Delaying DPT Vax May Reduce Incidence of Childhood Asthma

Delaying DPT Vaccination May Reduce Incidence of Childhood Asthma CME

News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Laurie Barclay, MD


April 14, 2008 — Childhood asthma is reduced by half when the first dose of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) is delayed by more than 2 months vs given during the recommended period, according to the results of a retrospective longitudinal study reported in the March issue of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

"Early childhood immunizations have been viewed as promoters of asthma development by stimulating a TH2-type immune response or decreasing microbial pressure, which shifts the balance between TH1 and TH2 immunity," write Kara L. McDonald, MSc, from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and colleagues. "Differing time schedules for childhood immunizations may explain the discrepant findings of an association with asthma reported in observational studies. This research was undertaken to determine whether timing of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) immunization has an effect on the development of childhood asthma by age 7 years."

The investigators analyzed data from the complete immunization and healthcare records of a cohort of children born in Manitoba in 1995, from birth until age 7 years. Using multivariable logistic regression, they computed the adjusted odds ratio for asthma at age 7 years according to the timing of DPT immunization.

Among 11,531 children who received at least 4 doses of DPT, the risk for asthma was halved in children in whom administration of the first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months. For children with delays in administration of all 3 doses, the likelihood of asthma was 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 - 0.86).

"We found a negative association between delay in administration of the first dose of whole-cell DPT immunization in childhood and the development of asthma; the association was greater with delays in all of the first 3 doses," the study authors write. "The mechanism for this phenomenon requires further research."

Limitations of this study include possible ascertainment bias; findings not yet confirmed with the diphtheria, acellular pertussis, tetanus (DaPT) vaccine; and inability to refute the issue of early-life infections as an explanation for the association between delayed immunization and protection against the development of asthma.

"Further study is vital to gain a detailed understanding of the relationship between vaccination and allergic disease, because a perception that vaccination is harmful may have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of immunization programs," the study authors conclude.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research supported this study. Some of the authors have disclosed various financial relationships with the Western Regional Training Center for Health Services Research, the National Training Program in Allergy and Asthma, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Allergen, and/or Novartis.

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121:626-631.

Clinical Context

Early childhood vaccinations may promote development of asthma, directly by stimulating a TH2-type immune response or indirectly by decreasing microbial pressure. In support of this hypothesis, an IgE response to vaccine antigens often occurs in children vaccinated with diphtheria/tetanus, and this response is more pronounced among individuals with atopy.

Epidemiologic evidence linking DPT immunizations to childhood asthma is inconsistent. Some studies show an increased or decreased risk of developing asthma, whereas others show no association. This study assessed whether timing of DPT vaccination affects the risk of developing childhood asthma by age 7 years.

Study Highlights

Of children born in Manitoba in 1995, 11,531 children (82.6%) had received at least 4 doses of DPT and were included in this study.
These children were primarily immunized with whole-cell pertussis DPT, because the DaPT vaccine was phased in throughout Manitoba beginning in November 1997.
The investigators analyzed data from the complete immunization and healthcare records of these children from birth until age 7 years.
The investigators used multivariable logistic regression to compute the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for asthma at age 7 years, based on the timing of whole-cell DPT immunization.
Prevalence of asthma was 11.7%.
Children with asthma were predominantly boys (3:2) and lived in urban areas (70.3%); 25% were from low-income homes; and 10.1% had mothers with a history of asthma.
The risk for asthma was decreased by 50% in children in whom administration of the first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25 - 0.97).
Sensitivity analyses that varied the interval for DPT immunization showed that these findings were robust.
Asthma prevalence rates decreased successively from 13.8% to 5.9% with each month delay in DPT administration.
Likelihood of childhood asthma was also decreased after delays in the administration of the second and third doses of DPT. Most of these delays were in children with delays in their first dose.
The reduction in asthma risk for the second and third doses mainly resulted from the delay in the first dose because there were no statistically significant differences in asthma risk with delays in the second and third doses in the absence of delays in the first dose.
However, for children with delays in administration of all 3 doses, the likelihood of asthma was further reduced by 60% (likelihood ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18 - 0.86).
Based on these findings, the investigators conclude that there was a negative association between delay in administration of the first dose of DPT immunization in childhood and the development of asthma; that the association was greater with delays in all of the first 3 doses; and that the underlying mechanism requires further research.
Limitations of this study include possible ascertainment bias; findings not yet confirmed with the DaPT vaccine; and inability to refute the issue of early-life infections as an explanation for the association between delayed immunization and protection against the development of asthma.
Pearls for Practice

Among children who received at least 4 doses of DPT, the risk for asthma was reduced by 50% in children in whom administration of the first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months from the recommended period.
For children with delays in administration of all 3 doses of DPT, the risk of developing asthma was decreased by 60%. The reduction in asthma risk for the second and third doses mainly resulted from the delay in the first dose.
CME/CE Test

Questions answered incorrectly will be highlighted.

Based on the study by McDonald and colleagues, which of the following statements about the risk for asthma in children in whom administration of the first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months from the recommended period is not correct?
( )
The risk for asthma was decreased by 50%
( )
Asthma prevalence rates decreased successively from 13.8% to 5.9% with each month delay in DPT administration
( )
Sensitivity analyses that varied the interval for DPT immunization showed that these findings were robust
( )
Conclusions from this study apply to the DaPT vaccine
Based on the study by McDonald and colleagues, which of the following statements about the risk of developing asthma among children with delays in administration of all 3 doses of DPT is correct?
( )
Reduction in asthma risk mainly resulted from the delay in the second dose
( )
Reduction in asthma risk mainly resulted from the delay in the third dose
( )
The likelihood of asthma was reduced by 60% (vs children with no delays in DPT administration)
( )
The likelihood of asthma was reduced by 20% (vs children with no delays in DPT administration)
[Save and Proceed]

Medscape Medical News 2008. ©2008 Medscape

Interesting how little about this is in the mainstream press. I wonder what spin will come out of this. Asthma, one of the 4 A's of the New Normal.

Nalgene Water Bottles Pulled From Stores

Associated Press

April 19, 2008


What's happening: Hard-plastic Nalgene water bottles made with bisphenol A, or BPA, will be pulled from stores.

Why: Growing consumer concern over whether the chemical poses a health risk. The U.S. government's National Toxicology Program said this week that there is "some concern" about BPA from experiments on rats that linked the chemical to changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possibly precancerous changes in the prostate and breast. While such animal studies provide only "limited evidence" of risk, the draft report said a possible effect on humans "cannot be dismissed."

Replacement: Nalge Nunc International said Friday that it will substitute its Nalgene Outdoor line of polycarbonate plastic containers with BPA-free alternatives.

It's just so depressing.

Soy Compound Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Soy compound linked to lower breast cancer risk
By Amy Norton
Fri Apr 11, 11:12 AM ET
Women with high blood levels of an estrogen-like compound found in soy seem to have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that among more than 24,000 middle-aged and older Japanese women, those with the highest levels of the compound, called genistein, were only one-third as likely as other women to develop breast cancer over 10 years.

Genistein is one of the major isoflavones, plant compounds found in soybeans, chick peas and other legumes that are structurally similar to the hormone estrogen, and are believed to bind to estrogen receptors on body cells.

While some studies have linked soy consumption with a lower risk of breast cancer, others have found no protective effect. Some animal research, in fact, has suggested that genistein might spur tumor development and growth. The new findings, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggest that this is not the case in women, at least when genistein is consumed through food alone.

"This finding suggests a risk-reducing rather than a risk-enhancing effect of isoflavones on breast cancer, even at relatively high concentrations within the range achievable from dietary intake alone," write the researchers, led by Dr. Motoki Iwasaki of the National Cancer Center in Tokyo.

The study included 24,226 women ages 40 to 69 who gave blood samples and completed a dietary assessment, then were followed for an average of 10 years. During that time, 144 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.

When Iwasaki's team separated the women based on their blood levels of genistein at the study's start, they found that the one-quarter with highest levels were 65 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than the quarter of women with the lowest genistein levels.

There was no risk reduction seen among women with moderate levels of the isoflavone, however.

Most past studies on soy isoflavones and breast cancer have used dietary questionnaires, Iwasaki noted. "In contrast, our study used a direct measurement of plasma isoflavone levels, which provides not only an index of intake but also of the absorption and metabolism of isoflavone," the researcher told Reuters Health.

Together with past studies, Iwasaki said, the findings suggest that a high isoflavone intake from food may help lower breast cancer risk.

Whether the findings necessarily extend to women in Western countries is not clear, however. Japanese women, Iwasaki noted, typically consume soy isoflavones on a regular basis starting from a young age, which may influence the compounds' effects on breast cancer development.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Oncology, April 1, 2008.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited.

Interesting how they opening admit that genistein is an estrogen mimicer/binder, but don't mention ANYTHING about how different levels of estrogen affect the body.

I'd also be interested in knowing the protein consumption percentages. Perhaps these women with less cancer ate less animal protein. As I've blogged about before, cancer rates correlate to the amount of protein consumed. All kinds of cancer, not just breast cancer.

Soy in this country has huge problems. Not only is it an estrogen mimicer, it's also the #1 GMO (genetically modified ingredient) and endocrine disruptor.

