So you've heard this diet works for other kids, but after reading the literature on just how much work is involved, maybe you're saying to yourself: "Is this a task that I really can take on right now?" No one can answer that but you. Let's admit it to each other: caring for a special needs child can be a very rewarding yet very time-consuming job at the same time. I will admit, when I first read about the diet, it appeared VERY overwhelming. I first read about it when I was searching for answers to what might explain my daughter's "odd" behaviors and difficulties with speech and language. I was just beginning the learning process of being the mommy of a special needs child (and the learning never stops!), so I decided I just wasn't ready to take on another project just yet. This may be where you feel you are now, and that's o.k.!!! Perhaps you want to start the diet now. Whenever you DO decide to try the diet, I have the following start-up tips:
1) Before proceeding with trying the diet, I strongly suggest reading SPECIAL DIETS FOR SPECIAL KIDS: Understanding and Implementing Special Diets to Aid in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disorders by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D. (As far as I know, it cannot be found in libraries. If your child is receiving Early Intervention or Special Education, someone involved may be able to loan you a copy. If not, see my next tip. :)
2) I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Lisa Lewis' book (above). I STILL refer to it for help and information on various GF/CF ingredients for baking. This great resource also contains 123 pages of GF/CF recipes. I bought mine from Amazon.com. They had the best price AND shipped it within 24 hours! Your local bookstore might carry it. However, mine did not and would have had to order it which would have taken 6-8 weeks, and cost me more money.
3) Having access to the internet has been a blessing!! The seems to be more and more information about the GF/CF diet every time I log on (which believe me, is a LOT)!! I have listed a few sites on the main page. A support email list I have received much information and help implementing the diet from is at groups.yahoo.com. Follow the instructions to become a registered user, then use their search option to find gfcfkids and click on it. Once it finds it, follow the instructions on how to join the list. One tip about signing onto this list -- choose the DIGEST option. It greatly decreases the number of of emails your server needs to download by sending you the day's emails (or the first 25 emails, whichever comes first) in one larger email.
4) When beginning to implement the GF/CF diet, I highly recommend removing dairy (the casein element) and ONLY dairy first. This diet is a huge undertaking and would be incredibly overwhelming if taken on all at once. Once you become comfortably dairy-free and/or you notice improvements and feel ready to take the next step, THEN remove the gluten from your child's diet.
5) WHERE TO SHOP you ask? A Health Food Store!!!! I must suggest calling several (if there are more than one within at least an hour driving distance of your home or work) and asking questions about their inventory and their knowledge of gluten-free and casein-free products BEFORE heading out. I blindly ventured to a two health food stores without calling first and was sorely disappointed. One was a tiny hole-in-the wall store with organic items but virtually NO gluten-free or casein-free items, and both had only ONE person working behind the counter who knew NOTHING about gluten-free or casein-free foods! When you begin this diet you need all the help you can get, so I was NOT impressed. I found a great health food store which adds time to my drive, but the extra time in the car and extra gas money is well worth it!
6) Be sure to read DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM: Tips to Take to the Health Food Store With You for help shopping for Gluten Free and Casein Free products.
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