Special Diets

[jen_batten]

I'm interested to see how many special needs LOs are on special/restrictive diets, and how it has affected them. Care to share?

DD1 and DD2 are both on GF diets. It cleared up stomach cramps, constant diarehha, and in DD1's case, improved her immune system. Only DD2 is special needs, but her diet is not related to her SNs.

[NewbieSAHM]

DS is already on a restrictive diet due to severe food allergies. I've considered removing gluten but there's already so little he can eat that I'm afraid to try.

[eragsdale]

DS1 – ASD
-Neurological intolerance-
Limited Gluten
No artificial dyes/flavors
No strawberries/cuties

When these are avoided there is a decrease in
Sensory
Behavior
Aggression
digestive

-Allergy/Intolerances-
Corn
Soy
Lactose

DS2 – ASD
-Neurological intolerance-
Limited Gluten
No artificial dyes/flavors

When these are avoided there is a decrease in
Sensory
Behavior
digestive

-Allergy/Intolerances-
none

DD – Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)
-Allergy/Intolerances-
There is no room for cross-contamination
Gluten
Lactose
Soy
Casein
Tomatoes

If we don’t avoid these things; hospital/er, epi-pen, joint pain, muscle pain, stomach issues, poo issues, rash, bloating, begin of failure to thrive….

So since we have so many different allergies/intolerance (whether it be neurological or immune) we follow a modified Paleo diet - we allow rice & potatoes & some of the “no-no” oils/fats

[songbird516]

Have you researched GAPS? I've read a lot of good things about it, but I don't know anyone personally who has tried it.

[Suzi]

Gift helped my youngest sons diarrhea/irritable bowel type issues. He can now tolerate some gluten so basically we have a gluten free home, I pack gluten free lunches and we don't stress when we go out somewhere

[eragsdale]

Brands we love:

Applegate Farms
(most products are GF/DF/SF)
Better Batter All-Purpose flour - provides a discount for ASD diagnosis
(Rice flour, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, potato four, xanthan gum (not from corn), pectin (lemon derivative))
Earth’s Balance – red tub & coconut spread
So Delicious – Coconut & Almond Milk (original)

[FrozenBooty]

Oldest Has ASD/Food Allergies
We have avoided lots over the years currently

Milk
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Peanuts
Beef
Cinnamon


Youngest Developing Typical but has FTT and Impulse Issues/Allergies
Milk
Greenbeans

He is 3 and still drinks primarily Elecare to ensure he gets enough nutrition and calories to continue growth.