In five short weeks you can be symptom free from food allergies, and other chronic disorders, through the highly effective Special Foods Diet program.

THE SF COMPREHENSIVE INTERVENTION PROGRAM:

AUTISM GROUP CASE SUMMARIES.

The unique advantage of the Comprehensive Intervention Program evaluated in the current research study is that it provides an accurate method for isolating exposure patterns and correctly interpreting them in autistic children. When this is accomplished, the determining the effect of a particular exposure, understanding its role in the autistic child's behavior patterns, and knowing what to do to eliminate the exposure is often quite simple. By identifying all of the ways the immune system of an autistic child is triggered, hence the COMPREHENSIVE program, the autistic behaviors can be quickly eliminated with avoidance strategies.

Data is now available for the first 45 autistic children studied in the SF Comprehensive Intervention Program. Contained in this report are case summaries of 8 of these children. These cases were selected because they illustrate issues that are faced by many children in our assessment program.

Many autistic children experience severe reactions to a variety of environmental exposures; these reactions were generally more severe than those of the non-autistic members of the study. Some case summaries describe reactions to environmental chemicals. Strong surges in symptoms and behaviors associated with playing outdoors in the pollen and being in moldy places are also described. In all of these cases, the news is good - it was just a reaction that went away as soon as the exposures stopped.

For further information please contact:

Karen M. Slimak
Principle Investigator/President

Applied Science and Technology International, Inc.
Springfield, Virginia 22153

703 644 0991

Autism, Speech Difficulties, Severe Sensory Sensitivities
(costs paid for by HHS through the 'My Turn' program)

Case Summary:
Nearing four years of age, Chris was entered into the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program to address his problems which included: extreme sensitivity and aversion to touch from persons or clothing, a low awareness of his own body, overly warm, reduced sensitivity to sound, poor motor control of his tongue with corresponding speech delay, poor social skills.

Chris responded relatively well his first ten days on the program. Julie, his mom, did not report any withdrawal symptoms saying that he pretty much ate everything, and reacted only mildly to some things. This surprised the counselors at Special Foods, because Chris had basically shown no changes in symptoms. At two weeks, Special Foods learned of a key factor that had been the cause of the stagnation in his symptoms. Julie revealed that she had not removed the multitude of medications and supplements Chris was taking. The medications and supplements Chris was on were retarding any improvements typically observed in the SF/CIP (Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program). Her counselor strongly recommended that Julie immediately remove these from Chris's diet, which she did.

Within two weeks Chris was calmer and steadier. He began to initiate emotional contact, including reaching out to touch his parents. For the first time, Chris displayed sensitivity to sound, cupping his hands over his ears.

Chris was found to suffer from severe chemical sensitivities; these included strong reactions to: synthetic fabrics, detergents, paints, perfumes, plastics, and especially clothing dyes, and fabric finishes. As these substances were identified and eliminated, a steady improvement occurred in direct parallel with the changes. When the environmental changes were complete and his directly related physical symptoms were eliminated Chris' learned behaviors had progressed to normal. Once he started wearing non-elastic socks, all foot pain ceased, including discomfort associated with toenail clippings. With a big smile, Chris was quoted saying for the first time, "Now it doesn't hurt Mom!"

PDD, Petit Mal Seizures, Hyperactivity, Self-Stimulating Behaviors

Case Summary:
Six-year-old Cory was highly hyperactive, had problems maintaining eye contact, and suffered many seizures each day; his eyes would roll, his shoulders and chin would twitch repeatedly. His social interaction was poor, and had no empathy. He was constantly sniffling, picking his nose, and walking around on tiptoe for no apparent reason.

Cory's frequent seizures were reduced on a GFCF diet, however they were not eliminated with the use of seizure medications and vitamin supplements. Cory's other symptoms remained. Cory's mom entered the Comprehensive Intervention Program, and along with a full seven-day dietary rotation, the counselor also recommended many environmental controls. Cory had problems adjusting to his new diet for the first few days; then his behavior returned to normal and his appetite came back.

Cory's parents noticed that his nose picking returns whenever they cook foods that are not a part of his diet, or when there is something else around that irritates his senses. The family now carefully keeps smells of non-diet foods away from Cory. Many changes have made to Cory's room and the rest of the house and to Cory's school to eliminate mold and chemical exposures.

A small increase in symptoms that began around week 12, was actually not small, it was a disturbing return of seizures. This continued for several weeks and was puzzling until mom realized that her husband had surreptitiously resumed smoking. The seizures disappeared as soon as the smoking stopped.

