Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Mother's Story of Research & Recovery

by Karyn Seroussi, Bernard Rimland (Foreword by)

When their nineteen-month-old son, Miles, was diagnosed with autism, Karyn Seroussi, a writer, and her husband, a scientist, fought back with the only weapons at their love and research. Consulting medical papers, surfacing the Web, and networking with other parents, they traced the onset of their child's problems to an immune system breakdown that coincided with his vaccinations. As a result, his digestive system was unable to break down certain proteins, which in turn led to abnormal brain development. So Karyn and her husband got to work -- Karyn implementing their program at home while her husband tested his theories at the scientific lab where he worked.

Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder is an inspiring and suspenseful chronicle of how one couple empowered themselves to challenge the medical establishment that promised no hope -- and found a cure for their child.

Here are the explanations and treatments they so carefully researched and discovered, a wealth of crucial tools and hands-on information that can help other parents reverse the effects of autism and PDD, including step-by-step instructions for the removal of dairy and gluten from the diet, special recipes, and an explanation of the roles of the key players in autism research.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Parenting, Memoir, Science

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was an unfortunate distraction to me after my son was diagnosed. It is a story of one woman's journey through what may or may not be a "cure" to what may or may not be a "lifelong, debilitating disorder". This is the sort of book one might seek out when they seek to hide from the fact that there are no miracle pills, no cures. It's full of theory, but no substance and backed up by nothing but anecdotal evidence and one woman's passionate testimonial.

There are far more touching stories out there that do not involve nearly so much persuasive pseudo-science, and likewise far more scientific papers that discuss (and refute) the author's findings in great detail.

At the time, it provided hope, but I cannot say that that ultimately satisfies in a book such as this.

[Iamshadow · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I am interested in how diet (GF/CF diets in particular) can help some kids on the spectrum, I think Seroussi went too far in her claims. She asserts that every child with autism can be cured by diet, and that those who aren't helped by diet just didn't get changed to it 'soon enough'. This kind of assertion puts the blame on the parents, something I think is unfair. At least one amazon reviewer felt the same way as me about the 'blame and shame' angle of this book.

Though some a/A people find diet helps them, I don't think it can help *every* person. I think diet makes sense for helping some. Autism is a 'syndrome', after all, so different methods helping different a/A people makes sense. Conditions such as Coeliac's disease can impact on mental functioning in NT people - there have been studies done. But Seroussi goes way too fair by the end, starting to dribble on about Down's Syndrome and schizophrenia and other conditions all being 'curable' or greatly improved by this diet. Having passion for a cause is one thing, but Seroussi is leaning over the line towards zealotry. This book shows again a genetic link, with Serossi's husband having had autistic behaviours until the age of five himself, apparently diet-induced.

I much preferred Fighting for Tony by Mary Callahan. Though an older book, and more a parental account than a guide to GF/CF diet, Callahan manages to deal with the same subject matter without coming across as a bit of a loony (which Seroussi really, really does).

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book accidentally and opened it randomly. What I read floored me! So I made a mental note to read this later. I recently opened it again, only to be sucked into it for hours. This is not my usual book. I was quite surprised to find myself so into it. It's really a great read!
An educated and ambitious woman finds herself dealing with the confusion that is Autism, when her son is diagnosed. The book reads like a journal, as it follows her journey to find the cause behind the symptoms. She learns a lot of interesting stuff, some that works remarkably for her son and others and some that doesn't. Not once does she ever say that she has a cure-all or that she now understands Autism for everyone. She describes Autism as an onion that has many layers.
I was also expecting her so be a doctor hating, uneducated person who jumps to general conclusions. As I read on, I was reassured by her thirst for "scientific theories" that could be studied and often were. She talks about all the details of studies and new developments the medical and scientific community were discovering and also about the frustratingly slow reaction of the general medical community.
Of course, I would recommend this book to anyone with an autistic child that wants to know all that they can about the condition. It sure would save a lot of time. But I would also recommend this book to anyone that has any immune, bowel, or allergy concerns. The information and ground breaking studies has already changed the way I'm parenting my children. You'll be surprised how applicable is and also how hard to put down it will be.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing story of a mothers story to understand, fight and (in this case) defeat autism. I started to read this book after my 2 year old's speech therapist thought he might be autistic after our 1st meeting. My pediatirican does not think so and we flip flop on this idea for the last two weeks. This book has given me the knowledge and encouragement to understanding my son and his needs. If he is autistic, he is on the lower side of the spectrum and we wait to have him tested. In the meantime we have started him on the diet. I thought the diet seemed so overwhelming and impossible in the beginning, after only a week I realize it is doable. I wouldn't say it was easy or cost effective, but there are so many foods available and a wide variety. I have seen some subtle changes already and that in itself is all the encouragment I need. I often worry about cross contamination in my own home, but work dililgently and feel that I am learning daily. I realized from this book that no matter what issues your child may have, not autistic related, a parent has to be open to trying new things, no matter how hard it is. This is my child and I would do anything for him. I am so glad I read this and feel like I have a place to start.

[Judy Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked 35 years in special education, with an emphasis on autism. Each child was so different from each other that I probably had s degree of skepticism regarding the dairy- free and gluten- free diets, as well as about vaccinations. It couldn’t just be vaccinations or we wouldn’t have many typical kids. This book was written in 2002 and how I wish I’d read it then. It is about one mom’s determination to help her child recently diagnosed with autism but it is so so much more. You cannot read this book and doubt the reasons why these moms have learned to religiously follow these diets and why they are cautionary about so many vaccines at once. Clearly, the food industry and the pharmaceutical industry have a lot to lose. But this book is rye- opening. The author is reasonable, has made herself knowledgeable and open to anything that might help her child. The book shook me. How many kids have we missed by just focusing on the behavioral treatments? If you have a child who has been diagnosed anywhere on the spectrum or you are interested in learning about food allergies that might affect your family, please please read this.

