Thursday, June 27, 2013

Autism Hope Alliance Monthly E-Newsletter - June 2013


June 2013

Dear Friends,
Well, it's officially SUMMERTIME and I can't believe how fast this year is going by. Here at AHA we are keeping busy with many projects. 


We launched a YouTube series called,  "TWO MINUTE TIPS FOR AUTISM." Check it out on our YouTube channel . We interview some amazing people and get answers to many of your questions. Click here to be directed to the playlist.

In June we also launched our AHA HERO Program. Please go to our website and click on Lectures Near You to see if there is one in your area. We will be adding more States for our October topic. As it gets closer we will share more details.
 




As many of our kiddos are out of school, we at AHA want to encourage you to stay on course. We know sometimes it can be hard to stay on specialized diets, take enzymes, probiotics, omegas and all the other supplements our kiddos take, however, Autism doesn't take a break and neither should we. Summertime can be used to try new therapies and catch up on biomedical testing.

Here are some helpful tips:
Create a list of 3 things you want to try with your kiddo. Examples could be: • See a biomedical doctor (we recommend a MAPS doctor: www.medmaps.org), • Start Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, (www.oxyhealth.com), • Start a new diet, • Take swim classes, and the list goes on and on... Pick the things that you can't easily do when your child is in school. Make sure to take video before and after anything you do that is new and to journal it as this is the best way to see if you are seeing results. Summertime can be used for great opportunities of growth.


Check out the Alert Program Summertime Live Conference Calls! They can give you tips for setting your child up for Success with many of our children's challenges! 



Please help us Welcome to our Family our newest 
Autism Hope Alliance Sponsor!
  
 (Please note for every $3000 we raise through sponsorships that helps approximately 20 families, which we are so grateful for.)

This book is very inspiring as the author goes against all odds and overcomes challenge after challenge. It is a book based on his business and how he built an empire with hope and faith. This book is not about Autism, which is why I fell in love with it because it reminded me we all have dreams and different obstacles to face. I think it is a great summer read for my mom friends who want to be inspired. I read it on an airplane and couldn't put it down. For those in the business world, it is a MUST READ!

We at AHA wish you and your families a happy and healthy SUMMER SEASON! Until next month....


Hugs!

Warmest regards,
Kristin

Kristin Selby Gonzalez
President/Chairman
Mother of Jaxson age 11 (diagnosed with autism)


Friday, May 17, 2013

Autism Hope Alliance Monthly E-Newsletter - May, 2013


May 2013

Dear Friends,

                          Click here to listen to a special message from me
                     

I can’t believe we are nearing the end of May already! I wanted to share some pictures of our new AHA booth (see below)! Well, let me tell you what we have been up to and where we will be next.....


We attended the TACA Real Help Now conference in Costa Mesa, California and it was truly inspiring and amazing. For more information about their upcoming conferences please check them out at www.tacanow.org 



The Autism Hope Alliance is heading to Chicago May 22nd -26th to attend the AutismOne/Generation Rescue Conference. Please visit the AHA booth located in the GR Lounge for some AWESOME give a ways and goodies from our sponsors and a special gift for your kiddo! Also, there are so many GREAT speakers giving lectures this year. Here are some of my favorite (truly there are too many to list so this is just a few):

Betsy Hicks, John Hicks MD, Sueson Ross Vess, Donna Gates, Alex Doman, Dr. Daniel Rossignol, Dr. Richard E. Frye, Dr. Auju Usman, Ken Siri, Cindy L. Griffin, Dr. Jerrold J. Kartzinel, Tom Bohager, Jenny McCarthy, Jacqueline and Chris Laurita.

Go to AutismOne.org for more information and check out the schedule to see when they will be speaking.


Please help us welcome to our AHA family our newest Autism Approved Sponsor:

Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy: Visit www.leesilsby.com for more information.

  




Lastly, I want to leave you with a link to a video I just recently showed called, “Jaxson’s Journey.” Even though Jaxson is not yet recovered, he is making huge strides and I truly believe he is just going to keep reaching for the stars.

We at the Autism Hope Alliance wish you and your family a wonderful month!

Hugs!

