Diet & Nutrition
You’ve Heard of Gluten Free for Autism, but What the Heck is Casein?
Jan 19th
Many children on the Autism Spectrum have benefited greatly from a gluten free diet. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains as well as foods made from those grains. They are also found in food starches, semolina, couscous, malt, some vinegars, soy sauce, flavorings, and artificial colors.
What is Casein?
Casein (from the Latin word for cheese) is a protein found in milk and dairy products. Four types of casein protein make up about 80% of all proteins in cow’s milk.
Casein can be broken down into casomorphin, a peptide fragment with opiate qualities, which may increase the release More >
What are My Top 6 Go-To Blogs?
Jan 5th
Despite what goes on in my home from day-to-day, I truly never have to feel alone as a parent raising a child with Autism. It’s 2012, and the number of resources, experts, and all-around amazing souls available at the click of my mouse is one of the backbones of my survival. I wish this were the case when we first got a diagnosis and I was overwhelmed, frustrated, scared and confused (and very, very isolated)… but, as we know, everything happens in perfect timing.
These six blogs are my go-to places for experience, strength and hope. I am honored to have More >
Special Announcement! Gluten Free Gigi’s 2011 Holiday Guide
Nov 5th
I know I’ve already posted a blog this week, but this is too exciting not to share TODAY!
I wanted to let you know about a great resource for special diets for this holiday season.
My friend, Gigi, of GlutenFreeGigi.com has created a Holiday Guide featuring over 40 fantastic recipes, each with its own step-by-step How-To video!
All the recipes are GLUTEN FREE CASEIN FREE and free from dairy, soy, and nuts! I can’t tell you how excited I am – this is an amazing and essential tool in my arsenal to help my son not be a Grinch this season because he has More >
Product Review: The Kitchen Classroom
Oct 7th
I was recently sent The Kitchen Classroom: 32 Visual GFCF Recipes to Boost Developmental Skills by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer and wanted to share how much my son and I love it!
Having tried unsuccessfully a few times to go 100% Gluten Free/Casein Free at home, this book offers refreshing solutions and delicious, fun recipes to help make this an achievable goal for us. One of the biggest problems I encounter is purchasing gluten free versions of Justin’s favorite foods: they are twice the price and after one bite he declares that he hates it. Boom – out $7.00 for a box of More >
We Are What We Eat! by Special Guest Barrie Silberberg
Jul 28th
You have heard this saying a million times, but what exactly does it mean to you, your family and your bodies?
Americans consume huge amounts of processed foods, including fast food, restaurant food and food you buy and provide for your families. Many European countries are changing how their families eat, by removing toxins from their foods, for a healthier world. Sadly, America, one of the richest countries in the world is poisoning their citizens. Not only are they damaging their bodies, but also their minds. School lunches are one of the worst culprits in our society, as well as all More >
My Top 10 Autism Support Tools
Jun 16th
As you know, I’ve seen incredible progress in my son during the past five years. I am happy to report that he has never undergone any traditional therapies outside of the home; everything we have done together on this amazing journey was created from my research and personal connections made over Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. These connections led to expert interviews and the introduction to some really unique tools that made a huge difference in our lives. Here are my current favorites (in no set order):
Chewelry - Kid Companions is a chewable and wearable fidget that is safe, stylish and effective. It’s More >
Regression or Progression?
Apr 4th
I recently did my mid-integration checklist and interview for Justin’s Listening Training. As he is getting ready for his next intensive, I wanted to share some amazing gains I observed – new behaviors that I attribute to his first round of EnListen® and additional supports from home, including:
- Introduction of Chewelry to redirect chewing (I’ll be dedicating an entire blog post to this great product shortly!!)
- Addition of digestive enzymes, probiotics, and Omega Fatty Acid oil to his diet
- Increased yoga and fitness routines after school
Understand that every child is different and may or may not show the same gains or at the same More >
How Important is Digestive Support?
Mar 28th
It’s well documented that many children on the Autism spectrum can have a broad range of digestive struggles. For some it can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain. Until recently, my child’s bathroom “sessions” would typically last 45 minutes or more, and he would have myriad accidents because he simply did not look forward to the painful experience.
Other children may have no outward appearance of symptoms but within their digestive tract there is disorder in the form of inflammation, leaky gut and food intolerances or sensitivities.
I recently started my son on a digestive enzyme, specifically formulated to aid More >
Can’t Afford Certain Therapies? Things to Do at Home
Nov 8th
Early on in my son’s diagnosis, we were on the six-to-nine month waiting list for Occupational Therapy at one of the top sensory centers here in Atlanta. After struggling through many public school behavioral disaster situations whilst on that list, we finally had a shot at getting into therapy… only to find out that my insurance didn’t cover it.
Almost five years ago I embarked on a journey to really understand what my child was experiencing, how it compared and contrasted what other children experienced, all the components involved in the big picture, and what I could do at home to help More >
Why Are Our Children So Unhealthy?
Oct 26th
We are living in a time when billions of dollars are being spent on treatments, causes, and sometimes even cures. We are missing the biggest factor: Prevention.
Why are our children so unhealthy? For the same reasons we are!
- Poor food choices (processed foods, and misleading “health food” packaging alike)
- Instant gratification society (particularly as it relates to fast food)
- Not drinking enough water
- Lack of movement and exercise
- Stressful lifestyles (is your child’s schedule as hectic as a 30-year-old’s calendar?!?)
- Sleep deprivation
- Environmental factors
Additionally, some children with autism may be at nutritional risk due to their behaviors around foods and eating. Food refusal and difficulty in introducing More >
