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The holidays are almost here, and along with the family gatherings, celebrations, and traditions comes something we all know very well—lots of food! Holiday parties, school celebrations, and special treats seem to be everywhere this time of year. But if you’re parenting a child with autism, the holidays can bring some additional challenges, especially when it comes to food. Maybe you’ve worked hard to establish healthier eating habits at home, and suddenly your child is surrounded by foods they don’t normally eat. Or perhaps your child has food sensitivities, digestive issues, or a very limited diet, and you’re concerned about how to navigate family gatherings without creating stress for everyone. And sometimes, parents notice changes in their child’s sleep, digestion, mood, or behavior during the holidays and aren’t quite sure what’s causing them. Today, I want to share some of the most important things to watch for when it comes to holiday foods, along with simple ways to help your child enjoy the celebrations while continuing to support their health. Because the holidays should be about making memories, connecting with family, and enjoying time together—not feeling overwhelmed about every bite your child eats. 1. Watch for Hidden Gluten in Holiday Foods One of the first things I encourage parents to pay attention to is gluten, particularly if their child has celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or another condition requiring dietary restrictions. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can show up in many foods you might not expect. Read my post Gluten and the Brain to learn more specifics.  During the holidays, some of the common sources include: Traditional stuffing made with wheat bread Gravy thickened with wheat flour Dinner rolls and biscuits Pies, cakes, and cookies Some sauces, seasonings, and packaged foods Certain processed meats and prepared side dishes Even foods that seem naturally gluten-free can become contaminated during preparation. For example, a turkey may be gluten-free, but stuffing cooked inside it or gravy made with flour may introduce gluten. If your child needs to avoid gluten, don’t be afraid to ask questions about ingredients and preparation methods. And if you’re hosting, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free alternatives that the whole family can enjoy. Careful planning can make holiday meals much easier. 2. Be Aware of Dairy and Other Food Allergens Dairy is another ingredient that can appear in many holiday dishes. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, desserts, creamy soups, and sauces often contain milk, butter, cream, or cheese. If your child has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, these foods may need special consideration. And dairy isn’t the only allergen to watch for. Holiday meals frequently contain eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and other common allergens. A dish that looks perfectly safe may contain ingredients that aren’t immediately obvious... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/258

As we move further into fall and begin heading toward the holiday season, many parents start noticing changes in their children’s health and behavior. Maybe your child seems more tired than usual. Sleep patterns have changed. Digestive issues are becoming more noticeable. Or perhaps you’re seeing more irritability, difficulty focusing, or challenges with emotional regulation. And now, with cooler weather approaching, children spending more time indoors, and the holidays just around the corner, there are even more changes to navigate. If you’re parenting a child with autism, you may already know how challenging it can be when your child isn’t feeling their best, especially if they have difficulty communicating exactly what’s bothering them. One area I encourage parents to pay attention to during this time of year is immune health. Our immune systems are constantly working to protect us. And while there isn’t one supplement, food, or natural remedy that can prevent every illness, there are several simple ways to support your child’s overall health and normal immune function. Today, I want to share seven important areas to focus on, along with how these fit into the bigger picture of supporting your child’s health. And if you’re looking for a clear, step-by-step roadmap that helps you understand how these pieces fit together, I also want to invite you to learn about my Autism Recovery Reset, where I explain the four stages of my holistic approach. You can find the details, along with information about my membership program and holiday nutrition resources right here in today’s show notes. Now, let’s look at seven ways you can support your child’s health as we head into the fall and holiday season. 1. Start With Gut Health If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you know how much I emphasize the importance of gut health. And there’s a good reason for that. A large portion of the body’s immune activity takes place in and around the gastrointestinal tract. The gut contains an extensive network of immune cells that interact with the intestinal lining, the foods we eat, and the trillions of microorganisms that make up our gut microbiome. This relationship between the gut and immune system is important for everyone, including children with autism. Some autistic children experience gastrointestinal concerns such as constipation, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or food-related difficulties. When a child is uncomfortable, it can affect their sleep, attention, mood, and behavior. That’s why I encourage parents to pay attention to digestion. Is your child having regular bowel movements? Are they experiencing bloating or discomfort? Are they eating a variety of foods that provide the nutrients their body needs? Supporting gut health doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes overnight. Start with the basics: adequate hydration, fiber-rich foods your child tolerates, and a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Remember, the gut and immune system are closely connected. And this is why gut health and nutrition are the first stage of the four-stage roadmap I teach in my membership program. I want parents to understand how digestion and nutrition can influence their child’s overall well-being, so they can make informed choices rather than constantly guessing what to try next. 2. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods One of the most helpful things we can do for our children’s health is provide foods that supply the vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats their bodies need. Certain nutrients are especially important for normal immune function. These include: Vitamin C: Found in strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits. Vitamin D: Important for immune regulation and bone health. Sources include certain fish, and appropriate sunlight exposure. Zinc: Found in meat, poultry, beans, seeds, and other foods. Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, eggs, and other foods. Protein: Supplies amino acids needed for growth, tissue maintenance, and the production of immune-system components. Of course, I understand that many children with autism have food preferences or sensory sensitivities that can make introducing new foods challenging. You don’t need to overwhelm your child with a completely new diet. Start with foods they already enjoy, and gradually explore additional options. If your child eats a very limited range of foods, then you can start with my free food guide that also gives you options for help with picky eaters to get some nutrition in now. Supplements may be appropriate when a deficiency or specific need is identified, but more isn’t always better. Excessive amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can actually be harmful. The important thing is to understand your child’s individual needs... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/257