Tempeh, fermented soy, is a safe alternative. It breaks down isoflavones. Most HFS carry it, and it came be made every way from Sunday. I just had it sauteed in tamari sauce and canola oil over rice last night for dinner.

School Closings May Be No Holiday For Flu Pandemic

By Julie Steenhuysen
Wed Apr 9, 2:32 PM ET
Closing schools during an influenza pandemic could prevent one in seven cases of flu, British researchers said on Wednesday in a study that suggests such action would have less impact than some other estimates.

But they said school closings would create significant hardships for working parents, who might be forced to create informal daycare arrangements that would undo efforts to contain the spread of flu.

"We find school closings would be less effective than some studies have suggested," said Dr. Simon Cauchemez of Imperial College London, whose study appears in the journal Nature.

"The main effect would be to slow and flatten the outbreak -- so the numbers becoming ill in the worst week of the outbreak might be reduced by up to 40 percent, reducing peak demand on health-care systems," Cauchemez said in an e-mail.

Health experts almost universally agree that a global epidemic -- a pandemic -- of influenza is overdue. The most likely cause now is H5N1 avian influenza, which could evolve into a form that passes easily from person to person.

Government estimates suggest vaccines and drugs will not be enough to slow or prevent a flu pandemic. The U.S. pandemic plan recommends closing schools and implementing strategies to limit social contact as a way to limit transmission.

If done quickly, such widespread measures combined with drugs and vaccines might reduce transmission in a large city by as much as 80 percent, by one estimate.

But such estimates are often based on widely varying assumptions, Cauchemez said. He and colleagues instead used public health data from France that compared flu transmission when school was in session and during school holidays.

KEEPING KIDS ISOLATED

They found school holidays prevent 16 to 18 percent of seasonal influenza cases. When extrapolated to a pandemic, they said prolonged school closure might reduce the cumulative number of cases by 13 to 17 percent, and peak attack rates by 39 to 45 percent.

But that impact would be reduced if it proved too difficult to keep children apart. "If we want the policy to have an impact, children must be kept relatively isolated and not cared for in groups," Cauchemez said.

U.S. cities that quickly closed schools and discouraged public gatherings during the great flu pandemic of 1918 -- which killed tens of millions of people globally -- had as many as 50 percent fewer deaths than cities that took less decisive measures, according to a recent study.

Cauchemez said an especially deadly pandemic might provide strong incentives for people to keep their children at home. "It might nonetheless be difficult for a lot of working parents to be absent from their work for months to look after their kids," he said.

Cauchemez said a prolonged outbreak might force working parents to put their children into informal daycare settings, a risk governments need to consider when they formulate pandemic flu plans.

"We can't predict how people will behave, but we need to be aware that if this happens, school closings might have no effect at all on flu transmission," he said.

H5N1 bird flu only rarely infects people now. It has killed 239 out of 379 infected, according to the World Health Organization, but could easily mutate into a form that one person could pass to another, and governments around the world are preparing for the possibility.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited.

CNN Coverage on Autism Awareness

For those busy parents out there that have no time to watch T.V., here's a link to CNN's Autism coverage. It's all day on many topics. I like watching the vignettes at my leisure, and those I am interested in.

Kids Helping Kids, Tic Relief, and My Love For Chemicals

This week has been a good week. I've been down hard with the flu. The silver lining of the flu is why it's been a good week....I've been upstairs in bed for 4 days has made me realize that all our hard work has paid off. Without mom, they can take care of themselves. They've made themselves eggs, cereal, and heated left overs for dinner (DH at work). Sydney said Leo helped her pour the milk....Showered themselves without complaining (they usually do), and remembered to pack snacks for the next day. My DH can make lunches and get them to the bus in time. I guess if I die from this flu everyone will be just fine!

It all started downhill after I threw up in the car on the way to pick up the kids AND A PLAY DATE from school (our bus is allegedly, and I say allegedly, too small). Did I mention it was a busy road and I had to quickly dart over to the side? (I know, insert violin music here). The mom picked up Leo and his friend and had the play date at the other house.

I'm finally turning a corner thanks to my homeopathic remedies - I think perhaps they've shortened it a bit (4 days?). I usually don't "do" the flu, so I don't know if that's short or not. I was really sleepless and in pain for those days. But, the BIGGEST thank you goes to my NEW BEST FRIEND AND ADDICTION.....Gatorade (insert "Hello Darkness My Old Friend"). Chemicals rule man! I got teary when my last bottle of the blue one (yeah, way natural), was gone. I do love Fruit Punch & Berry though I have to say. Without the chemicals, sugar, and oh yeah, the electrolytes, who knows where I'd be. Those Excitotoxins will be hard to get out of my tastebuds, but I'll worry about that later. I love Gatorade and who gives a shit! But seriously, is there a healthy alternative? Please let me know if you have one!

To my relief I found a remedy to really work for Sydney's mouth tic. Incredible! There's just a tiny hint of it when she eats, but other than that it has disappeared. Two for Homeopathy for this week. Sydney was so happy, as the tic was really bothering her. My normal onslaught of immune boosters didn't nip it in the bud like it did last fall. It is a different tic I believe associated with Fifths Disease. I've posted about the kids' reaction to strep as facial tics before, and the mouth tic for Syd has been around for a few weeks.

My conferences were scheduled for yesterday. I didn't cancel, hoping I'd feel a bit better since I just didn't want to wait to hear how Leo was doing. After all, I've been waiting for 3 years for this moment. The conclusion of this marker year. Will he need services in the near future? So I busted out the Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), and threw back three, and took a shower. I felt pretty good, just clammy, so I went on to the conferences. DH was away.

Sydney's conference was first: Everything was great across the board. A good student, a good listener, ahead academically. I asked the teacher about her attention since she seems a little disorganized for her age. She said she is a little messy, stands up for cutting and gluing, etc. Teacher said, "Interesting to see in a girl. You really don't see that." In my mind I shouted "It's totally normal when you are wired like our family is!" She goes on to tell me she recently partnered Syd with a girl that is a little behind the class. The teacher says, "She gets to play "teacher" to her. She's very helpful and patient with her." I was pleasantly surprised to hear this. She doesn't show a lot of patience at home, and she's all about chatting away with her friends. I'm very proud of her, she's becoming so mature! But my DH pointed out how she grew up with therapists teaching in the house. That's been her example her whole life.

Insert nausea and constant sweating for Leo's down the hall. Everything was great across the board here too. Doesn't seem ahead academically, just a 3rd grader in the top groups. I don't want to say the n word, it's just to foreign to me. Normal? I don't know. Nothing to say about the standardized testing or anything else. His handwriting great (still amazing to me since he could barely grasp a marker at 4). Socially, great, although he has to "watch the chatting". She went on to say she moved his seat because of the chatting (my frightened little boy who feared other kids).

She moved his seat next to a boy she says needs a lot of support and that it's been working out nicely for both. Leo gets to help out his friend when he needs it. "Leo is a very good example for Marshall, a kid that needs extra help", his teacher says. "Leo is always there for him, saying positive things. He is always reaching out to others to help at any time. He has such empathy for others, a very sensitive boy. And, he never seems to have a bad day."

Such nice things to hear about kids, let alone your own. So both my special kids are helping their friends in class. I couldn't be happier right now.

Water

And how could I forget THIS goody for the week?

Anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones found in public drinking water. Nice.

Too Much In The News

There's just too much to comment on I don't know where to begin.

Hilary vs. Obama...I really like them both, but I'm sad that our country isn't ready for a woman president. We are so backwards compared to the rest of the world. Number 2 in infant deaths, never a woman president. Pretty incredible.

Newsweek says we really ARE in a recession. I guess if the media says it, we are (insert sarcasm here).

Vaccine "news" has been plastered ALL over, as a not so secret response to our quiet victory in court last week. One for Autism. I guess they think people are too dumb to notice that the special interest groups cause these "pro-vaccine" articles to "suddenly appear", almost as a coincidence to balance out the autism news.

Interestingly "Children who get a combined vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox are slightly more likely to have seizures compared to those getting two separate shots for the same diseases, U.S. officials said on Thursday. They go on to say how benign these seizures are, almost like they are an okay thing. Since when are seizures okay? From the CDC? Isn't their job to protect the public? The good news is they are not "expressing a preference that children get the MMRV". At least that's good news.

More news on the antibiotic front...like it's news, or hasn't been covered before, but hey. Antibiotics are over prescribed for common viruses. Hmmm...who would'a thought? The focus was on sinus infections.

Okay, I'm all done venting. I'm still thinking about those cows.

In other news, all is well here - Leo just finished his standardized testing for our state. He wasn't stressed at all, and he seemed to handle the testing well. We'll see what his teacher says in two weeks, another conference. I still can't believe he doesn't go down the hall to another room for untimed testing with the other 3 boys in his class. Pretty incredible.

On the health front, our school has been inundated with strep and 5ths disease. Both kids seemed to be fighting something last week. I hit them with all my immune support stuff, as much as I could think of. This week, my daughter Sydney started presenting a new tic (she'd been tic free since my post about it last). It's a mouth tic, very minor, but it bothers her when it happens. "I can't stop myself from doing it Mom". Then today, I found out that Syd's reading partner was sent home for 5ths disease. So there ya go, the new tic must be Sydney's version of 5ths. Leo is tic free thankfully. As I've mentioned in previous posts, my kids start blinking a lot when they are fighting strep.

