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Getting Back on the (GFCF) Wagon
Over the last few months, I have gradually become more and more lenient about my son's dietary restrictions. An artificially flavored drink or package of fruit snacks here, a few dairy-laden Hershey Kisses there, and a double whammy of M&Ms thrown in for good measure.
I didn't really think I was seeing any negative reactions and felt like we were doing okay, but, looking back, I realize that there have been a few symptoms creeping in that had pretty much disappeared after we started the diet with him over three years ago.
Then this week came.
Following several meltdowns in the morning with me, the reports came home on Monday telling of the most difficult day so far at both school and the after-school program. Tuesday was even worse (despite the fact that there was no school, so he had lots of time at home before the van came for his other program). By Wednesday, he was starting to follow his routine and respond to the structure and supports that are in place again.
While there are likely many factors playing into the extremes we have all been seeing, especially earlier this week, I am fairly certain by this point that diet must have some role in it. It also seems that he may have had access to BBQ Fritos which, in addition to artificial flavors and MSG, they actually contain gluten. Either way, we are getting back on the wagon.
I have explained to Michael that he will need to eat the snacks we send in from now on, unless I have told his teacher it's okay to have a specific food. I have informed both the school and the after-school program that the dietary restrictions written into his plans must be followed, and I am stocking up on replacements for his favorite treats.
Wish us luck!
Photo courtesy of Playingwithbrushes
Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.
Filed under Day In And Day Out, Food, Trish by
Comments on Getting Back on the (GFCF) Wagon »
Shara @ 9:40 am
It is so hard to stay on the GFCF diet. When gas prices weren't astronomical, I was driving an hour a week (one way) to Whole Foods to pick up GF foods for my autistic son. I haven't been to WF in a while, and there are some smaller health food stores near-by. I wish we had more GF foods available in our area.
Another Piece of the Puzzle » Fun Stuff On Friday @ 10:27 am
[...] And today at 5 Minutes for Special Needs, I am talking about Getting Back on the (GFCF) Wagon. [...]
Becky @ 11:44 am
That has got to be one of the toughest things. I really hate that we cannot have regular access to more foods without Gluten and casin. I think it would do a world of good for all of us not only the kids. I hope all is getting better. You rock Trish!! The great mom you are!
Melody @ 3:22 pm
I am in the process of getting my boys on GFCF diet. I'm a bit overwhelmed at the process, but have a wonderful book/cookbook (and Melinda) guiding me.
I'll be posting about the book soon on 5M4SN.
Trish, best wishes on getting back on the wagon.
Julie @ A Celebration Of Our Journey @ 3:53 pm
Best of luck to you!
I have to admit that we haven't the GFCF diet…but I've finally learned that my son NEEDS a picture schedule even when it doesn't seem like he needs it. When we stop using it he loses focus, seems to lose ability to focus and express himself, is much more rigid and will not follow adult directed activities. Wow! He'll go from having mild Autism to severe. We all need to do what works and stay on the wagon…whichever wagon that is!!
I'm wishing you the best of luck!
Julie
Ecki @ 6:35 pm
I've found I've had to buy in bulk for Kayla's preferred GFCF foods. Amazon.com used to carry a bunch of stuff, but now I can't seem to get the Tinkyada pasta there by the case anymore, so I get it from glutenfree.com, but they charge shipping. Still, it's cheaper than our overpriced health food store or driving 45 minutes to the large supermarket.
Kayla's school has been very good about her dietary restrictions. I make sure to send in her snacks daily and I send her GFCF muffins or brownies if they are having a class party so she doesn't feel left out while the other kids are having cupcakes. (not that she would notice or care what the other kids were eating)
Honestly, though we aren't doing GFCF for the behavioral/cognitive issues of autism. We were on a year and then off for six months, and there wasn't really much change in that department. The change we saw were in her poops, so that's why we are going back to GFCF (and limited soy, too, it's too hard to do GFCF AND no soy)
Trish @ 9:19 pm
Thanks for all the encouragement! I really feel like we are headed in the right direction; it just gets a bit difficult at times.
Mallory @ 2:56 pm
My name is Mallory West and I am a nutrition specialist at Nutricia North America and specialize in nutrition's role in ASDs. I just wanted to spread the word about a free educational webinar on GFCF diets given by Judy Converse (MPH, RD and LD). It takes place next Wednesday. If you are interested, follow this link to reserve your place: https://shsna.webex.com/ec0600l/eventcenter/enroll/register.do?siteurl=shsna&formId=0&formType=0&loadFlag=1&confId=278096700.
Best,
Mallory
Jen P @ 9:48 pm
It is crazy at the difference diet makes. Good poop is the first reason we stay casein free. No constipation make their fuses a little longer before they melt down. Gluten puts The Younger's hyperactivity into a tailspin and The Elder seems to lose his ability to use his words thus MY fuse gets shorter! I do believe gfcf is one of THE best decisions we have made for our family. May not work for all but to us it was a God send. We also buy a lot online. Amazon will even autoship your faves. we run out panada puffs too often. AND Kroger (if u hv one of those) have really beefed up their gluten free selection. We get rice sticks from the local asian food market for 99¢ to use for spaghetti and noodle soup. I personally think it tastes much better than the $3 alternatives. And don't forget your good ole fruits and veggies. The green ones don't go over well in our house though I think every child might have that aversion.
I just wish there were better cheese alternative. I do miss my cheese….sigh….
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