Nourishing Autism

In today's episode, Brittyn interviews Melanie Potock, CCC-SLP to discuss how to support children and families as part of an interdisciplinary care feeding team for children on the autism spectrum. Kids with ASD are more likely to be picky eaters and are less likely to emerge out of the “picky eating stage” as young children. Together we explore the most common reasons why children on the spectrum are picky eaters and why the “Starve It Out” Method can cause more harm than good.   IN THIS EPISODE The importance of having a cohesive, interdisciplinary care team for children with feeding difficulties Identifying the most important members in a care team: the child and the parent. The issues with the term “picky eating” and how this presents challenges around getting support with feeding issues Why children on the autism spectrum are less likely to emerge out of the “picky eating stage” as young children. Why the “Starve It Out Method” may not be worth the risk for children on the autism spectrum What are the three blocks of the “Stacking Model” that impact picky eating for children and why they may be experiencing feeding difficulties The impact of Sensory Processing Disorder in picky eating and how this can affect hunger cues and food preferences The importance of considering the whole child instead of just the growth chart   LINKS Follow Melanie on Instagram at @mymunchbug_melaniepotock Check out Melanie's website and free resources at https://mymunchbug.com/ Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

On this week's episode, Brittyn welcomes her colleague Elisa Rocks. Elisa is a registered dietitian and an autism nutrition specialist. She helps kids with autism feel well so they can lead healthier, happier lives. She offers comprehensive one-on-one support that focuses on repairing the gut, resolving food, sensitivities, replenishing, nutrients, and rebuilding a positive relationship with food for picky eaters. Elisa is also a writer for the Autism Nutrition Library. She lives in upstate New York with her husband Matt, their two children, and two Australian shepherds! IN THIS EPISODE What is food sensitivity testing, if it's accurate, and what is recommended Differences between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances Why you should consider testing your child LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Learn more about Elisa Rocks RDN

On today's episode, Brittyn is discussing Miralax and constipation, which is a really common topic in autism. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in children on the autism spectrum, and studies show that GI issues are directly linked to increased problem behaviors and anxiety! It's really important that you make sure your kids are having healthy bowel movements and not only for behaviors but there are many other nutritional reasons! IN THIS EPISODE How GI issues and behavior problems are related Why constipation can lead to nutritional deficiencies Managing constipation from the inside out   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Today's episode is a little different than many of the other episodes. Join Brittyn as she announces some exciting personal news, and also what you can expect from autism dietitian and the nourishing autism podcasts for the rest of the year! IN THIS EPISODE Brittyn and her husband are expecting their newest addition in the Fall Courses are coming soon from the Autism Dietitian More exciting life updates!   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

On today's episode, Brittyn welcomes Danielle Zold, the Picky Eating Dietitian and a personal friend on the podcast. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Lactation Counselor with a focus on pediatric nutrition and a passion for helping kids eat. She helps parents support their children to grow to their best potential and create healthy relationships with food one bite at a time. IN THIS EPISODE Resources to help you expand your child's diet and creating an eating environment that is welcoming and encouraging for your little one Why picky eating is less about the taste of the foods that your child is eating and more about the other senses they are experiencing How developmental disorders such as autism and other neurodevelopment disorders are connected to picky eating   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @PickyEatingDietitian on Instagram Follow Picky Eating Dietitian on Facebook Learn more about Picky Eating Dietitian Learn more about Feeding Matters

Today on the podcast Brittyn welcomes Dr. Josh Wilson, a board-certified chiropractor located in Edmond, Oklahoma at his practice, Optimal Family Chiropractic. He has a particular emphasis on pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care. They connected in 2017 with a mutual client and have shared many clients since and in the episode today they discussed chiropractic for kids on the autism spectrum and the potential benefits associated with it such as the nervous system, healthy bowel movements, and many more. IN THIS EPISODE How chiropractic care can change the life of even the smallest of babies to adults Ways to help your child with autism feel comfortable at the chiropractor Different chiropractic approaches and what you can expect when you go to visit the chiropractor LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @OptimalFamilyChiropractic on Instagram Learn more about Optimal Family Chiropractic