I feel bad because I've been so remiss in visiting my favorite blogs. I'm so out of it! I think all of the illnesses in the house really set me back. I hope everyone is well.

Ashley

USDA Shuts Down Beef Supplier of Schools

Inspections at Hallmark Meat Packing in Chino are halted indefinitely while allegations of abuse and unsafe practices are investigated.
By Victoria Kim
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

February 6, 2008

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has shut down operations at a Chino slaughterhouse accused of supplying meat from at-risk cattle and treating weak animals cruelly.

The agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced late Tuesday that it was indefinitely suspending inspection at Hallmark Meat Packing, an action that in effect bars the supplier from slaughtering and producing meat while authorities investigate the allegations.

The meatpacker clearly violated "federal regulations and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act," USDA undersecretary for food safety Richard Raymond said in a statement.

After the release of a video from the Humane Society of the United States, the USDA last week suspended the company's contracts for federal food programs. The video showed slaughterhouse workers forcing "downer" cows to their feet using sticks, electric prods and water hoses.

Westland Meat Co., Hallmark's distributor and a ground beef supplier for the National School Lunch Program, voluntarily halted operations at the time.

The latest suspension "prohibits the plant from operating until they submit a corrective action plan which addresses the humane handling issues," said Amanda Eamich, a spokeswoman for the inspection service.

Eamich said there was no clear evidence at the time that downer cows entered the food supply. Cows that are unable to walk are banned from human food because they show a higher occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease.

But the Humane Society said it had "very clear documentation" on video of at least four downer cows being slaughtered for human food.

"The USDA inspection process clearly had a range of deficiencies," said Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of the society.

But Raymond, the USDA undersecretary, expressed confidence in the department's inspection system.

"We maintain an inspection system that safeguards the safety and wholesomeness of our food supply," he said in a statement.

Like I need another reason to keep my kids from buying lunch. Like I need another example of how an industrialized food supply is costing us. For those that don't know what a downer cow is, it's a cow that is sick from disease (mad cow or whatever)and can't walk. I can't help but think about the times I've visited a cattle farm and petted these gentle animals. I am beyond sad that these things continue to go on.

Scientists Create Three-Parent Embryos

Scientists Create Three-Parent Embryos

By Ben HirschlerTue Feb 5, 11:18 AM ET Reuters

British scientists have created human embryos with three parents in a development they hope could lead to effective treatments for a range of serious hereditary diseases within five years.
Researchers from Newcastle University, in northern England, presented their findings at a medical conference at the weekend, a university spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
The IVF, or test-tube, embryos were created using DNA from one man and two women.
The idea is to prevent women with faults in their mitochondrial DNA passing diseases on to their children. Around one in 5,000 children suffer from mitochondrial diseases, which can include fatal liver, heart and brain disorders, deafness, muscular problems and forms of epilepsy.
If all goes well, researchers believe they may be able to start offering the technique as a treatment in three to five years.
Mitochondria are tiny power packs inside cells that provide their energy. Faulty genetics can mean mitochondria do not completely burn food and oxygen, leading to the build-up of poisons responsible for more than 40 different diseases.
The Newcastle team believe these diseases could be avoided if embryos at risk were given an effective mitochondrial transplant. The process involves in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the subsequent removal of the egg's nucleus. The nucleus is then placed into a donor egg whose DNA has been removed.
The resulting fetus inherits nuclear DNA, or genes, from both parents but mitochondrial DNA from a third party.
"The idea is simply to swap the bad diseased mitochondria -- give a transplant, if you like -- for good healthy ones from a donor," Patrick Chinnery, a member of the Newcastle team, said in a telephone interview.
"We're trying to prevent kids being born with fatal diseases." Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only through the female line.
The technique has so far been tried only in the laboratory, using abnormal embryos left over from IVF therapy, and the handful of three-parent embryos created were destroyed after six days.
Stiff opposition to the technique is likely from critics of embryo research who fear the creation of designer babies.
The research was presented to the Medical Research Council Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases conference in London on February 1-2.

Yikes. This stuff is scary. My mind can't stop of possible repercussions and outcomes to something like this.

Study Warns of Chemicals in Baby Items

Study Warns of Chemicals in Baby Items
By LINDSEY TANNER – 1 hour ago

CHICAGO (AP) — Baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose infants to chemicals that have been linked with possible reproductive problems, a small study suggests.

The chemicals, called phthalates, are found in many ordinary products including cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies. They are used to stabilize fragrances and make plastics flexible.

In the study, they were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

Phthalates (pronounced thowl-ates) are under attack by some environmental advocacy groups, but experts are uncertain what dangers, if any, they might pose. The federal government doesn't limit their use, although California and some countries have restricted their use.

Animal studies have suggested that phthalates can cause reproductive birth defects and some activists believe they may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.

Rigorous scientific evidence in human studies is lacking. The current study offers no direct evidence that products the infants used contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in the babies' urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried environmental groups that support restrictions on these chemicals.

"There is an obvious need for laws that force the beauty industry to clean up its act," said Stacy Malkan of Health Care Without Harm.

The study's lead author, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a University of Washington pediatrician, said, "The bottom line is that these chemicals likely do exist in products that we're commonly using on our children and they potentially could cause health effects."

Babies don't usually need special lotions and powders, and water alone or shampoo in very small amounts is generally enough to clean infant hair, Sathyanarayana said.

Concerned parents can seek products labeled "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP.

But the chemicals often don't appear on product labels. That's because retail products aren't required to list individual ingredients of fragrances, which are a common phthalate source.

The Food and Drug Administration "has no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics," spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek said. "Should new data emerge, we will inform the public as well as the industry."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the health effects in humans are uncertain.

"Although several studies in people have explored possible associations with developmental and reproductive outcomes (semen quality, genital development in boys, shortened pregnancy, and premature breast development in young girls), more research is needed," a 2005 CDC report said.

The new study, which appears in February's issue of the journal Pediatrics, involved 163 babies. Most were white, ages 2 to 28 months and living in California, Minnesota and Missouri.

The researchers measured levels of several phthalates in urine from diapers. They also asked the mothers about use in the previous 24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams and baby wipes.

All urine samples had detectable levels of at least one phthalate, and most had levels of several more. The highest levels were linked with shampoos, lotions and powders, and were most prevalent in babies younger than 8 months.

John Bailey, chief scientist at the Personal Care Products Council, questioned the methods and said the phthalates could have come from diapers, lab materials or other sources.

"Unfortunately, the researchers of this study did not test baby care products for the presence of phthalates or control for other possible routes of exposure," Bailey said.

I guess I'll have to post a phthalate list. I forget about these buggers.

Q2 Update

We got report cards yesterday. I wasn't as nervous about this one since it wasn't our first experience with 3rd grade and this teacher. Everything still looks great! Icecream, a call to Grandma, high-5's, and cudos all around. He is a solid B student, and has shown improvement in several areas;

1) following directions (in personal development section), an executive functioning challenge for him.
2) using word analysis skills (reading section),
3) writing with organization, spelling correctly, and spacing letters and words appropriately (writing section). His teacher said "He shows strong word work and editing strategies in his daily work and is now giving more details in his writing." Pretty amazing since he has to work much harder than the typical student.

In P.E., he shows highest marks for sportsmanship, behavior, and effort, but "Satisfactory" for developing strength, skills, and endurance. No surprise here! I still can't believe he can do age appropriate skills. And to think he LOVES gym, and isn't affected by his largeness not matching the stereotype of a "tough football kid". He has similar marks in art, where he is just "Satisfactory". And highest marks for Music. Again, no surprise!

And speaking of Music, who in the heck invented the Recorder? I'm sure I'll offend someone when I say that it's the STUPIDEST instrument! I mean really! I hate the sound, and I openly complain to Leo when he has to practice. Poor kid, no role model here. I guess I'm a snob, as we continue with piano lessons at home (I teach them). I do look forward to the Spring Concert, where his class will play that dumb instrument while tears stream down my face.

As far as his personality goes, he is very well liked by his teacher and peers. His teacher says "Leo's genuine kindness and eagerness to help others is contagious and is a wonderful example to his peers."

Wow, is all I can say. His personality has nothing to do with parenting. We are just very blessed by his wonderful soul being in our lives each day.

Leo's social development continues to grow as far as I can see, in a typical fashion. I'm no expert for this age, as my daughter is 2 1/2 years younger. He still enjoys carpooling to baseball with one of his good friends. Recess is great, still revolves around activity led. I recently asked him who he usually sits with at lunch. It sounds like he rotates between his two good friends from class (they can only sit with their class). He told me one friend told Leo he was sitting more with the other friend, and asked if Leo could sit with him that day. Leo said he felt bad, and now really tries to "make it even." So sweet! If you told me years ago that kids would seek Leo as a friend that way, I'd say you are smoking something.

