Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Action: It's Okay to Have Mixed Feelings

Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Action...Can they coexist? I believe so!

In Episode 14, I'm covering the diagnostic criteria and rising rates of autism spectrum disorders, as well as the changes in formal diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5.

I'll be exploring various subtypes of autism, and the "communities" within the overall larger community of autism spectrum disorders (specifically the biomedical community, the neurodiversity community, and the traditional behaviorist community).

We'll talk about the difference between person-first language and identity-first language, and how the language we're using within the autism community really does matter... but it might matter differently to different communities within the larger autism community.

I share my own mixed feelings about Autism Awareness Month / day, and offer validation that it's okay for you to have mixed feelings too, if you do.

While there may be differences among the autism communities, I think everyone within the autism community really wants the same thing: For individuals with autism or autistic people, whichever that individual’s preference, to be able to live their best lives and be fully respected and loved.

Let's raise awareness. Let's teach love and acceptance of individuals where they are - always! But let's not forget: There's action to be taken for their individual health needs, and to move this conversation forward as a collective whole.

Push play below and listen in to Episode 14 to learn more!

Mentioned in the show:

BLOG: “Exploring Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions”

Episode 5: “Exploring Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions”

TACA Autism Statistics

Five Nutrients for a Healthy Brain & Which Foods to Find Them in

As the title shares, Episode 12 covers 5 nutrients for a healthy brain, not just for development and but also for general brain health! I share which foods to find these nutrients in and a variety of ways to incorporate these whole foods into your child's diet. I’m sharing insights and creative ways to improve your child's willingness to tolerate and try these new or even non-preferred foods. Hope you enjoy it!

Mentioned in the show: 

Michelle Hoover from Unboundwellness.com - GFCF (AIP) Recipes - Salmon Cakes

Tony Mitra's work regarding organic chickpeas in North America containing glyphosate

Traumatic Brain Injuries, Leaky Brain-Leaky Gut, and Picky Eating...What's the Connection?

You may have heard of "leaky gut - leaky brain" but have you heard it the other way around? "Leaky brain- Leaky gut"?

In this episode, we're covering "leaky brain - leaky gut", primary and secondary brain injuries, a brief overview of the nervous system and the gut-brain connection, as well as the biochemical and neurobiological ways that complex picky eating can develop following a traumatic brain injury or even after a concussion that doesn't seem too significant or traumatic in nature.

We'll explore some beginning nutrition and lifestyle tips and strategies you may want to consider, regardless of how long it's been since the traumatic brain injury took place (although, the sooner the better of course). We'll cover how and why individuals with TBIs develop food and environmental sensitivities and what you can do to help support them, especially when it comes to complex picky eating.

If you're brand new to these topics of "gut health" and the gut brain connection, please visit Episode 6 titled, "How "Gut Health" Impacts Your Child's Health and Development" and then come back to this one. Episodes 6-10 are absolutely relevant to listen into if this resonates with you!

Do you know someone who could benefit from this information?

Please help spread this information to those who need it most by sharing this episode with them. Thank you so much for helping Speaking of Health & Wellness support more families and providers!

Enjoy the episode!

Could Your Child’s Physical and Behavioral Symptoms Be Caused By the Food They’re Eating?

Could your child’s physical and behavioral symptoms be caused by the food they’re eating? There are a number of ways that foods can impact children's health, physically and bio-behaviorally.

If your child struggles with complex picky eating, this one is for you!

If your child has developmental delays or a known neurodevelopmental condition, like autism spectrum disorders, ADHDs, speech-language disorders, sensory processing disorders, etc. then this one is for you!

If your child is struggling with a host of chronic health issue symptoms, this one is for you!

Did you know that over half of American children and millennials today have a diagnosable chronic health issue? Food and environmental reactions are very much involved here...

In this episode, I'm sharing an overview of the difference between food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerances. We'll cover the most common food allergies and sensitivities, as well as what physical and behavioral symptoms are seen in children with food reactions.

I share what to do if you think your child is experiencing negative reactions to their foods, starting with "cleaning up the diet overall", then navigating food sensitivity testing, and guidance around food elimination/reintroduction diets for food reactions.

