This blog is a way of sharing the information and resources that have helped me to recover my son Roo from an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What I have learned is to view our symptoms as the results of underlying biological cause, which can be identified and healed. I say "our symptoms" because I also have a neuro-immune disorder called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

And, of course, I am not a doctor (although I have been known to impersonate one while doing imaginative play with my son)- this is just our story and information that has been helpful or interesting to us. I hope it is helpful and interesting to you!


Glossary and Abbreviations

ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder

CDI = Continuous Diphenhydramine Infusion (24/7 IV Benadryl pump)

CFIDS = Chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome

CNS = Central nervous system

C-PTSD = Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

CVID = Common Variable Immuno Deficiency

Dysautonomia = dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system

EDS= Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a group of connective tissue disorders

EC = Eosinophilic Colitis

EGID = Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease

EoE = Eosinophilic esophagitis

GAPS = Gut and Psychology Syndrome (healing diet similar to SCD)

GF = Gluten-free

GF/CF = Gluten-free, casein-free (casein is a dairy protein)

HPA = Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal Axis

IM = Intramuscular

IV = Intravenous

MCAD = Mast Cell Activation Disease, an umbrella term for the various mast cell disorders

MCAS = Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, one of the forms of MCAD

MCS = Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

ME/CFS = Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

MM or MMJ = Medical marijuana

OAS = Oral Allergy Syndrome

PANDAS = Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep

PANS = Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

PICC = Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (one form of central line)

PDD-NOS = Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified

POTS = Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a form of Dysautonomia

PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

SCD = Specific Carbohydrate Diet

SM = Systemic Mastocytosis, another (and more rare) form of MCAD

SPD = Sensory Processing Disorder

TPN = Total Parenteral Nutrition (IV nutrition)

VAERS = Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

VICP = Vaccine Injury Compensation Program