Rosemary Kessick

Parents have been reporting a connection between autism and diet for decades, but for many years the science behind the connection was evasive. Today, we see a growing body of research to back up parental-reported evidence that certain foods and other environmental sources can affect the developing brains of some children, and trigger adverse behavioural episodes. Written by an autism expert who has witnessed in her own child the dramatic improvement that can be made through dietary intervention, this book offers an 'easily digestible' guide to the science behind the considerations; strategies for implementing a safe diet; a handy list of ingredients to be avoided; as well as a concise bank of essential resources and useful contacts. This book offers an accessibly concise guide to all aspects of dietary invention in children with autism, and is an ideal resource for parents, teachers and any other family member or caregiver who needs to know how to help implement a safe and healthy diet for an autistic child.

Children on the autistic spectrum frequently suffer from gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal distension and flatulence. Far from being 'just part of the condition', worldwide research is confirming parents' reports that many of these children are actually suffering from serious underlying conditions which, if left untreated, are a source of constant pain, which in turn can greatly exacerbate autistic behavioural symptoms. Autism and Gastrointestinal Complaints summarises the symptoms often experienced and offers an accessible explanation of the underlying medical condition, together with practical suggestions as to how to help reduce the child's suffering. The findings of the latest research are presented in an understandable way, with a glossary explaining some of the terms often used by medics in plain language. This book offers a concise guide to all aspects of gastrointestinal complaints in children with autism, and is an ideal resource for parents, teachers and any other family member or caregiver who needs to know how to help an autistic child.

This title contains over 400 gluten and dairy-free recipes, designed for people whose diets are restricted due to food intolerances, including people on the autism spectrum, those with gluten and lactose intolerances and coelics. There is also advice on travelling with a food-allergic child.

People with autism often are intolerant of gluten (a protein in four types of cereal) and casein (a protein found in animal milk). There are many testaments to the benefits for such people of a diet that excludes gluten, casein, monosodium glutamate and aspartame, and these persuaded Marilyn Le Breton to put her autistic son Jack on the diet. This is the book that Marilyn wishes had been available to her when she first did so. In it she explains what the diet is all about and how it works, what foods can form part of the diet and what should be excluded. She addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions, such as 'Is the diet too difficult and time-consuming? How strictly do I need to adhere to it? Is the diet expensive to implement?' and gives practical advice on basic equipment and ingredients, what to expect when your child starts the diet, how to adapt family meals and how to minimise cross-contamination in the kitchen. The book includes a wide selection of recipes, an extensive list of addresses and websites of suppliers of foodstuffs in the UK, and suggestions for finding out more information. It is the first book of its kind to be written specifically for those living in the UK. Marilyn's own experience and sensible approach ensure that this book will be invaluable for any parent of a child with autism, or any adult considering embarking on the diet.