On this week's episode, Brittyn welcomes  Becca King and she is @ADHD.Nutritionist on Instagram. Becca is a registered dietitian from Charlotte, North Carolina, and as an adult with ADHD who struggled for years with disordered eating, Becca is passionate about helping other adults with ADHD who struggle with binge-eating, chronic dieting, and body image issues. She helps her clients find food freedom and improve their self-esteem. She uses the principles of intuitive eating and weight inclusive approach to nutrition for ADHD in her virtual practice. IN THIS EPISODE What is intuitive eating and how can you helpfully incorporate it into your child's eating patterns How to approach intuitive eating when you have a picky eater Common misconceptions about intuitive eating and ADHD LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @ADHD.Nutritionist on Instagram

On today's episode, Brittyn welcomes Glen Collins and he is the creator of Autside, a company that has created a product line of traditional outdoor games that help the whole family come together for outdoor time, which encourages self-discovery, communication, self-confidence friendships and independence for everyone. A portion of every Autside sale goes to nonprofits dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families! He and his wife, Alice are proud parents with two twin boys, Cam and Field. And in 2014, their son Cam was diagnosed with autism and this event reshape their lives forever but has also been an incredibly rewarding journey for their family. IN THIS EPISODE Teaching confidence and socialization through games  How his passion for family and getting his children involved started Outside Creating autism community and awareness through brand identity and lifestyle   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @GetAutside on Instagram Follow @GetAutside on Facebook Learn more about Get Autside

On this weeks episode Brittyn welcomes Kelsea Newman, a pediatric occupational therapist and sensory specialist who empowers children by strengthening their senses and nervous system to help with attention, anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. She is passionate about our sensory system and how it connects to our nervous system, which impacts every single little thing we do, how we move, how we feel, how we digest our food, how we communicate, how we learn, and how we connect to the world around us!   IN THIS EPISODE Filling your child's sensory cup before, during, and after mealtime How sensory processing is not the same as sensory differences What is interoception and how can you strengthen it   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @sensory_therapist on Instagram Learn more about how to work with Kelsea

On this episode, Brittyn welcomes special guest Dr. Nidhi Taneja, a pediatric board-certified dentist with a mission to eliminate dental fear and anxiety for every child. She is an advocate for prevention-focused, minimally invasive procedures to shift the paradigm from the traditional drill and fill model of dentistry to a functional and integrative approach to oral health. She believes that early intervention, regular visits, and home consistency are the biggest proponents of a child's positive experience with the dentist!   IN THIS EPISODE What is the functional approach to density   Why prevention at an early age is so important How to make the dental experience sensory-friendly for your child on the spectrum   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Follow @dr.nidhitaneja on Instagram Find out more about Nurture Smiles

This week on the podcast Brittyn welcomes a special guest, Jamie Lin Brown! Jamie is an advocate for not only her child who is on the spectrum, Phoenix, but also educates others. She has also built a close community of followers where she provides other parents with tools, resources, mentorship, and inspiration about being more intentional with their children on the spectrum! IN THIS EPISODE How diet changes played a vital role in her son's behavioral patterns Getting your child involved in the cooking process Being intentional within not only your child's life, but in your family's time also LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Sign up for the retreat!

Do you try offering new foods to your child, only to become frustrated each time because they only end up refusing it? Many parents who have come to me have been working on picky eating and expanding their diet without any kind of success, and it turns out that they were just not using the right approaches for their child on the spectrum. The appropriate method can help your child grow confident with food, and grow trust with food and with you!   IN THIS EPISODE What is the rule of 10 for introducing new foods Discovering which mealtime is best to introduce new foods Best language to use surrounding trying new foods with your child   LINKS Get on the waitlist for my upcoming online course: Overcoming Picky Eating with Autism Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Have you ever thought about how important posture could be in regards to your child's eating habits? Children with autism are more likely to have low muscle tone making it all the more difficult to have a comfortable seat at the table. A secure seating position is so important for both core and head support and can be a really important factor to ensure your child is able to eat new foods with harder and different textures! IN THIS EPISODE How poor posture could be affecting your child's eating experience Learn about the 90-90-90 rule for a comfortable seating posture Products that may be helpful to make your child's mealtime more comfortable LINKS Get on the waitlist for my upcoming online course: Overcoming Picky Eating with Autism Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Waitlist for the Overcoming Picky Eating with Autism course