Kristin

Kristin Selby Gonzalez
President/Chairman
Mother of a Jaxson (age 11, diagnosed with Autism)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Autism Hope Alliance Monthly E-Newsletter - April, 2013


April 2013

Dear Friends,
Click here to listen to a special message from me

 

I can't believe how fast April just flew by! The Autism Hope Alliance has been super busy and attended the Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo in both Iowa and Illinois on behalf of one of our sponsors, Enzymedica. It was so great to see so many people and learn about new products and foods! For the upcoming Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo's check out their website at: www.gfafexpo.com and for more information about our sponsor check out: www.enzymedica.com

AHA is currently gearing up for 2 upcoming conferences! On May 10th & 11th we will be at the TACA: Real Help Now Conference. Please stop by our booth as we have some amazing give-a-ways, prizes and a special gift for your kiddo. Also, check out my lecture on Friday night titled: "What I wish I would have known at the beginning of my autism journey."        
                                       www.realhelpnowconference.org/west/
 

Then AHA heads to Chicagoland to attend the AutismOne/Generation Rescue Conference being held May 22-26, 2013. Visit the AHA booth in the GR Lounge as again we have some great give-a-ways, prizes to win and a special gift for your kiddo! I encourage you to attend Tom Bohager's lecture on Saturday, May 25th at 8:30am as his lecture is titled:"Food Allergies and Intolerances - The Enzyme Solution."  This is a lecture you definitely don't want to miss! www.autismone.org


I know May 12th is Mother's Day and we at AHA celebrate our Mom'severyday, however, if you are looking for a special something for that special mom(anytime of the year really) check out AHA's 
Home page and click on the Arbonne Banner:
A Kiss Cause I Care!  Their cosmetics are Gluten Free and Casein Free and their District Manager, Denise Altieri is donating 10% back to AHA! 

Lastly, but not least... we would like to welcome to our AHA family, our newest Autism Approved Sponsors!!
We are honored to be working with such amazing companies and products! Please take a look at their websites and stay tuned, as we will be sharing more about them with you in the future!

We at AHA wish you and your family a healthy upcoming month! Please try to take an extra 5 minutes here and there where you can and just enjoy the day!

Hugs!

Warmest regards,
Kristin

Kristin Selby Gonzalez
President/Chairman
Mother of Jaxson age 11 (diagnosed with autism)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Autism Awareness Month - Light It Up Blue

Lighting it up BLUE all month (at my house) for Autism Awareness Month! I know many have an issue of where Light It Up Blue came from, however, we need to recognize when an organization does a good thing and bringing awareness to the world for our kiddos is always good! Don't have to agree with everything but, we should unite and stand together as we have enough obstacles in everyday life. I am glad we have Hope and Help today and I will never stop trying to help my kiddo as I will dance at his wedding (as I often say) one day!!! Xoxo

Friday, March 29, 2013

Autism Hope Alliance Monthly E-Newsletter - March, 2013

Dear Friends,

Another month has past and AHA has been busy creating our new website. Check it out at AutismHopeAlliance.org and let us know what you think!


Currently, we are gearing up for some upcoming Expos and Conferences.
If you are in the Des Moines, Iowa area we will be at the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo on April 6th and 7th and the Autism Symptoms to Solutions on April 6th. Check out the link for more info. 
                                 

With April being Autism Awareness month it is so important to remind those around us that there is Hope and Help.

Check out our YouTube Channel as we have many interviews that we have filmed across the country from top experts! 

Also, some other great resources if you know a family that needs help, there are Generation Rescue Angels at GenerationRescue.org and TACA Mentors at TACANOW.org as there is no cost for these programs.

I am sure many of you have heard, CDC released a new report with 1 out of 50 children now being diagnosed with autism between the ages of 6-17. (View report here www.cdc.gov) However, we can't despair as we need to continue to make our voice heard and not give up that we will find the answers together.

We at the Autism Hope Alliance wish you and your families a beautiful Spring Season!

Warmest regards,

Kristin

Kristin Selby Gonzalez
Autism Hope Alliance, President / Chairman
Mother of Jaxson (age 10, diagnosed with autism)

Friday, March 15, 2013

The Vitamin E and Omega-3 Connection

Hey Everyone! There is so much confusion trying to understand Omegas and which ones to choose, here is a great write up from our friend Kara Bolton, VP of SpeechNutrients that explains it all! Check it out!


