April 2011 - Issue #19
FREE ne O e k Ta South Florida Autism Newsletter
April is Autism Awareness Month... Autism Insider is going blue to show support!!!
Meet Mr. Blue’s new friend... SAMMY!!! (Cover Story)
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Inside This Issue... GENERAL ARTICLES
Contact Us. For general information or advertisement opportunities, please call or email us at autisminsidernewsletter@gmail.com
April is Earth Awareness Month!!! Top 10 Simple Ways to Live Green by Earth Awareness
Pages 4 Luciana C Leo (786) 306-4967
Book Review: Could it be autism?
Pages 5
How to educate family, friends and other people about autism. Spreading autism awareness!!! By Luciana C Leo LAc DOM
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Mr Blue Meets A Super Swimmer (Cover Story)
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Sarah Sweeney (954) 258-1898
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Chinese Medicine for Autism: Dr M Cissy Majebe explores and Eastern Approach to help disabled children.
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Page 8 & 9
____________________________________ Address
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Easter Hunts Around Town!!!
State
Zip
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Product Review: Amanda’s Own Confections
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Recipe of the month: GFCF Coconut Macaroons
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nd tment a a e r t e th lizes in Specia
car
ial need c e p s h t i ldren w e of chi
families r i e h t s and
My main goal is to provide integrated holistic healthcare to people of all ages. Many diseases and conditions can be treatable with Oriental Medicine. This branch of medicine can be used as part of treatment, either to cure, slow down, delay or minimize the symptoms or condition that an individual can present. I like to promote education and partnership with my clients in order to help them achieve and maintain their highest healthcare goals. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and a Master in Oriental Medicine. I am currently a licensed practitioner of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture in Florida. I have been working with children and adults with special needs for the past four years. Since then, my goal has been always the same... To assist families of individuals with special needs and give them the right tools, so they can help their loved ones reach their maximum potential academically, mentally and physically. It is important to understand that individuals with special needs do not have a disease that needs to be cured, they have a condition that must be treated. If there is anything I learned during the years working with people with special needs is that an individual should never be underestimated.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Dietary and Nutritional Interventions
Every Monday of The Mo nth Autism Community Clinic
Supplements and Herbs Consultations
Consultations only $40
DAN! Protocol and Biomedical Interventions
Biomedical Interventions, DA N! Protocol, Dietary Intervention s, Acupuncture and Oriental Me dicine, Supplements and Herbs Co nsultation. CALL (305)461-8229 TO MA KE AN APPOINTMENT
Homeopathic Remedies for Common Childhood Illnesses and many other conditions Food Sensitivity and Other Specialty Testing Social Groups: Lego Club and Social Groups for children and teens from 2 to 19 years old. Parent Support Groups
351 Minorca Ave. Coral Gables, Fl 33134 Call (305)461-8229
WWW.LUCIANALEO.COM 3
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April is Earth Awareness Month!!! Top 10 Simple Ways to Live Green by Earth Awareness 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn't a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. 2. Use Less Heat & Air Conditioning: Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home. So, Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. 9. Get A Report Card From Your Utility Company: Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. 10. Encourage Others To Conserve & Spread The Word!: Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment. These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.
Book Review: Could It Be Autism?
3. Change Your Light Bulbs: Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.
About the Author Nancy Wiseman is founder and president of First Signs, parent of a child with autism, and author of two books: Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps (Broadway Books, 2006) and The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child (Da Capo Press, 2009). She has made a significant contribution to changing policy, improving awareness, and changing pediatric practice in how we screen, refer, and detect young children today. Nancy is the 2006 recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Dale Richmond/Justin Coleman Award for her outstanding achievement in child development.
4. Drive Less & Smarter: Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your community’s mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school. When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. 5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products: When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs. Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can't be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
About the book This invaluable, one-of-a-kind resource is the first book to help parents detect early signs of autism and related disorders and take the steps that can make a dramatic difference in a child’s life. Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps provides parents with vital information so they can recognize the “red flags” of developmental delays and begin intensive intervention as early as possible.
6. Use Less Water: Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry. 7. Use The "OFF" Switch: Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them. It's also a good idea to turn off the water when you're not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You'll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.
