Specialized Diets for Autism: Options and Considerations

Below is a link to my recent article "Specialized Diets for Autism: Options and Considerations" published in the December 2013 issue of Autism Companion Magazine.

 

Staci Small MA, RD Contributes to Article "Path To Childhood Obesity May Begin In Utero"

Thank you to www.babygooroo.com for the opportunity to contribute to an article citing recent research suggesting that our childhood obesity epidemic may actually begin during pregnancy.  Click the logo below for a link to the full article.

2013 Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) Fall Conference, Tampa, FL

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 2013 Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) Fall Conference which took place in Tampa, Florida October 3-5.  For those unfamiliar, MAPS is the only comprehensive training and fellowship for the biomedical treatment of autism spectrum disorders.  Obtaining membership in MAPS is an important next step in furthering my knowledge of nutritionally assisting the growing population of autistic and special needs children (now 1 in 50 with the diagnosis of ASD).   MAPS has created a top-notch program for attending practitioners presenting the newest biomedical treatments in autism using proven scientific evidence.  The MAPS faculty and presenters, some of the most highly respected in the field of autism treatment, are extremely knowledgeable in their respective areas of practice.   I found great value in the topics presented at the conference such as the foundations of MAPS, gastrointestinal issues and nutrition and environmental medicine.  I am excited to implement into my practice the new methods of treatment and care that I learned. 

Most of all, I enjoyed meeting practitioners and vendors from all over the world wanting to help those affected by autism.  Attending practitioners at the conference represented over 20 countries.  I am happy to be affiliated with this fantastic organization.  Great job MAPS in putting on a wonderful and insightful conference.   I look forward to attending MAPS conferences in the future!  For more information, visit www.medmaps.org.

Joy's House - Adult Day Service "A Day Away Program" Food Demonstration

I had the great opportunity to provide a live food demonstration today to the caregivers at Joy's House - Adult Day Service "A Day Away Program".  The demo was titled "Color Your Plate - Quick and Easy Meal Ideas".  This demo provided two easy meal ideas targeted at addressing nutrient deficiencies. Thank you to President and CEO Tina McIntosh, Marketing Coordinator Missy Gold and the rest of the wonderful staff at Joy's House for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great event!

Recipes from today's food demonstration:

Magnificent Chocolate Smoothie

This decadent smoothie provides a nice punch of the much needed mineral magnesium.  Enjoy it while relaxing after a hectic day.

• 5 medium strawberries
• 1 large ripe banana (a few brown speckles on the peel)
• 1 large ripe avocado (dark skin and beginning to soften)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened original almond milk
• 1/2 cup ice
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar or agave nectar
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (dark)

Directions: 
Wash strawberries and avocado.  Remove stems from strawberries.  Peel banana.  Cut avocado in half and remove pit.  Scoop out avocado with a spoon and place into the food processor with banana and milk.  Blend until smooth.  Add strawberries, sugar, cocoa powder and ice.  Blend well. Serve immediately.  Yields 2 servings.

Loaded Potatoes

Loaded with nutrients and flavor!  Try this quick dinner idea is full of vitamin c, calcium, fiber and lycopene.

• 1 rotisserie chicken (fully cooked)
• 1/3 cup barbeque sauce
• 2 medium baking potatoes
• 4 green onions
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 cup colby jack cheese, finely shredded
• 1/3 cup sour cream, reduced fat

Directions:
Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork.  Wrap in wet paper towel and microwave each potato separately for 2 1/2 minutes on each side.  Let one sit wrapped in paper towel while the other bakes.  Remove 2 cups of chicken from the cooked rotisserie chicken and place in a bowl.  Shred lightly.  Wash and slice the green onions.  Add 1/3 cup of barbeque sauce and sliced green onions to the chicken and microwave 1 1/2 minutes on high.  Wash and dice tomato; set aside.  Cut baked potato and open on plate. Top with 1 cup of barbeque chicken mixture, diced tomato and 1/2 cup cheese.  Microwave an additional 30 seconds or until cheese is melted.  Top with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy.

The United States of Autism - Movie Trailer

See official movie trailer here.

For more information regarding a viewing in the Indianapolis area on July 24, 2013, please visit here.

2013 AutismOne / Generation Rescue Conference

I am looking forward to attending the 2013 AutismOne / Generation Rescue Conference next week. For more infomation please visit www.autismone.org.

Join Registered Dietitian Staci Small MA, RD on WIBC's "The Sandwiched Generation" on Saturday, March 9, 2013

Please join me this Saturday, March 9 from 8:00 - 9:00 am on 93.1 FM - WIBC's "The Sandwiched Generation". I will be answering questions regarding how caregivers can navigate and implement special diets.

Post-Baby Body Blues

Thank you to Holly Kline at Indy's Child Magazine for giving me the opportunity to contribute to her February 2013 article - Post-Baby Body Blues.  Additionally, Indy's Child has some nice articles and resources regarding Autism and Special Needs.