Halloween is such an exciting time for kids. Costumes, parties, decorations, trick-or-treating—and, of course, lots and lots of candy. But if you have a child with autism, Halloween can sometimes come with challenges you weren’t expecting. Maybe your child becomes more hyperactive or irritable. Sleep gets disrupted. Digestion changes. You notice more difficulty focusing or regulating emotions. Or perhaps you’ve worked hard to make dietary changes at home, and suddenly your child comes home with a bag filled with foods and ingredients you normally try to avoid. The good news is that Halloween doesn’t have to mean taking all the fun away. With a little planning, you can help your child enjoy Halloween while still supporting the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to create. Why Halloween Candy Can Be Challenging One of the things I always encourage parents to do is look beyond a symptom and ask: What changed? We talked about this recently with going back to school. A child may suddenly be exposed to different foods, environmental factors, disrupted routines, less sleep, or other changes. Halloween can create another sudden change. A child who normally eats a relatively clean diet may suddenly consume significantly more sugar, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other ingredients than usual. For some children, parents may notice changes in behavior, digestion, sleep, focus, or overall well-being around the same time. That doesn’t mean every child will react the same way. Our children are individuals, and their bodies can respond very differently. The important thing is to pay attention to your own child. Look Beyond the Sugar When parents think about Halloween candy, sugar is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And yes, Halloween can bring a tremendous amount of sugar into a child’s diet in a very short period of time. But sugar isn’t the only thing I look at. Many brightly colored candies and processed treats contain long ingredient lists that may include artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, corn syrup, and other highly processed ingredients. This is why I encourage parents to become label readers. Turn that package over and look at what is actually in it. Sometimes we become so focused on the front of a package—especially words like “natural,” “gluten-free,” or “organic”—that we forget to look at the ingredient list. Remember: gluten-free doesn’t automatically mean healthy. A gluten-free candy or cookie can still contain a lot of sugar, artificial ingredients, or other things that may not be a good fit for your child. Food Dyes Are Worth Paying Attention To Artificial food colors are another ingredient parents may want to watch. Brightly colored candies can contain several different synthetic dyes, and some children appear to be more sensitive to these ingredients than others. If you’ve noticed that your child tends to become more restless, irritable, unfocused, or has difficulty sleeping after eating certain brightly colored foods, start paying attention to the labels and looking for patterns. You don’t have to guess. Keep things simple. Write down what your child ate and what you noticed afterward. Over time, patterns can become much easier to recognize... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/256

School has started again, and this is a time of year when I often hear from parents who say something like: “My child was doing so well over the summer, and suddenly things have changed.” Maybe you’re noticing more tics. Sleep has become disrupted. Your child seems more irritable, anxious, hyperactive, unfocused, or dysregulated. Perhaps digestive issues have returned, or behaviors you thought had improved are suddenly showing up again. When this happens, I encourage parents to ask a very important question: What changed? Going back to school can change a lot more in your child’s environment than we sometimes realize. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one particular thing at school is responsible. But looking at what has changed can give you important clues. 1. A New Environment Means New Exposures When children return to school, they suddenly spend many hours each day in a different building surrounded by many more people. That can mean increased exposure to circulating viruses and bacteria. It can also mean exposure to different cleaning products, fragrances, dust, indoor air pollutants, and other environmental factors. For a child who is particularly sensitive, the cumulative load may be worth considering when you notice a significant change after returning to school. And there is another environmental factor I especially want parents to be aware of: Water damage and mold. 2. Could There Be Water Damage or Mold in the Classroom? Mold isn’t always obvious. You don’t necessarily walk into a classroom and see black mold growing on a wall. There may have been a roof leak, plumbing problem, flooding, or previous water damage inside a wall, ceiling, carpet, or other building material. If your child seems to experience a noticeable change after returning to school—particularly if symptoms improve when your child is away from that environment—it’s reasonable to investigate the building environment as one possible piece of the puzzle. Ask the school: Has this classroom or this area of the school ever had water damage or a leak?...   Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/255

