Is Your Child an Addict?

Article At A Glance:
• Knowledge about the gut-brain connection is still relatively new to many people.
• Here is Part 2 of the article explaining misconceptions about how food and supplementation can be used (read Part 1 here).

Because the knowledge of using proper nutrition to effectively manage autism is still relatively new, parents often have questions and even doubts about its efficacy. Here are some common myths I've heard about this holistic method:

MYTH: It takes too much time and energy to prepare good food.

A lifestyle shift is not easy, and some parents feel overwhelmed at the process of creating some major dietary changes for their family. I completely understand this feeling; we as caretakers have a lot on our plates! From cleaning to cooking to providing for our families, it can seem daunting to devote time and energy to food preparation when it seems easier to order takeout.

FACT: The payoff is worth it, and better behavior saves you time.

While embracing this new method is challenging, it is worth it, and life actually gets easier. When you aren't dealing with nearly as many meltdowns or misbehavior, you and your child both have more energy and are also more at peace.

MYTH: I've tried “XYZ” in the past, and it didn't help.

Desperate parents have been looking for ways to help their children with autism for years. There's no shortage of strategies to try to implement to find some sort of relief, and it can be a letdown when they don't alleviate the problem.

FACT: This method is different.

Our method truly is unique. It doesn't just deal with nutrition or with routines or with strategies to control behavior. The truth is that nothing in isolation works, so we work to address the root of the problem as well as utilize supplementation and therapy to enable the child to thrive.

MYTH: My child will only eat _________.

I know what it's like to be desperate for your kid to eat anything and to give them the junk food they want. I know what it's like to avoid having them try a different food because you're afraid of the reaction you might get. I know what it's like to have an extremely picky eater and feel like you have to walk on eggshells as far as their diet goes.

FACT: Your child can learn to eat what you serve them.

Even though our children are very resistant to change, they really can learn to eat differently. I discovered that although it was extremely rough at times, my son did not die from going to bed hungry, as he soon learned that his manipulation tricks were no longer effective. Knowing how difficult it is, I encourage you to be persistent and continue to make those healthy changes in your child's diet.

If you're feeling frustration and shame because your child is such a stubborn eater, you're not alone, as this is a very common experience for parents of autistic children. The Netflix documentary “The Magic Pill” explores the challenges that families of children with autism have with picky eaters.

MYTH: It's too expensive to eat healthy.

Macaroni and cheese, pizza, and goldfish can cost a lot less than lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, so some are worried that a dietary change will cost too much.

FACT: You can pay now, or you can pay later.

There are costs associated with food and costs associated with unchecked health problems stemming from autism. Since implementing this method, my son almost never gets sick, so our medical bills have been drastically reduced. Also, purchasing nutritious food is not always as expensive as people think. Stay tuned for more tricks and tips to eat healthy on a budget.

*This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a healthcare professional.

References

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