Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn, and Thrive

By Judy Converse

Book Overview

Good news for parents of special- needs kids- a proven approach to everyday meals that fosters learning and development. Any parent of a child with autism, Asperger?s, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or other developmental disabilities knows that special-needs kids often have food sensitivities and can be very fussy eaters. Plus, they?ve been told to avoid such common ingredients as gluten and casein, making it even harder to give them the balanced, healthy meals all children need. Now, Judy Converse, a registered, licensed dietitian, offers new advice and guidance on how to use food as an essential tool for development. Based on the latest research, Special-Needs Kids Eat Right includes- ? Simple substitutions that can be easily customized to suit any child?s needs ? Advice for helping the whole family?along with school staff and caregivers?adjust and take part ? Strategies and tips for staying on track at restaurants, holiday gatherings, school parties and lunches, and overcoming obstacles ? Shopping and resource guides ? A long-term program for measuring progress and making adjustments

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399534881
• ISBN13: 9780399534881
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

simple & easy to read... yet covers quite a bit

this was a wonderful book that covers everything from supplements to recipes. Even has lab testing one might consider, how to implement certain diets(GF/CF, SCD), a list of preferred forms of supplements, she explains why and how- so one can understand all this...I can go on and go- but you should just get the book! It is well organized and easy to find information. My toddler has verbal apraxia, food sensitivities and SPD- I highly recommend this book!!

A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Health Professionals

Judy Converse has taken on the overwhelming task of collecting, reviewing and presenting current research and practical information to assist children on the Autism spectrum. She does an excellent job of explaing complex and controversial issues for parents and health professionals to understand, providing specific guidlines and plans of action. Topic essentials include: How to engage your provider, making sense of lab tests, special diets, supplements, cooking tips and additonal resources. As a parent of an ADD/LD child and a consulting dietitian, I found this book invaluable.

A must read for any parent with a special child!

This book is an absolute "must read" for any parent struggling with how to find the proper nutritional balance for their special child. This book helps parents navigate the crazy maze of testing, special diets, and supplements in a very clear, concise way. I hope every pediatrition working with a special child will read this book and realize how important it is that we all be working as a team!

Brilliant help for sensitive kids, too!

This book deserves every bit of its 5 star rating. Converse delivers an empowered, science supported, read for parents and professionals alike. She possesses the rare ability to translate a mind-boggling amount of data into something useful for the lay person without watering down the facts and science. The practical strategies on helping parents decide which tests, when and with who are terrific, as are the suggestions for what you can do at home. This is an exceptional contribution to helping families of children on the autism spectrum, but also strikingly useful for kids coping with sensory and mental health issues. As a psychotherapist working with children and adults with sensitive bodies and temperaments, I found a wealth of info. here that addresses key concerns that often go overlooked, such as the connection between GI health and sensory issues. Truly, a beautiful, timely and courageous book that takes the pediatric nutrition conversation to a whole new level in supporting today's kids.

A Must Read for parents of ADHD or ADD kids!

I have read lots of books about diet/nutrition for ADHD/ADD - this one is by far the best. It is full of solutions that are backed with research. The author offers a step-by-step approach to assist you with building a nutritional plan for your child. What really helped was the "if your child is like this, than try this or don't do this" As a mom of 2 special-needs boys and the director of Women for Family Nutrition - this book has been a great resource... I refer to it so often that it has a place on my desk - not my bookshelf!