Westleigh

Ronnie: What is the best way to find a DAN! doctor, and why do you feel so certain one could help? I've heard of DAN! but because my son has never actally been diagnosed with autism, and because the possibility of Aspberger's was only raise recently, most of my research over the last 5 years has gone into ADD/ADHD channels, so I'm not really familiar with the autism track of therapy. I am not sure what you mean by reading "the Forum". Do you mean information on this site? I only found this site about a week ago, so I really am a newbie at this... Thanks, Westleigh

This is my first message, so please bear with me. My 8 year old son has problems that may stem from a need to seek oral stimulation. He chews on things inappropriately (shirt collars and cuffs, coat zippers, his fingers, his fist, etc.). He also is "hyper verbal," speaks out in class inappropriately, speaks without thinking of the repercussions of his words, and is a near-constant noise maker when not visually engaged (as with a book, tv, game boy, etc.). He sometimes sings his answers when it would be more appropriate to talk. In addition he is argumentative and never knows when to drop a subject and quit arguing or detailing the discussion ad nauseum. Has anyone had any success in reducing or eliminating any of these kinds of behaviors? He was diagnosed with ADHD-type behavior at age 5 (he had many other behaviors at that age, which have improved with various therapies). We tried Concerta and Adderall, but they didn't help with any of the symptoms. He had major aggression issues from age 1 - 6 but they have all but disappeared after a program to remove heavy metals and toxins. But that therapy didn't help the verbal component. He was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Dysfunction at age 7, and Occupational Therapy, combined with a home program, has helped with many other symptoms, but not the verbal problems. We have gone through "The Listening Program" by Advanced Brain Technologies, as well as the "Brain Builder" software, and although they helped with some other symptoms, again, he remains hyper verbal and oral stim seeking. The Feingold diet didn't work for us. I am tempted to try the "Interactive Metronome" therapy, even though it seems to have more to do with motor planning than anything. I'm just assuming it might help him, as he cannot keep a beat or rhythm and this may be indicitive of motor planning problems. Also, I have had one counseling professional indicate that he might have a mild case of Aspberger's, but I have yet to follow up on that. Thank you for your time and any help you might be able to offer!