Throughout all this time we sought doctors. They just gave Brayden meds. When one pill didn’t help him sleep then give him two. I told them his belly hurt that is why he didn’t sleep. They said, “children with autism do not sleep.” He would vomit 100’s of times each day in his mouth. He would say on his talker “my stomach hurts” and sit in funny positions. I said “he isn’t comfortable”. They shrugged it off. It was like because he couldn’t talk and had autism I was crazy. I could feel our family disintegrating

Someone told me to take him to functional medicine. I checked into it the appointments were months out, the insurance didn’t pay for it, and the supplements….. I made an appointment. I had to try one more thing.

Surprisingly there was a cancelation, I knew it was meant to be. The visit was pricey, the supplements more so, the doctor was so wonderful and for the first time I felt that someone was listening and could help. She wanted to order tests, they were so expensive. How do you put a price on health? I was so torn. She agreed to just start us on a gut healing protocol. However knowing that the blood, urine, and stool tests would help pinpoint Brayden’s specific issues. We decided to see where the supplements would take us at first.

I contacted the county to see if Functional medicine was something that they cover under the waiver. The answer was no. As time went by I could see my son slowly improving. He was starting to sleep at night. I knew we were on the right path.

I received a call from the county about a grant that I could apply for. As Rachel, our social worker talked, she told me of how she had immediately thought of us and we should apply. I can tell you as I stood in the locker room at work listening to the voicemail tears rolled down my face that were replaced by sobs of joy. It is a memory that will forever be imprinted on my heart. God had answered my prayers. Brayden, if he was selected, could get the help he needed.

Fast forward. Brayden was selected. He had the lab tests. They showed things that I didn’t fathom. The most surprising was the severe food allergies. We immediately removed those items from his diet, (dairy, gluten, soy, peanuts, meat glue, and eggs.). We were no longer throwing darts at a dart board to help. We knew that glyphosate wasn’t being processed and he needs to eat organic meat. We knew what bacteria/fungus/yeasts were dealing with in his gut and what was needed to correct this. Rebecca Witt has been amazing to work with. She has tailored the supplements to his labs, is an excellent resource, and works hand in hand with us.

Let me tell you about the changes it has made in Brayden’s life and it has only been two months. Remember the little boy that was in the special ed room 100% of the time. The one that the Autism therapists kicked out of the program, and speech and OT from SPOTS house said they couldn’t help? Well he is now in the general ed classroom with an aid all day. He has been moved from basic, to intermediate, and now to the advanced group in reading. He no longer takes prescription medications, previously he took 5. His learning has taken off, as well as his happiness, and quality of life.

Since school is now virtual as a mom I had some posttraumatic from the spring. The difference is he can now sit at the table. He can work on the math on the computer program for over 30 minutes. He is in 1st grade and can answer questions on fractions, time, multiplication, and money values. There isn’t a word he can’t spell.

His education has exploded despite all the challenges covid has presented. He is loving the challenges. He is regulated during the day. When I message the other kids how the day is I get, “Brayden is doing good.”

He actually went to a basketball skills clinic with his sister as his aid. He is doing things that I never thought possible. All because of this grant and the team that is supporting him.

So when I say thank-you, it is such a simple word that in no way expresses my gratitude. You gave me hope, a wonder of what could be. If so much has changed in a few months imagine what next year can hold. I realize that there are some things that may never change. He probably won’t speak. I am hoping we can get to a point where his fine motor/motor planning can push buttons without a hand support, and grasp a pencil or fork with ease and confidence. However today I see a little boy that sleeps through the night, looks you right in the eye, and draws you in for a big hug and a smile. All I really wanted for him was to be happy. Happiness for him is being successful. He loves to show you how smart he is. He wants to be right and his communication on the talker has exploded. He loves his peers and being included. For the first time someone is giving us a future full of hope and color. A future that hasn’t yet been written and full of potential. His success and happiness has been a ripple effect for the whole family.

Thank you Rutledge foundation for the grant. Thank you Evolving Wellness for the vision and seeing this tremendous need. Thank you Rebecca Witt for listening, seeing Brayden as a person and helping him on his healing journey.