Recently, I found myself walking around Target with my 4'9" son looking for the "right" sweatpants that all his friends are wearing at school. He picked out 3 black pairs, all allegedly "very different, Mom." One pair, made that "swishy" noise. Each had stripes along the side - one with red, one blue, and one white. I said, "How about the same pair, but in grey?", as I held them up. "Nah." I tried navy, but no luck. So I was at the register, surrounded by pimply teens with their undies showing, buying 3 pairs of similar BLACK sweatpants. His new uniform, that goes with his fancy basketball shoes.

As we were getting ready for school this morning, I asked Leo if he was going to take his racoon Webinz to school (it was on the table near his backpack). He said, no. When I asked why, he said that most people don't bring them to school anymore. I shrug and say, "Oh, okay." A true follower, which is fine with me. Follower, leader, I just don't care. As we gather our things to leave, Sydney says "Hey Mom, Leo doesn't have his jacket zipped." And I say, "I know Sydney, Leo knows the rules, I'm sure he'll remember to zip it before we leave the garage." Leo chuckles a little while shaking his head, and says, "Of course, you had to say that loud enough so I could hear it." Which I did! Busted!

These little exchanges demonstrate that his Theory Of Mind is working well enough. Well enough to take shots at his Mom,
well enough to know his sister lives for these opportunities,
well enough to have a chuckle with his family before a long day of school.

Eli Stone Tonight

Everyone remember to watch Eli Stone on ABC tonight(or at least record it for later). There's lots of press about it, in case you didn't know that because you've been busy preparing for an IEP or something else. It's a new show, and the topic is vaccines and autism. Yeah! I'd prefer to form my own opinion instead of reading later what other's think.

Why Won't They Label? Consumers Wonder...

An article in the 1/27/08 Chicago Tribume states that food safety groups and polls say most Americans won't knowingly buy food from cloned animals. Two bills in Congress are asking for labeling. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) asks the question.

Why won't they label? I think the answer is obvious, because most people won't buy it then! Duh people! Ignorance is bliss. As we know, the FDA claims that cloned products are "no different" thus not requiring a label siting their difference. Are you freakin' kidding me? Not different? Is the American public that dumb to buy that excuse for profit? For now, 89% of Americans want cloned foods labeled, and 69% said they have concerns. We've seen the outcome with hormones and dairy. So this is the next showdown. I am hopeful that the American public will demand their info so they can make informed choices.

USDA versus the FDA

USDA Recommends That Food From Clones Stay Off the Market

The U.S. Department of Agriculture yesterday asked U.S. farmers to keep their cloned animals off the market indefinitely even as Food and Drug Administration officials announced that food from cloned livestock is safe to eat.

full article

I've found myself in agreement with the USDA? I guess stranger things have happened. The thing one must ask yourself is this: What's in it for US, the consumer, to buy cloned meat? Will it be cheaper? Healthier? Doubtful, but I can guarantee we'll see some serious bullshit spin on this one. What about the downsides? We need a hundred years to determine that. No chance my friends.

When you think you've heard it all, especially when we see numerous solutions around us to our farming woes, our chronic health issues, an economics.

What is an Endocrine Disruptor?

One of my new year goals is to pay more attention to products and their ingredients. Particularly, endocrine disruptors. What is the endocrine system you may say? Hormones baby. All of the organs that excrete and regulate our lovely hormones and neurotransmitters. Something us Autism parents have to pay special attention to, not to mention parents like me that are in their early 40s. Not to mention those like me that struggle with depression, anxiety, or other seratonin sounding ailments.

The endocrine organs are: hypothalmus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, all in your brain. The parathyroid and thyroid are in your throat. They thymus is in your chest. Adrenals live on top of your kidneys. You got your pancreas. Then the male and female sex organs. Enough said. Sorry, I just had to put that out there to demonstrate how many things are involved.

Certain chemicals,additives, and toxins can disrupt the flow of our hormones and neurotransmitters flowing from these organs. Take the stuff in sunscreen - it blocks transmition of the sun. If it gets into your system as they do, they can disrupt normal transmission and do nerve damage. Excitotoxins like MSG are endocrine disruptors - they activate the brain's taste centers which is why companies add flavor enhancers to food. They make them taste better! But not without the price of neuron disruption.

Here is my list of things I'm trying to avoid in products this year:

1) Soy ingredients, unless it is fermented organic soy. Soy is the number one GMO (genetically modified ingredient). My scientist friend says it takes at least 100 years to know if genetically altered soy, cloned meat for that matter, is safe. Other than being an endocrine disruptor, it's also an estrogen mimicer. No thanks.

2) Dairy and meat products that are not hormone free. Again, I'm totally covered on "extra" hormones, but thanks anyway Purdue.

3) Shampoos, soap, cleaning products, and sunscreen that have parabens in them (like methylparaben propylparaben), along with incredibly long, horrible sounding names.

4) Avoid processed foods with these ingredients. Look out, Betty Crocker.
ALWAYS HAVE MSG
MSG
glutamate
aspartate
cysteine
hydrolyzed vegetable protein
hydrolyzed protein
hydrolyzed plant protein
plant protein extract
sodium caseinate
calcium caseinate
yeast extract
textured protein
autolyzed yeast
hydrolyzed oat flour


May have MSG
malt extract
malt flavoring
bouillon
broth
stock
flavoring
natural flavoring
natural beef or chicken flavoring
seasoning
spices
carrageenan
enzymes
soy protein concentrate
soy protein isolate
whey protein concentrate

Links to the New Articles

In reference to my last post....the links are now posted on my main website homepage. Top right corner.

Have a great day!

Articles about Leo

Hi all (all two of you, ha ha). It's kind of weird sharing this and I'm not sure why, but two articles that I've written have been published in January. Why should I not share it? Or why should I? I'm not embarrassed, and I don't feel like I'm boasting. Perhaps some may think so, which I'll just have to get over. What I do know is that sharing our experience has inspired other parents. So, to that end, I wanted people to know about these other writings. One is the Autism Asperger's Digest, and the other is a contribution piece (from a parent's perspective) that I wrote for an early intervention book.






At some point I'll add the final edit to my website so they can read it there.

A Snapshot of Recess

Yesterday was a good day. I had lunch duty at school for Sydney's 1st grade. Outwardly, this entails me helping kiddies with their milk boxes,straws, spreading cream cheese, and hard to open usually unhealthy "snacks" (highly processed junk). Secretly, it's a cover for helicopter moms (me), competitive PTAish moms, and special ed moms (like me again). Yesterday, I had two kids and two agendas. I was happy I had an excuse to take a peek at how things were going, as Sydney's sick BFF started back to school just one day before. So far so good. She's quite a celebrity (the BFF), she received an excellent reception and the kids got a solid education about what she's going through. Couldn't ask for more as a mom. Sydney's recess life hasn't changed much, and I'm relieved. They aren't in the same class, and they can't play together indoors until the BFF can get re-vaccinated. The mom "said all the right things" about avoiding Sydney, that she's probably one of the healthiest peers she has, but has to listen to her doctors. Who am I to judge.

As I talk about this, it still amazes me how social groups and the pecking orders exist no matter what age or where you are. Currently, Sydney is a group "leader". Last year, it was her BFF. She was very content doing everything she said!

This year Sydney tells me stories about her and Rebecca, another "leader", join their groups together to chase boys or for some other important 1st grade agenda. Once, I picked up Sydney early for a dentist appointment. She casually mentioned that she and her group worked out who would be the leader when she was absent, and when that person was absent who would be it, and so on. A true pecking order that I only really believed existed in fiction. I can't remember much from my own experience, as I switched schools every 6 months and didn't get much of a chance to experience this.

I see her across the playgournd, arms flying, talking excitedly, and amazingly, the girls all do what she says and scatter to execute some plan. Later, they performed a "dance show" they ala High School Musical 2. They all seem fairly comfortable in their black and white roles. Scary.

Leo shares the same kind of stuff with me. In Kindergarten, it was "Carey's team" which consisted of mean kids that scared him. He belonged in the group that "played family or superheros", where boys and girls played together. In 1st grade, he called the cliques, "teams". They consisted of "Bad Kids", "Tough Kids", and the "Super Hero Kids", and girls were just girls and irrelevent. Today, Leo says there's the "Football/Wall Ball Group" the "Pokeman Group", the "Super Hero Group", and the Star Wars Group". Girls continue to reside in the background.

It seems the boys float around from group to group more often, more activity driven rather than person driven. Leo reports that he decides, along with his preferred friend, on what to do. Mostly they play ball, but sometimes they join the Super Hero group. For a while, the leader was "too bossy" so it temporarily disbanded. A week later, another leader emerged, and now they play every day. Leo plays with them on occasion. He was a little anxious about coming up with a super power, but then figured something out that he was happy with.

Leo also compared this year to last year. He said last year, his class had a larger group of friends, but that this year it's smaller. I see this to be the case. Last year, there were about 8 boys that were in the same class and played together at recess in a couple of the groups. This year, they have all scattered, and Leo now plays regularly with 3 different boys, and often not at the same time. They are his old BFF, and two new boys from his class. This is the first year he's had these boys in class, so they are new friends. They are both sporty, so Leo mostly plays some kind of ball game during recess. Leo seems to prefer sports at recess over anythign else too.

