Eating Clean

“If a child has stomach pain and isn’t digesting food properly or is so picky that they’re not getting what they need, it’s going to affect cognition and behavior. If you try other therapies without also looking at nutrition, you’re not using all the tools you can use. And we owe it to

these kids to use every tool we have.” —Daniela Ferdico, Psy.D., Pediatric Neuropsychologist

AD/HD and other pervasive developmental diagnoses, agrees. “Parents shouldn’t think of food as a cure, but rather as one tool they can use to help their child.”

Cogwheel offers psychology and therapies along with nutritional counseling, something Ferdico sees as an essential piece of the puzzle for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

She makes a distinction between treatment and cure: A cure is a one-time solution, whereas treatments are ongoing. Like speech, occupational and behavioral therapies, nutritional therapy is usually ongoing and works best when it’s just one component of a more comprehensive plan, she says.

Nutritional therapy won’t cure autism, Ferdico notes. But it can form the foundation for an effective treatment plan by reducing a child’s level of gastrointestinal pain and distress, enabling him to be more receptive to other therapies. Nutritional therapy does this by stabilizing blood sugar to ward off mood swings and meltdowns that make day-to-day life difficult, and supplying the body with the protein and nutrients required for cognition, she says.

PINPOINT THE PLATE

Nutritional therapy sometimes involves an elimination diet wherein certain foods are eliminated and then gradually reintroduced to help pinpoint food sensitivities. Researchers have long theorized that foods containing gluten, soy and casein, a protein in milk, may irritate the intestines of sensitive children with autism, contributing to a “leaky gut” that leaches inflammatory proteins throughout the body, impacting behavior, mood and learning. A small Danish study found that inattention and hyperactivity abated for children ages 4 to 10 after 12 months on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, but the gains seemed to plateau when the same kids were tested after 24 months on the diet.

Gluten and casein are potentially problematic because when sensitive individuals can’t properly digest the foods that contain these substances, a buildup of internal inflammation results. This contributes to mental fog, inattentiveness, unresponsive behavior and continued carbohydrate cravings, says Bain. “It’s a feed-forward cycle, where the child eats more and more unhealthful foods and less and less of the nutrients he needs to grow and thrive.”

But aside from the Danish study, evidence on the impact of glutenfree diets is limited. Evidence on the negative impact of food dyes, a common food additive thought to be especially harmful to children with learning disorders, is more robust (artificial food dyes have been linked to behavior problems in children for decades), and new studies are currently under way.

Because elimination diets can get complicated quickly, parents who want to try one should seek out the help of a nutrition expert. Parents shouldn’t simply yank nutrientdense foods such as grains and cheese from a child’s plate without consulting their pediatrician and a dietician, says registered dietician Kathleen Putnam, M.S., owner of NutritionWorks counseling service. One problem: Removing potentially problematic foods is only part of the picture; those calories need to be replaced with something else, and that something may not be any better than the foods that were eliminated.

Popular elimination diets such as Gut and Psychology Syndrome are gaining ground as a means to treat learning and neurodevelopmental disorders, but the protocol – sticking to a simple diet of mostly meat, fish, eggs, meat stock and fermented foods – can seem daunting to the average busy parent and difficult to maintain over the long term.

Plus, eliminating entire food groups can introduce nutrient deficiencies, complicating an already complex situation, Putnam says. “Nutrition that’s limited can contribute to problematic development, both cognitive and behavioral. Children with AD/HD are often treated with medications that significantly lower the appetite, which is a major concern for growing children.”

Though gluten-free and caseinfree diets are still under scientific study, they can be worth trying, with professional guidance, Putnam says. And removing most junky refined carbs, like bread made from highly refined flour, most crackers and cookies, is probably a safe, healthy step for most children.

Replacing refined sugar with fruit-sweetened foods is another change that some parents find worthwhile, says Katie Hurley, author of The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World (TarcherPerigee, 2015). Although a Korean study found no relationship between sugar intake and the development of AD/HD in children, some parents report that removing sweets

calms kids down. Whether you’re a believer in elimination diets or a skeptic, eating less junk food never hurt anyone, right?

NUTRITION ADDITION

Once you’ve removed potential problems from your child’s diet, you’re not done: Now, under the guidance of your child’s health care provider, you may need to add or supplement nutrients to replace those you’ve removed, or ones your child was missing before you started. Supplementation can benefit some kids on the autism spectrum; a 2005 study found sleep and digestion improved in autistic children taking a multivitamin supplement.

Magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are often used and recommended, but parents shouldn’t supplement without consulting a nutritionist or dietician, Bain says, because taking too much of one nutrient can impact others. (For example, excess magnesium can lead to diarrhea, which could reduce absorption of other vital nutrients.) “Nutrients don’t work in isolation,” she notes, and each child’s nutritional blueprint is unique.

