If you are starting a Gluten Free & Casein Free diet for the first time, this is a great place to start. I found "Special Diets for Special Kids: Understanding and Implementing a Gluten and Casein Free Diet to Aid in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disorders", by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D., and published by Future Horizons Inc to be easy to read and understand. It explains how to begin the implementation of the diet and how to maintain it.
Dr. Lewis begins the book with sharing her son's story. At the age of three and a half, her son received the diagnosis of PDD-NOS. She details his behavior and skills. She also gives examples of how the diet has proved to be beneficial for her son.
I appreciated the lists of foods that can be eaten and can not be eaten on this diet. I liked the tips on eating out at restaurants. The recipes included in the book were a good starting point for me too. From the GF&CF Resources page at the back of the book, I was able to access online some of the special ingredients not found at my local grocery stores.
I had my son on this diet for a year. At the time, I did not see any benefits for him except a small increase in energy. I have been told by other mother's that they have seen great improvements in their child after starting this diet.
If you are thinking about taking on a GF & CF diet with your child, I recommend purchasing this book. All the information you need to successfully implement a GF & CF diet is laid out in easy to understand terminology. Below is the last recipe listed in the book. I hope you enjoy it.
"Edible Play Clay - This clay is good for sculpting or playing with, and it can be eaten. It doesn't dry out if stored properly.
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup CF margarine
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/3 Cup Light corn syrup
1 tsp. Vanilla flavoring (GF)
1 lb. GF Confectioner's sugar
Mix the first four ingredients with a strong electric mixer. When well combined, add the powdered sugar and mis. Knead the dough until smooth, divide into desired portions and color each with natural food colors. Store in airtight containers (zipper-type plastic bags work well) and place in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling.
1 comments:
We have not completely gone GFCF. For Benji
(my 3 1/2yo we have gone CF.. he is allergic to milk and in doing so we notice changes with the other kids when we eat at home. I serve one meal so everything on the table has to be Benji friendly. I have heard wonderful things with GFCF and even GFCFSF. (soy free) Where we are with 2 kiddos that have Sensory processing Disorder and Benji being officially Disorder of Childhood we have noticed the diet playing a big part.
If we decide to go all the way GFCF I will check out the book.
Post a Comment