Optimal Nutrition for Growth: Super Healthy Gluten-Free Foods for Autistic Children

<em>Previously, we have spoken of the need and importance of a gluten-free, casein-free diet and some of the foods that we must keep our autistic children away from.

Here are a few pointers from the God’s Own Child family on some of the gluten-free foods that we can incorporate into the diet of children with Autism to ensure their wholesome nourishment and nutrition. Some of these inputs have been taken in consultation with experts and some advice from parents of Autistic children like us.

As a quick refresher, let’s take a sneak peek into what a gluten-free, casein-free diet is.

Often called a GF/CF diet, this eating plan avoids foods that contain gluten (found in bread and cereals) and casein (found in milk products).

It is thought that avoiding gluten and casein may alter the signs and behaviors associated with autism.

Some of us have started our autistic children on a GF/CF diet for a different reason and have since seen improvements in their behavior, social skills, and academic performance.

Particulars of a gluten-free, casein-free diet

A GF/CF diet is not easy to follow. We consume a lot of casein and gluten in our typical diet. Because the diet does not contain milk products, bread, or cereals, your child may not get enough:

calcium
fiber
vitamins A, D, and B complex
calories

Have regular consultations with your doctor to monitor for healthy growth, and be sure to ask about calcium and vitamin supplements.

Discuss this diet with your child's doctor before beginning. Before beginning the diet, tests for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity should be conducted.

How does one start the GF/CF diet?

Start the diet slowly.
Avoid attempting to eliminate all meals that contain gluten and casein at once.
Gradually introduce new casein- and gluten-free foods—about once every three to seven days.
You'll be able to identify the new dish that went wrong if it does.
To completely eliminate casein and gluten, can take three months.
Purchase just a little of the novel foods.
Only purchase these in quantity if you are certain your youngster will enjoy them.
Always read the food labels. Casein and gluten come in a wide variety of forms and go by many distinct names.
Keep a food and behavior journal.
Note any changes in your child's behavior as well as what they consume. Keeping a journal will help you discover if there is a link between specific foods and certain behaviors.

As this diet restricts calcium and vitamin D intake, promote the consumption of additional calcium-rich beverages, such as:

calcium-fortified orange juice.
calcium-fortified potato milk.
calcium-fortified rice milk.
calcium-fortified soy milk.

What foods are safe for our autistic children:

Casein and gluten are not present in many foods, including:

chicken, fish, meat
fruits, vegetables
potatoes, rice, infant rice cereal
cereal and pasta labeled "gluten-free"

Gluten-free flours:

Amaranth flour
Buckwheat flour
Cornmeal flour (and polenta)
Lentil flour
Millet flour
Nut flours (such as almond, and cashew)
Potato starch flour
Potato flour
Quinoa flour
Rice flour (brown or white)
Sorghum flour (Jowar)
Sweet potato flour
Tapioca flour or tapioca starch
Teff flour
Yucca (cassava flour)

Milk substitutes:

Almond milk
Rice milk
Soy milk

If a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter or margarine, you can use 3⁄4 cup of oil instead:

canola
coconut
olive
safflower
sunflower

Also, here’s a little recipe to help you along. It will please our Autistic kids and provide them with much-needed nutrition:

Homemade Almond milk and vegan milk

This homemade almond milk is creamy and delicious and perfect for our kids.

Prep Time: 5 mins

soaking time: 12 hrs

Total Time: 12 hrs 5 mins

Servings: 1 liter

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted raw almonds

4 cups water

pinch of salt

Instructions

Soak almonds in water overnight.
Next day, drain and rinse in fresh water several times.
Blend in a high-speed blender adding salt and 4 times water till it's creamy.
Strain through a muslin cloth/cheese cloth/nut milk bag, as you would for coconut milk.
Store in clean bottles in the refrigerator. lasts for three to four days.
Reserve the pulp. It has a wide range of applications..

Tips on almond milk:

You can have unsweetened almond milk.
If you wish, you can add any sweetener or two dates while blending.
You can have vanilla or some other flavor.
Store the pulp in the refrigerator to make cakes and cookies.

Note from the God’s Own Child family

We look forward to your input and suggestions on the appropriate diet for our Autistic children.

Have doubts? Just ask! God's Own Child is willing to respond to all inquiries! Moreover, we have a range of food particularly made with lots of love for children with Autism.

Check out the link here!