Enjoy the episode! I hope that it's insightful and supportive for where you are on your journey!

Mentioned in the show:

Dr. Doris Rapp on The Phil Donahue Show (1989)

Gluten Free, Casein Free Diets (GFCF) For Kids with Complex Picky Eating and/or Developmental Conditions - Answering FAQs

Episode 9 builds onto the information shared in previous episodes re: complex picky eating and neurodevelopmental delays and disorders being whole body conditions, as well as holistic nutrition, gut health, gluten free/casein free (GFCF) Diets... If you're new to the podcast and these topics, please go to earlier episodes in this Season 1.

I'm answering frequently asked questions that parents of these children often ask me when they're considering or starting the GFCF diet trial...

How do you know if they're getting or not getting the nutrients that they need? Can GFCF diets create deficiencies?

We specifically explore zinc and calcium and related factors to think about with these nutrients when implementing a GFCF diet.

Is the GFCF diet a lifelong change or temporary? How long until you see results? What would those results and improvements look like?

And lastly, I offer some guidelines and general habits for families to consider embracing during their transition to a GFCF diet with the child(ren) and/or family.

I'm answering all these questions and more. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to check out the resources linked below that I mention in the show!

Mentioned in the show:

My Accompanying Blog: "GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?"

Organic Olivia Herbal Supplements Line - For Kids & Adults - I use these products personally and with clients for support!

Is the Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF) "All or Nothing?" What Happens if They Eat a Little Bit?

Episode 8 builds onto the information shared in previous episodes re: complex picky eating and neurodevelopmental delays and disorders being whole body conditions, as well as holistic nutrition, gut health, gluten free/casein free (GFCF) diets...If you're new to the podcast and these topics, please go to earlier episodes in this Season 1.

I'm answering frequently asked questions that parents often ask me when they're considering or starting the GFCF diet trial...

Is it "all or nothing?" What happens if they eat a little?

How long will it take to see results? What results could you expect to see?

Why do some people still say there's not enough evidence to support the GFCF Diet for these demographics of children and individuals?

What guidelines should be implemented to see the maximum benefit and potential of this transition, especially for families of children with complex picky eating?

I'm answering all these questions and more. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Mentioned in the show:

My Accompanying Blog: "GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?"

Organic Olivia Herbal Supplements Line - For Kids & Adults - I use these products personally and with clients for support!

GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection? [Podcast]

We're covering the basics like what gluten and casein are exactly, the gluten free / casein free (GFCF) diet and exploring some of the research around it, as well as some thoughts you may want to consider before taking on a special diet for your child.

I'm covering 5 connections to consider when thinking about GFCF diets for children with complex picky eating, developmental delays, autism, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Mentioned in the show:

My accompanying blog: GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?

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Are you ready to learn how to help your child overcome complex picky eating and bring more ease and joy to mealtimes?

Enroll today in Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, a self-paced online course + guide for parents and caregivers of children with complex picky eating, with and without developmental conditions…

How "Gut Health" Impacts Your Child's Health and Development

"Gut Health", "The Gut-Brain Connection", "Gut-Brain Axis", etc. has been gaining more attention in the last decade, and understandably so! It's so important to our overall health and wellness, as well as children's development!

In this episode, I discuss some introductory terms that you'll hear when starting to learn more about gut health (microbiome, dysbiosis, leaky gut / intestinal hyper-permeability, etc.).

I share the signs, symptoms, and conditions that you may see when your child's gut health is in need of attention, as well as how gut health may be impacting children with complex picky eating, developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions [Podcast]

The title says it all! In this episode we're exploring autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders (like ADHD, childhood apraxia of speech, global developmental delays, etc.) as whole body conditions.

We're taking a closer look at the overlapping co-morbidities and the underlying root causes and symptoms these children and individuals share. I discuss the rise of these childhood disorders in tandem to the rise of chronic illness across the board in children and adults over the last few decades, and we talk about what beginning steps families can take towards living a more holistic and low tox lifestyle to support their child's health, wellness, and development.

Mentioned in the show: 

My Accompanying Blog: Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions

My favorite low-tox cleaner for my home: Branch Basics (discount code included!)

Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions [Blog]

[Click here to listen to my accompanying podcast, “Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions”]

I will continue to build on this topic but for now (before I get too ahead of myself), let’s get into some foundational information about autism spectrum disorders & other neurodevelopmental disorders as whole body conditions.

I hope that this blog will be a good starting point to help evolve your perception of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in general.

ASDs are referred to as “spectrum” disorders to reflect the vast varieties of skills and symptoms of each individual, while also sharing similarities. Most autism researchers agree that we are beginning to be able to recognize different subtype groups of individuals on the spectrum, based on causes, treatments, and related commonalities.

There’s a quote in the world of autism, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism” by Dr. Stephen Shore. Meaning, don’t think that you know what “autism looks like” because you’ve met one or a few children or individuals on the spectrum. I have personally worked with children on the spectrum for a decade and fully agree with this quote in a number of ways.

Since you’re here, you probably already know the common symptoms and signs of ASDs but just in case you don’t, let’s review them briefly.

According to the DSM-5 [1], the diagnostic criteria for ASDs are based upon symptoms/traits that include:

• “Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts”

• “Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.”

• “Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.”

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For perspective, in the 70s / early 80s, it was said to be at 1 in 10,000 children. According to CDC data, autism spectrum disorders now impact 1 in 36 children [2]...or 1 in 59 [3] depending on which CDC data you chose... That’s a separate blog for a later time.

The point is that we’re at epidemic rates. Rates that are unsustainable for families, our nation, and the world if we are to truly help support these children/individuals and their families obtain the resources and supports they need access to!

Some argue that the rise in diagnosis can be attributed to better diagnosis, earlier diagnosis, and changes in diagnostic criteria. I find this implication oversimplified and relatively dismissive. As a pediatric SLP, I’ll be the first to admit I have witnessed some over diagnosis but the reality is that a change in or increased identification of ASDs cannot account for even half of the increased rates we’ve seen over time. Not only across our country but also around the world.

Per Hertz-Picciotto in a 2009 study published in Epidemiology, earlier diagnosis and changes in diagnostic criteria only accounted for ~1/3 of the increase in total rates of ASD [4].

When I am faced with the “it’s better diagnosis” response, I like to bring the conversation to the bigger picture. The rates of chronic illness in children and adults have increased significantly in the last 2-3 decades. Over half, (~54%) of both children [5] and millenials [6] have a diagnosed chronic health condition. With this information we can reflectively say that society at large is experiencing a health crisis.

ASDs are just one type of neurodevelopmental disorder. In NDDs, the brain and nervous system are impacted during critical development periods and they’re often diagnosed before the child enters preschool. Currently, 1 in 6 American children have a diagnosed NDD [7]. These are neurological conditions where the biology of the body has direct influence of the brain (a bi-directional relationship), mood, and overall health and functioning.

Other examples of neurodevelopmental disorders on the rise in addition to ASDs (and sometimes overlapping with) include but are not limited to [8];

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders -  1 in 10 U.S. children diagnosed [9]

• Communication Disorders

  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Speech Sound Disorders, Language Disorders, Childhood-onset Fluency Disorders, and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorders

• Global Developmental Delay

• Intellectual Developmental Disorders

• Specific Learning Disorders

• and more...

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For so long, the mainstream thought was that ASDs and NDDs were brain-based psychological disorders, primarily caused by genetics.

While many still believe this outdated ideology, emerging literature continues to demonstrate ASDs and NDDs are biochemically influenced, all the way down to the molecular levels. [10] It is not a coincidence that the rates of ASDs have correlated with the rise of other neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic diagnoses, as many on the spectrum have underlying co-occuring NDDs and/or chronic health conditions. [11] That’s what I want the key points/“take away” from this blog to be! From my work in general. These are whole body conditions! When we address their underlying health challenges, many children experience improvements in their health and development.

Let’s pause here and spend a moment to think about this.

If a person is impacted at the molecular level, they’re impacted on the cellular level. [12] What are your tissues and organs made of? Cells! When cells are impaired, organs become impaired, systems become impaired. Whole body systems are becoming impaired!