Emphasizing the need to look for early warning signs, Nancy Wiseman describes the most important milestones at each stage of a child’s growth, including aspects of development parents often overlook. Her easy-to-use milestones checklist is an indispensable tool for determining whether a child has difficulties that demand immediate attention. She explains early screening tests, helps parents to navigate the referral and diagnostic process, offers suggestions for creating an appropriate treatment plan together with physicians and other experts, and gives inspiring examples of children who have benefited from early and intensive intervention.
8. Plant A Tree: If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric
Accessible, authoritative, and eminently practical, Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps will help to improve the lives of thousands of children.
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How to educate family, friends and other people about autism. Spreading autism awareness!!! By Luciana C Leo LAc DOM
your child’s diagnosis does not explain anything. For example, if a child is at the cashier line with his parents at the store jumping up and down, making noises with his mouth and covering his ears every time the cashier scans an item, then you can explain that he is sound sensitive. By giving this explanation, you are providing much more information than just saying that he has autism.
I have been working with children with special needs and their families for five years, and I have been involved in the autism community since them. Many parents get surprised when they asked me if I have a son in the autism spectrum and I respond no. But I am the mom of a five years old boy, and I know that I will do anything for him, just like any of you will do for your children. As a mom, I also tend to overprotect my son, but I always have a phrase that my mom told me in the back of my mind: “you are never going to be able to keep your child in an indestructible bubble, you have to raise him as independent as possible!”
3) LET PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE GENERAL DIFFICULTIES AND BEHAVIORS THAT CHILDREN WITH ASD CAN PRESENT, BUT ALSO EXPLAIN THE WHY!
Not to long ago, in an autism support group, one of the parents asked the people in the group if they knew of an Easter hunt for children “like his”. I interrupted him and asked what he meant by children “like his”. The dad told me that he was not going to take his son to a “regular” Easter hunt, because people will look at his son and he did not wanted to feel uncomfortable. At that point I asked everyone: “how many of you ever turn your head to look at someone in a wheelchair at the supermarket? I think we are all guilty of that, and I do not think any of us mean bad... It is just curiosity. Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation, and learning. It is the drive to know something new. Most of the time, when people get curious about your child, they do not mean bad, they are just unaware of his/her behaviors. This is the reason why it is important to raise awareness about autism in the community! Most people have an incorrect perception of what autism is.
Ÿ They may be non-verbal or have limited speech Ÿ They may not respond to your commands or questions Ÿ They may repeat your words & phrases, your body language and emotional reactions Ÿ They may have difficulties expressing needs Ÿ They may have difficulties getting social cues and display a lack of eye contact Ÿ They may have difficulties understanding personal space Ÿ They may display tantrums or extreme distress for no apparent reason Ÿ They may exhibit self-stimulating behaviors like hand flapping, body rocking, etc.
Tips to educate people about autism:
Most children’s inappropriate behaviors come from misunderstanding, not contrariness. They have unusual ways to cope with what is going on around them.
1) ALWAYS INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD BY THEIR NAME, LEAVE THE LABEL ONLY FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES
4) GIVE EXAMPLES
In my experience, parents become accustomed to labeling their children. When parents come to my office, they present themselves and then they introduce their children as “this is my son with autism” or “this is my autistic child”, instead of just saying this is John! Understand that autism is not who your child is, it is what your child has. Autism or any other diseases do not define an individual. You do not hear people saying “this is my diabetic child” or even “this is my neurotypical child”.
By giving examples, you give the chance to the people to look at the situation through your child’s eyes. Ask the people how will they feel they were stuck in a foreign country where they couldn't make anybody understand what they wanted. Point out that this is how your child feels most of the time.
2) WHEN EDUCATING OTHERS ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIORS, FOCUS ON EXPLAINING THE WEAKNESSES OR STRENGTHS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE
Always remember that one of the most important aspects of your life will always be your child. Like with any other human being, there will be people that likes him, and people that don’t. Keep a positive group of people around your child, and educate whoever is interesting in becoming part of his life.