[Ned · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book determined to keep an open mind and was pleasantly surprised by most of what I read. Seroussi is determined to find out what's best for her son, and while I wasn't convinced by of much of her reasoning (as it depended on the shakey science of discredited folks like Andrew Wakeman), her results alone bear paying attention. My false hope detector went off left and right, but at the end of the day, trying a gluten-free/casein-free diet is something most folks can try for themselves and see what difference it might make. Her story would probably encourage parents who feel adrift to actually try some things out they might not have heard of otherwise. Recommended reading, with reservations.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, I wasn't really sure I believed that dietary intervention could really be a "cure" for autism (in my very limited experience). I thought maybe it could help. Or maybe parents were just desperate for any shred of hope they could find. And maybe it'd be worth trying, even though the claims were unsubstantiated.

But, because this mother's research was so thorough and credible and the results are more wide-spread than I had known, I am now looking at dietary intervention in a whole new light.

Anyone dealing with children with autism, or who is just curious in any way, should read this. It's very convincing and gives lots of concrete ideas and other resources for implementing the diet. Very very interesting.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not bring myself to finish this book. When the author starting coming off as judgmental with a bit of "if you don't do everything I say you should, you're not a good parent" kind of vibe, I starting losing interest. My son doesn't fall into the same category and every autistic child is different. The book has a lot of good points and I finished the part of the story that was her personal journey, but didn't get through the diet part, there I stopped. The diet isn't for everybody.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very touching personal account, certainly something I relate to on an emotional level. Not however high on my list for clinical information. I think the subtitle (A Mother's Story of Research and Recovery) would have been a more accurate main title.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of this mother's journey through autism is inspiring. I would like the book better if it didn't try to convince you that the GF/CF diet is the "cure" for autism. A good read, but biased.

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I purchased and read about ten years ago. It was excellent and Karyn Seroussi is brilliant.

[Dennis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Autism isn’t something you cure! This book is disgusting garbage that pervades the further marginalization of neurodivergent individuals.

[Bob Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I admire the mother, and her continual search for the demons that ravage the mind and soul of those diagnosed with Autism, there was very little that applied to my son's specific situation.

There was a tremendous amount of expert testimony, along with other parent's, who achieved startling results, based on the diet she recommends. That being said, the book never delved into PDD itself, and the young adults who have been diagnosed with it.

All in all, it was a good read; hoever, more towards the parents of a toddler, not a teen or yound adult with PDD.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for several years actually, and recently pulled it down because I discovered that it was a really good source to find out about how diet affects a child with autism. Our daughter has some behavioral issues and we've gotten desperate to control them without adding and more meds, so this is the route that we may try. A very good starting point if you're planning to start a gluten-free, casein free diet.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource, with some startling (yet, logical) theories and very encouraging information. I'd recommend this to any parent of an autistic spectrum child. Easy to read, very informative -- though the timeline can get confusing. A definite read if you're concerned that your child exhibits early signs, or if you're concerned about vaccinations.

[Jadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and although I have seen children with whom the diet makes no difference this presented some extrememly fascinating stories. The diets are extreme and strict and I sympathize with parents who are trying to remain faithful to the restrictions. BTW ,,, not mention of stickers containing gluten.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed by this woman's persistence for scientific facts. I think anyone with an autistic child should read this book & probably practice it. I must say that the list of what her child had to eat for a week was (to me) very depressing; but, if it made you feel as good as it seemed in the book, it seems worth it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting in terms of the struggle she went through with her son and the research she did. A lot of new research has come out since this book was written, but I still question the role milk products and vaccinations play in causing autism in children.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've always been interested in autism since i've worked with many children on the spectrum. also, since becoming a mom, i've been very interested in the claims of many parents that vaccines somehow caused their child's autism. this book is one woman's journey through her son's autism.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of learning and healing with therapy and biomedical intervention. Another ground breaking book, as it takes place at a time, when biomedical intervention was still very, very new. It is a quick read and includes some ways to implement the GFCF diet, as well as recipies.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. It is a page-turner, which really surprised me. I think this is for everyone, not just for parents of austistic children. We will all know and love children affected by this, so we should all learn about it!

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom, this is the book I was talking about on the phone. I loved it, I felt like what the author/mother said was very credible and I am now a believer that diet can help with disorders such as autism and even other disorders that may be present.

[Lynley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, well-written, and helpful to any parent with an autistic child. My brother is autistic and we had wonderful results with the GF-CF diet recommended by this book. Well worth my reading.

[Silk]

one of the best books EVER about the connection between vaccines, food allergies and the autism epidemic

[Emily Wolfenbarger]

To be read....

[Carol Kowalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book for parents of newly-diagnosed children on the spectrum (especially those seeking information on dietary intervention).

[Jonah · Rating 1 out of 5]

For five months after readin this, I tried the diet suggested by this book. It didn't work.
Also, the science is sketchy.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening

[Kydio · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! If even half of this is right WOW!

[Hollie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read. Of course, I didn't agree with all her conclusions. I did learn about a lot of research that I was unaware of.