Allergy Connection

Steve

Stephen is a four-year-old boy who was initially seen in late April 1997. His parents were concerned with his aggressive behavior and developmental delay. They sensed that their son was "very unhappy." A speech evaluation noted delayed receptive comprehension and moderate to severe expressive delay. Motor delays included fine motor problems. The evaluation stated a 40 percent delay in coordination. Stephen's mother, however, felt that "he wasn't trying to do what was asked." Specifically, Stephen was unable to use a pencil.

There have also been concerns with sensory integration issues, particularly tactile/vestibular problems, difficulty with loud sounds, a dislike for the tags on the back of his shirts, and difficulty wearing certain types of clothing.

Physical symptoms have included abdominal pain described as "my tummy hurts" (since October 1996), headaches described as "my hair hurts," and fatigue. Stephen's parents noticed low energy compared to his peers.

By age two, Stephen's parents were concerned with his behavior. Specifically, Stephen could be happy and smiling one minute and then quickly become "frustrated, inconsolable and hard to manage." His mother stated at the initial visit, "he is not happy." Rainy weather was thought to contribute to the behavioral problems.

Physical examination was normal, except for an allergic appearance to the nasal membranes and allergic shiners.

Allergy testing was carried out over the next two months showing that Stephen was allergic to 14 foods tested. Sublingual food immunotherapy was started.

At the follow-up visit, approximately two months later in June 1997, Stephen's improvement was remarkable. According to Stephen's parents, he has been "much happier, more adventurous, has energy, and is stable." He is asking additional questions and in general is speaking appropriately more often. In fact, just recently he startled his parents by asking "call me Steve." This symptom request reflects how far this child has progressed developmentally in just two months.

Regarding behavior, he is playing better with other children. Now it is obvious that on rainy days he is more likely to be unhappy. His difficult behavior ("Jekyll/Hyde") is less frequent and with decreased intensity. Abdominal pain, headaches, and fatigue have significantly improved.

The plan now is to test for dust products and molds which hopefully will lead to even further improvement with Stephen's behavior and developmental difficulties.

Steve represents a four-year-old child who has responded very quickly to appropriate allergy treatment. His physical symptoms have already remarkably improved as have the behavioral and developmental concerns.

It is my opinion that without medical intervention based primarily on the medical history provided by Steve's intelligent and loving parents, this child most likely would have eventually been labeled ADHD with Developmental Delay.

Richard E. Layton, M.D.
Specialized Pediatrics, Allergy and Integrated Medicine
901 Dulaney Valley Road * Dulaney Center II, Suite 602 * Towson, MD 21204
Telephone: 1-888-337-2707 (In Maryland, call 410-337-2707)
http://www.allergyconnection.com * e-mail: info@allergyconnection.com
Call for more information or if you'd like to schedule an appointment.
©Copyright 1998 Richard E. Layton, M.D.