"New Hope For Autism"
A letter to the editor:
Readers react to “New hope for autism”
From:
The Patriot Ledger, South Edition, Tuesday, November 23, 1999
Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to an article in the
Health/Science section dated Nov. 2, “New Hope for Autism.”
I would like to commend Dr. Paul Hardy and his staff
for their work. Their efforts are making a dramatic difference in
their patients’ lives. My 9-year-old son Andrew has been a patient
of Dr. Hardy’s since June 1999.
Although he is not autistic, he was diagnosed with
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder five years ago through Harvard
Community, and given the standard treatment of Ritalin with little
effect, then Desipramine (a tricyclic anti-depressant).
We took him off the medication because the doctor who
prescribed it neglected to inform us that eight people had died while
taking it, including an 8-year-old boy being treated for ADHD.
From then on he had been off all meds. Life was
miserable for our entire family. Things were so over-whelming at
school that he had to be put on half days.
He was extremely impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive
and his self esteem was non-existent.
Then came Dr. Hardy and his team up to bat.
First pitch was a homerun. He diagnosed Andy with a severe,
intestinal yeast overgrowth possibly due to overuse of antibiotics which
not only kill bad bacteria but good bacteria (Lactobacillus Acidophilus)
that live in the intestine.
The good bacteria help keep the yeast (Candida
Albicans) which also live in the intestine, under control.
Without them, yeast can grow and encrust the lower
intestine, creating a malabsorption problem. Vital nutrients are
not able to pass through the yeast and into the bloodstream (fatty
acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.), which means the brain is starving for
nutrition and is getting little or none.
Three months ago, Dr. Hardy started Andy on Nystatin
and garlic extract, both safe and effective yeast killers. He also
began supplementing Lactobacillus Acidophilus, multi-vitamins and fatty
acids. Andy must also stay away from sugar (which feeds yeast) and
dairy products.
Since Andy has been under Dr. Hardy’s care, his
condition has completely changed.
His principal and the teachers at his school are
astounded at the changes in him. His school work and behavior have
changed dramatically. Best of all, he feels good about himself.
Although he is not out of the woods yet, he’s well on
his way to recovery. In a lengthy discussion with a Physician at
Harvard Community, in an unsuccessful attempt to have them cover the
cost of treatment, I was told it was easier for them to control it with
prescription drugs than to follow him around to make sure he stays on
his diet.
That tells me they would rather take the easy way out,
no matter how dangerous it is for the child.
I believe it’s time for the medical community to wake
up and start treating patients and not symptoms. Kids like Andy
are more than just 15-minute appointments; they’re people who just want
to get well.
Thanks to Hardy’s Heroes, Andy has his life back!
Brian
Carey, Braintree
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