My mouth dropped while counseling at a private Autism group foster home. I had the chance to review the Dietician’s weekly meal plan recommendations. My mouth just dropped when I saw hot dogs, wheat, white rice, corn, sugary treats, chocolate milk, and a long list of dairy products on the list.  My clients know me well enough to comment that my facial expression appeared as if I was unhappy with the list of unhealthy meals. The foster mom advised that this was for the kids staying in the home that do not have Diabetes. I had to explain the difference between my holistic nutrition techniques of educating families on proper nutrition vs a hospital dietician.

Our consent form includes a disclaimer given to each family states that Wendy is a member of National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) where 30 CEUs per 2 year term must be met. Wendy is not a Licensed Nutritionist, RD, or CRD. Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Health Coaches help you make your own healthy decisions, we do not treat, diagnose, or advise. As always consult with your Physician. My goal is to keep my clients off RX meds when possible.

Next, I tell them that I have assisted the late Dr. Richard Neubauer, a pioneer in the field of Hyperbarics. It was at this position in 2005 that I noticed that most all of the families coming to the center had one thing in common “a can of soda in one hand, and a cigarette in the other” proper nutrition was the one think lacking with all. Diet is an important factor in treating autism.

While working on my case studies at the HBOT clinic I learned that many autistics have food allergies. Leaky gut syndrome is something that most all autistics deal with. Positive Nutrition educates families on how to replenish the normal flora of the digestive system.

WHAT TO AVOID:  Aspartame and MSG should be avoided. Artificial ingredients must also be avoided. Yellow, green, and red dyes should also be eliminated. Gluten is not the best thing either. Dairy products should always be avoided because of their mucus-producing properties. Processed sugar will contain chemicals used in refining. Canned, packaged, and frozen foods all contain preservatives which may have adverse effects on autistics. Wheat, cow’s milk, sugar all may contribute to behavioral symptoms as they can contribute to food allergies. Casein-Free and Gluten-Free diets seem to work best.

Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF)
Many families of children with autism are interested in dietary and nutritional interventions that might help some of their children’s symptoms. Removal of gluten (a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat, and in oats through cross contamination) and casein (a protein found in dairy products) from an individual’s diet can be helpful for reducing some symptoms of autism.

Dairy-free cheese, non-dairy coffee creamer, margarine, semisweet chocolate, cereal bars, cheese-flavored chips and snack crackers, tuna, processed meats and ghee can also contain casein. Baked goods are another food of which to be wary because many contain milk or buttermilk. These foods are of concern for those allergic to casein. Dairy products are a common source of calcium and Vitamin D for young children in the US. Substitution of gluten free products requires attention to the overall fiber and vitamin content of their diet. Vitamin supplements may have both benefits and side effects, must be careful. Consultation with a dietician, holistic nutritionist or physician is recommended for the healthy review of a GFCF diet.

Intensive Suit Therapy is safe when administered by a licensed and trained therapist. It can help children with various disabilities (not limited to):

Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxia
Athetosis
Hypertonia and Hypotonia
Post-Stroke (CVA)
Traumatic Brain Injury
Sensory-Processing Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders
Developmental Delay

Other modalities may include Physical Therapy (PT), Speech-Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Sensory Integration (SI) therapy, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT), sometimes called Sound Therapy, Acupuncture, Nutrition Counseling on a Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF, ) and Craniosacral Therapy. This type of therapy focuses on releasing restrictions of the cranium and the underlying membranes through gentle massage. I’ve seen remarkable results through the use of intensive therapy. Intensive and Therasuit therapy can be used for infants through adulthood with various neurological conditions. It is used in the treatment of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other neurological impairments.

Should you need assistance with a Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF) contact Positive Nutrition today at (754) 800-7876 we have offices in Boca and Pembroke Pines.