YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Brooklyn Special Needs Parent Network
the website for Parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome (ASD Level1) and related Neurobiological Learning Disorders
BIOMEDICAL CONNECTION
DIET AND MEDICATION AND SUPPLIMENTS OH MY!
"I DON'T THINK WE'RE IN KANSAS ANYMORE"- When you're faced with special diets, medication, supplement regimens and other therapeutic treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, PANDAS and other related neurobiological learning disorders, your world changes.
...... In the case of ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders however, the brain misinterprets the gluten, casein, salicylates etc. in the digestive process and the result can be like a neuro war zone firing off sensory, behavioral and even Tourette's responses.
SHOPPING: There's no more running to the local supermarket for your typical groceries, and unless your whole family follows the same diet (for some recipes it's possible), it's likely you'll be buying many specialty items and preparing two versions of the same dish. Most supermarkets are now carrying larger selections of health foods, organics and gluten free products, reducing your health food store shopping list. (WHAT A GREAT EXCUSE TO GO ON A GASTRONOMIC SHOPPING ADVENTURE AT MARKET PLACES LIKE WEGMAN'S and WHOLE FOODS!) Be sure to read packaging ingredient labels carefully for soy, egg, artificial sweeteners and salicylates such as olive oil, rosemary and inulin(sweetener from chicory).
DINING OUT: Although some restaurants are now offering gluten and/or dairy free alternatives, usually many are more than willing to accommodate by making substitutions, leaving off the cheese or bread or putting the sauce/gravy/condiments on the side. Carefully read the preparation description and ask the waiter/waitress for additional information. When my son was younger and we would be eating out, whether at a restaurant, church function or family gathering, I used to prepare a back up meal in a microwavable divider plate with a lid. I have found that restaurants, once they are informed that your child is on a special restricted diet, are more than happy to microwave the plate for you. As your child gets older, you'll find yourself (and you child) able to select safe options from the menu. One item that is helpful in tolerating glutens when no option is available, and digestive ALLERGIES and disorders such as CELIAC Disease are NOT a factor, is digestive enzymes such as "Gluten Digest" by Now. These are enzymes that are naturally produced by the "neuro typical " brain to beak down proteins during the digestive process. In the case of ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders however, they aren't and the brain misinterprets the gluten, casein, salicylates etc. in the digestive process and the resul t can be like a neuro war zone firing off sensory, behavioral and even Tourette's responses. Although no two individuals respond the same to glutens and to digestive enzymes, in many cases supplements have been helpful (especially at parties and gatherings when your child or teen wants to have those chicken nuggets, tacos or pretzels and not feel different from his/her peers.)
LINKS:
https://tacanow.org/family-resources/immune-system-autism-and-pandaspans/