Many parents try to explain their children behaviors to other by saying that the child has autism. Well, to someone that does not know what autism is, the fact that you mentioned
Do not miss the opportunity to spread awareness, remember that autism does not discriminate, and it can knock the door of any family at any time! 66
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Chinese Medicine for Autism: Dr M Cissy Majebe explores and Eastern Approach to help disabled children. The treatment of Autism with Chinese Medicine (CM) first began to interest me in 1993 when a parent brought a three-year-old, non-verbal child into the clinic. I acquired a special interest in the treatment of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders from working with this child. Currently Autism is recognized as a developmental disability with primary symptomology affecting social interaction and communication skills. Autism is a behaviorally-defined syndrome. Within a Western framework, there are no clear causes of Autism, although it is believed to be a biological neurological disorder affecting brain function. There are strong indicators for a genetic basis, and there is also a growing concern that environmental toxins and pollutions may be contributing factors, as well as viral infections. Currently, there are no medical tests for the diagnosis of Autism. In regard to treatment, the only real option Western Medicine offers is intervention with early educational programs. For those of you who may have little experience with Chinese Medicine, let me begin by saving that Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive health care system that has its own system of diagnostics. It includes not only acupuncture, but also herbal medicine, nutritional therapies, Tui Na (massage techniques), aromatherapy, spinal manipulations and lifestyle counseling. CM, as a system, allows the practitioner to utilize different combinations of techniques, based on the constitution and specific needs of the individual. The World Health Organization recognizes Chinese Medicine's ability to treat many common disorders, including disorders of the bones, muscles and joints, respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory and urogenital disorders, addictions, eye, ear, nose and throat disorders and emotional and psychological disorders. It is this history of the effectiveness of CM with psychological and neurological disorders that provides a basis for the effective treatment of Autism. In CM, Zang-Fu is a term for the organs of the human body. Many of the organ names are familiar terms. These terms refer not only to a physical organ but to the energetic functions of the organ as well. Each organ relates to an emotional response, sensory organ, and soft tissue. Autistic children often experience difficulties with sensory integration. In the treatment of Autism, the three primary organ systems of concern are the Heart, Spleen, and Kidneys; these organ ,system are associated with speech, hearing, and taste, respectively. "On an emotional level, the state of the Heart determines a person's capacity to form meaningful relationships." This quote from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, by Giovanni Maciocia, is paramount to the understanding of Autism within the framework of CM.
According to Chinese Medical theory, autistic individuals suffer from a Heart imbalance that inhibits connecting on an emotional level with other people, including their immediate families. A person with Heart imbalances might manifest a lack of joy in life, anxiety or inappropriate laughter and talking. A person with a Heart Qi disorder could either manifest with excessive talking or aphasia (problems with speaking or an inability to speak). Miscellaneous factors include genetic influences, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and excessive mental stimulation, such ms an inordinate amount of television viewing. Air pollutants, food additives and preservatives are other miscellaneous factors. Antibiotics and Immunizations are also considered miscellaneous factors. Phlegm is the primary pathological factor related to the development of Autism in CM. In regard to Autism, Phlegm is generally an External Pathogenic Factor, but it can also manifest from Internal and miscellaneous causes. Phlegm is said to be either substantial or insubstantial, meaning that it can either be the mucous we expectorate and drool or a kind of "fog" that blocks the sensory, organs. This "fog" would present itself as poor concentration or hearing, a lack of response to external stimuli, etc. In CM, the diagnosis of Autism generally can be classified as either Phlegm Misting the Heart or Phlegm Fire Harassing the Heart. The Autistic child will have symptoms that are linked to Heart, Spleen and Kidney imbalances. The Heart imbalance relates to the difficulties the child has in establishing meaningful emotional relationships with others, and communication and speech difficulties. The Spleen deficiency is linked to digestive anomalies that contribute to the development of Phlegm. Kidney involvement is related to the young age at which this condition develops. The development of Autism is a multi-faceted pathway: There is no single direct cause and effect for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Chinese medicine though there are a set of cofactors that must be present. Recall that in CM, imbalances are related to External, Internal and Miscellaneous factors. The External and Internal factors can be a source of difficulty. but a major focus in Autism is on the Miscellaneous factors. Genetic factors can set the stage but there must be other cofactors in order for Autism to develop. Nutritional and lifestyle factors must be addressed in the treatment plan. The manifestations of Phlegm and the root cause of Phlegm must be addressed. It is due to the very different pathways in the development of Autism that makes it difficult to assign causality.