These are whole body conditions that deserve attention accordingly! It is no longer a secret or surprise that children and individuals with ASDs have generally poorer health compared to their neurotypically matched peers. [13]

Below are some of the co-occurring conditions found to be overlapping in children and individuals with autism/ASDs:

ADHDs

Communication Disorders

Feeding Disorders

Sleep Disorders

Epilepsy / Seizures 

Asthma and Respiratory 

Eczema

Chronic Ear Infections

Anxiety Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

PANS/PANDAS Conditions

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Autoimmune Conditions

Food Allergies and Intolerances [14]

Chemical Intolerances [14]

The rates of these comorbidities is certainly further evidence elucidating these conditions as whole body conditions.

Overlapping underlying commonalities these comorbid conditions above share: 

Genetic Predispositions

Sensitivity to Environmental Stressors

Impaired Detoxification

Oxidative Stress

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Poor Digestion

Dysbiosis of the Gut

Intestinal Hyper-Permeability (“leaky gut”)

Systemic Inflammation 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Immune Dysfunction

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What has changed?

Why are we experiencing this global explosion of childhood epidemics?

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In the words of Richard Louv, “The health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable.'' Genetics alone cannot account for the dramatic increase of chronic health epidemics across the board for children and adults. There’s no way to candy coat this, we live in an increasingly toxic world. When you’re walking through the store, most of us assume if something is on the store shelf “it’s safe”. WRONG. We live in a country that doesn’t exercise the precautionary principle [15], which implies that if there are any risks to public health or the environment it’s best to avoid and not release that product or ingredient. Instead, the U.S. has allowed thousands upon thousands of inadequately tested chemicals into our country and world.

Over the past few decades, we have over 80,000 man-made chemicals on the market today that have not been adequately tested for human and environmental safety.

I’m not trying to scare you but consider that plus the essentially infinite possibilities that these chemicals could have on each of our own unique bioindividuality! Now think about the fact that we don’t know how all of these substances interact with our biology and/or the synergistic interactions of each other! That’s only considering man-made chemicals.

That’s not accounting for our lifestyle factors, as well as the agricultural, medical, and birthing practices that have significantly changed over the course of the last 100 years. We are being impacted epigenetically - our environment, food, and lifestyle decisions impact our gene expressions and overall health. These epigenetic impacts are observed as the symptoms and conditions we see rising.

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What can we do for our families and the world?

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Start with what you CAN control!

Traditional therapies are important but addressing a child’s underlying health status is a key step!

We can help these children and individuals and simultaneously vote for a cleaner planet for our future generations.

Aim for small and sustainable changes that have great impacts on lowering your family’s “total load” (a.k.a body burden, allostatic load, toxic load, etc.) over time. Be mindful and intentional with your spending habits. This can improve the entire family’s health and the world around us. That’s a loaded statement - I recognize that and promise I’ll continue to elaborate across my media. I think it’s empowering to see each purchase as a vote you’re casting. For example: when I buy organic produce, I'm voting for organic farming practices and I’m consuming less agricultural chemicals. When we choose organic and/or pasture raised animal products, we are voting for better animal welfare and we’re also getting better nutrient intake from healthier animals!

While it may be more expensive in the store, studies have shown organic produce [16] and healthier animals have increased nutrient qualities! No poorly tested toxicant chemicals, lower agricultural product residues, better nutrient density, and you can choose to see these purchases as preventative healthcare! Another example, you could choose to buy unscented hygiene and household products (without “fragrance” or “perfume”) and/or make your own cleaning products from frugal options like baking soda, white vinegar, salt, and lemons.

You see where I’m going with this? It’s about our daily routines and decisions about what goes into and onto our bodies. When it comes to overhauling your child and families diet, nutrition, and lifestyle - have grace with yourself. It is a process. A marathon, not a sprint! Start with what feels manageable and where the most impact will be. For example, if your child is struggling with hyperactivity - you may consider looking at removing artificial flavors, dyes/colors, preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc. then slowly overtime move towards buying only certified organic processed foods, and so forth.

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So many parents from around the world are seeing incredible progress and improvements in their children and family’s health conditions by changing their nutrition and lifestyle habits. I have seen nutrition and lifestyle create miraculous changes in children that therapies alone cannot account for.

