Is This Your Child? Paperback – September 15, 1992

My son is 10. Since 2nd grade he has steadily slipped in and out of depression, anxiety attacks, social seclusion, fear of crowds, heightened sensitivity to average noises, weekly suicidal thoughts, inattentive ADD, allergies, random food intolerances, asthma and sudden allergic skin reactions to things that he's been exposed to before. Taken separately we tried to deal with things as they came up. We went to every kind of Dr. and tested for everything from vitamin deficiencies, hormone issues to thyroid problems. All negative and we now owe two thousand dollars in medical debt. We put our son on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills, only to have the weird allergic reactions pop back up. Full body rash (that lasted 3 days), hallucinations, vomiting and severe suicidal thoughts and depression. This book has helped so much (and the Feingold Diet) I could see so much of my son in the children that Dr. Rapp wrote about. In the last three months, we have switched to almost all whole foods and as many organics as we can afford. We have seen a 90% difference in my son. School is better, he's doing homework alone for the first time EVER. He's more outgoing, happier and just more normal. At home, he's calmer, not depressed or anxious and only mentions suicide when he's been exposed to some food that we didn't realize that he couldn't have. We knew before that he couldn't tolerate artificial color but we now know that he can't handle any form of MSG (and there are a lot of ways of saying MSG), soy or any type of preservative. All these Dr.'s (MD's, DO's, Allergist's, Child Psychiatrist's and a neuropsychologist) and no one ever mentioned diet. It is hard work to cook everything, pack lunch everyday and only be able to eat out at three places but I would do anything to make my son feel better and this book was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. A less stressful, happier chapter.

Dr. Rapp's book, "Is This Your Child?," is a blessed, rational alternative to the INSANITY of doping human beings with psychotropic 'medications' ( legalized poisons ). She may be a maverick-MD, yet is also a pioneer, having the heart and courage to promote a safer, NON-DRUG approach for healing allergies which WORKS without the detrimental side-effects of non-nutritive, prescription-pills and potions !
This publication further illuminates the record-breaking audience response to the Phil Donahue Show's episode regarding the topic of safely CURING allergies and 'bad' behavior as seen here: [...]
Truth is ageless !!!

Very insightful. Helped provide insight into my own children's, and now my grandchildren's behavioral issues which are linked to food and other environmental triggers. Neurological reactions to foods and environmental factors have an impact on our health that is not widely acknowledged or well understood in mainstream medicine. Dr. Rapp was a pioneer in the field of environmental medicine, and there are a lot of parents and kids who sing her praises for the difference she has made in their lives. Check out her youtube videos for a taste of what you will find in this book.

I can't believe I have not reviewed this book yet. I have bought at least 4 copies so far and given them out to various people who have had experiences with their children that I thought this book might shed light on. It is amazing that this book was written so long ago. There are a few things that are a little dated (she doesn't list soy on her top foods to avoid list, but that is because it wasn't in everything 30 years ago!). There is tons of information here.

The case studies make a parent want to go "yes, someone understands my child!". If you know there is an angel in there, trying so hard to get out, you owe it to your kid to try everything you can to help them free them.

If you don't want to read the whole book, start with the Single Elimination Diet. There is also a great table that suggests the most likely foods based on the symptoms that are a problem (ex: headaches and bedwetting might have different root causes). Our family did the multiple elimination diet. It is amazing how some foods show no impact when you start eating them again and others have obvious reactions.

I spoke with someone who did the testing at her Buffalo clinic. They said it was a very long day and lots of needle pokes for a little kid. We've opted not to go that route. I know her therapy is still considered controversial by standard allergists. However, there is another solution - just avoid the problem foods. It is tough to wrap your mind around at first, but once you realize all the possibilities it becomes much easier. I highly recommend the website Kids With Food Allergies if you get to that point. I have to say that my son, who pushes most rules, has never fought me on the new food rules, which he didn't start until he was 4. The only reason I can think of is that he can feel the difference - he doesn't want to feel the way he used to when food kept him from being in control of his body.

Food reactions affect every part of the body.

The stomach
The bowels
The skin
the heart and lungs
The mind
Dr Rapp's vast experience will help parents find solutions to the health problems of their children.

David Schultz, M.D.
P.O. Box 175
Montpelier, Va, 23102