Submitted by Tanaya and Daniel Dutchyn. The Vancouver couple have an 8-year old-son named Bryce, who was diagnosed with autism before his third birthday. Through the work of the Canadian Hyperbaric Institute using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), many parents have found their autistic children once again. We hope that our son can have the opportunity to try this treatment but it isn’t cheap. Follow our daily blog (Bubblesmakehimsmile.com) as we share our lives with you and our experiences as people who love somebody with autism.
After our son was diagnosed with Autism in June 2004, we’ve endeavored to access government and community programs for treatment. Autism specialists agree that early intensive intervention (EII) is essential for children with Autism to support development in their earliest years. Once a child reaches the age to attend public elementary school, there is only limited access to funding programs. The future development and treatment is primarily passed on to a public school system that often finds itself at the center of political debates regarding “typically” developing children. The lack of funding and training provided to teachers within the public schools scares us.
Amidst the global economic meltdown, many families find themselves struggling to find new employment and support their families during this unprecedented economic period of time. We decided to take action out of fear for our child’s development and future. The Defeat Autism Now (DAN) protocol, promoted by the Autism Research Institute (ARI), has been gaining popularity over the years. The ARI’s main goal is to promote safe and effective treatment for a disorder that many medical professionals still consider untreatable. Autism is treatable! Bryce has adopted many of the initiatives proposed by ARI, including a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet, Chelation therapy, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). With support of a Medical Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor, Bryce continues to tell his story on the website, while receiving treatment and raising funds for further treatment.
Since the website launched on March 16, 2010, contributions from the online community have already reached $976 out of the required $7560 needed for the HBOT. Emily Stuible, a manager of Canucks Autism Network (CAN) posted: “The video [Bryce's video from Autism Awareness day in Vancouver] you created was beautiful and I have forwarded the link to many of my contacts and friends.” Since its inception, Bubbles Make Him Smile has had over 1000 visitors, donations from more than eight individuals and continues to see new and returning visitors every day. We are extremely thankful for the generosity of the families who have donated money to help save our child during this staggering economy. Bubblesmakesmile has received public exposure from Generation Rescue, an organization led by Jenny McCarthy whose own child was also diagnosed with Autism. McCarthy has posted: “Help our Kids … like this one, please” referring to a link to the website. Nira Arora of the Beat 94.5, a local radio station in Vancouver, BC said “Please Re-Tweet! (for a great cause).”
The website has given a child who faces challenges with communication a voice. Small gifts from generous people have a big impact on a small child. It may be cliché to say that every dollar counts, but together we all as a global online community can change the life of one child, and through the graciously accepted donations from supporters and future supporters, Bryce WILL defeat autism!
Photos courtesy of Bubbles Make Him Smile.