The zero symptom level has impressed his school and his church. Cory is attending a mainstream class at school and doing well. He interacts normally with his peers. He is a happy, peaceful, calm, and loving child.

Autism, Violence, Tantrums, Sensory Sensitivity

Nine year-old Peter was very destructive. According to his mother, every piece of furniture in the house was broken. His violent outbursts would inflict bruises on his parents. His violence kept him out of school. His other autistic symptoms included finger flapping, sensitivity to sound, and head bashing. A series of endoscopies revealed that Peter had suffered damage to his GI tract. This was consistent with his gas, loose stools, and complaints of abdominal pain.

When Peter's parents placed him in the Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP). After two weeks Peter showed a steep decline in most of his symptoms. His violent outbursts and head bashing decreased significantly. With his food problems under control, his intolerance to the environment became apparent quickly. Special Foods counselors worked closely with Peter's parents in detecting and eliminating non-food related problems.

After weeks of exciting improvements, Peter contracted a viral infection; his symptoms flared immediately to levels not seen for many weeks. Peter's reaction to the virus was similar to the reactions he usually had to problem foods and various chemicals in the environment. The reaction to the viral infection lasted three weeks, with symptoms then returning to pre-viral levels once he was well again.

The overall improvement continued again to the point his symptoms were non-existent for several weeks. He was fine until he went outside one day and suddenly became psychotic and very aggressive. It was found that pesticide fumes from the neighbors had blown into the yard. Peter was removed to a safe location his symptoms returned to their previously low levels.

Peter has maintained his symptom-free state. His vocabulary has increased from 50 to 1500 words. He learns easily and is making rapid progress.

Autistic, Tantrums, Head Banging, Staggering Walk

When Mary was eight months old she was diagnosed with autism. Mary displayed regular temper tantrums, head bashing, inappropriate laughter and a lot more. She would become irritable and easily overwhelmed by social interactions or anything she might need to concentrate on. In a desperate effort, Mary's mom began changing Mary's diet; although there was initial success Mary's symptoms returned as she became sensitive to the new foods. This time the autism was more severe; there were many more physical symptoms and essentially no foods to eat. On the advice of Mary's gastroenterologist, her mom entered the Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP).

Since she was still being breastfed, Mary and her mom were both placed in the program. Her mother was instructed to breastfeed Mary exclusively and to keep her away from all table food in order to give Mary's gastrointestinal tract time to thoroughly heal. After two weeks on the program, both mother and daughter showed great improvement.

It quickly became clear that environmental issues were responsible for many of Mary's symptoms. Because of severe sensitivities to most chemicals the family made many changes: filters for water, changing bedding, changing soaps, eliminating perfumes, etc. During the winter the family switched to electric heaters and turned off their gas heat. All of this greatly helped Mary, but they just couldn't escape the pervasive smells from wood burning fireplaces of homes in the area.

So they temporarily stayed with a family in Hawaii in order to avoid smoke from the fireplaces. Unfortunately they found themselves replacing one exposure with another, mold, which they encountered in the moist and humid region they moved to. This new sensitivity was dealt with by having Mary spend many hours each day at the beach where she felt fine. The parents returned home in late winter and were able to live satisfactorily in their home.

Mary is now very interactive and responsive; she has progressed intellectually in a truly amazing way, with vocabulary and speech many years beyond her age.

High Functioning Autism, Severe OCD, Violence, Bed Wetting

On the inside twelve year old Ben was tormented with severe OCD and autistic behaviors. He suffered from hypersensitivities to noise and motion, was unable to tolerate any mistakes in himself or others, adhered to compulsive schedules and demanded the same from others. Ben spent as much time as he could in his preferred place, a dark, quiet corner of the basement away from everyone, including his family. He struggled with barely controllable feelings of frustration and rage that erupted into frightening violence when overwhelmed by noise, mistakes and other things, or when his schedules were disrupted slightly. Although Ben was able to do his schoolwork and he could be loving and affectionate with his family, this was not enough to counter his compulsive rituals and overwhelming rages. He would erupt into violent rages, punching and yelling, directed at whoever was within arm's reach, even strangers. These fits were usually accompanied by insults and murderous threats, which would last until someone would restrain him. Ben's doctors prescribed Bu-Spar, to help control his anger. The drug provided only a slight difference between somewhat contained rage and constant violent eruptions. The family lived in a bizarre pattern of schedules and rituals wrapped around Ben's needs.

When Ben's mom enrolled him in the SF Comprehensive Intervention Program, she acknowledged, 'Ben has come so far, the GFCF diet helped, but something is still holding him back'. Pamela was provided an individually tailored diet with food choices that were appropriate for the rituals Ben surrounded himself with. His initial 5-week food choices were a first for Special Foods, an all-muffin diet.