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Autism
Children diagnosed with Autism may present with digestive anomalies that may he deemed irrelevant by Western Medicine Physicians. In CM these children exhibit signs and symptoms associated with Spleen Qi Deficiency. On an emotional level, persons with extreme Spleen Qi imbalances often manifest obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Re s o u rc e C e n te r i n M i a m i
Autism is usually diagnosed before the age of three. CM sees this disorder as having a Pre-natal origin, compounded by a Post-natal weakness. The Pre-natal component would translate as genetic influence, whereas the Post-natal aspect would relate to all that has occurred since birth. Pre-natal factors in Autism indicate Kidney involvement. Kidney Qi is important for brain development, along with Heart and Spleen, according to Chinese Medical theory. Basic methods of diagnosis include observation of the patient, such as listening, smelling, examination by questioning and physical examination by palpation. Observation includes CM specific skills such as tongue, pulse and facial diagnosis. It also includes close attention to how the patient relates to and moves in the world.
OPEN HOUSE April 30, 2011 from 10am -1pm. Thanks to an effort from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Autism Society of Miami-Dade.
In CM, imbalances arise from three different sources: external factors, internal factors and miscellaneous factors. Wind, Heat, Fire, Cold, Dryness and Dampness are external pathogenic factors in CM. These factors create imbalances that lead to disease. In CM, Internal Pathological Factors are the Seven Emotions. Each of these emotions is associated with an organ system. Those that relate to Autism include: fear or shock that weakens the Kidney, over-pensiveness that weakens the Spleen and shock and anxiety that weakens the Heart. The over-pensiveness that is discussed in classical Chinese writings is related to the obsessive behaviors or obsessive thought patterns that often manifest in Autism.
At FDLRS South building, Trailer 1. 5555 SW 93rd Avenue Miami, Fl, 33165 Phone: 305.274.3501
Offers innovative classes for ALL children, regardless of exceptionality.
As I stated previously, Chinese Medicine treats the constitution and specific needs of the individual, not the disease. With a behaviorally-defined syndrome, such as Autism, such treatment is especially appropriate because the practitioner is able to accurately diagnosis and treat a patient who may be manifesting any number of diverse and seemingly unrelated symptoms. The foundation for effective treatment in CM would use a multi-tiered approach that includes synergistic CM modalities, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na (massage), nutrition, aromatherapy, and manipulative the rapies. This multi-tiered approach should include the intervention with early education treatment that Western medicine recommends.
Music Therapy Dance Therapy Creative Arts Summer Camp
RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT TODAY!
Dr. M. Cissy Majebe, O.M.D., is director of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic in Asheville, N.C., for the last 17 years. Over the last 10 years Dr. Majebe's special pursuit in understanding that which plagues the children diagnosed with autism has directed her untiring research and studies at home and abroad.
Jillian Mehler, MT-BC, NMT 305-528-5836 WholeStepsMT@aol.com Classes offered at Crystal Academy 110 Phoenetia Avenue Coral Gables, Florida 33134
M. Cissy Majebe "Chinese Medicine for autism: Dr. M. Cissy Majebe explores an Eastern approach to help disabled children". New Life Journal. FindArticles.com. 30 Mar, 2011. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KWZ/is_6_3/ai_113301725/. COPYRIGHT 2002 Natural Arts. COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
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EASTER HUNTS AROUND TOWN!!! Flashlight Egg Hunt (Deerfield Beach) Ages 7 to 14 years old
Miami Dade County Easter Egg Hunt at Miami Seaquarium
Constitution Park 2841 W Hillsboro Boulevard. Deerfield Beach, Fl
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway. Key Biscayne, FL 33149
When: 04-21-2011 at 8 pm
April 22, 23 & 24, 2011 In addition to the park’s regular shows, check out 5 acres of rides, slides, music, bounce houses, egg hunts, and more.
Annual Egg Hunt (Pembroke Pines) All ages
Easter Eggstravaganza at Jungle Island
Pines Recreation Center 7400 Pines Boulevard. Pembroke Pines, Fl
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. Miami, Florida 33132
When: 04-23-2011 at 9 am
April 22, 23 & 24, 2011
Children ages 12 and under are invited to hop on over to one of our 2 Easter Egg Hunts, Featuring over 26,000 eggs at each location (52,000 eggs). This free event includes an egg hunt, balloon sculptures, face painting, Bounce House, slides, a visit from Peter Rabbit, and holiday fun.
