Today I'm going to tell you why we're in need of your help and $7560 worth of donations.

Through the work of Canadian Hyperbaric Institute using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat autism, they have helped many parents find their kids again. I want that chance, even if the odds and peoples thoughts behind it are against me.

I know you're probably thinking that their is no cure for autism and I'm wasting my time, or peoples money. But as a mother, I will never give up on my child. As a mother of a child who has autism, I will never give up hope. I look into his eyes and I see all the potential that he has to offer to this beautiful world and I just know that one day the world can see what I see. I'd do anything to make that happen.

Here is some information I gathered from the Canadian Hyperbaric Institute website. More information including studies and evidence that HBOT can treat autism can be found at: http://hbotcanada.com/autism.html

Promising research, as well as numerous reports from parents, shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can have a positive effect on autism disorders to improve behavior, cognition and motor movement abilities.

Autism is a complex developmental disability. Theories about its cause include reduced blood flow to areas of the brain, birth trauma, infections, exposure to toxic chemicals, reaction to vaccines (especially the MMR vaccine), and deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals and proteins.

HBOT can speed the repair and regeneration of injured brain cells.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen and nutrients. Viable brain cells “wake up” with this increase in blood flow, enhancing brain functioning and improving symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen also reduces inflammation, reduces oxidative stress, increases metabolism of cells and mobilizes stem cells from bone marrow.

Recent studies on HBOT and autism are showing promising results. Reports from health care practitioners and families, as well as the research here at the Canadian Hyperbaric Institute, are very encouraging.

We typically see improvements in eye contact, language, socialization, appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms, motor movements, and a significant reduction in tantrums.

So with all that hope comes actual facts. It isn't free, and it's not covered by the MSP (Medical Service Plan) and only $500 a year is covered by our extended health care. Our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, recommended we do 60 sessions for treatment.

The 60 sessions is $7560 including tax. And that is why we need your help!

Anything you can donate to help us reach that goal is not only appreciated, but forever in our hearts as you are contributing to our lives and Bryce's future.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Today I will be briefly discussing the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) diet. I am not an expert by any means, so a lot of the information I mention are through my personal studies and talking to professionals. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet.

A little about GFCF:

The GFCF diet eliminates the intake of the naturally-occurring proteins gluten (found naturally in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains) and casein (found in milk). The Autism Research Institute and other advocacy groups recommend the diet as a treatment for autism and related disorders.

The science behind this diet can be sketchy but their are a lot of stories of this diet having a huge impact on children with Autism by lessening symptoms such as impulsive behaviors, lack of focus, and even speech problems. Here are some Gluten-Free testimonials.

Since the GFCF diet removes wheat and dairy from your diet, it may contribute to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, so vitamin supplements are necessary decrease the risk of weak bones.

At our consultation with our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, suggested we purchase 'The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet' to introduce to Bryce. This book is full of everything to do with GFCF diets, and includes super easy recipes with step by step instructions. I personally have heard a lot of positive results behind the GFCF diet and really wanted to give it a shot. So today we grabbed our cookbook and went headed to the grocery store.

Let me first thank the staff of our local Price Smart Foods for the insane amount of patience they had with me. I am clueless when it comes to foods that you actually have to sit and prepare to cook so a lot of the ingredients in some recipes that we were going to test out required things I never knew existed. The Sheppard's pie recipe, for example, called for 'ghee'. I had no idea what that was so I was asking every single staff at the store if they knew where it was or what it was. It wasn't until we reached the butter isle that a very experienced employee informed me that ghee was made by simmering unsalted butter until all the water has boiled off and the milk solids, or protein has settled to the bottom.

It took us 2 hours of running around looking for ingredients for 3 GFCF dinners, spaghetti and marinara sauce, Sheppard's pie, and honey chicken. We also bought some of our 'regular' meals so we're not disrupting Bryce's system too much at once. We're trying the spaghetti and marinara recipe for dinner tonight, will let you know how it works out.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya