BIOGRAPHY: Sam was born in December of 1998 and at eight months old, moved to Belgium for three years. Sam was diagnosed with Autism in the Spring of 2002 at just over three years old. We moved back to the United States in the fall of 2002, where Sam was immediately enrolled in the local preschool and began receiving, among other things, behavioral based therapy. In the meantime, he was evaluated by a state expert on autism, and began visits with a naturopathic doctor, who uncovered allergies, most notably cow's milk. Sam was put on and remains on a daily regimen of vitamins including lactobacillus to supply him with good bacteria, sacchromyces boulardii to kill the yeast, digestive enzymes, Omega 3 Fish Oil, among many others. All of this is to heal his tummy; many on the autism spectrum have what's called Leaky Gut Syndrome, wherein a yeast overgrowth can cause increased permeability of the intestine. This allows partially processed proteins to enter the bloodstream. Of primary concern are gluten (a wheat protein), and casein (a milk protein). In their partially digested forms, these proteins form opioids: powerful opiate-like drugs which affect the brain in the same way morphine does. Many children with autism have severe intestinal problems, including intestinal dysbiosis (unbalanced flora), and Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Sam has done great things since that doctor's visit and continues to amaze us and his awesome team of specialists at his school. He continues to receive behavioral based therapy in addition to speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. He is a hard worker who gives it his all. Like others on the spectrum, Sam touches your heart in the most special ways.
We recently became registered with the Cure Autism Now Foundation. This foundation is doing exciting things, too numerous to mention here. Hit their awesome website to access all their resources on autism and learn about current research and planned events. Check out Sam's picture under the Gallery link. To make a donation in honor of Samuel Yurgaitis, click here.
This web page of Sam's has been updated to include this information with the hope that it will help others looking for information regarding autism. I know the internet helped us tremendously, If you have any questions you would like to ask us personally, please feel free to sign in the guest book on this page with your information included and you will get a reply.
With profound appreciation to our family and friends for your continued love and support. Derek and Maria
1999 - 2001
enter the vault !
OLD STUFF BUT SO WHAT,
CHECK IT OUT ANYWAY.
sam
Picture pint-sized perfection, with soft, blonde hair, and a face full of gentleness and innocence. You know that if he would only meet your eyes and give you a smile, even for just a brief moment, he would not only capture your heart, he would take a piece of it forever. Meet Sam Yurgaitis.
SAMMY
with cousins chase, madison. and mimi pat by the pool summer 2003
Sam has done great things since that doctor's visit and continues to amaze us and his awesome team of specialists at his school. He continues to receive behavioral based therapy in addition to speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. He is a hard worker who gives it his all. Like others on the spectrum, Sam touches your heart in the most special ways. 
