Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain that impairs social interaction and communication. There are a myriad of symptoms that contribute to Autism spectrum disorders. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US with an annual growth rate of 10-17%. It affects boys more than girls at a ratio of 4.3 to 1.
The causes of Autism are inconclusive but there is much evidence to suggest that exposure to environmental toxins during gestation and/or toxic ingredients found in vaccines. The vaccine question is the most controversial possibility for the cause of Autism. Many parents have reported the onset of symptoms immediately after immunizations. Because of this, the numbers of parents who are opting out of immunizations is on the rise.
There currently is no cure for Autism. There are, however, things that have been found to decrease the symptoms. A diet without gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) and casein (a protein found in cows milk) has proven very successful for many Autistic patients. Many parents report massive positive changes in autistic behaviors once gluten and casein have been removed from their diets.
It is recommended that gluten and casein be removed slowly as they create an opiate effect on the brains of autistic persons. It is sometimes very difficult for the parents of Autistic children to remove the very thing that the child has, in essence, become addicted to. There is usually a period of difficulty when gluten and casein are removed from the diet. It is something to be aware of. Also, many parents worry that their children will starve when the diet is changed like this. Most parents suggest that you keep at it. They will eat when they are hungry and will eventually adjust to the new diet.
When you have introduced the new foods without casein or gluten in them to your child's diet, here are some great recipes that your children will love that are casein and gluten free. BREAKFAST
Gluten/Casein/Dairy Free Waffles
2 Cups of Rice Flour
2 heaping teaspoons of Aluminum free
baking powder
1/3 Cup Canola Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Eggs or egg substitute
¾ Cup Rice, Soy or Almond Milk
3 Tablespoons honey (optional)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Love
Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and mix to desired consistency (thick waffles are usually fluffier). Place in waffle iron and cook as desired. Serve with maple syrup or fruit.
LUNCH
Pasta Chicken Soup
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 cups chicken
2 quarts organic chicken broth or stock
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups Mrs. Leepers animal shaped rice noodles (or other rice noodle)
Sauté veggies in oil until tender--10 minutes. Add spices and stir then pour broth and chicken over veggies, boil, turn on low and simmer for 50 minutes. Add noodles in for the last ten minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!
DINNER
Shredded Chicken Tacos
2 Cups chicken shredded from a rotisserie chicken.
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups of your favorite salsa
3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Cup grated cheddar cheese substitute
2 Cups shredded lettuce (or salad greens)
1/2 Cup diced tomatoes
Doctor Meg's Famous Guacamole
1 soy based sour cream
Corn Tortillas
In a frying pan, heat olive oil. Add chicken and sauté. Add salsa, stir it in then add spices stirring constantly. Turn down to low and simmer until heated through. Remember the chicken is already cooked and really only needs to be heated. Heat tortillas. Scoop meat on to them. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, salsa and soy sour cream. These are incredibly delicious.
DESSERT
Peanut (or Almond) Clusters
1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or almonds
1 tablespoon shaved paraffin wax*
Wax paper
Gently melt chocolate chips with paraffin wax shavings in it - preferably using a double boiler. If you do not have one, use a stainless steel mixing bowl on top of a sauce pan with gently boiling water in it. The trick is to just melt the chocolate and not get it too runny. Add nuts and stir. Drop peanut clusters on a wax paper covered cookie sheet using a spoon. Place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or until set.
These are best with salted redskin peanuts. The sweet & salt combination is one of my favorites. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper before the nuts for some spice. This makes a great gift when placed in a candy tin or box. Use muffin papers to stack them artfully. Home made candies infused with love are always a big treat!
For assistance in easily and painlessly eliminating gluten and dairy from your diet, my new cookbook Done With Dairy, Giving Up Gluten: 14 Days to a Delicious and Healthy You offers 14 days of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, a grocery list, grocery tips, and valuable information for going gluten and dairy-free. I've made it simple for you to make this change so you don't have to spend hours and days trying to figure out what to eat.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you use it unedited and in its entirety, including the following author information: Dairy and Gluten-Free Chef and Lifestyle Coach, Doctor Meg Haworth, Ph.D., created Delicious And Healthy to support those suffering from food allergy or intolerance. Sign up to receive her FREE biweekly newsletter, Delicious And Healthy Living, and FREE Special Reports, Glutton for Gluten and Drowning in Dairy, at www.DeliciousAndHealthy.com. You can also access her online cooking videos and check out her cookbook and allergy elimination guide, Done With Dairy -- Giving up Gluten: 14 Days to a Delicious And Healthy You.
