Nick’s Story :Nick’s Story We’ve been told to place our son in an institution….. We’re hoping for…….. Harvard


NICK’S STORY : NICK’S STORY Nick was diagnosed on a beautiful February day in 2001 Nicholas was four years old……. Our lives were changed forever….


Nick’s Story :Nick’s Story Nick’s eyes were blank……. they no longer sparkled ……. Doctors said, “The prognosis isn’t good” Given prescription .......Ritalin


Nick’s story :Nick’s story We had nowhere to turn… Spent 1000’s of hours researching autism… Public schools knew less about autism than we did -Schools -under funded -Lacking in necessary skills Everyday Nicholas was slipping further away…


WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? :WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? TO A NEW DISEASE MODEL HAS EMERGED AND HAS DEFINED THE AGENDA FOR POLITICAL ACTION A rare, tragic disorder with constant prevalence Clear, if complex, genetic causes Outcomes are inevitably determined in-utero A neuro-genetics problem The best (and only) treatment is behavioral therapy “YOUR CHILDREN ARE DEFECTIVE” An alarmingly frequent disease with rising incidence An environmental disease with possible genetic vulnerability factors Outcomes result from preventable events in otherwise typical children A multi-disciplinary problem, spanning toxicology, epidemiology, neurology, immunology, gastroenterology, etc. Many opportunities for prevention, treatment, and recovery “OUR CHILDREN ARE SICK” FROM


WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? :WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? Autism prevalence – 1 in 150/90/68 During the height of the polio epidemic the prevalence was 1 in 3000 If autism’s root cause is only genetic--how could this be happening at the same time all over the world?? Environmental factors – more research is needed Accountability/Liability/Culpability


WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? :WHY IS NICHOLAS SO SICK? SEVERE GASTROENTISTENAL PROBLEMS Diarrhea/Constipation Bloating/Gas/Severe Pain COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES EXCEMA EATING DISORDERS ALLERGIES (WHEAT/DAIRY)


Cost to treat nick’s medical issues :Cost to treat nick’s medical issues Behavioral Therapy (40 hours/week) $3000.00 Speech (8 visits/month) 1120.00 Occupational Therapy (8 visits/month) 1200.00 Board Certified Behavior Analyst($125/hour) 1000.00 Supplements and Medications 450.00 Total per month in recurring costs $6770.00 Non-recurring costs for specialists: $7000.00/yr (gastroenterologist/allergist/nutritionist)


NICK’S STORY :NICK’S STORY We are slowly getting our little boy back…. Nick is happy…. Communicating –still non-verbal Nick is healthy…. Nick is learning…. Nick has a future! And……


NICK’S STORY HAS JUST BEGUN! :NICK’S STORY HAS JUST BEGUN! Nick’s eyes sparkle again! Nick’s Law Autism Insurance Coverage It’s the right thing to do….


Contact Information :Contact Information Wayne Rohde wrohde@cox.net (405) 973-7049 www.nickslawok.blogspot.com Our heartfelt thanks to “Five for Fighting” for the song “World”