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Current statistics show that 1 in 91 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism. The rate of diagnosis in boys is 1 in 58. Likewise, children are being diagnosed with ADHD at rapid rates.
Children with autism usually have mild to moderate nutrition issues. These nutritional deficiencies can cause havoc in children’s growing bodies and minds, which can negatively affect growth, sleep, behavior and overall health.
It has been widely accepted for years that nutrition problems cause serious health issues for children and adults. Children with autism and other special needs are no different. Their bodies require good nutrition and absorption for optimal function and growth. Correcting nutrition issues can give a child relief from unnecessary suffering and bring comfort back into the life of the whole family. Practitioners around the country are seeing positive results using specific nutrition interventions in children with autism and other developmental delays.
Due to the complexity and lack of understanding of autism, most nutrition problems go undiagnosed by pediatricians and other health care providers. A thorough nutrition assessment takes time and requires intensive training. Current research shows that the average visit with a pediatrician is less than 7 minutes long. Medical doctors and other health care professionals are not trained to do nutrition assessments. Registered Dietitians are licensed nutrition professionals and are specifically trained to perform assessments, provide a nutrition care plan for each individual and monitor the nutrition therapy.
The Defeat Autism Now!® (DAN!) approach as well as many Defeat Autism Now!® doctors will recommend adjustments to a child’s nutrition before progressing to additional medical treatments. Practitioners have seen better results with biomedical interventions once nutritional deficiencies are corrected and the overall health of the child is more stable.
Common Improvements Found with Nutrition Intervention in Children with Autism and ADHD:
- Behavior and social
- Sleep patterns
- Bowel health
- Growth
- Weight gain
- Fewer infections
- Happier, healthier child and family
Early intervention is key to the healing and recovery of children with autism and other special needs. If you are currently trying a special diet with your child and not seeing results, there may be pieces missing from the puzzle. Before beginning any nutrition adjustments to your child’s diet, it is imperative that a complete nutrition assessment is performed to maximize safety and effectiveness.
As you may have already discovered, it can take eight to twelve months on a waiting list to see a Defeat Autism Now!® doctor. Staci Small, M.A., R.D. is a Registered Dietitian that is trained in the Defeat Autism Now!® approach and is ready to address your child's nutrition needs immediately.
Autism, ADHD, and Special Needs Consultations
Nutrition care is vital to the health and well being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ADHD and other special needs. Meet with a Defeat Autism Now!® (DAN!) trained Dietitian to help. A detailed nutrition assessment will be completed by a Registered Dietitian. Once evaluation is complete, an individualized nutrition care plan will be developed for your child. This may include lab testing, diet changes, intake adjustments and/or supplementation. We will work together to determine the best course(s) of action for you and your family. Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. The client will provide requested preliminary data before the initial session.
Gluten Free/Casein Free (gf/cf) &
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) Consultations
Trying to implement a gluten free/casein free (gf/cf) or specific carbohydrate (SCD) diet can be very challenging. Meet with a Registered Dietitian who understands these challenges first hand. After reviewing your personal history, previous diagnosis as well as your goals, we will determine the best plan for you. Follow-up is usually necessary to monitor diet modifications.
The Wellness Philosophy offers various forms of laboratory testing to provide a more clear picture of your child's symptoms. The following testing is available:
- Food Allergy / Intolerance
- Gluten / Casein Peptides
- Candida (yeast)
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Stool Sampling
- Urinary Organic Acid
- Metabolic Pathways
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs often need supplementation to strengthen their bodies to aid in the healing process. Recommendations will be made during your initial or follow up consultations if supplementation is deemed necessary or beneficial.
Offered Supplement and Enzyme Brands:
- Kirkman®
- Houston Enzymes®
- Pure Encapsulations®
- Klaire Labs®
Initial consultations are $95 per session. Additional fees are required if lab testing and follow up sessions are necessary.
If you’d like to begin working with a trained Defeat Autism Now!® nutrition professional immediately, contact Registered Dietitian, Staci Small M.A., R.D. today at 317.362.6528 or e-mail staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com to schedule an assessment.
* Many Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will reimburse for nutrition services with a Registered Dietitian. The necessary documentation will be provided to all clients to help facilitate this process. Most insurance plans do not cover nutrition counseling, therefore we do not accept insurance. We advise our clients to check with their insurance company regarding coverage. Full payment is expected the day of your office visit.
WP AUTISM & SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES BROCHURE (download pdf)
WP NUTRITION BLOG
© 2009-2011 The Wellness Philosophy Inc. All Rights Reserved. Content and materials found on this web site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute nutrition, diet, or medical advice.
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