” Cathy L.

“Thank you for all your advice and for lending an ear in my hour of need. I have received the Tantrum Tamer and am giving you the results as you requested. I am very happy with the way that it calms my son when he becomes so angry and starts to scream and kick. I am using it every day as you directed and he is definitely calmer and has less tantrums. When he does get upset I give him an extra dose and the tantrum seems to disappear. He likes to take the medication and seems to know that it will help him.” Diana

“Dear Sirs, I am very happy to say that my youngster is finally falling asleep after using your Serenite Jr for children. She has autism and instead of hours of rocking and walking up and down, my wife and I can sit down and eat our dinner together for the first time since our child was born, which was almost four years ago. I have no hesitation in recommending this product to anyone who is facing the same problem.” Henry.

Autism Natural Treatment Packs

To assist you with your choice of remedies, Native Remedies has put together a number of treatment ComboPacks, based on the problems most commonly associated with Autism.

All remedies are developed with care by our practicing Clinical Psychologist, are 100% natural, safe, and manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards. Individual ingredients are well-researched and have been put to the test over the years as a complement to the treatment of real people with real problems.

Our remedies are backed by our 60-day money-back guarantee so you can experience relief risk-free.