Think on it...Do you function at your best when you’re unwell? No! We all function optimally as our healthiest selves!

When we work to address their underlying biology and health, many children with NDDs and Special Needs can experience rapid progress that then supports the therapy and educational strategies they’re working on. While I personally know children who have lost their diagnosis, nutrition and lifestyle interventions are not a miracle “cure all” but they are certainly a foundational concept that we need to collectively take into account for each of these children and individuals as we move forward.

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Changing your family’s diet and lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially if you’re parenting a selective “picky” eater!

Remember, you don’t have to change everything overnight and you don’t have to do it alone!

Start small and go at your own pace! We’re building a community of like minded people across my social media pages of families who have already seen remarkable changes in their children through diet and lifestyle changes, and are sharing their experiences.

Have a look around the site, social media, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more 1:1 support! I’m here for you and would be honored to support you through your child and family’s health journey!

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Grab Your Free Guide:

The Dos and Don’ts for Parents of Complex Picky Eaters

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1. DSM-5 Criteria. Retrieved from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/dsm-5-criteria

2. Zablotsky, B., Black, L., (2017). Estimated Prevalence of Children With Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United States, 2014–2016. U.S. Department of Human Health Services. Centers for Disease Control. NCHS Data Brief, National Health Interview Survey, 2014–2016. (No. 291). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db291.pdf

3. Baio, J., Wiggins, L., Christensen DL, et al.(2018). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2014. MMWR Surveill Summ; 67(No. SS-6):1–23. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss6706a1external icon

4. Hertz-Picciotto, I., & Delwiche, L., et al.(2009). The rise in autism and the role of age at diagnosis. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.), 20(1), 84–90. DOI:10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181902d15

5. Bethell, C., Kogan, M., et al. (2011). A National and State Profile of Leading Health Problems and Health Care Quality for US Children: Key Insurance Disparities and Across-State Variations. Academic Pediatrics. 11(3), S22-S33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2010.08.011

6. Blue Cross Blue Shield Report (2019, April) The Health of Millenials. Retrieved from: https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/the-health-of-millennials

7. Boyle, C., Boulet, S., et al. (2011). Trends in the Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities in US Children, 1997–2008. Pediatrics. 127(6).1034-1042; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-2989

8. Harris, C. (2014). New classification for neurodevelopmental disorders in DSM-5. Current Opinion in Psychiatry: 27(2), 95-9; DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000042

9. Nisser, S., Zablotsky, B., (2015). Diagnostic Experiences of Children With

   Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. U.S. Department of Human Health Services. Centers for Disease Control. National Health Statistics Reports. (81). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr081.pdf

10. Randolph-Gips, M., & Srinivasan, P. (2012). Modeling autism: a systems biology approach. Journal of clinical bioinformatics, 2(1), 17. DOI:10.1186/2043-9113-2-17

11. Croen, L. A., Zerbo, O., Qian, Y., Massolo, M. L., Rich, S., Sidney, S., & Kripke, C. (2015). The health status of adults on the autism spectrum. Autism, 19(7), 814–823. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361315577517

12. Rose, S., Niyazov, D.M., Rossignol, D.A. et al.(2018) Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy. 22(5), 571-593.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40291-018-0352-x

13. Muskens, J. B., Velders, F. P., & Staal, W. G. (2017). Medical comorbidities in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders: a systematic review. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 26(9), 1093–1103. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1020-0

14. Heilbrun, L., Palmer, R. et al (2015) Maternal Chemical and Drug Intolerances: Potential Risk Factors for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 28 (4) 461-470; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2015.04.140192

15. Martuzzi, M., Tickner, J., et al. (2003) The precautionary principle: protecting public health, the environment and the future of our children. International Journal of Epidemiology 32: 489-492. Retrieved from: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/91173/E83079.pdf

16. Benbrook, C.,  et al: (2008) New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods. The Organic Center. State of Science Review: Nutritional Superiority of Organic Foods. Retrieved from: http://www.organiccenter.org/reportfiles/5367_Nutrient_Content_SSR_FINAL_V2.pdf

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