Autism is not my identity: How a Cave Creek teen lost his diagnosis

This story is so similar to my story with my son. I have had so many medical professionals tell me it was impossible to help my son. Its possible. Even the smallest change may count in some way towards an improvement.

Mark had been ahead of developmental milestones as a baby, walking at 7 months old and using two-word combinations by 10 months old.

By the time he was 14 months old, he had lost all use of his language.

His mother, Cynthia Macluskie, was unfamiliar with the word autism when a doctor read her Mark's diagnosis in 1999.

After taking Mark for a second opinion, Cynthia was told she should prepare to one day institutionalize her only son. Later, she says it was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Armed with a diagnosis that emboldened her to try anything she could to help her son, as well as unfettered access to the internet, Cynthia devoured every piece of research and anecdotal evidence about autism that she could find.

First, the family changed their entire diet, completely cutting gluten, dairy, soy, preservatives and dye out of their home. With no Whole Foods yet available to supplement the family's diet, Cynthia would scour kosher Jewish stores and Asian markets to find suitable foods.

After this, she said the tantrums and headbanging stopped. Slowly, Mark began speaking again.

Next, their home was rid of all chemicals and environmental triggers, down to 100 percent cotton clothing and organic sheets. Carpet was ripped out. Cleaning supplies were tossed in favor of vinegar and baking soda.

"You ask some doctors, and they'll say there's no research, so why try it?" she said. "But experts don't pay any price if they're right or wrong about your child. Only you pay the price."

Full story here: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2017/10/17/autism-not-my-identity-how-cave-creek-teen-lost-his-diagnosis/347527001/