When someone is looking for answers in autism—especially when they have been struggling for a long time—it is very understandable to ask: “What is the one thing that will help?” Is it a supplement? A dietary change? A therapy? A health technology? Something else? After decades of working with families and individuals, one thing I have learned is that I don’t look for one magic solution. I look at the whole picture. That doesn’t mean throwing everything at someone at once. In fact, I believe the opposite approach is often more helpful. It means understanding that different tools can have different purposes—and knowing how to put the right pieces together in a thoughtful way. Start With the Bigger Picture The first thing I want to understand is not simply, “What symptom are we trying to change?” I want to understand the person. What is going on with their nutrition? How are they sleeping? How is digestion? What does their environment look like? What has already been tried? What seems to help? What seems to make things worse? Symptoms are important, but they are also information. They can give us clues about where additional support may be needed. Build the Foundation First Before adding more and more interventions, I want to make sure the foundational pieces are being addressed. That may include things like nutrition, hydration, sleep, digestion, reducing unnecessary environmental stressors, and providing the body with the basic resources it needs. The foundation matters because you don’t want to keep adding more tools while overlooking something fundamental. Then Ask: What Needs Support Right Now? Once I have a better understanding of the bigger picture, I can begin looking at which areas may need additional support. And this is where I believe individualized thinking becomes so important. There isn’t necessarily one supplement that everyone needs. There isn’t one diet that works exactly the same way for everyone. And there isn’t one technology or therapy that should automatically be added simply because it worked for someone else. Instead, I ask: What is the goal? What are we trying to support? What is the most appropriate tool for this particular situation? Different Tools Can Have Different Jobs This is also why I don’t see supplements, nutrition, therapies, and health technologies as necessarily competing with one another. They can serve very different purposes. One approach may be focused on providing nutritional support. Another may be focused on supporting a particular body system. Another may be something I use as an additional wellness tool. The question isn’t, “Which one is best?” The question is: “What role does this particular tool have in the bigger picture?” That is one of the most important questions I ask before I introduce anything... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/254

Learn why, after decades of researching nutrition and holistic health, I began exploring phototherapy technology, what caught my attention, and why I ultimately chose to share this particular technology. After decades of researching nutrition, supplements, and holistic health, I’ve learned to keep an open mind. I’m always curious about new ideas, new research, and new approaches that may help support the body’s own natural processes. But being open-minded doesn’t mean accepting everything I come across. I’m also discerning. Before I consider incorporating something into my own life, sharing it with my family, or introducing it into my work, I want to understand it. I want to know how it works. I want to understand the science behind it. I want to look at the research. I want to learn about the company and the people behind it. And whenever appropriate, I want to experience it for myself. That’s exactly the approach I took when I first became interested in phototherapy technology. It Started With a Question After years of working with nutrition, supplements, and holistic approaches, I began thinking more deeply about the different ways we can support the body’s natural processes. Nutrition is foundational. I believe in providing the body with high-quality nutrients and supporting the digestive system and overall health as part of a comprehensive approach. But I also know that not everyone is able to digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients in the same way. Assisting the body’s natural processes in multiple ways is important. Digestive function and gut integrity can play an important role in how well the body is able to access and utilize nutrients from food and supplements. This is something I have seen frequently in the individuals and families I work with. So I began asking myself: Are there other ways to support the body’s natural processes that don’t rely on digestion and absorption? That question opened my mind to exploring different types of health technologies. What Caught My Attention What caught my attention about phototherapy technology was that it wasn’t another capsule, powder, or liquid. It was a non-invasive technology based on a completely different delivery approach. That immediately made me curious. I wanted to understand how something like this was designed to work. What was the science behind it? How did the technology interact with the body? What research was available? And could something that didn’t rely on the digestive system offer another option for people who may have difficulty absorbing and utilizing nutrients? These were the questions that made me want to learn more...   Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/253

Supplements and health technologies can support the body in very different ways. In this episode we will talk about how they differ, why delivery methods matter, and how to choose the right approach. When most people think about improving their health, they often think about supplements. Vitamins. Minerals. Herbs. Amino acids. Nutrients. But supplements aren’t the only tools available. Today, there are also many different health technologies designed to interact with the body in ways that don’t involve taking a pill, powder, or liquid. So what’s the difference? And how do you know which approach is right for you? The answer begins with understanding that supplements and health technologies are fundamentally different categories. They may have completely different mechanisms of action and delivery methods. That’s why I believe it’s important to understand how each works before deciding whether it deserves a place in your overall health approach. How Supplements Work Supplements generally provide the body with substances that it can use. Depending on the supplement, this might include: Vitamins Minerals Amino acids Fatty acids Herbs Enzymes Other nutritional compounds...   Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/252