Brittyn's guest, Rachel Madel, a Speech Language Pathologist working in the autism community, discusses how to help children on the spectrum better express themselves by using technology. IN THIS EPISODE What is augmentative alternative communication (AAC)? Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) vs. AAC. Using AAC to help with picky eating. LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram https://www.rachelmadel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rachelmadelslp/

Join Brittyn as she interviews Quiara Smith, a pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist. Learn about how a pelvic health occupational therapist can help a child with toileting challenges. During this episode Quiara and Brittyn discuss the connection between the pelvic floor and issues such as urinary incontinence, constipation, and picky eating. IN THIS EPISODE Learn what conditions a pelvic floor therapist treats. Understand how the pelvic floor impacts the toileting patterns of children with sensory dysfunction. The connection between the pelvic floor and urinary incontinence, constipation, and picky eating.   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Aloha Integrative Therapy Aloha Integrative Therapy Facebook Page Aloha Integrative Therapy Instagram    

Join Brittyn as she talks with Dr. Marielly Mitchell, a pediatric occupational therapist and oral facial myofunctional therapist. Dr. Mitchell works with children on their sensory processing to optimize breathing and sleeping, which also translates into picky eating.   IN THIS EPISODE What is an oral facial myofunctional therapist and what do they help with? How the anatomy and function of the mouth can impact sleep, sensory regulation, and nutrition. What is mouth breathing and how can it affect children on the spectrum.   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

In this episode, Brittyn talks about using Epsom salt baths for children with Autism. Learn more about why Epsom salt baths may be beneficial and how you can incorporate Epsom salt baths into your child's routine. IN THIS EPISODE What are Epsom salt baths. Why Epsom salt baths may be beneficial for children with Autism. How to introduce Epsom salt baths in your child's routine.   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram  

In this episode Brittyn speaks with one of her past clients, Brittany, who opens up about her nutrition journey for her son Shepard. Brittany is a physician herself and dug into the research on nutrition for autism and shares her experience working with Brittyn. IN THIS EPISODE Brittany, a former client, shares how she navigated her son's Autism diagnosis. Nutrition interventions that had a positive impact on Brittany's son, Shepard. Brittany shares her advice on how to approach treatment options. LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram  

Join Brittyn as she interviews Molly Johnson, the Autism Consultant. Molly is a special education teacher by training and through that, she saw a need in the autism community and she filled it. So she supports parents to implement strategies to help their child's challenging behavior and skill development.   IN THIS EPISODE Learn about Molly Johnson's journey to become the Autism Consultant How visual supports can help with communication and decreasing behaviors & meltdowns The importance of implementing supports at home and not just school Different tools to help autistic children succeed and communicate more efficiently   LINKS Follow Molly on Instagram at @theautismconsultant Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Valentine's Day is full of celebration and traditions, but this can also be a time of high stress for you and your child with autism. They often have more exposure to new foods or foods that they may be allergic or sensitive to, and it can also be really overstimulating! This is a great time to explore new food options, and if your child is comfortable, new social opportunities! IN THIS EPISODE Preparing your child for new interactions through some social stories Talking to teachers and your child's care team about preparing for the holiday How to incorporate your child's nutritional needs without compromising the fun of Valentine's Day! LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Do you suspect that your child's limited diet is leaving them lacking in specific nutrients? Nutrient deficiencies are extremely common in children and adults with autism, but that does not mean that this statement is a one size fits all approach. Join Brittyn as she digs deeper into the top 3 reasons your child could be suffering from a nutrient deficiency and how to fix them! IN THIS EPISODE How the MTHFR gene could be affecting your child's ability to absorb nutrients Why gut health impacts deficiencies Which nutrient deficiencies are most common in children with autism LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Did you know that children with autism are more likely to experience constipation due to lack of fiber, dehydration, low muscle tone, food sensitivities, and other underlying GI issues like yeast and dysbiosis? This may leave you wondering what exactly you can do to help, but let me reassure you that this does not have to be a chronic condition for your child! Listen along as Brittyn discusses getting to the root of the constipation loop and how to break it. IN THIS EPISODE How encopresis can be mistaken for other GI symptoms Supplements (other than Miralax) that can help your child's constipation What consists of the constipation loop and how to break it LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Have you ever thought that your child's behavioral actions are related to a nutritional problem? Sadly, so often children with autism often don't receive adequate medical care because they can't always tell us what's wrong. Brittyn will be discussing how your verbal or non-verbal child may be using other communication tools such as head banging, pushing on their stomach, and even other verbal tools that something deeper is happening! IN THIS EPISODE Advocating for your child's communication method with your care team Nutritional needs and how they relate to non-verbal and verbal communication cues How to find support for your child's nutritional needs LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram  

