Jeremy Sicile-Kira's High School Commencement Speech

This video moved me beyond words. Jeremy appears to be so much like my son. This video gives me hope and renewed strength. It shows me that I am doing the right thing in not accepting what the public school is willing to provide for my son. I am home schooling him and working on teaching him the skills that Jeremy has learned.

I thought we were alone in this struggle. I thought that my son’s intelligence locked in silence was only our struggle. After watching this video and listening to Jeremy’s Commencement speech, I have a better understanding of what is going on in my son’s head. I have a renewed determination to give my son the tools he needs to communicate and achieve all of his goals.

My son is 11 years old. It is my hope that by the time he reaches high school age, he will be able to return to public school. It is also my hope that he will be able to demonstrate his intelligence and ability to everyone that he interacts with. My son deserves my best and he deserves to be his best.

Inspiring Story Of A Single Mom Raising An Autistic Son

I would like to introduce you to Karen, a single mom, raising an autistic son. Here is my interview with her.

1. What were your concerns about your son that led you to get him evaluated for autism?
Autism wasn’t on my mind. I was concerned with his lack of communicating verbally.

2. How did the diagnosis affect you and your family?
I am a single mom. I was divorced before I found out. First, I was devastated, then angry. After that, I was ready to fight to help him overcome his obstacles.

3. Did you receive Early Intervention Services? If so, how did they help or not help your son?
Basically, no. He just got speech therapy, and I had to fight like you wouldn’t believe to receive it.

4. Now that your son is 14, how has he progressed?
He is very independent, outgoing and willing to try new things. I had to develop my own therapy and intervention for him to get this far. It seems like I did everything for him by myself. I have never felt so alone.

5. What concerns do you have now that he is closer to being an adult?
Will he be able to take care of himself if something happens to me? Will he find the right job, will he be accepted?

6. What are a couple of the hardest things you have had to deal with?
Finding the right education for him (not totally successful) and intervention services.

7. What are a couple of great moments with your child?
Seeing him smile and the confidence he has. Learning the electric guitar, karate, soccer, baseball and the confidence to achieve.

8. How do you handle the financial difficulties associated with raising an autistic child? It’s very hard. I do the best I can.

9. He was diagnosed at age two and didn't receive early intervention(except sp). Is this because of the long waiting lists to receive services? Did he age out of early intervention services before being able to receive them?
I was not told about any programs except the pre k with the school system. I pulled him out of it was useless..

10. What kind of obstacles have you had to face with the public school system?
Getting him in the right programs and getting the services he needed. He is in private school now and getting services he was denied in the public school system.

11. Do you have or have you tried, any special diets or supplements with your son?
Yes, supplements.

12. Do you have a support group or any type of support system to help you?
No I do not. It’s just Jesus and me.

Why Are Essential Fatty Acids Important For Autistic Children

Why are Essential Fatty Acids important and what can they do for my child with autism?
Omega-3 fatty acids can help children with Autism, AD(H)D, LD, NVLD, and other related disorders.
Keep reading to discover some answers…

As a speech language pathologist, working with children and families, I have seen first hand how nutritional intervention can play a dynamic role in helping children peel back the layers of fog or disconnect, and support the brain and body to function at their true potential. Nutritional intervention, as facilitated by a nutrition specialist offers hope to all. Over the past decade, I have worked closely with nutrition specialists and have deep respect for the work they do. Parents need support, guidance, and resources…Whether a child has a diagnosis of autism, sensory processing disorder, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder, or other related learning disorders, nutrition intervention can be an effective ally and tool.

The information contained below is a compilation from my work with extraordinary practitioners such as Ms. Kelly Dorfman, M.S.L.N.D., Ms. Julia Turner, MMSc, RD, LD, and from references such as: Children with Starving Brains by Dr. Jacqueline McCandless, Special-Needs Kids Eat Right by Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD, and Your Brain Health Lifestyle by Dr. Paul Nussbaum.

Lauren Zimet, M.S.,CCC/SLP is a pediatric speech language pathologist who was interviewed in the book, The LCP Solution by Dr. Jacquelyn Stordy and sees first hand, as a professional and a parent, the benefits of Essential Fatty Acids for all children whether there is a diagnosis of autism or other related disorders.
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Autism is a neurological disorder that affects sensory and social development, impairing a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. While people with autism may express delays in social development, language and behavior, many children faced with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also suffer from malnutrition and gastrointestinal disorders. (The Autism Research Foundation)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), are structural nutrients that incorporate into the nervous system, including the brain and every cell in the body. While the fats in fish are technically not essential, in practice they may be conditionally essential for children with developmental delays. In other words, a child must take essential fats from the diet and convert them to the DHA he/she needs for brain development. In children with developmental delays many experts think this does not happen sufficiently - or at all! EFA supplements assure sufficiency when the system may not be working as it should. EFAs must enter our body through the food we eat or supplements we take. Fish oil/ cod liver oil is rich in a special type of fatty acid called Omega 3. There are 2 main types of Omega 3 fats found in fish: eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docohexasanoic (DHA). EPA is taken from various parts of the fish, while DHA is taken from the liver, hence is in “Cod liver oil” which also contains Vitamin A and D. Fish oil supplements help correct EFA deficiency and are vital for normal brain development in-utero and after birth. As with all medications and supplements, it is recommended to consult with your pediatrician to ensure there is no contraindication for your child.