Another wrinkle: Children with neurological disorders often have sensitive stomachs – those with autism can be prone to gastrointestinal distress and constipation – and they can be intensely picky eaters, Hurley says. In other words, you can’t simply tell a child to eat a banana or a plate of spinach and expect it to happen. That makes solving nutritional challenges a two-stepsforward, one-step-back dance for many families, and is why vitamin supplements are sometimes needed, at least at first.

Nutritional therapy for spectrum disorders doesn’t have to complicate families’ lives or promote expensive fad diets, says Ferdico. It’s simply one facet of a comprehensive, whole-child care plan. “If a child has stomach pain and isn’t digesting food properly or is so picky that they’re not getting what they need, it’s going to affect cognition and behavior,” Ferdico says. “If you try other therapies without also looking at nutrition, you’re not using all the tools you can use. And we owe it to these kids to use every tool we have.”

WHERE TO START

A pediatrician or naturopathic physician can order a simple blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, zinc or magnesium. Parents who suspect food sensitivity in their child can ask a pediatric nutritionist or naturopathic physician about immunoglobulin G (IgG) food allergy testing. This blood test can identify food sensitivities to pinpoint the best dietary candidates for elimination from your child’s plate. ✷ Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer.

These Massachusetts organizations offer support, information and/or advocacy for individuals with special needs, their parents and their caregivers. Many of these groups also offer referrals or links to related services. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts 781-891-6270; www.afamaction.org – Public advocacy organization offering resources regarding autism spectrum disorder. Click “links” for support centers in your area. The Arc of Massachusetts 781-891-6270; www.thearcofmass.org - The Arc of Massachusetts provides education and systems advocacy to consumers, families, human services organizations, the public, legislators, other public officials, and the executive branch. Asperger’s Autism Network of New England 617-393-3824; www.aane.org – The Asperger / Autism Network (AANE) works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. Autism Services Association, Inc. (ASA) 781-237-0272; www.autismservicesassociation.org - Autism Services Association (ASA) provides community employment services, supported employment, Day Habilitation Program, and other clinical supports to young adults and adults with autism and other challenging developmental disabilities. Camp Jabberwocky 508-687-0967; www.campjabberwocky.org – From the end of June to the end of August, Camp Jabberwocky offers children and adults with a wide range of disabilities the chance to enjoy the summer in a small family-like community. Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism www.flutiefoundation.org – Provides family and technology grants through its programs, along with grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services to individuals with autism. Dream Day on Cape Cod 508-896-8949; www.dreamdayoncapecod.org – Serves families that have children with life-threatening illnesses and or serious conditions by “bringing a ray of sunshine” into their lives through their family camp, Camp Nan-Ke-Rafe, located in Brewster. Federation for Children with Special Needs 617-236-7210; 800-331-0688 (in Mass.); www.fcsn.org – Advocacy, resources and information for parents and professionals. Home Modification Loan Program www.mass.gov/mrc/hmlp – Facilitated by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, this program helps individuals with disabilities to fund access and safety modifications to their homes. Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston 617-558-6507; www.bostonjcc.org – Offer a full array of special needs programs for children and adults. Learning Disabilities Worldwide 978-897-5399; www.ldworldwide.org – This professional organization (for researchers, educators, clinicians and others) has a “parents” section on its website with current articles. MAAPS: Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools 781-245-1220; www.maaps.org – MAAPS represents 81 member schools serving approximately 6,800 children with

