Possibly the most difficult holiday to cater to an autism-friendly diet is just around the corner: Thanksgiving. The traditional fare for “turkey day” is a spread of comfort food appealing to those with little or no dietary restrictions. This can spell trouble for those with autism who typically thrive off gluten and casein free diets. To help guide you on your grocery journey in preparation for the big day, here are some tips and recipes to help make your feast enjoyable for the whole family.
One aspect of interacting with children many people find challenging, or awkward, is the simple act of communication. It can be easy for many adults to forget to adjust their language and tone to best be understood and responded to by a child. Due to communication challenges children with behavioral issues such as autism, down syndrome or ADHD typically face, even more adjustment is needed.
We’d like to address some of the challenges we occasionally hear about from new users. Or, the “Storm Before the Calm”. The good news is; most parents who report this also report that it subsides after a week or two and is worth it.
When a diagnosis is received by parents for their child, it can seem like an initially intimidating and isolating experience. However, given recent advocacy and awareness efforts, it more accurately means becoming part of a new community. The bond of a common experience with other parents, along with a desire for spreading this understanding to the general public, creates a supportive community with plenty of opportunities to get active and give back.
Even with the prevalence of research-based facts, increased efforts of awareness, and readily available information, misinformation and false ideas of autism still abound. Here are some common myths about autism.