Over the next few weeks adjustments were made to the diet. There were food related patterns that Pamela began to notice almost immediately. On certain days Ben would wet the bed heavily, and on arising would seem to be in a daze and glassy-eyed. Since his reactions were delayed, foods were switched to different days. When the final dietary adjustments were made, Ben's truly dramatic changes began. The sense of calm and peace was beautiful to watch and to experience. Pam gradually eliminated the medications that had futilely attempted to diminish his rages; he simply did not need them anymore.

By the time Ben had been on his diet for five months he was able to tolerate changes and was beginning to show flexibility. The vacuum cleaner and drills no longer bothered him. He had been able to go shopping with his family, and actually enjoyed the camaraderie! The rages were gone. Ben no longer sought the quiet sanctuary of his darkened basement, and became a member of the family in a new way. His obsessive/compulsive rituals disappeared. Finally, the parents are able to be parents, providing the loving guidance and discipline that has never been possible before.

In just five short months, Ben had almost fully recovered from his autism. His mom continued to monitor his food carefully to ensure that Ben's reactions remain under control. He gained about 15 pounds and grown about an inch.

After 10 months on the diet, Ben went back to school -- really back to school. Not to the quiet sanctuary of the home school he had been forced to attend for two years, but to a large, noisy, bustling junior high school he had never attended before. Ben is a happy, thrilled 7th grader who is enjoying everything - the bus rides to school, the noisy hallways, the large assemblies, the hustle and bustle of his mainstream classroom. He particularly enjoys the freedom of attending school without an aide.

Ben's Dad is amazed at the wonderful changes. It was the diet that made the difference.-- 'I can hardly believe the answer is so simple! Just foods!"
After about two months on his diet, when the dramatic changes really began, Ben sat one day talking to his aunt -- "You know, I'm almost over this autism. It won't be long and it'll be gone." He was right.

One experience, Ben's entry into the school spelling bee competition, was especially heart-warming. Ben competed and won in his class, the school and the region, but he lost at the district level. His parent's watched their child who had been unable to be in public and unable to tolerate a single mistake in others, stand peacefully and unaffected as child after child misspelled words. When he finally missed one himself, instead of an angry, murderous rage, he was so proud, thrilled at his accomplishment. Only Ben's family understood what a wonderful triumph this truly was.

Now 14 years old, Ben attends dances, has had his first date, and is taking behind the wheel driving instructions. He is quite popular with the girls, much to the dismay of his younger brother. Interestingly, his references and discussions are only about the present and the last 2 years. It is as if he no longer remembered his painful past.

Ben's mom has begun to expand his diet.

Autism, Hyperactivity, Eczema

Six-year-old Steven was exhibiting autistic behaviors and hyperactivity, and suffering from eczema when he began the SF Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP). Steven also slapped at objects, talked repetitive nonsense constantly, and was unresponsive to his parents. Steven was unable to express his wants and needs; he had trouble sleeping through the night. He did not want to spend time with other children, preferring to play with his toys unconventionally and listen to his music books in isolation. Perhaps the most persistent problem was Steven's compulsiveness with writing. He was constantly writing repetitive words and phrases, and also demanded that his parents write certain phrases for him, upon which he would examine their work and criticize any imperfections. If he was unsatisfied he went into tantrums and silly talked.

Steven had no problem adjusting to the foods of the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program; he was used to restricted diets and accustomed to eating new foods. On the eighth day, the first day of the rotation, Steven's symptom level abruptly dropped sixty percent. His hyperactivity decreased, along with the accompanying hand slapping and silly talking. He complained more, able to express his discomfort with certain situations, using longer sentences and pronouns. Steven's parents were very excited.

Unfortunately, just a few days later, his symptoms abruptly returned and quickly became worse than ever. At his one-month evaluation, it was clear that Steven's symptom trend had turned upside down! He was now running laps around tables, jumping on couches, and rolling the pencil he now carried with him at all times. He was running his words together, and screamed at all times of the day. Steven's counselor began a very careful evaluation of the events of the days just preceding the return of his symptoms, and found that two important events had occurred: 1) Steven had begun to take long, lingering inhalations of smells from the family's meals and desserts occasionally managing to eat traces of food, and 2) mom had baked large numbers of desserts over a two day period just prior to the return of symptoms, filling the house with wonderful aromas from baking. The food smelling had then become a ritual coinciding with continuation of high symptom levels for almost two weeks.