Enjoy Easter Egg Hunts, pie-eating contests, arts and crafts stations, animal encounters and bounce houses, and visits from special characters. Sunny Isles Beach Egg Scramble
Spring Marshmallow Drop (Hollywood) Ages 12 and under
At Pelican Community Park 18115 N Bay Rd. Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 April 23, 2011, 10 am to 2 pm
Boulevard Heights Community Center 6770 Garfield Street. Hollywood, Fl
Celebrate Spring with games, rides, music and more!
When 04-16-2011 at 10 am
Zoo Miami's Great Egg Safari
This event includes Entertainment, face painting, refreshments, prizes and meet the "Bunny".
12400 Southwest 152nd Street. Miami, FL 33177 April 23 & 24, 2011, 10am to 4 pm
Royal Egg Hunt (Sunrise)
Visit Miami Metro Zoo for egg safaris, photos with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, music, prizes, and more.
Welleby Park 11100 NW 44 Street. Sunrise, Fl
Annual Little Farm Easter Egg hunt
When: 04-17-2011 From 12 pm to 3 pm
13401 sw 224 street. Miami, FL 33170
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 13
April 23 - 9am, 11:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm
Bring your basket and join us in our magical kingdom dressed as your favorite prince or princess.
Reservations Required!
Beeping Egg Hunt: Children with visual impairments are invited to attend and participate in the Royal Egg Hunt! Bright colored eggs that emit a loud beeping sound to give away their location will be placed throughout Mr. Bunny’s field. Beeping eggs will be redeemed for eggs filled with prizes and candy.
2 hours of activities include petting farm, pony rides, tour and egg hunt. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 305-258-3186 $12 per child, $6 per adult
Twilight Egg Hunt (Cooper City) Broward Cooper City Community Center 9000 SW 50th Place. Cooper City, Fl
Hippity Hoppity Easter Party at A Café au Play (Pembroke Pines)
When 04-21-2011. From 7 pm to 9 pm 12335 Pembroke Road. Pembroke Pines, Fl The hunt is in the dark, so bring your flashlight to find hidden eggs. Fun for all!. Pre-reservations required. Reserve your spot beginning Thursday, April 7th, Call 954-434-4300 x 233.
When: 04/16/2011 From 10:00 am to 12 pm
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Product Review: Amanda’s Own Confections Who said that a child on the GFCF diet can not enjoy a chocolate bunny for Easter??? Amanda’s Own Confections started by a very creative family of a girl (Amanda) that has a life-threatening food allergy to dairy products. Amanda’s family did not want for her to miss out all the fun of the “chocolate holidays” like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or any other everyday events like birthday parties. Amanda’s family started making chocolate and Amanda loved it. They started to share the chocolate with friends that also have children with severe allergies and the response to the great taste was overwhelmingly positive. Since then, Amanda’s family decided to make their chocolate available for everyone! The purity and quality of their chocolate is of the greatest importance to them, as the safety of their child as well as other children consuming the treats depends on it. Their chocolate products are all natural and only made from DAIRY FREE, TREE NUT FREE and PEANUT FREE semi-sweet chocolate. The chocolate is made on dedicated equipment that is free of all dairy and nut ingredients. Their products are also egg-free& gluten-free and Kosher certified! The ingredients on the treats are always the same: Chocolate liquor (ground roasted chocolate beans), Cocoa butter (natural fat of the cacao bean), Soy lecithin (natural emulsifier), Vanilla extract For more information and to see all the treats they do, visit their website: www.amandasown.com You can also called them at: 440-570-6359
Recipe of The Month: GFCF Coconut Easter Macaroons tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned. Makes 12 macaroons (aprox).
INGREDIENTS Ÿ ½ cup sifted organic coconut flour
Once cooled you can decorated them with GFCF melted chocolate and mini eggs. Everyone can enjoy them!
Ÿ 3/4 cup sugar Ÿ ¼ teaspoon salt
They are also good just plain without the chocolate, and can be frozen and then thawed before serving.
Ÿ 4 free range eggs Ÿ ¾ teaspoon almond extract Ÿ 2 cups grated or flaked coconut
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375 F (175 C). Mix sugar, eggs and almond extract together. Stir in flour and grated coconut. Let batter rest for 5 minutes and then drop heaped teaspoon mounds 1 inch apart onto a greased cookie sheet/baking 11 11
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