DAN! Doctor's...what do you all think about them

Heidi - posted on 03/03/2012

We see a DAN doctor that is also a regular MD in a family practice. It has been great, for one main reason. He listens more to us about what we want for our child and he is more willing to try biomedical suggestions from us as well as regular meds. There is a perfect mix from him of both treatments. We have seen improvements with my son on both medications and supplements and diet changes. He also can get some things covered on insurance that some DAN doctors can't because he is in a regular family practice. So I am glad we found him.

We fought for six years on trying natural remedies and I wish we wouldn't have because if we treated him when he was younger he wouldn't have so many habits and toxins in him to take so long to get out of him.

But everyone is different and I would follow your instinct. :)

Jennifer - posted on 12/26/2009

We see a DAN and it has been very helpful. He was the one to catch that my son's night waking was due to reflux, not the pediatrician. Our son is on a gluten/casein free diet and it has been very helpful. I think that honestly, not much is known about what causes autism or how to treat it effectively. What works for one kid doesn't work for another. Sometimes unfortunately we have to try things until we find what works for our kid. I would research the DAN you are considering. There are good ones and bad ones, just like any other type of provider. Best of luck whatever you decide. It is a unique journey for all of us and I don't think there is one right path.

Alexandra - posted on 11/25/2009

My advice to you would be don't. I say this because we have done extensive research in relation to autism and these so called DAN doctors, they could be anyone! If you do decide to see one check out their credentials, ensure they are a qualified Doctor. There is no proven medical evidence that these people actually help, you CAN NOT (sorry I don't mean to shout but we are extremely passionate about this) cure autism, it is a neurological imbalance. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist and to be honest if your child suffers with digestive or bowel problems then they are better off being seen by their own GP to get tested for intolerances or allergies. These people may think they are doing good but you can rest assured that a) they wont be doing it for free and b) some of them think we are easy prey.

Basically what I'm trying to say is, if you think it will help you try it out but be very, very careful, some may even try to tell you they can cure autism. Undertake a lot of research, contact your local/national autism group and seek their advice.

Please let me know how you get on. xxx

Stacey - posted on 11/12/2009

I have not been to one but only because I couldnt find one in our state, but If I find one I will definately give them a go, I have read so many good things, I have already implemented the gfcf diet myself and seeing improvement.

Tracy - posted on 10/18/2009

I agree with Michelle about ABA, our son is now 15 and doing GREAT. we did very intensive ABA for 4 years and then kept his therapist on as tutors to help with homework and running him to activities. I did however also go to DAN conferences and educate myself about all that the DaN protocol offers. I am a Nurse so I like to read all the research that Bernie Rimland did and is doing. You can order all the back research if interested through their website. Every child in the spectrum is unique and I think you owe it to yourself to leave no stone unturned. But I will caution you: if you are looking for a miracle cure or quick fix there isn't one. You need to dig in, do the WORK,
ABA is hard and can be very expensive without funding. This is the best place to start.
As Michelle recommended read those Catherine Maurice books, also I like John Mccetchen. Anything on ABA is good for reference. Then start looking into funding. MRDD Respite, Medicaid respite, many time there are organizations below MRDD, under their umbrella that case workers do not know about or do not tell you about. Find parents that are well funded and ask them how. If you live in the state of Ohio friend me on facebook, send me a message about what you are looking for and I will try to help you. best of luck.

Michelle - posted on 10/17/2009

I would suggest that you look at it very carefully. There are many "DAN" doctors that are chiropractors and not trained for the types of things that they are testing and prescribing for kids with autism. The scientific methad that has been proven and I see the proof every day in my son is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Read "Hear my voice" for a moving story of a Mom who tried alot before getting this to help her son and then her daughter.