Is 2022 the year that you are determined to work on your child's picky eating habits? While this is a great goal, you may want to make sure you are choosing a method that is going to create sustainable results for your child while creating a supportive environment through this process. This is why finding a healthcare professional that is certified in this area is so important! IN THIS EPISODE Why the starve it out method does not work Finding a certified SOS therapist How sensory processing disorders and picky eating are linked LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Did you know that 80% of people will ditch their New Years resolutions by February? If you are looking to start any New Years resolutions for your family, consider routines instead! Not only will you have long-term success instead of short-term burnout, but you will also set your family up for routines that support your goals. IN THIS EPISODE Practical steps to identify your routines Why routines are better than resolutions How to brainstorm for long-term success LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

We are taking a week off for the holidays so you can spend more quality time with your family. If you are looking for some holiday recipes and tips in my membership, I've pulled together 20 different holiday recipes that include breakfast and main dish options as well as many different desserts inside my membership, the Autism Nutrition Library! The price goes up next year, so now is a great time to join a like-minded community and take steps to help your child feel their best.   LINKS Need Christmas Recipes and Tips? Check out —> [Round Up] Christmas Recipes + Tips for a Merry Day! Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Did you know that children with autism are more likely to also have food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances? While these words are often used interchangeably, they are all very different in how they present themselves, how we test for them, and how they can be treated! IN THIS EPISODE Differences and similarities in food sensitivities, food intolerances, and food allergies How to test for different types of food reactions Where does celiac disease classify as a food reaction?   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Have you ever felt shamed for offering or not offering supplements to your child with autism? Supplements can be a great source of nutrients that your child may not be getting from their diet if they do not eat a broad diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein. Let's dig deeper, without judgment, on when and when to not supplement! IN THIS EPISODE The SOS approach to eating for picky eaters Is nutrient testing right for your child Where to find the best quality supplements LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Is your child afraid of trying new foods, but will put just about anything else in their mouth like rocks, dirt, paper, and play-doh? Your child could be trying to tell you something more. In this episode, I will be giving you 3 reasons that your child with autism could be eating non-food items! IN THIS EPISODE How craving sensory input could trigger your child to eat non-food items Developmental stages and their correlation with oral sensations Defining pica and what this could mean for potential nutrient deficiencies LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram Learn more about pica here

We are taking off this week for you to enjoy more time with your family and friends! For Thanksgiving resources, check out last week's episode for tips for a stress-free holiday.  If you have been waiting to join the Autism Nutrition Library, now is the time! Use the code GIVETHANKS-20 for 20% off the ANL.When you join the Autism Nutrition Library you get instant access to: Kid friendly recipes that meet your child's sensory preferences and nutrition needs A member's only community form to connect with other like minded parents (and me!) Information on conditions such as Constipation, the Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diet, Supplements, Leaky Gut Syndrome, PANS/PANDAS and more - in relation to autism and nutrition … and so much more