The Vitamin E and Omega-3 Connection

Look at almost any omega-3 fish oil supplement, and you will notice that vitamin E is also listed as an ingredient.  Have you ever thought about why vitamin E is included, how much should be in there, and where it comes from? 
Why is Vitamin E in omega-3 supplements?
Omega-3 fats are unique and essential dietary fats.  They are not made in the body and must be consumed through the diet or supplements.  EPA and DHA are the omega-3 fats found in fish and fish oil that scientists believe are the most important functional omega-3 fats.  Always found together in nature and working synergistically in the body, EPA and DHA in omega-3 fish oil are long chain fatty acids with multiple double bonds.  Due to their fragile nature, EPA and DHA can oxidize and turn rancid very quickly when they come in contact with oxygen. 
To protect the omega-3 oil, a small amount of vitamin E is often included in omega-3 supplements and acts as a natural preservative to help the oil retain its freshness (or to prevent oxidation).  Vitamin E is typically listed under the word “tocopherol”. Most omega-3 supplements contain only d-alpha tocopherol which works in the lipid portion of cell membranes; without adequate levels of d-alpha, omega-3 fats oxidize and are unlikely to remain in a functional form.  Very few omega-3 supplements contain both d-alpha and gamma tocopherols.  It’s important to have both because gamma tocopherol provides protection against nitrogen-based free radicals which d-alpha tocopherol cannot do.  The two nutrients work synergistically to prevent oxidation of the fat-containing outer layer of cells and enhance the health benefits of omega-3. 
How much vitamin E should be included?
The amount of vitamin E in omega-3 supplements varies depending on the purpose.  A small amount is often used simply to keep the oil fresh while a much larger amount is included for therapeutic purposes.  Vitamin E is incredibly safe and is critical for normal brain function. Most fish oil supplements contain a very small amount (5-10 IU) of vitamin E to serve as a natural preservative in a softgel.  While it may stabilize the oil, this small amount does not serve any notable effect in the body. 
With sufficient amounts consumed either through the diet or with supplementation, vitamin E acts as a powerful natural antioxidant that protects cells from the damaging results of free radicals, a natural biochemical process in the body. A deficiency in vitamin E shows as symptoms that include expressive speech delay, hypotonia, and sensory integration dysfunction.  In autism and apraxia, many children face issues with malabsorption of fats, inflammation, and chronic oxidative stress within their bodies.  This malabsorption and oxidation leads to decreased availability and necessitates an increased need for antioxidants (namely vitamin E).  In fact, many of the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency mirror those of verbal apraxia including speech production problems, hypotonia, abnormal proprioception, pain sensation, and poor coordination.   Resolution of the vitamin E deficiency has been shown in hundreds of cases to relieve these conditions.
If there’s too much oxidative stress in the body, essential fatty acids (e.g. EPA, DHA) become compromised without adequate intake of antioxidants.  What this means is that even if you’re supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, free radicals may cause the fatty acids to self-destruct before they can enter the cell.  Vitamin E intercepts the free radicals and prevents oxidation. 
Significantly larger doses of vitamin E may be required to maximize reversal of vitamin E deficiency and is the standard treatment. The improvements responders show to higher doses of omega-3 and vitamin E typically include improved speech (new sounds, words, improved narrative, more age-appropriate speech), improved gross and fine motor skills, eye contact, and pointing. These are basically a resolution of neurological symptoms that are similar if not identical to those that develop from vitamin E deficiency due to malabsorption caused by inflammation, food allergies, gluten sensitivity, and/or chronic oxidative stress.  
Where does the vitamin E come from?
Due to the highly allergic nature of certain children, many of us have become adept label readers. So it may come as a surprise to find out that an estimated 95% (or more) of the vitamin E on the market (and included in most omega-3 supplements) is derived from soy.  Soy can be a scary word to many people due to its highly allergenic properties. While a few companies disclose the source of their vitamin E on the label, the majority do not even though the vitamin E is derived from soy.  Even though the majority of vitamin E in the USA is derived from soybean oil, it is rarely called out and identified on dietary supplement labels.  Why? How can this be? Don’t we have allergen laws to protect us?
The answer is yes, we do have laws to protect us.  However, vitamin E derived from soybean oil is excluded from allergen statements due the fact that there are no traces of soy in vitamin E.  The Food Allergen and Labeling Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires listing of the 8 major food allergens (including soy) on a label.  However, when derived from highly refined soybean oil, vitamin E is exempt from allergen labeling due to the fact that vitamin E is produced through a thorough transformation process that results in no detectable levels of soy protein. This is typically measured by traditional methods and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Most individuals with soy allergies and soy sensitivities are allergic to the proteins in soy; however, through the purification and filtering process, all traces of soy proteins are removed.  Even the most reputable brands including SpeechNutrients, Nordic Naturals, and Barleans use vitamin E derived from soy, but there are absolutely no detectable soy allergens in these products.
Which omega-3 is right for my child?
When choosing an omega-3 supplement for your child, the choices can be overwhelming.  How can you be sure you are getting the highest quality with the most efficacy?  First, always look at the serving size and compare it to the amount of EPA and DHA in the supplement.  For example, brand A may promise 1000mg of fish oil per serving which sounds pretty good.  However, after reading the label, you may notice that a serving is 3 large capsules and the total amount of EPA and DHA (the forms of omega-3 that we want) is only 520mg.  So, if 3 capsules contain only 520mg of EPA and DHA, what else is in those large capsules?  Typically, it’s nothing that you would want and in some cases it could include saturated fats.  If you’re curious about what’s in your omega-3 supplement, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.  If the capsule remains clear, great! If it becomes cloudy, then typically it contains saturated fat and other undesirable oils. 
Second, check the smell.  Fish oil is always going to smell like, well, like fish oil.  However, it shouldn’t be a strong odor or cause an instant adverse response (gagging, coughing, etc).  If the fish oil smells bad, it typically is.  Remember that the oil oxidizes very quickly, so if it has a very strong odor, it has probably begun the oxidation process and may even be rancid.  You’ll want to purchase from companies who are members of GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA www.goedomega3.com) as their members must adhere to a strict monograph and standard of purity. 
Finally, think about why you are supplementing your child with fish oil.  If it’s for general health, aim for a high quality omega-3 with at least 300mg EPA and 200mg DHA per serving.  If your child has malabsorption issues due to oxidation and inflammation and is facing speech and/or motor challenges, you will want to make sure that your omega-3 contains a therapeutic dose of at least 500IU of d-alpha tocopherol and 200mg gamma tocopherol vitamin E per serving.  It’s always best to talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplementation program.

