Diet & Nutrition
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 >
Practical Gluten & Casein Free Substitutes
Apr 11th
I perpetually have the best intentions in trying to eliminate gluten and casein from my child’s diet (to read about why you should consider a GFCF diet for your autistic child, see my previous post). However, I’m a single mom with a grocery budget, so going the extra mile for organic and special brands aren’t always practical! Add to the mix an older child that is one of the pickiest eaters in the universe and sodium and sugar restrictions on my own diet… it is not unusual for me to buy and prepare three separate menus in this house.
I thought I More >
Why Gluten and Casein Free for Autism?
Feb 28th
Persons with Autism tend to have food sensitivities more than food allergies. The biggest offenders can be gluten and casein. To most Autistic children especially, gluten and casein are the equivalent of poison.
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.
Casein is a protein found in milk and foods containing milk, such as cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and whey.
Gluten and casein are not properly digested and form peptides, or substances that More >
