Book Reviews

Unravelling the Mysteries of Autism and PDD by Karen Seroussi

A mother’s journey from research to recovery. Karen’s son Miles fully recovered from autism with intensive early intervention including dietary changes, ABA, speech & occupational therapy. Her story documents her research and Mile’s progress. She has been a very active advocate for biological interventions. A favorite and a bible for many. Be sure to look elsewhere for the most recent testing/treatment information as those issues are always developing.

Special Diets for Special Kids and Special Diets for Special Kids II by Lisa Lewis Ph.D.

Lisa Lewis is the mother of an autistic boy named Sam. Through her ability to research and with lots of determination, she became a major contributor to making people aware of the gluten free/casein free diet. Her first book includes a very helpful narrative which introduces the background of the diet and how to implement it. Both books contain many recipes which she, as an apparently avid baker, has provided. Her recipe for chocolate chip cookies in her first book is great! It’s a good book to have, but the recipes don’t necessarily help with “what’s for dinner tonight?”, especially for a beginner. They’re great for when you have some time and you can pick your favorites and use those over and over. Definitely more kid-friendly than the Bette Hagman books she recommends. I deeply appreciate Bette Hagmans efforts and books, but they are not a great place to start for a busy mom.

Kids with Celiac Disease by Danna Korn

Danna Korn is the mother of a boy named Tyler who has celiac disease (gluten intolerant, gets seriously ill and intestinal damage from eating gluten). If anyone ever threw me a life-ring, it was this book when my son was first diagnosed with celiac disease. I think she does an amazing job at tackling the gluten-free lifestyle. (Not casein free though!) She has another book out now too. I’m not sure what its called. You can learn more about her at www.celiac.com.

Children with Starving Brains by Jaquelyn McCandless, MD

Dr. McCandless is the grandmother of an autistic girl named Chelsey. This book is an excellent first stop for biological interventions beyond GF/CF, especially for those overwhelmed by Shaw’s book. An easy-to-read guide on the medical aspects and the latest developments. Make sure to get the 2^nd Edition which just came out this year (2003). It’s a bit pricey at $30 @ B&N, but essential if you have a “leaky gut” kid or immune type issues. It’s by Bramble Books.

Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD by William Shaw Ph.D.

Dr. Shaw is director of the Great Plains Laboratory where so many of us get our testing done, especially the organic acid test. Dr. Shaw first recognized the connection between microorganisms in the gut (yeast and/or bacteria) and autistic spectrum traits. His book is very technical and I’ve even seen doctors overwhelmed by it at first. However, I love it as my favorite, but I like technical stuff. It’s a great “next book” after the “starving brains” book for those who want to go in depth. (when you finally “get it” and need more details). Definitely at least look at someone else’s. Make sure to get the 2002 version. Order through Great Plains Lab. 1-913-341-8949.

The Yeast Connection by William Crook M.D.

The late Dr. Crook was a pioneer in the study of candida and its effects on our health. Many people have found relief from long term health-related symptoms when standard medical practice treatments weren’t helping them. This book gives lots of educational information about yeast and how to control them. There are many other candida control books out there, but I haven’t read them. Dr. Crook has other books too and a website.

Breaking the Viscious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gottschall

Elaine Gottschall is a mother/researcher who brings us the research and details for implementing the grain-free, sugar-free Specific Carbohydrate Diet. The idea is that intestinal damage hinders the body’s ability to break down complex carbohydrates. This in-turn allows unwanted microorganisms to feed off of the undigested particles and become dominant thereby causing a host of physical and neurological ailments. This diet starves the bad guys out, thereby “breaking the viscous cycle”. Many are finding success with this diet in the treatment of autism. Dr. Bradstreet’s office is now recommending it for some patients. We tried it a year ago with dramatic results, however, we can’t maintain it due to sensitivities to nuts and fruits which are a big part of the diet. It is more restrictive than the GF/CF, but the food is excellent in that is is all whole foods freshly prepared. Its actually simpler in that regard too. It does include dairy so it requires modification. Check out www.pecanbread.com for more info.

Fed Up by Sue Dengate

Sue Dengate is a mom from down under so we don’t really hear of her that much. Her book is a great resource for those who want to know more about food chemicals (naturally occuring & manufactured). The Feingold diet www.feingold.org talks about salicylates, but Sue Dengate goes into salycilates, amines, msg, preservatives, anti-oxidants, benzoates, nitrates, sulfites and others. Her diet is called the “Failsafe Diet”. My son is extremely sensitive to fruits and veggies and her book has helped me puzzle out those issues. She does not cover GF/CF issues. Find her at the Food Intolerance Network. Her book is special order.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch, CNC and James Balch, MD

A must have if you’re going to supplement with something more than a multivitamin. Or at least go look at it next time you’re at the health food store. If the idea of the supplement aisle makes your knees weak then this book will help. Make educated and informed choices when purchasing supplements. Your whole family can benefit from this book.