The Autism Journey Blueprints were created as a quick introduction reference guide for families on the autism journey. Complete Autism Journey Blueprints: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Years 1-3: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Medical Intervention: click here to download the PDF. AJ Blueprints – Dietary Intervention: click here to download […]
Tag: GFCF
Special Diets for ASD
Special Diets for ASD There are many diets parents say work for their children to improve health, behavior, attention, sleep and reduce autism symptoms. This is a partial listing of the most widely used among them, but they all have something in common – clean, unprocessed foods. We’ve all heard the saying “garbage in, garbage […]
Recipes Database
Categories Appetizers Beans Beef Beverages Breads Breakfast Cake Cookies Crafts Desserts & Sweets Dressings Fish Frozen Treats Game Holidays Kid Favorites Muffins Pasta Pork Poultry Salads Sauces Seasonal Produce Soups Starch Vegetables Vegetarian Appetizers Buffalo Wings “Chex-Type” Snack Mix Deviled Eggs Guacamole Hummus Hummus, White Bean Marinated Artichoke Hearts Party Popcorn Pico de Gallo Refried […]
A – Z: TACA Facts – a video series answering the most common questions
We are very excited about a new video series in collaboration with our friends at Autism Live. Introducing: TACA Facts This is an introduction to our new series “TACA Facts” sponsored by Autism Live. We’ll answer the most common questions for families living with autism in 2-3 minute segments. TACA Fact: Can children with autism […]
Music to Our Ears
My daughter, Ryan, was born December 4, 2002. Three and a half years later, she was diagnosed with autism. I became concerned about her development at age 2 ½, when she didn’t answer to her name, protested any demand placed on her, and was extremely tactile-defensive.
GFCFSF Cooking Classes
TACA & Autism Live are Proud to Present Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free Cooking Classes Meat Puffs Mac and No Cheese Zucchini Muffins Chicken Nuggets Nut Free Breakfast Bars Pazones Kid’s Sushi Recipe Chocolate Chip Cookies Meatballs Carrot Cake Gluten, Dairy, Egg & Yeast Free Pizza Crust GFCFSF Banana Bread GFCF “Bourbon” Chicken More […]
Surviving the Winter Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful for everyone, BUT throw in autism and it can be over the top stressful! Here are tips, ideas and strategies for making this season a little more joyful! Included below are submissions from parents like you who have been there/done that and want to share their advice on surviving […]
An Essential Handout For Teachers & Aides
Authors Mary Fry, Diane Gallant & Moira Giammetteo What Is the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet? This is a dietary intervention to lessen the digestive and bowel, and behavioral issues sometimes found in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent research indicates that there are children with a genetic predisposition to the disorder, which is then […]
GFCF Food Shopping List
Includes many GFCF items you can buy in many supermarkets Back to the GFCFSF Diet Home page | Download a printer-friendly PDF of this page Store Key: Any = Most supermarkets All other products can be found in health food stores and/or online. If your local market does not carry the GFCF foods that you need, be […]
Toxins in Foods & the Environment
Things That Should Be Avoided For ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Kids Excitotoxins Strong scientific evidence suggests these substances could cause brain damage in children, adolescents and adults; with strong emphasis on children and elderly individuals. They may affect the development of a child’s nervous system; resulting in learning disabilities and emotional difficulties later in life. […]
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
By Carol Frilegh SCD is proving to be an effective dietary intervention for autism and is receiving recognition from DAN! doctors. Dr. Sidney Baker, co-founder of DAN! and the author of numerous books, has said “SCD is the best treatment that I have found so far for many children on the Autism Spectrum.” What […]
Must Schools Provide Casein and Gluten-free Foods If Parents Request It?
By Donna Rosinski A few weeks ago, a mom left a message on my answering machine asking me this question: “Must schools provide gluten- and casein-free foods if parents request them?” She had attended our conference on alternative biomedical treatments last fall, and had decided to try the gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet with her […]
GFCFSF School Supplies
Pre-K, Elementary School List A child on the gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet can be 100% on the diet and fail to make the grade if their school supplies have forbidden ingredients. Parents need to be diligent and work with school staff to absolutely make sure every aspect of their children’s school environments are completely GFCF, right […]
Restaurants & Bakeries Serving GFCF Fare
Compiling this list is like hitting a fast moving target. Not only do new ones come up but trusted ones change their recipes. This is the hardest part about the diet so be sure to ask restaurant managers about your child’s specific dietary issues and get confirmation. There is NO GUARANTEE the restaurants and items […]
Picky Kids, Eating, and Autism: One Mom’s Strategy for Her Picky Eater
By Lisa Ackerman September, 2003 Getting healthy nutrition into the bellies of babes is often the source of many discussions, angst, and battles for many parents. Ask the parent of a child with autism or other special needs child about nutrition and their child, and you will often hear a response with groans of desperation […]
Rotation Diet and Hints!
My family started the GFCF diet for a few months and then started a rotation diet to prevent food allergies/intolerances and to identify foods that were a problem for our son. These allergies are outlined further in the Karyn Seroussi’s book, Unraveling the Mystery of Autism. It is also important to note that some autism […]
Protein Sources
Protein is one of the hardest foods to get the right amounts into a special needs child. Here are some suggestions for protein sources for your child’s individual dietary needs. Protein Serving Size Total Grams Of Protein Almond Butter 1 tbsp. 4g Beans, refried 1 cup 16g Beef round roast 3 oz. 25g Black beans […]
Phenols, Salicylates & Additives
Phenols, salicylates, food dyes, and additives are problems that can be addressed after the Gluten-Free/Casein-Free (GFCF) diet has been started. Generally, it is recommended for parents to address foods high in phenols, salicylates, and additives about 2-6 months after starting the GFCF or other similar diet. Phenols are unique properties that can found in high […]
Going Organic! (Not Just GFCF)
Having your child eat Gluten Free/Casein Free (GFCF) is the first step in the process. Considering and then, going organic are other important steps in this process for better eating, health and digestion. Organic foods, which have not been sprayed with chemicals or preservatives, (and are not genetically modified, raised humanely and fed organically, etc.) […]
Just Because Something is GFCF…
(or Specific Carbohydrate (SCD), etc.) Doesn’t Mean You Should Eat It By Lisa Ackerman As a parent coming up on our nine-year anniversary since starting the GFCF (gluten-free and casein-free) diet, along with low carbohydrates/sugar, allergy elimination, and the rotation of food families, I often find myself cringing at what folks actually feed their kids […]