How do I decide which supplements and health technologies are worth my time and money? Discover the 10 questions I ask before I use or recommend anything. When you’re a parent searching for ways to support your child’s health, it can be overwhelming. There are supplements, therapies, devices, technologies, practitioners, protocols, and products everywhere you look. Each one may come with impressive testimonials, promising research, or claims that it could make a difference. But how do you know what is truly worth your time, money, and attention? As an autism specialist with decades of experience in holistic health and working with families, I have learned that I can’t simply look at a product and ask, “Does this sound good?” Before I consider adding a supplement, health technology, or other product to my program, I do my own research and evaluation. I look at the science. I investigate the company. I look at how the product is made. I consider safety, quality, cost, ease of use, and whether it is genuinely practical for the families I serve.  Because something can be innovative, popular, or expensive—and still not be the right quality or the right fit for every individual and their unique needs. Most importantly, I ask whether it makes sense. And I don’t just recommend something and send families on their way. When I believe in a product or technology, I use it myself and share it with my family so I can have firsthand experience with it and understand how it fits into real life. I like to approach anything in life with an open mind. I can’t even count how many potentially valuable options I may have missed if I hadn’t been open to looking into it further and trying them for myself, because first-hand experience is important to me too.  Here are 10 of the questions I ask before I trust  Is There a Scientific Rationale Behind It? The first question I ask is: Does this make scientific and biological sense? I have a very curious mind. I’m interested in understanding how something is supposed to work. What is the proposed mechanism? What biological pathway or process is involved? Is there credible research supporting the underlying science? I don’t believe that one study or one testimonial is enough to make a decision. I want to look at the bigger picture. I also consider what type of evidence exists. Is there peer-reviewed research? Human research? Laboratory research? Research on the specific product or technology? Or is the evidence primarily based on anecdotal reports? These are all different levels of evidence, and I believe it’s important to understand the difference. When I evaluate something new, I want to know not only what the company says it does, but also whether the science behind the concept is reasonable and supported by evidence...   Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/251

This episode shares the deeply personal story that changed my life forever. After my son was diagnosed with autism, I refused to believe there was nothing we could do. Through years of research, determination, and a natural approach to supporting his health, I watched him recover from the symptoms of autism. In this episode, I share what worked, what didn’t, and how that journey became the foundation of the four-stage process I now teach parents around the world. In this episode we talk about: The diagnosis What doctors said Fears The therapies What wasn’t working The discoveries we made The gradual improvements The milestones His recovery What our own journey has given me to offer to other parents of children with autism (at ANY age) This is personal That experience led me to spend decades helping other families follow the same principles... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/250

Most parents spend years chasing symptoms: Speech delays Stimming Sleep issues Gut problems Meltdowns Sensory challenges Anxiety Behavior These are not separate problems. They’re symptoms of underlying dysfunction. Imagine your car’s oil light, check engine light, and battery light all come on. You could cover each warning light with tape, but the car still isn’t fixed. You have to repair what’s causing the warning lights. Parents aren’t failing They’re simply working on the warning lights instead of repairing the systems underneath. The Biggest Mistake Parents Make When Trying to Help Their Child with Autism Buying supplement after supplement Trying every diet Chasing the newest therapy Following random advice online Doing everything at once Success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things in the right order. Your body has priorities. For example: If your kitchen sink is overflowing, you don’t start painting the walls. You stop the flood first. Likewise, the body has to heal in the proper sequence. Why Parents Get Stuck The reason so many parents feel stuck isn’t because you’re not trying hard enough. It’s because no one has shown you the correct order.” “In my upcoming free online training, I’ll walk you through the exact four-stage roadmap I used to help my own son recover from the symptoms of autism, and that I’ve taught thousands of families around the world.” During the free training, I’ll show you exactly why the order matters and how each stage builds on the one before it. Most parents spend years chasing symptoms: Speech delays Stimming Sleep issues Gut problems Meltdowns Sensory challenges Anxiety Behavior These are not separate problems... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/249