I've had both over for play dates so I could really see what was happening. It seems like natural, good friendships. Pretty even - not one really dominant over the other. One is a really nice boy all around. The other has some issues, he seems a little insecure and isn't so nice to Sydney. Leo is always over accommodating at home, letting the guest lead, while at school he seems to lead every now and then. All activity driven with these boys it seems. One will walk off, alone, to find something else to do, without saying a word sometimes to his friends. That would never happen with girls! As far as Leo's role in his group(s), he seems to be more of a follower when it comes to large groups, and a leader when it's a small group, but not always. It seems more fluid with boys, depending on who has the best idea of what to do, stuff like that. The social landscape continues to amaze me.

In case you are wondering, I am posting these details for two reasons:
1) To document my kids' elementary years so I'll never forget the details, very therapeutic.
2) For those that are interested in what play grounds can be like. It can be helpful to read about older children if some readers have little ones.

I should also stress that I really don't care if Leo or Sydney are leaders or how many friends they have. When I do my observations, what I always look for are smiles and fun, typical reciprocity and self monitorization. I still can't believe that Leo can attend a regular school after what we've been through.

My post is not to boast, as some of you (and you know who you are) may incorrectly infer. Every one has different experiences, and these are mine. Just as valid as anyone else's. Happy children with choices, always has been my goal. I will continue to monitor Leo as I do in the event he needs support. Or if Sydney does!

Every play ground is different, but what unites us all is being human. Humans are social creatures that do, well, human things like make groups. No matter what we do or say, it happens.

Shades Of Soylent Green

FDA to clear cloned livestock for consumers:
report Thu Jan 3, 10:58 PM ET

The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is expected to declare as early as next week that meat and milk from cloned animals and their offspring is safe to eat, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

The FDA had previously asked producers of cloned livestock not to sell food products from such animals pending its ruling on their safety, the Journal said on its Web site.

The decision would come after more than six years of wrestling with the question and would be a milestone for a small cadre of biotech companies that want to make a business out of producing cloned farm animals.

(Reporting by Yinka Adegoke; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Copyright © 2008 Reuters

I know. I have to get past the fact that this is how the world works. Economics supersedes commonsense, and as we've seen in all categories concerning Autism. The biotech companies have won. I look around me and I see illness or disorders. This generation, generation D as some say, isn't enough of a wakeup call to the problems with our food supply and environment. We all know the stats - 1 in 6 kids born today have a delay or disorder. But that doesn't get to me anymore. What is most disturbing is what I see right in front of me. In the classroom (I am a teacher), at the grocery store, everywhere. Kids getting inhaler shots in public with no one even pausing. Medications, creams, special tables, special food. Kids with chronic ezcema and food allergies everywhere I turn. Parents don't seem concerned since they have so much company. It's not alarming, this new normal. 6 out of 22 kids in Leo's class have issues.

I've asked this retorical question before, WHY ARE MOMS TODAY GIVING BIRTH TO CHILDREN WITH ALTERED IMMUNE AND GI SYSTEMS????

All I have to say is they better fucking label it.

A Christmas Meme

I have been tagged! By a fellow parent of a recovered child Artemisia. She is a gifted writer and mom, and best yet she makes me think. Her son is now a teen, so I relish hearing every single bit of what his life is like. It's a good life I'll tell ya! So here's to Artemisia, Boo, and a shot to the rest of the recovered children out there. We may not be popular, but we exist. I may not be happy that I am considered part of a faction(s), but I am happy that I have company. It's nice there are minds that don't feel I am less worthy just because my son no longer requires services. I'd much prefer that factions just go away and us Autism families can just co-exist with acceptance,support, and tolerance. We only really have each other. A tall order, a dream Christmas Gift!

So here goes:

Best Childhood Gift
A plastic horse statue (model?) with a real leather saddle and bridle. My mother would store the saddle and bridle carefully in foil up out of reach in a kitchen cabinet. I'd sit for hours putting that saddle on and off, pretending I was the Barbie taking care of it and riding it around town (my fort made of couch pillows).

Best Adult Gift
Leo's Clinical Supervisor said it was a go to begin our fading program (fading services). A gift for all of us, after the holidays his hours would be less. This also meant we could go to California to visit my family for two weeks instead of one. We didn't need to cut it short for a fear of a regression.

What You Hope For In The Future
That my husband and I can figure out the best school/town scenario for Leo's middle school transition. I hope both of my kids can have an uneventful but excellent middle school and high school experience. As much as one can hope for anyway! This topic is what keeps me up at night. I totally obsess too much over this topic!

I tag Erica and Maddy. Maddy's been quite busy with Memes, so please don't feel like you must post something. I just had to include you in my mention of honorable moms. I also tag Laura, another mom that is as funny as they come and has great creativity when it comes to costumes. They are uber moms that also make me think like Artemisia. I also tag all lurky loos and other people that really know me. You know who you are! Just post me a lil' ole' comment. Cheers (as Maddy says)and Happy Holidays to you!, Ashley

Hi all. This is an addendum to the post. I've unfortunately had to enable comment moderation. The negativity during the holidays just didn't work for me. I'll never understand how people take the time to post hate, rather than just move on to reading blogs they agree with.

Here is a copy of the regular comments people left me up until now:
4 comments:
Maddy said...
See! Aren't you glad you're on my google feed reader now! Thank you for the tag. How come you've not linked to Artemisia? Do I need to type that into google blog search.

I'm up to my ears in cookies, sausage rolls, snot and children [not necessarily in that order] but I'll put this on my to do list for as you noted I am well behind on these meme's [I have 27 in the works!]

Many happy seasonal greetings to you and yours.


This is my calling card or link"Whittereronautism"which takes you straight to my new blog.

2:01 PM
Ashley loves Leo said...
You are funny. Now that's a list! I went back and fixed Artemisia and added her as a link. It's artemisia.blogspot.com
It's also on my blog list. Have a great time with all that cookin'!

2:05 PM
Casdok said...
Lovely meme!

2:49 AM

Autism is on Google's Top Ten "What Is" list.

Thanks to the Schafer Report, I found this little depressing nugget way too interesting: The Google Top Ten "What Is?" Questions By English Users Around The World are:

1. What is love?
2. What is autism?
3. What is RSS?
4. What is lupus?
5. What is SAP?
6. What is Bluetooth?
7. What is Emo?
8. What is Java?
9. What is HPV (human papillomavirus)?
10. What is gout?

Full article here: http://tinyurl.com/242g4h

Now you may ask yourself(or not), why I find this depressing? or even frightening about this list? For me, it's the fact that 4 out of the 10 are health related questions. About disease and disorders. What in the heck is going on people? Why isn't this list in itself a top 10 news story?

It's certainly a wake-up call for this generation. Music, love, and computers can only keep us motivated and going.

Is it me, or does anyone else out there think this is really really REALLY scary?

New Jersey Makes Flu Shot Mandatory

Well, officially next week, the state commissioner will add the flu shot to the list of mandatory vaccines for school children and day care children. They'll be the first state to add this shot. New Jersey of all places, a hub of Autism stats.

The coverage of this news does include the fact that parents can sign a religious or medical exemption form. Just a sentence, lost somewhere in the middle. Taming of the herds I suppose. I guess I should be happy they still have a choice. Hopefully parents will educate themselves of their choices.

Asperger's and Reality T.V., NY Times Take

I am in heaven. My favorite topic, the Autism Spectrum, is paired with my favorite way to relax, watching reality t.v. For weeks I've been watching the show, America's Next Top Model, fascinated by the whole thing. Caleb's mom, a fellow recovered mom that I wish would blog, got me hooked.

Each week I'd imaginine what it's like behind the scenes, conversations about how to carefully play the "different" girl. Trendy, controversial, a risk? Who knows. Either way, I'm happy, and in my own world and on my on blog, I'm content. Sure, things weren't perfect, but for layman, the airings went along nicely in my opinion. My new mantra comes to mind and I'll share it with you, which also comes in handy when visiting relatives during the holidays.

"Take what people can give you."

We miss you Heather, so here's a shot out to you.

Here's the NY Times coverage from yesterday:

Asperger’s Syndrome Gets a Very Public Face
By TARA PARKER-POPE

Heather Kuzmich has the neurological disorder known as Asperger’s syndrome. She is socially awkward, has trouble making eye contact and is sometimes the target of her roommates’ jokes.
But what makes the 21-year-old Ms. Kuzmich different from others with Asperger’s is that for the past 11 weeks, her struggle to cope with her disability has played out on national television.
She is one of 13 young women selected by the supermodel Tyra Banks to compete on the popular reality television show “America’s Next Top Model.” The addition of Heather Kuzmich to an otherwise superficial show has given millions of viewers an unusual and compelling glimpse into the little-understood world of Asperger’s.
The disorder, considered a form of autism, is characterized by unusual social interaction and communication skills. Aspies, as people with the condition like to call themselves, often have normal or above-average intelligence, but they have trouble making friends and lack the intuitive ability to gauge social situations. They fail to make eye contact and often exhibit a single-minded fixation that can be both bizarre and brilliant.
By definition, people with Asperger’s are outside the mainstream. Even so, in recent months the syndrome has been cast into the limelight. “Look Me in the Eye,” a memoir about living with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison, who once created special effects for the rock band Kiss, has been a best-seller. In August, the Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic Tim Page wrote a poignant article for The New Yorker about life with undiagnosed Asperger’s.
Mr. Robison says the popular appeal of these stories may be due, in part, to the tendency of people with Asperger’s to be painfully direct — they lack the social filter that prevents other people from speaking their minds.
“It’s important because the world needs to know that there are tremendous differences in human behavior,” said Mr. Robison, whose brother is the writer Augusten Burroughs. “People are all too willing to throw away someone because they don’t respond the way they want. I think books like mine tell the world that there is more to us than that.”
But while Mr. Robison and Mr. Page tell the story of coping with Asperger’s from the perspective of men in their 50s, Heather Kuzmich is just beginning her life as an adult with the disorder. And it is often painful to watch her transition from socially awkward adolescent to socially awkward adult.
A gifted art student from Valparaiso, Ind., she has a lean and angular look well suited to the fashion industry. But her beauty doesn’t mask the challenges of Asperger’s. The show requires her to live in a house with 12 other would-be models, and cattiness and backbiting ensue. Early in the show, she appears socially isolated, the girls whisper about her within earshot, and viewers see her crying on the phone to her mother.
One girl is frustrated when Heather, concentrating on packing a bag, doesn’t hear a request to move out of the way. At one point, the others laugh when they stake out their beds and Heather has no place to sleep.
“I wish I could get the joke,” Heather laments.
“You. You’re the joke,” retorts another model, Bianca, an 18-year-old college student who is from Queens.
But while Heather’s odd mannerisms separate her from her roommates, those same traits translate as on-the-edge high fashion in her modeling sessions. In interviews on camera, she often glances to the side, unable to hold eye contact. But Ms. Banks, the ’60s-era model Twiggy and the fashion photographer Nigel Barker, who all appear on the show, marvel at Heather’s ability to connect with the camera. The pop star Enrique Iglesias is so taken by her haunting looks that he chooses her for a featured role in a music video.
In an interview last week, Ms. Kuzmich played down the conflict with the other contestants, saying many more “civilized” exchanges weren’t broadcast. “They didn’t make fun of me that much,” she said.
She tried out for the show, she explained, partly to test her own limits. “It was a point in my life where I was thinking either Asperger’s was going to define me or I was going to be able to work around it,” she said.
To her surprise, she was voted the viewer favorite eight weeks in a row, making her one of the most popular contestants in the show’s four-and-a-half-year history. “I’m used to people kind of ignoring me,” she said in the interview. “At first I was really worried people would laugh at me because I was so very awkward. I got the exact opposite.”
Heather made it to the top five, but flubbed her lines while filming a commercial. Later, she got hopelessly lost in Beijing, managing to meet with only one out of five fashion designers. She was eliminated last week, but has since made appearances on “Good Morning America” and “Access Hollywood.” She says she hopes to continue modeling and eventually become a national spokeswoman for Asperger’s.
“I had no idea it would be this big,” she said. “My mom is beside herself. She watched me when I was a kid not have any friends, and she saw me struggle. She’s glad people are starting to understand this.”

Conferences and Stuff Happening In 3's

Friday was a big day as I knew it would be:

1) Leo's Parent/Teacher Conference
2) My Grandmother passing
3) Left my children with family for our first weekend alone in 9 years (Leo is 9).

Shockingly, our conference didn't bring up any deficit that required services. Hurray! I was relieved that my husband was able to make the meeting so he could repeat what he heard which did match what I heard. I wanted to be sure I interpreted the situation accurately, and since I knew I'd be freaking out inside, I may miss something. As we know, 3rd grade is the big marker year, testing begins and this is when residual issues can come up. I've seen his marks so far and his report card. A solid B student. We'll see what happens after she knows him better and what happens after standardized testing and the end of the year. Then for sure I can be relieved. Or will I ever? I don't know.

Leo's teacher seemed to really enjoy him, and said he was a very enthusiastic learner, and gives it his all. He participates most of the time, and seems to be in a good mood all of the time. She said he's always willing to help and is very respective and considerate of his peers. She also said he is someone other kids seek out as a friend. Of course, that one got both of us teary. I asked about the talking-out-of-turn, and she said he "needs to raise his hand more often", but didn't seem concerned about it. When I asked more about it, she seemed confused, so of course I changed the subject. Obviously not a disruption or a major issue. Something to work on for sure, but not as it once was. She said all the right things, "He's a sweet boy, you must work very hard as parents. Good for you.", and of course I wonder if she says that to everyone to relieve stress. Who knows. Either way, I am happy Leo continues to blossom and not need any modifications. I am beyond grateful and amazed by him.

As I was getting ready for our big weekend, I found out my sweet grandmother finally passed away. We knew it was coming, she had been in the hospital and a home for a while now. It was a perfect ending to an incredible life. She died naturally at 96, with family around her, in a quiet environment with material comforts and things that were familiar to her like pictures. I really feel for my mom, and am relieved for her that she can recover from her loss.

My SIL and MIL offered a while ago to tag team for one weekend this fall, and so we finally did it. Yay! The kids did GREAT, even when my daughter had a fever the night before that broke and a cold while we were away. I am so grateful that we can actually leave them - they are old enough to stay without us, not in their house. Leo is no longer hypoglycemic, and can basically eat anything with no consequence, although an enzyme and no gluten is preferred. The days of constant stimming have been long gone, but a toddler with a "high-maintenance" older brother kept us home. The food/supplement stuff was too challenging until recently. A couple days on a skeleton program was just fine. The days are gone when one bite of a muffin would send Leo into a catatonic-like fog. Living by the clock with food is also gone, so leaving them in the hands of my inlaws was a reality. Everyone had a great time and for sure we'll do it again. I can't believev it's been 9 years! I am grateful though, many Autism families can NEVER leave their kids. I have a friend with a son with diabetes - you thought Autism was a lot of work, man! So, we were grateful to not worry and not worrying meant we could really relax and have fun. It was like a super date!

My Letter to Prince George

ATTN: State's Attorney, Glen F. Ivey; Fax: (301) 952-3775
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley; Fax: (410) 974-5735

Dear Mr. Ivey and Governor O'Malley,

Please stop this embarrassing stance on mandating vaccinations. I thought I was reading fiction when I heard about this civil rights violation. If you've had a chance to read any story lately about vaccinations of any kind, it's obvious that the vaccination protocol in this country is dangerously outdated. I am not against vaccinations in general. I am vehemently against one-size-fits-all vaccinations and vaccinations that are for profit that cause more disease.

Please end this madness and horrible cost to your taxpayers.

Things That Make My Head Explode

1)The notion of carbon monoxide in food, accompanied by idiotic label disclaimers. Companies deem it safe based on nothing.

2)Pediatricians "plight" or "call" for better diagnosing Autism. Yeah, it was their idea, not all of us screaming moms, due process, and insurance companies.

3) The media's spin on the latest CDC research about vaccinations. That death rates for 13 diseases that can be prevented by childhood vaccinations has decreased by 90% in 9 of them. Huh, nothing about childhood disorders skyrocketing.

4)Prince George's County in Missouri trying to force 2,300 students to vaccinate. I wonder how many therapy hours we could get for the cost of the attorneys' fees alone? Not to mention the cost of their board of ed's time and money.

5)Waiting for Parent/Teacher conferences to be over. Two days and counting.


Leo's first stim. The rug in his room

Leo's latest stim. Baseball cards. A true sports junky.

3 Days Till Parent/Teacher Conferences

I was talking to Leo about math this morning, and I told him how great it is that he's good at math. That his life will be so much easier because he is so smart. He says, "You remember when I needed an aide? And now look, I am good at stuff." I said, "Yes Honey, it's pretty amazing isn't it? You needed extra help and worked very hard. And today you are advanced in many areas and don't need any help."

I was so taken back by this on so many levels. First, we NEVER used the word aide. We called them shadows, also a word we never used in front of him. And the one-to-one therapists were called teachers or tutors. He must relate to his peers at school that have aides. I asked if he talks about this at school, either with his teachers or peers. He said no, and I didn't ask why. Is he self-conscious? Over the years we've been very open and matter-of-fact about it, repeating the "everyone is different, everyone has stuff to work on" speech. If he said yes, I would want to know how it was received, how he explained things, and I'd assess the situation to see if he needed to know about the label of Autism. I don't know what else to add at this point.

On another topic....I told Leo that he needed to go shopping with Dad to buy new sneakers for school. His eyes lit up as he began describing exactly what he wanted. He's always been brand loyal (Sketchers recently, New Balance in a stimmy way when he was little). But today, he talked about shoes his friends wear, and described in great detail these basketball high-tops. Leo is now into fashion, what's cool. He came home with these:


We had Veterans day off, and I found myself at the mall using gift cards with the kids. I looked at Leo in amazement. Who is this kid in 5 1/2 size Adidas with a baseball cap on backwards? I mean really?

Girl Gets Detention For Hugging

Girl gets detention for hugging
Illinois middle school bans public displays of affection; parents urge change
The Associated Press
Wed., Nov. 7, 2007

MASCOUTAH, Ill. - Two hugs equals two days of detention for 13-year-old Megan Coulter. The eighth-grader was punished for violating a school policy banning public displays of affection when she hugged two friends Friday. “I feel it is crazy,” said Megan, who was to serve her second detention Tuesday after classes at Mascoutah Middle School. “I was just giving them a hug goodbye for the weekend,” she said. Megan’s mother, Melissa Coulter, said the embraces weren’t even real hugs — just an arm around the shoulder and slight squeeze. “It’s hilarious to the point of ridicule,” Coulter said. “I’m still dumbfounded that she’s having to do this.”

