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Patient Reviews

Patient Reviews

A Miracle

Words cannot capture the gratitude and appreciation we have for Dr. Udell and his warm, caring staff.  During the initial appointment Dr. Udell sensed almost immediately as he talked and listened to my son, Matthew, that something didn’t add up. Despite his parents good intentions at the time, years of psychiatric care started Matthew down a very perilous and dark path, including multiple ‘diagnoses’ that seemed to just get added on over the years and a lot of anguish. Matthew was over-medicated, taking multiple psychotropic drugs and other powerful medications, beginning at the age of 6. While technically in the “spectrum”, Dr. Udell told Matthew he did not agree with any of the other labels and diagnoses, he complimented Matthew’s eye contact, speech and funny personality, telling him “you don’t seem “autistic” to me”. When Dr. Udell said that, as a parent who bought into so many labels, I was utterly stunned and emotional, I almost fell out of the chair.  Dr. Udell felt the medication issue needed to be addressed so that Matthew could, well, be and feel like his true self.  Dr. Udell and his staff put a plan in place to gradually wean Matthew off of the medications over a nearly 2 year period. We focused on gut health, trying different vitamins & supplements, diagnostic & genetic testing, good nutrition and exercise. Today, Matthew is thriving! He graduated high school last year, he works at a restaurant and enjoys kick-boxing, cycling, cooking and rock n roll in his spare time. Thanks to Dr. Udell and his staff’s compassionate, personalized care, Matthew is on different trajectory now, a positive one, one which will allow him to develop to his full potential and realize his dreams. That is a miracle. Thank you so much!”

Guidance & Communication

 Rhianna and I really enjoyed the visit with Dr. Udell and everyone in the office – what an inspiring and empowering culture you foster!  We look forward to working together with you going forward.

Dr. Udell understands if you don’t want to do expensive lab tests so be sure to speak up or tell him you want to think about it… He is very easy to talk to. My son goes to him and we don’t do all the suggested lab work, we did it all a long time ago… Overall I don’t feel any pressure and I’m glad we have him to reach out to… His staff are all great too, any phone calls are followed up on.

Sending you this email is not just gratifying but it is full of thanks and appreciation towards you and your team. In just about 3 weeks of our lab results and changing Raul’s diet thanks to the labs you requested , my wife and myself are deeply thankful towards you Dr. Udell , I don’t think this is just a coincidence but since we have changed his diet and casein free products i mean his improvements are seen through so many eyes that its not just us as parents. His grand parents , teachers , cousins have seen Raul as a smart fun kid to be around. Just a couple of nights ago he was playing TAG with his cousins. He went to a farm with his grand parents and other cousins , Raul usually wondered in open field , but not this time he stayed in the pack and did everything their cousins were doing , if they jumped he jumped, if they chased a chicken he chased the chicken i mean even the grandmother was so amazed on his development it was just so amazing, not once he wondered around to another places , he stayed where every one was. My wife picked Raul from day school the other day and she did hide so he would not see her ( Raul has impressive eyesight, that’s why we try to hide just to see how he plays, he can spot us just as we enter the day school even if he is yards out or doing something else) Raul that day was in the middle of playground with his classmates and talking with them (in his language but he was in the middle with all his classmates, something that did not happen quite often. His teachers are amazed that his is doing everything they ask… he enjoys music , sings , dances and now paints . I don’t know what to say but this is just 3 weeks that passed and its something just such a great feeling that even my wife which is the most negative of both of us is all SMILES and enjoying her son. Thank you with all my heart Dr. Udell , thank you so much, we would never know about this if it wasn’t for you and your team. I could tell you so much more that happened during this 3 weeks that it would take you so much time to read, but really THANK YOU! You changed my son’s life and our families’ life and we just hope this is not a fluke and that this will just get better and better. Thanks for putting a smile to my wife and to my son. THANK YOU THANK YOU.. words are just not enough to thanks you ! Have a great weekend Dr. Udell. My family send you all our love ….

Thank you for all your help and advice…

 I am interested in scheduling an evaluation with you for my 5 year old daughter. I follow you on FB and am very interested in your philosophy and understanding of the pandemic in this country of ASD.  I am an RN and my husband a physician and we have never completely bought into the whole “genetic” causation… I have yet to have a pediatrician agree with anything that throws vaccinations under the bus or connects them in any way to ASD. (and let me clear, I am not an anti-vaxxer)…

I would like to know what kind of testing you do and if you and I are on the same wavelength as far as philosophy goes. I’ve been very disappointed thus far by the medical community in their knowledge, approach and desire to dig deeper than just a psychoevaluation. To date my daughter has never had a medical work up to ensure his symptoms are not being caused by something other than a DSM-9 code/label slapped on him by a pediatric neuro-psychologist. As you know it can be very costly to go from place to place so I would just like to know before scheduling if we are in the same stratosphere regarding approach.

… so grateful thank you so much for all of your guidance and help my chid is doing much better each day and I know this journey is going in the right path.

Thanks again Dr. Udell.  I am so grateful for your dedication and knowledge.

Dr. Udell – thank you for getting back to us so soon. I will communicate with the office tomorrow.

Thank you for always keeping my child’s best interest at heart.

Thank you for all you do for my little girl and for the rest of your patients!

I have referred you many times in past few months because I believe you are saving so many kids when no one else will.

Education

Sending you some pictures of the homeschool room.  We started on 1/4/16.  My child was able to sit through 3 1/2 minutes of calendar time on that day.  As of today, she is up to 19 minutes of calendar time, with a goal for the year of 20 minutes.
The teacher told me today that for the first time he asked for water, fully engaged with the class and the activities, play in the kitchen – he made pizza and served his classmate, fully verbal interact… she put tears in my eyes.
Just wanted to send you a video of him reading (“memorized”) the brown bear book. He’s talking a lot and wanted to share. Hope all is well.
Wanted to share great news. He scored above average in Reading Comprehension and average in Math. He was promoted to first grade with no issues. Next year he will be in a Gen Ed classroom for 90minutes, 5 days a week. He will also share specials and events with his Gen Ed class. 
We would like to thank Dr Udell and his wonderful caring team! We feel blessed!

Poop

Lots of pictures of stools to greet me each morning! 
Ever since we started the vitamin c , his poop is soft and easy to push out.
… Our child has been doing quite well. She is now TOTALLY potty-trained and is doing well at her new school which is accommodating her in inclusive classes. So now we are focusing on her speech. 
She had a great soft BM within just a few hours of the first dose of the lactulose. She was so happy she shouted Yay! Thank you again Dr Udell!  We are so glad to have you in our life!
This evening he went to the bathroom. A full size sample. I attached a photo. 
Good day – as per your request earlier today here is a picture of Liam’s poop (it does not float) the poop stinks. Please check out the attached picture. Over the past few weeks… gritty bowel movements… He basically eats … Do you have any thoughts on this?
Rashes, as well:
The school nurse asked me to pick him up from school today because he had a rash on his
face upper chest and upper back.
Meryl has a bumpy red rash all over her arms and on top of her palms. The rash is continued under
buttocks to below her knees. It almost looks like red goose bumps… At first I thought she may have eaten something she was allergic to… Will this rash diminish on its own?
He also has this rash on the inside of his arm. Not sure if it could be linked to all this or not but i’ve never seen this on him before and he’s had this about a week. The motrin seems to make it go down a bit and it flares worse when the motrin wears off.

Yeast

He’s back on diflucan for almost 2 weeks now and overall much better.
We have seen tremendous improvement since starting the Fluconazole last week. The child has been more engaged and is no longer stuck in his room playing with only his trucks. He is much more vocal, interactive and responsive to his environment and we have had many playful back and forth conversations and games with him. His articulation has improved also, and I can understand him again. He is talking more, initiating more and analyzing his surroundings and comments from other people in the house!
He is doing a lot better!!!! His stomach seems to be much better anyways and much happier guy overall. I actually got the diflocan filled only today so I will touch base in the next few days. I love you all and I’m so grateful that my child is in the right hands now and on his way to great things.
Howard finished the 8 week course of diflucan. His ABA therapist and mom/dad have noted improvements in attention span, decreased episodes of tantrums, elimination of physical aggression. We are still having problems with verbal language. It seems to be the biggest hurdle of all… His capacity to follow directions has also improved… progress with potty training… Thank you for helping us.
I have reduced glutathione, and have stopped the B12 for this week. Started him on fluconazole. I see a change in his speech. It is much better. And, more focus and eye contact, too.
From our Practice Manager, Karen Vossen:
You can ask me or Ashly anything. If we don’t know we will pass it to Dr. Udell. Oregano oil would be fine to try also grapefruit seed extract and more natural anti-fungals. Probiotics help keep fungus down. I will forward to Dr. Udell for anything else he might suggest. You can also email him anytime, too

Sensory

I wanted to tell you what the child did today. Taking him for a haircut is a horrific experience. We are all on the floor holding him down – 4 of us- while he struggles and screams. It has always been like this. Well, today, I took him myself to the barbershop… He walked in and went right to the chair and got up there and put the apron over his lap.  I sat down and pretended to read magazine. Praying!   The two barbers ( one cut, the other stood in front of him) and started using clippers. He sat there and did great!!! 15 minutes total – we were in and back out in the car!!  I never even got up out if chair!!  A miracle!   Hair looks great!!  Can you believe it!!  I’m so thrilled!!
He is actively engaging all his OT/SP skills daily to which EVERYONE that knows him is astounded by the change in him.
You don’t have to write me back but from the first day,  Neuroprotek has made a difference! I’ll keep you posted,  thanks so much. 
… increased Pat up to 1/2 tablet yesterday. We saw increased stimming and auditory sensitivity but these were the first school/behavioral therapy days that were NOT compromised by multiple tantrums in 6 months. Work actually got done. Personally, I can live with increased stimming and sensory overload if Pat can work happily without tantrums.

Sleep

Clonidine did not work in keeping him asleep. We tried it for 2 weeks with no success. Discontinued. Benadryl with melatonin is what we’re giving him now. It helps him fall asleep very easily, although kept him asleep about 50% of the time. He’d wake around 2-3 am looking for mom or dad and have difficulty falling back asleep. We’ve started locking him in his room at night after bedtime routine (with melatonin and benedryl and picture schedules) and he’s stayed asleep the last 2 nights! 12 hrs last night! Fingers crossed for continued success.
He slept all night and is happy and full of energy today. Thank you!
We are having a heck of a time trying to get Sara to drink her juice lately. She tastes everything. She has been off the intuniv for 3 days now and is manic!! Only sleeping 4 hours per night… no one has slept in about 4 days and she is disrupting the whole house. Stims have increased. She is happier and not tired that’s for sure. Anxiety is gone, too. She is talking A LOT… constantly like before but it’s more meaningful, not just scripting. Please let me know where to go from here.
Geri has been sleeping well so I will continue with the nystatin 3 times per day for a month,
as you suggested…
His sleep is far better than before! Rarely, does he wake up in the middle of the night after a bad dream! But he does fall asleep immediately.. on an average, he gets 9 hours of sleep daily! His speech is better than before.. he has more number of words… Understanding is also better now! I have also started LDN from the past two months! His mood and sleep is much better!

Health

Just wanted to let you know that my child is doing great. I noticed his cholesterol finally went up to 157. He is labeling now, he started asking with his words for juice, cookie, outside etc. every day a new word. The school therapist came out to tell me how he is like a different child. He is responding to give me hi fives. I just wanted to thank you for bringing him back. He is such a smart little guy and I can see his little personality emerging. He is even fighting back his big sister when she takes his toy away.
I think he is doing well with the Levothyroxine 37.5 mcg. Maybe you can ask for 25mcg 2x a day so they don’t give me 50mcg pills. 
Started NAC 2 weeks ago. First week with 1 capsule. She responded very well. We noticed increased receptive skills, more independence, increase ability to answer questions and more spontaneous speech. She also has not had any accidents since we started (potty). No negative behaviors or stimming was noted. I started 2 capsules on week 2. First day great. Second day increased irritability… 
I had this urge to share this info with you this morning, partly because it’s so positive and also because we are seeing things we’ve never seen, since he’s been on the Vyvanse.  The picture is of him playing soccer with his dad this morning, after he made his own scrambled eggs for the first time.
This is a first!
He just seems a lot more motivated and wants to do more things.
In general, a lot of improvements to celebrate. The downside, which you did mention to me were all spot on. For him it’s loss of appetite (positive, oops) and also he is very emotional. Any little issue can set him off and have him in tears.
His teacher briefly mentioned seeing improvements too, more calm and focused.
So, so far so good and I feel like I made the right decision in giving meds a go. 
Following your advice, I asked the neurologist to do a new VEEG. Guess what..! You was absolutely right…! He’s still having seizures internally, even though they’re not perceived to the eyes…..the activity is mostly coming from his brain left side… The doctor also asked me for your email address to get in touch with you and provide you with more detailed information…Ps. I feel blessed for having you as my son’s doctor…

