www.AllergyKids.com

1 out of every 3 American children has allergies, asthma, ADHD or autism. What has changed? - allergykids.com

Robyn O’Brien never expected to be an anti-establishment crusader, exposing the collusion between big government and big business and how it’s poisoning our food supply and making our children sick. Raised in a conservative Texas family, this mother of four was taught that “food is food, and if the FDA approves it, then it’s safe – period. Don’t ask any questions.”

But everything changed a few years ago when her daughter had a severe allergic reaction to scrambled eggs. O’Brien was shocked to learn that child food allergies have increased dramatically in the past 15 years, and she saw the need for a “pink ribbon” type of symbol to identify young children with food allergies. Inspired to help her daughter as well as other children and parents, she created a universal symbol for food allergies (pictured above) and launched the Allergy Kids Foundation at www.allergykids.com. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Catherine Yeulet

Autistic kids have an extreme situation when it comes to sensation. Their nervous systems filter differently. They perceive some things and ignore others. What they take in is sometimes diminished and sometimes amplified. With this in mind, it makes sense that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can have a widely differing experience at meal time. It really is a different world for people with ASD. There are very real differences in smell and taste processing for those with Autism. Sour and bitter are particular categories that children with ASD tend to perceive less intensely.

Now, we all have our preferences. I have serious affection for all things salty. My husband, though, has quite the sweet tooth. But the sensory issues that come with ASD can make for a far more particular diet than general preference can account for. And that is a problem for loved ones scrambling to find nutritional balance, especially since some kids may or may not get the annoying grumbling belly… so there’s little to inspire them to give in and just eat what they’re offered. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Floortje

We are much more than what we eat. Often diet and nutrition is overlooked or dismissed. But it is a human fact that many of the symptoms present in autism are directly related to nutritional deficiencies, disturbances in nutritional imbalance, poor diet and negative effect of the specific food. Children with Autism respond very well to change in the diet and nutrition. If you choose carefully the food you give to an autistic child, it will help in optimizing brain and body functions. The child will respond to the all other treatments provided and give best possible outcomes. Diet and nutrition are critical components of overall treatment plan because they address underlying problems. (continue reading…)

Adapted from Feingold, www.feingold.org

Many Learning and Behavior Problems Begin in Your Grocery Cart!

Did you know that the brand of ice cream, cookie, and potato chip you select could have a direct effect on the behavior, health, and ability to learn for you or your children?

Numerous studies show that certain synthetic food additives can have serious learning, behavior, and/or health effects for sensitive people. (continue reading…)

I was like all mothers when first told my 2-year-old had autism: scared and lost. I had no idea what to do and whom to turn to for help. Mainstream medicine did not seem to offer any hope. All the “specialists” seemed to give the same response: every child is different and different things work for different kids. Knowing this, we tried a lot of things for the next two years.

For a mother that knew nothing about autism, my life became all about autism. I would care for my child during the day and spend nights researching available treatments for my son. For the next two years, (continue reading…)