District Superintendent Sam McGowen said that he thinks the penalty is fair and that administrators in the school east of St. Louis were following policy in the student handbook. It states: “Displays of affection should not occur on the school campus at any time. It is in poor taste, reflects poor judgment, and brings discredit to the school and to the persons involved.” Parents urge change in policy. Coulter said she and her husband told their daughter to go ahead and serve her detentions
because the only other option was a day of suspension for each skipped detention.

“We don’t agree with it, but I certainly don’t want her to get in more trouble,” Coulter said. The couple plan to attend the next school board meeting to ask board members to consider rewording the policy or be more specific in what is considered a display of affection. “I’m just hoping the school board will open their eyes and just realize that maybe they shouldn’t be punishing us for hugs,” Megan said.

© 2007 The Associated Press. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21661718/

No it's not fiction you're reading. Stupidity dominates doesn't it? When situations get tough, as it does when monitoring the appropriateness being physical amongst students, people opt for nixing it all. Is this easier? I don't think so.

I heard from Pepperidge Farms

Well, sort of. At least I got a generic response. From Campbell Soup none the less. I guess Pepperidge Farms doesn't stand alone when it comes to feedback. Here is what it said:

Ms Ashley Morgan, we received your message and appreciate your taking the
time to contact Pepperidge Farm.

Your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate department. We
appreciate feedback such as yours as it alerts us to consumer preferences.

Please contact our Consumer Response Center at 888-737-7374 if you require
further assistance.

Thank you for visiting the Pepperidge Farm website.

Pepperidge Farm Web Teamdrg

At least we try, right?

Voting for the Goldfish Cracker

On the drive home from voting this morning, I fantasized about what I wished was on the ballet. Here's a short list for the Board Of Education Section:

*Director Of Special Ed (R) (D) (Sp. Ed. Mother) (just not an idiot)
*Cafeteria Menu plans and cost per pupil (high) (medium) (low)
*Weak link Teachers to Place on Notice(fill in only)

So what, may I ask, would you like to vote for if you could????
What can we vote for that directly impacts our everyday lives? Other than regular voting, I choose to vote by complaint letters. I actually have so many, I have them organized by category in Word.

While packing Leo and Sydney's lunch up for a play date at a friends, we got on the topic of snacks at other people's houses. Leo said he's always wished for goldfish, "They always smell SO GOOD, Mom". With that, I knew what I'd be doing for part of the morning. Here's today's complaint letter to Pepperidge Farms.

Hello home of the gold fish cracker! I wanted to ask if you could please make a gluten-free dairy-free version of your cracker. Your cracker is so delicious and wildy popular among children as I'm sure you know. This popularity includes children that can't have them due to food allergies and intolerances. This growing population are dying for a version they can have! Goldfish are part of all children's culture whether they can eat them or not. At school, at play dates, at the park, this is what you see moms pull out of their schlep bags.

You may have heard that many children on the Autism Spectrum do very well on a wheat and dairy free diet, which aces out their favorite cracker. A growing percentage of children have food allergies, making an allergy-free version is in super high demand. Trust me! They will fly off the shelves. Not bad for PR as well. This is the new reality. Food allergies won't go away and Pepperidge Farms can benefit from these changing times. Thanks for your consideration!

Dare I ask for my beloved, the Cheez-It?

Food In The Classroom

Boy I've had a crappy week. Not like the glory days, but for 2007 it's made the grade. I messed up at work - big time. Twice in one day. I like to think that I am permitted to make a mistake, but I guess not. Then, I failed yet again in advocating for my son. I try to get the moms to make party food that ALL kids can eat. Educating parents that a replacement food doesn't cut it is challenging. Eating Skittles while everyone else is enjoying a fancy cookie? Not being able to comment along with his friends about the cookie takes away the whole point of celebration. Sharing something as a group is the whole point of celebrations.

My son can't eat cafeteria food or the myriad of birthday crap that comes into the classroom each week. My district is completely unmoderated and out-of-CONTROL. So, I try to make the parties that happen 4 times a year, a party for MY son, the class, be a time where he can participate. I am only asking for 4 times a year. Baby steps.

You know what's crazy? I'm advocating for my son to eat junk food. I don't even want him to have this stuff!

Per usual, I offered to bake, discussions take place in a way that avoids toe-stepping. It's so highly competitive! I offer simple recipes. I offer to drop off GF flour. I tell them where to buy store-bought GF cookies. Sometimes I get lucky, but usually my son has to sit and watch the other kids enjoy the food.

In a nutshell: No one gives a shit unless it's their kid. In a nutshell, no one will do ANYTHING unless they HAVE to. My son doesn't need an epipen so it's not taken seriously. Why must a child's life be at risk for parents to alter their behavior and consider the perspective of others? And even then parents grumble about peanuts and such. That kids can't have their favorite brand of pretzels?

As we all know there is now a federal mandate for all school districts to have a Wellness Policy in place. There are 8 modules that cover mental and physical wellness; bullying, gym, air quality, recycling, health curriculum, all sorts of things.

A part of this is supposed to be about how food is utilized in the classroom. The teachers are no longer supposed to use food as reinforcers (I'm not talking about our kids that need this for therapy goals). But yet again I see candy corn given out to quiet tables. Hersheys Kisses given as a Friday farewell. Even after a health topic is covered! Once my daughter's class was visited by a dentist. After that, they ate cupcakes for a kid's birthday. What kind of mixed message is that? Popcicles can be purchased for "snack" by a 6 year old. Just insanity.

Economics dictates how seriously this is taken by the parents and teachers that live in each community. Budget money must compete for computer software, curriculum materials, new chairs, what have you. Naturally, the government has no resources to enforce this policy. So life goes on.

I live in a po-dunk town that has no clue about nutrition. Think 1975 with updated home decor. The culture here is very traditional, very heavy into using food for celebrations. Over the top. Any excuse to bring in a giant plate of brownies, count on my district. Working parents spend 8 to 10 dollars a day on lunch - delicious salads, wraps, panini sandwiches. But when it comes to their children, they complain about $2.50 per day for their child's lunch in the cafeteria. They don't care about the quality. Something that 99.9% of the time comes from a box or a can and reheated. Have you ever looked behind th counter? Spotless. That's because there's no cooking going on.

Happy Fucking Halloween

Strep Throat is Different For My Kids

Over the years, I've come to rely on the fact that my son responds differently to germs. My son has tested positive a couple of times for strep, but he only had one symptom, a minor sore throat with minor redness. No fever, no aches, energy normal. My pediatrician thinks differently, but whatever, and I move on.

Years ago I had read about a new emerging disorder called PANDAS in a couple of the autism books, but never paid too much attention to them because my son never presented with tics. Nor did he seem to ever get strep throat. Boy was I wrong. Thanks to our nutritionist, I have revisited this disorder, called PANDAS. I believe both my children have this - their presentation doesn't fit to a tee, but it's the closet explanation yet to what is happening to my children.

In a nutshell, a strep infection attacks the central nervous system, causing OCD and tics among other things. The majority of children today are believed to have strep in their system during an outbreak, but are symptom-free. Until recently, this was the case for my kids, although my daughter has had occasional blinking episodes for the last couple of years. I've always chalked this up to seasonal allergies.

Strep has broken out in their school this fall, many kids have been absent. At the same time, my son and daughter both got tics. In addition, my daughter got very emotional and clingy. True, we could attach this to numerous other reasons, but it totally matches with the timing.

Below are numerous links. I highly recommend any parent with a child with an ASD or ADD/ADHD to review this information, in the interest of making informed health care choices. This has been going on for over 10 years.

Here's a general discription taken from an NIH website:

PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. The term is used to describe a subset of children who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome, and in whom symptoms worsen following strep. infections such as "Strep throat" and Scarlet Fever.

The children usually have dramatic, "overnight" onset of symptoms, including motor or vocal tics, obsessions, and/or compulsions. In addition to these symptoms, children may also become moody, irritable or show concerns about separating from parents or loved ones. This abrupt onset is generally preceeded by a Strep. throat infection.

What is the mechanism behind this phenomenon? At present, it is unknown but researchers at the NIMH are pursuing a theory that the mechanism is similar to that of Rheumatic Fever, an autoimmune disorder triggered by strep. throat infections. In every bacterial infection, the body produces antibodies against the invading bacteria, and the antibodies help eliminate the bacteria from the body. However in Rheumatic Fever, the antibodies mistakenly recognize and "attack" the heart valves, joints, and/or certain parts of the brain. This phenomenon is called "molecular mimicry", which means that proteins on the cell wall of the strep. bacteria are similar in some way to the proteins of the heart valve, joints, or brain. Because the antibodies set off an immune reaction which damages those tissues, the child with Rheumatic Fever can get heart disease (especially mitral valve regurgitation), arthritis, and/or abnormal movements known as Sydenham’s Chorea or St. Vitus Dance.

