School is now in full-session and those cool breezes are starting to blow through, sweeping away those hot summer days with the unmistakable gusts of FALL! Yes, its fall, y'all; and that means it’s time for that fall fan-favorite - FOOTBALL! Try these quick and easy gluten-free, casein-free versions of some game day classics and have your family cheering for more than the game this season.

Happy Independence Day to our readers in the United States of America! I am very thankful to be an American and grateful for the freedoms I have enjoyed throughout my life thanks to the sacrifices of all those who fought for our independence (so long ago) and those who have fought to maintain it since that time. I don’t take freedom or independence for granted.
Like so many families raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I frequently wonder what the future will hold for Ethan in terms of independence…and when I stop to ponder, I wonder about the future – not just for Ethan, but other children of Ethan’s generation, especially those affected by ASD.
On this journey, I’ve come to meet so many families working day-and-night just to help their child with ASD gain independence in areas families with typical children may never even give a second thought to…
For all families raising children with ASD, today I’m sending prayers and wishes for the children’s independence this Independence Day specifically concerning:

A few months back, I was on Facebook and read a quip posted by a good friend [yes, still a friend] - “organic foods are a scam…they aren’t getting that extra fifty cents out of me!”. I sighed heavily and shook my head. This is an intelligent man with three beautiful children, and I couldn’t help but wonder why the obvious escapes so many of us. My question to him and to all of you is this: How much is your health worth to you?

A few weeks ago I did part 1 of this blog to bring awareness to parents with special needs children and the importance of getting guidance. So, lets dive in and answer these questions so you can get started tomorrow.
Does the type of testing matter?
Each doctor has a toolbox of testing they do and all are not equal, neither is the interpretation of the results. I will touch on this more next month but in the mean time find someone that treats and sees children with special needs and make sure they have the knowledge in functional medicine (treating the core issues) to treat your child.

Little Peter Cottontail is hopping right up that bunny trail. It is unavoidable, yet another holiday on a GFCF diet. Many of you moms and dads have already stood by your little ducklings at the starting line of a pleasantly chaotic race into a field of plastic-egg-wonderment. And if you haven’t done so yet, this weekend will surely provide some sort of hunting expedition, and inevitably a family Easter Dinner to follow. So how do you do it? How do you ‘holiday’ on a GFCF diet?

It is Autism Awareness month and it makes me think most about those parents and families that are without guidance on their journey. In a blink of an eye your life changes and your child is diagnosed, this overwhelms every family and most all have little guidance. The maze of the internet becomes the constant as you search online for hope. Some parents get the care they need and others spend 10 years following dead ends. It is my mission to see parents get ALL their options for treatment. I cannot count the number of parents that have cried in frustration and in joy.

Each of us has a laundry list of things we say we will never do. Amazing how time, experience and circumstance can change your opinion on interventions and therapies you once believed to be of no value. When my son Jacob was first diagnosed with autism almost twelve years ago, I searched high and low for answers, options and opportunities that would improve his ability to communicate and function.

There is something dangerous about the family with autism sitting at a table in the middle of a restaurant. We have had our share of eventful dining out experiences and know better than to take the host up on the lovely center ring. I need to step back and share a few important things before I proceed.

The Good News:
Researchers from a prestigious university "have embarked on one of the first double-blind, clinical studies to determine whether gluten and dairy products play a role in autistic behavior as parents have anecdotally claimed."
The Bad News:
It is August 8, 2008

My 3 1/2 year old Luke is a lover of anything sweet. He loves cookies, candy, gum, cupcakes, chocolate... anything made with sugar, and sprinkles make things extra special.
Last week, he found a new bag of mini chocolate cookies in the pantry when he was rustling through there looking for a snack. I found this yummy new product at Whole Foods the day before. He brought the bag to me and asked "Can I have some of these for my snack?". I poured about 8 in a bowl for him and he wanted the details...
"What are these called?"
"When did we get these?"
"Is that all I am having?"