Special Needs Toddlers in AZ

[linplus2]

Hi:
I am a single mother of two toddlers ages 3 and 4. We currently live in Tucson, Arizona, but are considering relocation. My son has a life-threatening genetic disorder and food could kill him. I am beginning to learn about raw foods and would like help or mentoring with this process. I don't have tons of money to spend and hope someone knowledgeable would be interested in helping us get started.
Thanks... :)

[Sharon in Colorado]

Hi there - I would strongly suggest getting with a health professional who has a background in raw food and natural hygiene. It sounds like you will need to start some sort of elimination diet.

What is the background of the toddler? What was your pregnancy like? Breast or bottle fed? What were the first foods introduced? This kind of thing plays a huge part in it.

[RawMissMiss]

Hello, fellow Tucsonan! I recently relocated with my dh & children to the Tucson area, and love it! I am sorry to hear of your son's illness, and will keep you in prayer. I would definitely do lots of research, consult with a Natural Health practitioner, and begin your raw transition if you haven't already yourself. Feel free to email me anytime! God Bless, and please keep us posted on things. ;)

[linplus2]

Thank you for the responses. I have not found any help in Tucson, and we have been here for 3 1/2 years, which is why I decided to sleuth around this site. I actually hate Tucson, Arizona and cannot wait to move as far away as possible within the next few years...

I am actually considering Oregon, Colorado and Washington State so far...
All seem to be progressive and have better social services, medical and special needs programs in place. All are very pro home-schooling, too. We will be making short trips over the year to see for ourselves the best place for us...

No one locally (holistic) is willing to work with us without big bucks. I agree that we need to start with an elimination diet, but all the information I am getting is from books and sites. My aunt is on an 80% raw diet and is visiting form Nevada this week. I am hoping to glean some knowledge from her as well, and she is going to purchase a food processor for us, too!:)

If anyone wants to reach me directly, feel free to e-mail at linplus2@msn.com I tend to check there regularly and sites infrequently... I am also looking for dehydrator recipes for breads, crunchy crackers and crispy things. My son has lots of sensory disorder issues and he refuses to eat anything mushy. I would like to get more flax seed and veggies into him disguised as crackers, tortillas and such!

Bye for now and thanks again for your thoughts and responses... :D

[Brianna]

I would suggest doing a phone consultation with Dr. Brian Clement, director of Hippocrates Health Institute. He has a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure he could give you some good advice. To speak with his assistent, the number is (561) 471-8876. Ask for Michelle at extension 182.

[luckitri]

Arizona has always been notoriously backward and low-budget and non-existant with the type programs you mention. I love Arizona but if you can find proof that you can get what you need elsewhere I would not blame you for leaving. I would do the same.

[linplus2]

Brianna:

Are you near Gainesville, Florida? One of the most well-known geneticists for Prader Willi syndrome is there and also it is the headquarters for the national support group.


Luckitri:

Where do you live? You are right about Arizona... It has a beautiful terrain, but managing through all other aspects of our daily lives has been one challenge after another. The thought of leaving Tucson encourages me everyday to stay determined and move forward with my children.

Everyone:
I am looking forward to meeting more of you! Thanks for all the great support and information. :)

[luckitri]

Actually some in-laws had a child whose problem was unknown but we could not understand him when he spoke. He lived in a border town and his mother moved to Tuscon where it was learned that he is autistic and now he receives through the public school system - the education he needs and also medication so that he can be around others. His situation is severe and that is probably why he got help. Any child that is borderline is overlooked and given the runaround. I know because I have been trying to get help for my son for years and he is doing the 6th grade again as he still has gotten no help. Now that we are 1/4 of the way through the year I can see that he will do 6th grade a 3rd or 4th time at this rate....but nooooooo - the district will not make any special accomodation for him......its all about the money. Last year the teacher stayed late to help him do his little DARE essay (keep kids off drugs) - its all about the funding sources - they didn't stay late to help him with any other work all year. I don't know what else to do. I have done alot to no avail. Now they call him gifted and put him in a special gifted class a couple of times a week. This has been going on since 1st grade - he is still flunking all the other subjects and has no hope of going to college or even holding down a job but since they can call him gifted and put him in the class twice a week they can justify his failure as that is a common sign of a gifted child!!!??! How can they call themselves educators? How can they sleep with themselves?

[kellibelli]

Wanted to let you know you are still in my thoughts and prayers! I will get the "you know what" out on Friday morning...hope that is alright. Take care of your little ones and TAKE CARE OF YOU!!! xoxo

[greeninloanageles1]

If your son like scrunchy things you can feed him raw veggies - very simple and good!