Including transition programs, supportive communities, and key questions to ask before choosing the right fit. For many autism families, one of the biggest questions is: “What happens after high school?” Parents often spend years focusing on therapies, education, communication, and daily support. But eventually, another important goal comes into view—helping their child become as independent as possible while living a fulfilling, meaningful life. The good news is that more communities, transition programs, and independent living models are emerging across the United States to support autistic teens, young adults, and adults. These programs go far beyond simply providing housing. The best ones help individuals develop life skills, employment skills, social connections, and the confidence needed to thrive. Independence Doesn’t Have to Mean Doing Everything Alone One of the biggest misconceptions about independent living is that it means living completely alone without support. In reality, successful independence often includes the right amount of assistance, coaching, and community. Many autistic adults thrive when they have support with: Budgeting and money management Meal planning and cooking Transportation Employment preparation Social skills and relationships Executive functioning Healthcare management Household organization The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is helping each individual reach their highest level of independence and quality of life... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/248

Housing, support and community for individuals with autism and other disabilities and the families who love them. Unity is a non-profit organization inspired by parents of a child with autism. As their son grew older they looked for resources to answer the questions: Who will care for my son when we’re gone. He may never be able to live independently, care for himself fully, or keep himself safe. We have family who love him deeply – but not the level of support required for his long-term care. So we searched, first locally, then nationally. What we found was heartbreaking. There were no truly appropriate housing options – and those that came close had waitlists up to 15 years long. So, we waited. Jenny McCarthy spoke the truthful and fearful words we all think in our minds, a truth so many parents carry but rarely say out loud: “The name of my next book is going to have to be “I Can’t Die”. Unity Communities exists to bring people together – families, partners, investors, and advocates – to create new pathways forward. Because no one should have to ask: “What happens when I’m no longer here?” And no one should have to answer that question alone... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/247

What’s Changing in Autism Support (And Why It Matters) There’s a major shift happening right now in how autism is approached. Instead of trying to “fix” behaviors, more professionals are moving toward: Individualized, child-centered support Strength-based development Supporting communication in multiple forms (speech, gestures, AAC) This shift is happening because families and autistic adults are speaking up—and it’s reshaping care.   At the same time, there’s also confusion. Some systems still rely on: One-size-fits-all therapies High-hour, compliance-based approachesIn my last podcast, we talked about natural ways to help children with autism build confidence, self-esteem, communication, and social skills. But today, I want to take this deeper—because the conversation around autism is changing rapidly, and parents are asking new questions. Not just “What helps?” But “What actually works right now?” And perhaps most importantly: “How do I help my child communicate?” Why Speech and Communication Are at the Center of Everything Right now, one of the biggest concerns parents have is speech delay. And the encouraging news is this: Recent research shows that early, supportive intervention helps many non-speaking children begin to develop language—with about two-thirds gaining single words and many progressing to phrases.   That’s powerful. But here’s the part that often gets missed:... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/246

As parents of children with autism we need to communicate with our children in ways that they understand, and understand them so they can thrive. In today’s episode I interview Robert Bernstein. We discuss how to naturally approach cognition in ways to increase both understanding of our children, and how to help with solutions based on their personal thought processes. Skills involved help people of all ages with autism to  speak for the first time, or more clearly than before, build confidence and self esteem, and improve relationship skills with others. This episode also offers resources that parents can learn to assist educators and therapists who work with children with autism.  Robert Bernstein is the founder of the Bernstein Cognitive Method, a Columbia educated autism specialist focusing on relationships and early language, with 35+ years of experience in his private practice and award-winning author of Uniquely Normal, Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism (with the foreword by Temple Grandin). Robert J. Bernstein has been treating children on the autism spectrum for more than 35 years. His approach promotes the organic change and growth so many parents want to see in their children.  Rob is an international speaker, featured in Dateline and the New York Times, and is a member of the US Autism Association Advisory Board and the Autism Today Board of Directors. He has consulted with organizations including NYC Department of Education and Bronx Lebanon Hospital... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/245

Feeling alone in your child’s autism journey? Learn how support, guidance, and community can accelerate progress and bring hope to recovery. If you’re a parent walking the path of autism recovery, you already know something that most people don’t: This journey can feel incredibly lonely. Not because you don’t have people around you—but because unless someone has lived it themselves, they often don’t fully understand it. The endless searching. The second-guessing. The trial and error. The quiet moments of wondering if you’re doing the right thing. I know this because I lived it. When my child was struggling with symptoms of autism, I did what most parents do—I turned to doctors, therapists, and professionals, hoping for clear answers. But instead, I found they didn’t know what to do or would offer bits and pieces but didn’t have a complete roadmap. What they offered was more uncertainty. And often, the message that improvement beyond a certain point simply wasn’t possible. So I did what many parents eventually do when answers aren’t handed to them: I started researching. Learning. Testing. Piecing things together on my own... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/244