special needs from Massachusetts and other states and countries. MAAPS’ mission is to represent private special education schools in their goal of providing the highest quality education to students with special needs Massachusetts Branch of The International Dyslexia Association 617-650-0011; www.ma.dyslexiaida.org – Information and links to resources, such as recommended reading for parents and kids, as well as professional development workshops. Massachusetts Advocates for Children 617-357-8431; www.massadvocates.org – Free legal services for income-eligible families on educational issues for children 3-22. Advocacy for parents, including Autism Special Education Legal Support Center. Massachusetts Commission for the Blind 617-727-5550; www.mass.gov/mcb – Provider of services that promote independence and community participation. Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 617-740-1600; www.mass.gov/mcdhh – Services for deaf and hard of hearing, including interpreting, case management and technology. Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education 781-338-3000; www.doe.mass.edu – The State’s education website offers information on special education, standardized testing, public schools and related topics. Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 781-221-0024; www.mdsc.org – Statewide parent organization holds annual conference, picnic, and workshops throughout the year. Publishes a newsletter for parents. Maintains a list of parent support groups. Massachusetts Family TIES 800-905-8437; www.massfamilyties.org – Statewide information, referral, and parent-to-parent support network for families of children with special needs or chronic illness. Massachusetts Office on Disability 617-727-7440; 800-322-2020 (in Mass.); www.mass.gov/ mod – Information and support concerning community, government and individual services for those with disabilities. Its primary mission is to ensure access. Massachusetts Sibling Support Network 617-807-0558; www.masiblingsupport.org – Committed to supporting brothers and sisters of people with disabilities by creating welcoming communities for siblings across the lifespan. Massachusetts Special Olympics 508-485-0986; www.specialolympicsma.org – Sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for individuals with disabilities. MassFamilies Organizing for Change 774-855-6001; www.mfofc.org – Provides Family Leadership Series and works to educate the community about advocacy, services, and local, state and federal resources for individuals with disabilities. Regional chapters throughout the state. Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) 866-815-8122; www.ppal.net – A statewide network of families, local family support groups, and professionals who advocate on behalf of children and adolescents with mental, emotional or behavioral special needs, and their families. Parental Stress Line 617-926-5008; www.parentshelpingparents.org – This 24-hour call line is staffed by Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts and provides a supportive ear for parents. Parents support groups are also offered by staff and volunteers. Partners for Youth with Disabilities 617-556-4075; 617-314-2989 (TT Y); www.pyd.org -Provides adult mentors, one on one and in groups, to kids ages 6 through 22 with disabilities. Special Needs Advocacy Network 508-655-7999; www.spanmass.org – Supports professional advocates for people with special needs, offers referrals to Massachusetts special needs advocates, and provides special education workshops and training. ✷ Wayside Youth and Family Support Network 508-879-9800; www.waysideyouth.org – Weprovide a wide variety of mental health counseling and family support services to children, young adults and families in Massachusetts. ✷

Advanced Neurotherapy

145 Rosemary Street, Entrance J, Needham 781-444-9115

www.AdvancedNeurotherapy.com

A wellness clinic specializing in neurofeedback, a safe, effective, durable method of brain training. Supported by a large body of peer reviewed published research, neurofeedback is used to correct and enhance brain functioning for a wide range of intellectual, emotional, educational, behavioral, and neurological deficits. Using our highly rigorous computerized brain mapping methods, we can pinpoint what parts of the brain need to work more efficiently. Additional services include health coaching, talk therapy, BAUD, parent coaching, and heart rate variability biofeedback. Applied Behavior Learning Services (ABLS)

Wellesley • Plymoth • Fall River • Worcester 617-467-4136 www.ablspartners.org

At ABLS we offer three models for learning: in-person, remote, or hybrid. We will, together, determine which model works best for your family during the intake process. Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs (BIAESN)

22 Fenway and 7 Haviland St., Boston (Saturday Arts Education Programs) 8 Fenway, Boston (ABLE Day Sessions Summer Music Program) 617-747-2760 www.berklee.edu/biaesn

The Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs is a catalyst for the inclusion of individuals with special needs in all aspects of performing and visual arts education. The Campus School at Boston College

140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill 617-552-3460 www.campusschool@bc.edu

The Campus School at Boston College educates students ages 3 to 21 with extensive support needs, including complex health care needs. Our dedicated educators, therapists, and nurses utilize a transdisciplinary approach to realize the potential in each one of our students.

Cass & Company

75 State St., Boston Portsmouth, NH 888-453-2277 www.casscompany.com

Cass and Company can assist you with all your household and domestic staffing needs. We maintain a large pool of professional candidates who provide a wide variety of services for your family and home. Cass & Company places quality candidates for live-out as well as live-in and full time/part time situations for our clients which includes private families, formal households, high profile individuals and celebrities as well as businesses and corporations. Commonwealth Learning Center

220 Reservoir St., Suite 6, Needham • 781-444-5193 130 Sylvan St., Danvers 978-774-0094 www.commlearn.com

Commonwealth Learning Center is an independent nonprofit organization which provides 1-to-1 tutoring and education evaluation services to all ages (kindergarten through adulthood), in all subject areas. We specialize in assisting those who learn differently, including individuals with dyslexia, ADHD, high-functioning autism, executive functioning challenges, etc. Schedules are flexible, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Education Consulting, Advocacy & Legal Services, LLC

999 Broadway, Suite 301, Saugus 781-231-4332

www.educationandjuvenilelaw.com/

ECALS, LLC. is a private law firm that regularly works with parents and schools on a wide range of special education and regular education issues. We review IEPs and evaluations and attend disciplinary proceedings, Team meetings and BSEA Hearings. Please visit our website for further details. The Federation for Children with Special Needs

529 Main Street, Suite 1M3, Boston • 617-236-7210 www.fcsn.org

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) provides information, support, and assistance to families of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. We are committed to listening to and learning from families and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities. Fletcher Tilton PC Attorneys at Law

370 Main Street, 12th floor, Worcester • 508-459-8059 www.FletcherTilton.com

Legal services for persons with special needs and their families. Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help. We work as advocates for individuals with disabilities throughout their life. Special Needs Planning - Advocacy - Guardianship & Alternatives - Transition Planning & Adult Services.