Since the cause/effect assessment indicated a strong possibility that Steven was highly sensitive to odors from foods, it was highly likely that he would react similarly to volatile organic hydrocarbons in general. Also from the assessment of symptom fluctuations, it was found that Steven's exposure/symptom pattern was particularly complicated, he was a delayed reactor, meaning that it required 1-2 days for symptoms to appear, and he generally required a full week, 7-8 days, for symptoms to disappear following an exposure.

The Special Foods counselor recommended a series of procedures for preventing Steven from eating even the smallest bit of non diet food, completely preventing exposure to cooking fumes and mealtime odors from non-diet foods. The counselors also recommended ways to prevent exposure to volatile substances and synthetic materials in the home, and required Steven to spend the majority of his waking hours outdoors in the fresh air.

It was predicted that it would take at least a week for the symptoms to begin to drop, and then they would drop dramatically. This was precisely the case. Unfortunately about a week later, as soon as Steven's symptoms began to plummet, he managed to grab a bite of his brother's food, and his symptoms began to climb abruptly again.

This was the beginning of a frustrating several week period of waiting for a week, suffering a re-exposure at the end of the week, an abrupt return of symptoms, making a change, waiting again, and in the process learning more about Steven's exquisite sensitivities. During this time, he proved to be particularly adept at finding and eating hidden food, apparently unerringly guided by the faintest smells, and he was unintentionally exposed to a significant level of volatile substances, which caused a strong reaction.

With each new problem, Special Foods counselors provided appropriate recommendations to prevent further exposures of that type, until finally all problem exposures were completely eliminated on week eight. At that time, after the requisite week, the symptom levels began dropping and continued to drop. This time they did not shoot back up.

The struggle was to keep Steven under supervision and out of the way of environmental substances that were harmful to him. Following the guidance of her Special Foods counselor Julie had diligently sought out and eliminated the hazards. Steven was doing much better overall and his symptoms continue to decrease.

Autism, Eczema, Hyperactivity

At four years of age, Mark exhibited many autistic symptoms: extremely withdrawn, socially noninteractive, noncommunicative, obsessive/compulsive, hyperactive, with may physical and visual self stimulating behaviors, frequent temper tantrums, restless day and night, waking up laughing hysterically every night. His physical symptoms included very soft stools, and eczema. Although his body seemed to be strong, his mother recognized that he wasn't eating enough food.

His mother, Lisa, was excited about the improvement made with the gluten-free, casein-free diet; however, she wished to completely eliminate all of his symptoms. Lisa followed the counselors' guidelines and it was soon apparent that he had a delayed reaction pattern. He would react to foods within 4 to 24 hours after coming in contact with allergenic foods; recovery time took about 5-7 days.

At eleven weeks on the Special Foods/Comprehensive Intervention Program, Mark is now below 20 percent of his original condition. He sleeps "like a brick" through the entire night with no interruption. Aside from those few instances where exposure to non-diet foods occured, Mark has been having regular, normal bowel movements. Most exciting for Lisa and the family is Mark's improved social interaction. He now tries to communicate his wants and needs with two or three words. He also engages in active play with his siblings. Although Lisa reports that he still needs help when imagination is involved, he is doing "a ton better than he was before starting the program." Now he is able to imitate what he sees and focuses his attention to try to figure out what's going on in his surroundings.

Autism, PDD, Low Muscle Tone, Pica

Three years old, Gabby suffered autism and developmental disabilities associated with low muscle tone. She was anti-social with her parents and other children her age. Her tantrums were almost constant as were her self-stimulating behaviors such as inappropriate clapping and jumping up and down. Gabby ate inappropriate materials including: sand, dirt, carpet fuzz, and dust pills.

Gabby's parents had initially tried a gluten-free and casein free diet, but Gabby quickly became sensitive to virtually all foods. They then entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program.

Gabby achieved a 90 percent decrease in her symptoms in just eleven weeks. She was much more social, evidenced by playing with other children and being more talkative with her parents. She seemed healthy physically and was in more control of her motor functions.

Along with the diet, Gabby's counselor recommended environmental changes including: substituting an all cotton pillow and covering the mattress to avoid exposure to formaldehyde fumes. Gabby was still seeking sandy, and moistened areas, consistent with seeking behaviors of mold sensitive children. The Special Foods counselors instructed Gabby's mom on several mold preventive procedures stressing urgency in their immediate implementation.

After a year Gabby is enjoying a zero symptom level and her expanded diet. Her social interactions and muscle tone are normal, as are her cognitive abilities. She attends a mainstream classroom without an aide and has achieved a full recovery.