References:
1.     Morris, Claudia R, and Agin, Marilyn C. Syndrome of Allergy, Apraxia, and Malabsorption: Characterization of a Neurodevelopmental Phenotype that Responds to Omega 3 and Vitamin E Supplementation. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2009; Vol. 15, No. 4: 32-41.
2.     Richardson AJ, Montgomery P. The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder. Pediatrics. May 2005; 115(5); 1360-1366.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Life Changes So Much and So Fast!


Life changes so much and so fast! I am sure you have heard the joke: "If you want to make God laugh then.. tell him your plans" as He already knows the plan. I can't believe it's 2013 and I am a 36 year old mom to a nearly 11 year old! If you would have asked me 11 years ago if I thought I would be doing what I am doing I would have thought you were crazy. And yet, today here I am trying to help my son the best I know how, raise money for an autism organization I now run that helps families across the country and yet I still dream like I did when I was 16 years old and believe I can do anything! I have met so many that I will be friends forever with, (or at least I think I will) and have met some that I have parted ways with now and will wish them best from afar and am excited of new people I meet along this journey! I don't know the future but I do know I only want to surround myself with positive thinkers and people that believe all is possible! I believe in the magic of miracles as I have witnessed them, I have seen the ugliness of evil as I have witnessed that as well and I believe in the plan and have faith in God that I am exactly where I am supposed to be doing exactly what is planned for me. I believe all is possible and I will never give up! #autism #hope #motherslove