Naltrexone – Low Dose Therapy

… We also decided to continue with the LDN because we believe it’s working. It seems as most of the remaining “fog” has lifted, he’s more social, more aware, has better eye contact and his processing seems better (even though there’s still room for improvement)…
He has been taking the Naltrexone nearly a month now. I do see improvement as far as expression and vocalizing full sentences when asked a question. I also feel his vocabulary has also expanded.  It may not be drastic but I feel he has improved since he has been taking the Naltrexone.
We are at 6 weeks of LDN. This has been the key it seems like. It seems in the past week vocabulary has been off the charts! It’s great! One thing I can recommend is the pharmacy makes a big difference.
The Low Dose Naltrexone has been amazing. The day before we tried it, I read an article in which a mother said that her child stopped his self-stimulatory behavior 3 hours after applying the first dose of LDN. We had the same experience. The only “stim” Manny really had was that he would put objects up to his eyes and look at them closely. We’re not sure whether it was an actual stim, or whether it is related to his exotropia. In any event, we rubbed the cream on Manny’s wrist, and literally the next morning (after 1 dose), he completely stopped bringing objects to his eyes and he has been so much calmer. Also, his exotropia has decreased what seems to be tenfold since beginning the LDN. All his therapies noted that his progress since the LDN had been through the roof. Thank you for prescribing this medication. It feels like a miracle medication. 

Speech

My child is doing well. He started singing and talking more, but his stomach is bloated for a few days already, any suggestions?
Yes, she is babbling more and using more consonant sounds.
She is doing well in her ABA and lets talk program.  She is reading short phrases and spontaneously saying one to three words with some cueing.  Saying more than 50 words and singing a bit.
She is babbling more and  is now mimicking certain animal sounds…in her own way. 
She  is  also practicing no and is babbling a lot under her breath. She is not saying any words consistently, but I feel like we’re almost there.
I have amazing news to report. I am not sure if it is coincidence, but I put him on a very strict Gluten free/Casein free/Soy free/Sugar free diet this past Saturday he started talking!!!! He is mostly repeating when I prompt him, most of the language is prompted and a lot of it is not completely clear, you can make out what he is saying though. Very similar to when a child first starts talking. He has said in excess of 70 new words in the past 2 days, not including words he is repeating!!!! I am so excited.
The child is saying Mom and Dad in context!!!! She’s been  practicing both for a few days and now says it when she sees us…
Sean is doing great, he is speaking and singing more spontaneously… some days more clarity than others… He’s been interacting more with baby sister and his peers.. appears more present. Bowel movements have been great…Still lining up and visual stimming… We just celebrated his birthday and for the first time he sang happy birthday and it was clear! I have attached a video…
 I’ve already noticed Bobby’s using longer sentences and more descriptive words since putting her on the probiotic/turmeric!

Feeding

It is now 4 weeks since she started accepting solids foods, both during feeding therapy and at home. I was so exited that I decided to lower her puree intake as the days kept passing; to the point she was on straight solids for the past 2 weeks.
She is also talking way more than ever, which it is also a change that occurred at the same time she started eating solids. She is expressing herself in 2- 3 word sentences.
We are happy that the unusual behavioral issues receded and please send us the gluten-free letter so the nurses office can have it on file as they need it.

Awareness

 When I came to you, our little girl was just 15 months and we were both unaware of everything that was to come with her ASDdiagnosis. I went to you for the hope that maybe it wasn’t ASD, but something else. You made me “aware” that allure behaviors and presentation was indeed ASD and gave me the tools and hope to keep fighting towards her progress and development. With that awareness came courage to accept her diagnosis but not her trajectory (as most conventional pediatricians would just tell me, nothing will help, this is incurable). You helped me roll up my sleeves and continue finding new ways to help her both biomedical and therapy-wise. She was “unaware” for about 1 year during which I saw much regression and not much forward progression, but tried everything you recommended. True awareness came one day when she cried for me not being home… then when I started a new job, she said she wanted mommy to be home with her and not at work… and shortly after she said, “I love you” for the first time and asked to whisper something in my ear. She is aware! She’s back with me in this world and not just in her own. We still have some gaps to bridge with her development and behaviors but being “aware” for both caregivers and child is half the battle. I applaud you for being an amazing and true advocate for autism awareness in more ways than one. We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Development

 Wanted to mention that for the past 4 weeks, Harrison has been full-time in a Gen Ed classroom and has been successful. He has been placed in an advanced reading group as well and gets good grades. 
 We are extremely happy and owe it to Dr Udell and his wonderful staff. Harry works very hard to please everyone as best he can although sometimes his anxiety gets in the way… Of course, some accommodations are made for him such as visual reminders but eventually, they plan on fading those out probably next year in second grade. He will still receive speech therapy in school as well as sensory breaks.  I am looking for a new BCBA for the Summer… Thank you a million times!  I still can’t believe this success.  Also, his brother Lucas has improved dramatically in academics and sports!
 I’m usually writing to ask for help but I wanted to send you proof that things are in fact finally coming along again… This is Gary’s very first picture drawing people. When we first met with Dr. Uddell nearly 4 months ago, he asked Gary to draw a picture and it was so immature I nearly cried. He never wanted to draw a picture bc his fine motor skills were so far behind; but he showed this to me today from day 2 in VPK. He’s behaving wonderfully so far in a normal classroom with an ABA therapist by his side for reinforcement. His speech is noticeably improving, his fine motors are improving, and his temperament is so much more manageable. He’s a true gem. Thank you all for helping us get there. I brag on your office and staff regularly.
Dr. Udell, for your record, I think I know some of what Gary’s body is detoxing. My levels came back high… I’m now working to reduce all of those for the whole house and I see a visible difference.. Your hard work and professionalism means a lot to us. Thanks for helping my son and our family!!!

