By: Sheri Miller
*Note from the author: This is a summary of what I spoke about during my Diet & Autism presentation. It’s written more in a conversational tone, as I was using it as a reference for myself while I spoke.  Hopefully it may be helpful to someone!
** this article is reprinted with permission by the author

We know that diet can certainly impact many health conditions such as diabetes, Celiac disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.   And it CAN affect autism and related disorders as well.

You may ask: How? Why?
Can what we eat and drink really affect the neurological system – the brain and its functioning?  Yes.  For example, individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders can have certain foods that may trigger seizures.  What about alcohol? It certainly affects the brain which in turn affects motor control, speech, cognition, social interaction, etc. (more…)

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Remember Charlie’s progress report a few weeks ago?  Well, the official report card came home today:

All A’s.  You heard me.  ALL A’s!

Along with the report card, the school sent home a bumper sticker, “My Child is an Honor Student at — Elementary,” (which Charlie immediately tried to stick on his Grandfather’s car), as well as a “Principal’s Honor Roll” ribbon.

After years of struggling to just BE in a classroom, to just be able to get through the entire day sitting in the class, this is a HUGE accomplishment.

“Huge” doesn’t even do it justice.

Way to go Charlie! 

Insert frantically screaming people here… Now, brace yourselves… We’re going sugar-free as of November 1st. Yeast are back. Time to get serious. Just discovered a new product (thank you Dr. D!!): Lakanto

More to come.

Waffles… as many of my friends and family know, I have been attempting to perfect my GFCFSFEF waffle recipe for almost 3 years.  I think today I may have finally done it… or I’m darn close.  I took a small bite of one and I was blown away by the flavor!  Better than a “regular” waffle!  And that was with NO SYRUP!  I was able to make them crispy on the outside and cake-like on the inside… the perfect combination, in my opinion. (more…)

“A Day at a Time” Parent’s Journal Series  $14.99
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE DETAIL (INCLUDING SAMPLE PAGES) AND TO ORDER ONE OF THESE COOL JOURNALS!

From SunflowerBee.com:
Sunflower Bee’s first ever fill-in-the-blank journal tailored specifically for parents of children with autism. This convenient journal allows parents to keep track of medications and supplements, treatment program schedules, activities, appointments, and contacts. (more…)

This is one of Charlie’s, and my, favorite songs.  Whenever the part about dreaming of cherry pies, candy bars, and chocolate chip cookies comes on, he laughs.  Then he sings, “I used to microwave, now I just eat nuts and berries…” and rolls on the floor with laughter.  Enjoy!

My mother posted this comment on one of my blog entries and I thought it deserved to be published where everyone could see it.  In the comment she speaks to Angie (mother of Ethan & Alex, and Megan), Petra, and to all of you.  Enjoy:

TO ANGIE…We must all DARE TO BELIEVE! We must stand as one and Fight the Fight…for the children. You can BELIEVE IT when I say, we will all have you and your boys in our thoughts and prayers, as you embark on this new leg of your family’s JOURNEY OUT of AUTISM. You can BELIEVE IT when I say, we care about you and stand tall with you. You can BELIEVE IT when I say, you are not alone. You are a WARRIOR MOM. BELIEVE. HOPE. NEVER GIVE UP. FIGHT ‘TIL THE DEATH. THERE IS NO FORCE STRONGER THAN A MOTHER’S LOVE!

TO PETRA: (more…)

I was invited by Kim Stagliano to write a piece for Age of Autism regarding the comments Charlie has made about what autism is like for him.  Initially I was thrilled… I mean, who wouldn’t want to be published on Age of Autism!?!?  It’s like finding the freaking golden ticket!

But, as I began working on the piece, I found I continually came up with other tasks to complete.  I was confused.  This was (is!) a big deal for me.  Age of Autism is… well… I’ll just tell you what I told Kim:  Age of Autism has been my companion through some very dark times.  It has been a beacon of light in an otherwise very dark tunnel.  I have met some very cool people on AoA, I’ve learned some lessons, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve yelled in anger.  So how could it be that I was given the honor of being published on my favorite site; but, trimming my toenails seemed to be more important?  Sickness.  That is what it was. (more…)

Last month I experimented with Zucchini Chocolate Chip-Chunk Cookies; today I decided to try carrot.  Instead of using the same recipe, Charlie and I found a cookie recipe by Tyler Florence (one of Charlie’s favorite chefs).  The recipe, My Big Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies was easily morphed into a recipe compatible with Charlie’s current dietary restrictions.  Charlie and I are very happy with the results! (more…)