It's the season of Thanksgiving, and along with the excitement can come a feeling of uncertainty if you have a child on the spectrum. This could be for a variety of reasons such as a change in schedule, new foods, new people, and other variations in the day that could change your child's regular routine. Tune in as I give my top six tips for navigating and preparing for a stress-free Thanksgiving! IN THIS EPISODE How to navigate trying new foods on Thanksgiving days Preparing a safe place for your child Making Thanksgiving about more than food LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Are you wondering how exactly I became the Autism Dietitian? While there is no autism nutrition certification, there are definitely avenues that you can take to educate and cultivate your knowledge. I will be sharing about my journey through college, my career, and the resources that I used to get to where I am today! IN THIS EPISODE The importance of educating healthcare providers on autism My personal story, and what inspired me most in the field How I took the leap to start my private practice LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Is the gluten-free diet right for your child with autism? If your child is on the autism spectrum it is almost inevitable to not hear about going gluten-free. While the topic of gluten allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances is vast, there is a lot of research that supports going gluten-free in children with autism. Listen along as I dig further into the topic of going gluten-free, and how it may or may not be for your child! IN THIS EPISODE What does the research say about gluten-free diets for children on the autism spectrum? Different types of gluten allergies and sensitivities Deciding if the gluten-free diet is right for your child LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Do you feel like your child is getting swept under the “autism rug”? On today's episode, Brittyn is digging deeper into what it means to advocate for your child's needs. There are a lot of symptoms that are commonly associated with autism, but does that mean that they're normal? Each of your child's symptoms deserves attention, and a specialist to help you dig deeper. Learn how to not let it get swept under the rug! IN THIS EPISODE Common misconceptions about autism “symptoms” What is the “autism rug” Questions you should be asking your healthcare provider Learning to advocate for your child's specific needs LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Special events almost always revolve around food and they're often feel good foods like cake, candy, and ice cream. While these taste delicious, they're not necessarily foods that aren't going to improve your nutrition or help your child feel their best, which is what I'm all about. Helping your kids feel their best so that they can reach their full potential. Let's explore preparing for the holidays and finding alternatives that your kids enjoy and are more nutritious!   IN THIS EPISODE Exploring the balancing act of food and experience at special events and holidays A few different options to consider for upcoming events to set you up for success Ideas for “better” candy and other ideas for non-candy and non-food treats your child can enjoy Communicating with your child's team and setting expectations   LINKS [Round Up] "Cleaner" Halloween Candy [Round Up] Halloween Treats That Aren't Candy Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Have you ever wondered how to balance your child's plate with autism? In this episode, we break down how to balance your child's plate and how this can help with mood, focus, and energy levels. We also discuss a common reason for mid-morning or mid-afternoon crashes in school and how to resolve it.   IN THIS EPISODE 2 reasons why balancing your child's plate is important How to balance a plate The reason for mid-morning or mid-afternoon crashes in school   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

We start off this podcast by answering one of the most common questions: "I feel so overwhelmed. Where do I even begin?" So if you've ever felt overwhelmed or intimidated by nutrition for autism, you are not alone, and this episode is for you! IN THIS EPISODE Reducing overwhelm when getting started with nutrition for autism The basics to prioritize when starting with dietary changes An exercise for you to prioritize the changes you'd like to make for your child   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Did you know up to 90% of parents with children on the spectrum report picky eating? In this episode, we unpack why picky eating is so common in autism as well as resources to support you as you work to expand your child's diet. IN THIS EPISODE Why picky eating is so common in autism Underlying reasons for picky eating you might be missing Research studies about picky eating and autism The best kind of feeding therapy for autism & sensory processing difficulties   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram The SOS Approach to Feeding Locate an SOS Therapist My Nourishing Autism Method Group Program

From picky eating to gut issues, we will cover the top reasons why nutrition is incredibly important for those on the autism spectrum and how proper nutrition can drastically improve quality of life. IN THIS EPISODE 8 different reasons why nutrition is important for autism Insights into why eating may be difficult for someone with autism or Sensory Processing Disorder Sensory seekers vs sensory avoiders The importance of the gut-brain connection in autism A brief touch into nutrient deficiencies, genetic mutations, and detoxification in autism   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

On the first episode of Nourishing Autism, I share my “why” behind this podcast and my private practice. I'll also explain my approach to nutrition before diving into the biggest topics surrounding autism nutrition.   IN THIS EPISODE Brittyn's backstory and connection to autism The mission of Autism Dietitian Having a brother on the autism spectrum Why nutrition for autism is not a one-size-fits-all approach How to get in touch & receive support   LINKS Join the Autism Nutrition Library Follow @AutismDietitian on Instagram

Welcome to the Nourishing Autism™ podcast! Launching October 4, 2021.