In PANDAS, it is believed that something very similar to Sydenham’s Chorea occurs. One part of the brain that is affected in PANDAS is the Basal Ganglia, which is believed to be responsible for movement and behavior. Thus, the antibodies interact with the brain to cause tics and/or OCD, instead of Sydenham Chorea.

If you are looking for traditional information, information your doctor has,the publication Pediatrics has a position on P.A.N.D.A.S. The cause (strep) and effect(tics, OCD behaviors) cannot fit into the scientific method just yet, so they are calling it an unproven hypothesis. I have to say it does sound very challenging. They do not recommend antibiotics for treatment.

This NY Times article talks primarily about OCD and the strep connection.

Here's an NIH website that describes this disorder.

The medical foundation, CIDPUSA is also a good reference.

Birthdays, Tics, and Tremors, Oh My....

Leo turned 9 this week, his party was today. He loved getting his name announced on the loudspeaker at school and bringing in GFCF cupcakes. Fruit wouldn't fly this year, I am the fruit pusher. When I asked him what he wanted to bring, he at first named things that I knew he didn't like (like chocolate). He said, "But my friends like that kind of stuff." What a sweet boy, thinking of them when it's his day. He's so over-programed after years of NOT eating what they eat.

After negotiating a happy medium, "healthy" cupcakes, he was happy with all vanilla with vanilla frosting.

I asked how his friends liked them, for years they have passed even the most discriminating eaters, as I always apply generous amounts of frosting. He said, "I warned them Mom." But, warning aside, he said everyone liked them, just like previous years. And Leo was considerate in reminding me to leave one cupcake frosting-free for one of his friends.

We listened to all his birthday messages from his cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmas. It brought tears to his eyes! A good birthday. A big weekend - a sleep-over with 14 boys for a friend's birthday, his last baseball game, and I hadn't a care in the world. I am beyond grateful.

I am happy to report that Leo has had a super year so far. He's got a wonderful teacher that is upbeat and seems to "live" for teaching. And no issues so far. He's learning a lot, and his new knowledge is really obvious. His teacher reports that he's a "delightful" boy with a lot of enthusiasm. He's learning cursive and actually likes it. Fine motor? Really? He's looking forward to learning more letters so he can write more words. He hangs out with different kids this year at recess - the baseball kids, but when it's rainy and there's indoor recess, he's back with his old best pal from kindergarten. I love this of course. He also likes to play wall ball.

He also sat next to his old best pal at his birthday party. His cousin on the other side. Very sweet! He's part of the nerd herd, in the top math class. He loves math, not a surprise. I look forward (sort of) to Parent/Teacher conferences. I wonder what she'll say - Leo reports he does talk-out-of-turn, but isn't sure if he does it less than last year. We'll see, but that's not what's on my mind. I'm thinking about testing. How will he test? Will he be able to demonstrate what he knows? Or will there be a gap? A processing issue? Untimed tests? A big year.

As I had mentioned, my daughter Sydney had been presenting minor tics (blinking and grimacing). After 3 days on the new protocol, she was tic free. I was elated. So quick! Temporarily, as one week later, Leo began blinking, and most distressing to me, presenting with something like strabismus. His eyeballs would roll horizontally back and forth, mostly to the right. I began feeling a bit P.T.S.S., but got myself together and immediately put together a protocol similar to my daughter's. As a birthday gift to me, Leo woke up on his birthday symptom-free. Yay!

Both were symptom-free for a couple weeks until I ran out of some of the enzyme. Then the tics appeared, minor, but were present especially around bedtime. I feel like I'm waiting for a million dollars to arrive (the enzymes). I'll be blogging about the cause of these tics soon....but in a nutshell, this is a symptom of strep. So when strep goes around as it indeed does, this is how it manifests in my children. No sore throat, no fever, no traditional illness.

I felt like a gift was laid upon my lap, I got an email from a mom of a 15 year old recovered boy. Merry Christmas early! I was so happy to hear from a mom of a child that is older than mine that is doing so well, and more importantly, happy. She wrote a passage titled "Then" which brought me back to when Leo was little. Perfect timing, as I always reflect back around Leo's birthday, as that's when he was diagnosed on his 2nd.

Artemisia got me thinking about Leo as a tiny baby:

I was really excited when I got pregnant. I was adopted later in life (thankfully), so I had always looked forward to a point where I'd have my own naturally family. When Leo began having small tremors following nursing at 2 months old, I was the only one that didn't think it was right. An infant shouldn't be having tremors, my instinct told me. I remember the pediatrician telling me it was probably nothing, but when pressed he referred me to a neurologist. I was so embarrassed, a new mom, sweaty, feeling awkward, nursing in front of him in his cold office. Did I mention I have giant breasts? Even before I was pregnant? Thank god I had the company of my husband. I got through it.

The neurologist dismissed them as nothing, and told me to go on with life and if things worsen, to let them know. Things didn’t worsen, but they stayed the same. That was bad enough. I dreaded the end of a feeding, looking down for any stir and followed by the familiar jittery movements. As tiny as they were, they seemed so huge that they took up the room.

Do nothing? Their words didn’t ring true to me. Everyone told me to believe the doctors. This is the Big Apple after all. Who am I, an insecure first-time mom, to question them?

By the time Leo was 4 months, severe separation anxiety kicked in. I couldn’t put him down for a second. Literally. I was so distressed. What was I thinking? I can’t do this, this whole mom thing. I must be doing something wrong and I have to get to the bottom of it. Leo had to be constantly held, he nursed EVERY hour just one side, and I couldn’t leave him in the care of anyone but my husband.

We babysat my friend’s baby that was just a few days older with no hiccups. This was the big plan, trading date nights so us new parents can get out. The baby was sweet, calm, and aloud me to put him down under the play mat. Adorable. We took lots of pictures of Leo’s first friend.

When it was our turn for a night out, I was filled with anxiety. I knew this may not work, but I had to try. Everyone told me that we just needed practice. That’s all, just practice. The family came over, excited about the prospect of extra responsibility. I didn’t know what to do. I felt like a deer in the headlights. In the arms of strangers, my screaming infant was so wound up he threw up. Embarrassed, I let my new mommy friend go home, pretending that we’d try another time. My hope for a new social circle went out that door too. I hung up my newly purchased post-pregnancy duds in the closet, knowing I may not see those puppies for a while. I knew something was different about my son, and I hoped that this ‘high maintenance’ stuff would eventually fade. No one seemed concerned. “All babies are different, everything is normal for a baby” is what I was told.

I watched while other moms seemed to move forward into the next phase, life with a baby. I stayed home far more than I ever expected with my baby I couldn’t leave. Leo had a sleep schedule that began with him waking at noon and going to bed at midnight. I tried tinkering with this, but regardless of what cruel things people suggested I do with a 4 month old, I stuck with my gut. Half the day was over for my new mommy friends before I left my apartment. I looked forward to my weekly ‘play dates’ with the other moms until I got a comment about Leo’s lack of expression. I got very upset but kept it to myself. The pediatrician continued to tell me that everything was normal, even when I told him I was concerned about his head control. Of course, we discovered later Leo had hypotonia and overall weakness.

In my new house in the suburbs, the isolation continued. Failed attempts with babysitters kept me at home with Leo rather than going back to work. One babysitter worked out if I left just for an hour. She was getting a degree in Early Childhood and wasn’t concerned either.

About a year later I began the search for what was 'wrong' with my baby, finally taking ownership of his wellness (and mine). After I self-diagnosed him, the rest is history, history we've all made. That was a long time ago, almost 9 years ago that my journey began.

My story is no different than thousands of moms out there. But we survive.

We figure it out.

Goodbye To My Rabbit

One of my bunnies, Brother, died suddenly yesterday. I'm very sad. I'm not sure how he died, but I suspect he ate something poisonous (they roam wild for part of the day) or that he caught a virus that attacked his nervous system.

Brother leaves behind Sister to eat the left over broccoli and apple cores by herself. She'll live a sole bunny existence, tolerating the dogs, the cat, and the various kids that visit her.

Brother and Sister together symbolize my duplicity on my blog - my private life and my Autism Advocacy life. Kind of weird that one side has passed. Am I jinxed?

Certainly, both sides of my life are alive and doing well - I'm working a lot on my writing goals and maintaining my main website. Things have calmed down a bit since the Jenny McCarthy 'explosion' that was my inbox. I'm back to a regular number of people asking for advice on how to get services or a dx. I'm grateful to the media that so many people have confirmation of Autism, hope, and some ideas that may work for their child. Funny writing grateful and media in the same sentence.

The kids are doing well, no issues so far this year and they both have very good teachers. This fall I'm focusing on my daughter's health - she's been presenting some minor facial tics (occasional eye blinking and grimacing) which is quite scary but not surprising. We have her on a detox/supplement protocol designed for her "environmental Tourettes."

For now, I don't have to worry about Leo since he's probably the healthiest in the bunch. I have no reason to complain, my job is so much fun, and my fall routine isn't too hectic. Of course, there's always Parent/Teacher Conferences mid-November. Leo says he still does the 'talking-out-of-turn', so we'll see what his teacher says. Ironically, he reports he doesn't do it in math class (a different teacher), when that was his topic that caused his excitement last year.

So we have just one bunny left. We'll enjoy her, but we'll certainly miss the most mischievous one, our Houdini bunny that could escape almost any pen.