Metabolism & Medications

The Intuniv as you originally prescribed… has Haley completely stopped stimming, but also lethargic… We are going to proceed with your instructions to alter dosage and timing. Correct?
Robin completed his third round of Vancomycin over two weeks ago. The Vancomycin seems to keep him calmer and more focused. Since stopping the Vanc, his inappropriate laughing has increased quite a bit. It’s affecting his school work…
 After two weeks for the new supplement plan for Jon, he shows the the following-Sleeping hours at night increases from 9-10 up 11-12 hours, High level of language, Less hyper, Mouth stemming only with the salvia…
 This is regarding Jet’s progress on his new medication. I am glad to report that he is more focused, doesn’t stim, follows instructions and is more aware of his surrounding. This is really great… We are happy for the progress in calmness but torn with the emotional side effects. Is there something else we can try to still have him focused with less side effects?

Socialization

Billie is doing great, she has above average speech and comprehension. She plays well around and with others, now. She does seem to be fixated on physical appearance… very literal… doesn’t understand sarcasm… unempathetic but rapidly improving with every teaching opportunity… some clumsiness and weak core tone, rigid routines, but improved fine and gross motor skills. Her oppositional behaviors have decreased to be considered age appropriate…
Shaquel is doing great, he is speaking and singing more spontaneously and his speech is usually much more clear… Behavior is good… he has been interacting more with baby sister and his peers in school. He also appears more present and has started smiling and saying ‘cheese’ for the camera! Bowel movements have been good… still visual stims and teeth grinding, but improved in last few weeks… We just celebrated his birthday and for the first time he sang Happy Birthday and it was clear! I have attached a video…

Aggression

 Jim has calmed down and the tics are gone in the last 2-3 days. Meltdowns have stopped completely… Still worried about repetition and comprehension… Focus not there.
 Just to let you know that after we increased the dose of Sonic (cholesterol), Sammy is doing so much better!! Talking even more, more common sense! Asking a lot of questions! It’s amazing! We just started the 5-HTP and her behavior has improved… not hitting (still crying and throwing, though)…

Glutathione and Methyl B12 injections

Since starting 5 days ago, he is still requiring some prompting to communicate, but he is already starting to accept ‘no’ more…
The therapist also noted that he is asking for things independently without prompts. So there is definitely progress being made. I can also tell his speech is continuing to improve…
Thanks again for all of your wonderful guidance. It’s a true blessing to see Derek making strides after a rough patch!
I have been giving Goldie the b-12 shots 3/ week for 3 weeks now and she is trying to talk more… Should we give something to help with focus? 
That would be great if you could check if we previously tested for MTHFR. If not, I think I’d like to test for it… Also is there a way to further check for B12 deficiency?
She is doing great with her b12 shots in combination with folinic acid. I noticed improvements after the first shot.

Feeding

 No evidence of lead toxicity from Billy’s tendency to eat things [pica]… And, good iron level!
Please share with Dr. Udell.
How do you tell if a child is deficient in folic acid? Have you done this test in Genesis?
<Anti-folate antibodies and MTHFR gene analysis. And, yes we did check.>
 Hi. I’m running low on glutathione. Is this one OK to order?
<No. Please order the one that we suggest.>

Education

Hi Doc! I think you would love to know we had the meeting to move him to regular class and he attended in person, answered the questions and explained his reasons to change his placement and was successfully assigned to his new schedule of classes beginning after the winter break. He also picked his electives.. I couldn’t believe my ears and eyes. I’m so thankful to your guidance as I don’t think you can imagine because you gave our family our child back and this is a priceless gift to a mom. May God bless you in all the ways possible as you honor Him in your practice.
Alfie is doing great at school… and behavior is improving a lot. We are pushing for regular classes, since he has shown more abilities than the classmates… We had an appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician and he said that Alfie needs medication, which we are not going to do.

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