The easiest way to get EFAs into our body, is to consume through fish/cod liver oil which has been molecularly distilled/purified. In clinical practice, the use of fish/cod liver oil (Omega 3) is a vital part of intervention, one of the first supplements that is added to diets to support enhanced brain function and reduce internal inflammation. Note: fish oil comes in liquid as well as capsules, and formulations are made for children and adults.

When minerals, vitamins, amino acids or enzymes are deficient in our body, the result can be a disturbed biochemical imbalance. This can cause, or certainly contribute to an inability to focus, concentrate, and other behavior issues. DHA and/or EPA from fish oil provide structural nutrients that support the neurological system which in turn can support sensory processing.

Many benefits from the addition of EFA’s (Omega 3) may be seen after as short as a few weeks to a few months:

Some of the benefits of taking EFAs: (the healthy fat which incorporates into the brain, supporting smooth transmission of messages from neuron to neuron)
1) improved/ increased cognitive function
2) brain development (in-utero and after birth)
3) improved speech and language function
4) helps reduce inflammation: Inflammation is often present in the gut and brains of children with ASD
5) cardiovascular support
6) improved memory
7) improved focus and attention; can provide easier time opening circles of communication
8) improved motor planning
9) calming for the brain
10) improved mood/behavior



Possible Symptoms of Fatty Acid Deficiency or Compromised Status of EFAs:
As shared by: Kelly Dorfman, Julia Turner and Judy Converse in her book, Eat Right:
1. dry skin, dry patches, skin rashes
2. course, frizzy or fly-away hair
3. excess wax build up in ears
4. excessive thirst, yet refuses water
6. permanent “goose-flesh” (bumps) behind arms
7. toe walking
8. chronic inflammatory conditions
9. hostile, aggressive behavior, tantrums (EPA); mood swings
10. inattention (DHA); poor eye contact
11. sensory dysregulation, tactile hypersensitivity

TO NOTE:
The brain thrives on the long-chain Omega 3’s, EPA and DHA. The other Omega 3 to mention, is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which comes from foods such as flax and walnuts, with lesser amounts in hemp, black currant, pumpkin, and other seeds. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), along with gamma-linolenic acid (Omega 6) make up the “essential fatty acid” family.

Flax seed (ALA), must go through a longer conversion process (EFA > EPA > DHA), often children are not able to efficiently make this conversion. Flax seed can still be used (it’s healthy!) but should be in addition to fish oil. Ground flax seed or DHA that comes from marine algae is another alternative to fish oil/omega 3. Adding GLA with Omega 3 can be helpful specifically when targeting speech issues.

The road to recovery for all persons with a diagnosis of autism or any other disorder, is paved with ups and downs. I have seen children and families make huge strides when incorporating nutrition into their program. Each child is an individual with unique needs – there is not one diet or supplement that will be right for everyone. In my opinion, DHA and EPA, the Omega 3’s are vital and essential nutrients for optimal brain function…and we know, a healthy brain (neurological system) will be able to support a healthy, happy child!

Wishing all parents the confidence to follow your instinct and the determination to seek out answers to continue to help your child thrive and flourish to their fullest potential. There is always hope! Set your standards high…Your child deserves it. J


Lauren Zimet, M.S.,CCC/SLP, N.D.T. Certified, has been in the speech language pathology field for 15 years, specializing with medically involved children with oral motor/feeding and communication issues, as well as neurotypical children supporting healthy development and enhancing self esteem. She is the founder of Healthy Foundations, an Atlanta based brain health education and social thinking program geared for infants and children of all abilities. Lauren has been published in a variety of publications: Parenting Magazine, Advance Magazine for Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, and contributed to The LCP Solution by Dr. Jacqueline Stordy and The Late Talker, by Dr. Marilyn Agin. She holds a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University, FL and a B.S. from the University of Maryland in Communications. Lauren is passionate about promoting brain health awareness for babies, children and adults. Please visit www.earlyinsights.com for more information.