I have a child with Autism, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Sensory, and probably some reactive attachment, but honestly when you get that far with diagnoses, who cares? What is important is I do not treat him with medications. I am more than FINE for people to use medications, and several times have wanted to myself. My son was born addicted to meth. It took 18 months for me to realize something was not right. Here is what I did:
1. Got diagnosed.
2. Contacted a DAN doctor, who was also an MD. (Love the one in Oregon City, OR)
3. Tested him for foods leaking into the blood streams, parasites (plenty of those! yuck), and a yeast over growth. He came back positive for over 30 foods, which explained why not removing a small handful made any type of difference. (Until I removed all 30) The tests also showed leaky gut, with high counts of a yeast over growth in his intestine.
4. Started a diet and vitamin regimen, along with a yeast killer. I removed ALL allergies, and he lived off veggies and meat. He took up to 20 vitamins at a time. He was so depleted on vitamins we almost hospitalized him for Iron. As his vitamin levels went up, and the yeast died the symptoms got better. One day, he made eye contact with me and I sobbed.
5. Started Therapy targeting the parts of the brain that were undeveloped. I learned (on my own) that the dophime is not being produced in enough quantities. My doctor then told me what to do at home to start to force the brain to change. I worked with a behavioral therapists to teach remorse, feelings, ect. An Occupational Therapist to teach him how to organize his brain and impulse control. Last, a speech therapist because he could not speak until the age of 3. At home, he had NO imagination and I slowly started to increase TV free time with play time, while I played with toys and he watched. Slowly he joined. At night we told him stories, when he was tired that were adventures (no ending, so he could think about them). All these things are pulling together. Now, the TV is off until 6pm every night. He sleeps, plays, does not hurt me or animals, looks me in the eye and can speak.
You asked about Oxytocien and I would say over and over DO IT NOW. The first time I did a 4 day treatment every day we could see him bonding to me, it was surreal, and by the end he made eye contact for the first time. I have done 3 other treatments with outstanding success. I have also done an Oxytocien treatment on my daughter with amazing effects.
My son is now 6 years old. At the age of 2, I had a destructive child that could not comprehend, speak, or understand me. He drooled, and chewed on things. He could not play or self entertain. He had no remorse and would run by and punch you out of the blue. He made no eye contact and wanted nothing to do with any one. Ever.
Now, he is typical with the following exceptions: He is repeating kindergarten, sometimes can still become overly hyper or struggle with impulse control. Comprehension is still low and i'Tourette's Syndrome like a 5 year old in a 6 year old body, with the understanding of emotions of an 18 month old. But seeing how he did not feel emotions until last year, there is a period of catching up. Oh, and ironically Power Rangers was the show that connected the last piece of imaginary play. He still struggles with self safety.
After walking this for 4 years, I can tell you it was the worse thing I have ever gone through. I would never wish this on another person, but I can also tell you, saving my son was worth it. I would do it again, over and over to save him. I believe if I hadn't fought so hard for him, he would be in the same place as he was at the age of 2. Lost.