There's a magazine intended for people with food allergies that I subscribe to. It's filled with recipes, cutting edge articles, and stories that a parent of an allergic child can relate to. I just opened up the newest issue to find a 3 page spread of a Mother's journey with dietary restrictions. Her child wasn't tested for a milk allergy, and he didn't have a dangerous anaphylactic reaction. Her son was diagnosed with severe, non-functioning autism. Severe enough that it was recommended he live in a group home for special care. I related to her immediately. Our boys symptoms are very different and unrelated, however, our jobs as Mother's is the same. I don't mean to compare, I know that I could not imagine being in this mother's shoes. But, Like myself, it became her job to relentlessly research her child's illness, and dedicate her time and energy to changing his diet, and surroundings. When this Mother learned that a gluten free, and dairy free can significantly improve behaviors and symptoms of autism, she dove in head first.
Often I hear people say "we try to eat gluten free," or, "we eat MOSTLY gluten free, because we don't really like bread...," or most often "we usually don't eat that but we were out, and there was nothing else to eat." Ironically, everyone who's ever said to me "that diet didn't work," also admitted that they cheated, and didn't follow the special diet strictly.
In the early stages of changing her son's diet- this Mother offered a strict diet of no gluten of dairy. She learned to bake gluten free cookies, and tried very hard to make something her son would choose to eat. He didn't. In fact, he did not eat for 2 days.
Of course we prefer our children to eat a healthy diet, every day. And, naturally, it would be easier to find something your child enjoys then sticking to a so difficult diet so strictly from the beginning, but I celebrate this Mom. When giving in is not in your child's best interest, it's best not to. It's a battle of the lesser evils. I may get some hate mail for saying this- but, if it means sticking to your guns to follow through with what's best for your child, be firm. You are the mother, you know what's best, and as hard as it may seem right now, your end result will be a healthier child. Like this Mother, say no, and don't give in. And I promise, when he's hungry enough for this face off to be considered dangerous, he'll eat whatever is in front of him.
Your life may no longer consist of last minute day trips, or quick fast food runs on your way home. Dealing with special diets will require more planning ahead, packing lunches, and 'bringing your own' where ever you go.
Special diets will mean learning how to cook.
It will mean saying no, and sometimes being 'the bad guy.'
There will always be controversy. This is one of the many controversial food allergy subjects. Some believe that 'depriving your child of dairy' because of behavioral issues is wrong, and some believe that not providing other food options is torture. There are parents that think that not allowing dangerous life threatening peanuts at school is not fair to the 'healthy kids'. There will always be resisters, and there will always be someone to push you, but what you're doing is right. And I don't mind being the one to say it!
So, to encourage those of you trying your best to help your children with special diets; You are a great parent. You want whats best for your child, and you want your little love to be healthy. You are doing well, and YOU know what's best. You've decided that a change in diet is better for your child then the chemical related side affects of ADD, ADHD, Allergy, Asthma, Seizure, or anxiety medications. You stick to your guns, and try to stay strong. I promise, it will get easier, and your child will get better. And I support you.
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