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Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen ThomasAuthor: Karen Thomas, Founder, CEO
Inspiring parents with natural solutions to create the most fulfilling, healthy and productive life possible for their children with autism. Empowering Parents with the Resources to Naturally Recover Autism from a mom who has done it. Having once been told her son could not recover from his symptoms of autism Karen Thomas now shares what she has learned through over a decade of personal research and experience that has brought her own son to recovery. Her background as a Craniosacral Therapist allowed her the awareness that the brain could heal if given the right support. Learn how you can allow your child a clear path for a happier and more fulfilling life with improved communication, better sleep, improved social abilities, and overall improved health. Get your FREE GUIDE to the top 7 foods to eliminate from your child's diet for better sleep, calmer moods, improved focus and speech at, NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com /7foods For more resources go to, NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Autism and Holiday Foods: What Parents Should Watch For [Podcast Episode #258]
Episode 258
Wednesday, 4 November, 2026
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
