Karyn Seroussi - Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Mothers Story of Research and Recovery

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This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering health services in the book. The reader should consult his or her own medical and health providers as appropriate before adopting any of the suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Copyright 2000, 2002, 2014 by Karyn Seroussi

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This Simon & Schuster trade paperback edition October 2014

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-4814-2944-3

ISBN 978-1-4391-4262-2 (ebook)

TO FRANK MCCOURT, my dearest teacher, who always told me that someday I would have something important to write about. Before you were an inspiration to millions, you were an inspiration to me. Thank you for giving me the skills I needed so that when the day came, I was able to do the job.

TO MY HUSBAND, ALAN, who is the most brilliant and beautiful man I know.

TO MY MOTHER, RISHA, who always made me believe I could do anything.

TO PAUL SHATTOCK, who defines the word generosity. Without his timely interference, I do not believe my son would have gotten better. Paul was not just in the right place at the right time; he was in the right place for a long time, and that has made all the difference in hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of lives.

I gratefully acknowledge Lisa Lewis for her enormous contribution to the widespread use of dietary intervention for the treatment of autism. Lisa is not only my greatest resource for cooking help, but a valued friend, and she shines as one of the good things in my life that have come out of the autism experience.

I would also like to thank my wonderful children for giving up so much time with their mommy so that I could research and write this book. With her usual wisdom, Laura says it made her understand how important it is to help others when they need us.

Thanks to my amazing sister Jessica and exceptional brothers Matthew and Eric, to Howard Shaw and my mother, Risha Granat Shaw, to the wonderful Eileen Monastersky, and to my dear friends Stephanie and Kevin Kelly, all of whom gave me a place to write, read my drafts, and gave lots of support and unconditional love. Thanks also to Dr. Richard Seroussi and Dr. Sylvia Seroussi, who replaced the lost branch of my family tree just when I needed it most, and to Jill Pavone for her cottage, her special ed skills, and her friendship.

Substantial appreciation goes to my agent, Kathi Paton, who listened and gave the best advice; to Roz Siegel at Simon & Schuster; and to Wayne Gilpin of Future Horizons, who apparently cares more about helping people with autism than about money.

Thanks also go to Dr. Jaak Panksepp, for proposing a far-fetched theory that turned out to be true; to Dr. Kalle Reichelt, at the University of Norway, for his gentle persistence; to Paul Shattock at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom for carrying the torch so selflessly and gracefully; to Dr. Andrew Wakefield at the Royal Free Hospital in London (who forgives me for being pushy); and to Dr. Alan Friedman, at Johnson & Johnsons Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, for believing me, and for finding what I prefer to believe will lead to the cure for autism.

I am also very grateful to Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, for crusading tirelessly for so many families who needed him.

I would like to thank Lori Scime, Terri Kerr, Lori Ross, Mary Cropley, Jean Curtin, and Shari Rogers for their support and advice, and to give special thanks to Kathy Terrillion for her help and for all that she has done.

Thanks also to Jack Daiss, Ph.D., and Michelle Ray, also of Johnson & Johnsons Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; Dr. Susan Hyman and Dr. Mary Beth Robinson; to Dr. Robert Sinaiko, William Shaw, Ph.D., and Terence Hines, Ph.D.

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Karyn Seroussi has written a superb, landmark book that will be of immense interest to everyoneespecially those concerned with autistic children. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder a perfect 10. Why so high? The book is a multifaceted work, and each facet is a gem in itself.

Although this book reads like a gripping detective story, it is an all too true account of a brilliant mothers successful struggle to rescue her child from a hopeless disease. Her journey is our journey, as she takes us step by step on her voyage through the dark and mysterious world of autism.

What she discovers, over and over, is that conventional thinking about autisms nature, causes, and treatment is wrongdreadfully wrong. By studying the medical literature, networking with researchers and other parents on the Internet, and brainstorming with her exceptionally astute scientist husband, she also discovers real solutions for her sons terrifying malady. In fact, she finds what all parents hope for: a cure for her son.

Karyn Seroussis formerly autistic son is doing beautifully. I have met hima charming, playful, creative youngster. Many other formerly autistic youngsters whose parents have adopted similar approaches are also doing beautifully. You will meet some of them, and their families, in the pages of Karyns book. In addition, you will find specific detailed information that can make a lifesaving difference to children at all points on the autistic spectrumfrom autism, through pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and Aspergers syndrome (AS), to so-called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some of these children, like Karyns, can be cured. Others can make astonishing progress, achieving far more than their parents ever dreamed was possible. Whether or not you have an autistic child, much of what you learn may also bring about unexpected health benefits to you and your family.