So…today marks the one-year anniversary of Jackson’s diagnosis with autism, our moving to Oregon, and a year of climbing uphill. Today I feel like I am popping up over the top of this mountainous peak, and catching a fresh, invigorating breeze. I turn back to look at how far we’ve come, and I am thrilled, amazed, and thankful. I never thought Jackson would have come so far. I hoped and prayed for it, but I didn’t expect to see what we’re seeing now. Continue reading “Happy contradiction”
Saturday morning GFCF waffles
We’re up at 6 am on this fine, Saturday morning! Jack has rejected my offer of a GFCF nut and fruit protein bar, so I guess it’s almost time to get off the computer and make our traditional Saturday morning fare: waffles.
Waffles have become an almost every day staple. I make a big batch and throw them in the freezer so I can pop them in the toaster and have a super quick, easy breakfast or snack for Jackson.
I have played with this recipe a ton using all different combinations of flours including nut, ground seeds, rice, corn, potato, amaranth, in addition to the ones listed below. I’ve tried all different kinds of milk and eggs substitutes too including homemade almond milk, ground flax seed. I usually wait a bit before throwing it on the waffle griddle and adjust the wet ingredients as needed since some of the flours absorb more liquid than others. Waffles are great for people wanting to try alternating flours to avoid developing food sensitivities.
These are great for hiding some of the fruit and veggies Jackson won’t eat by themselves like squash, sweet potato, fruit puree or sauce, and pumpkin. I think they improve the taste and texture too!
GFCF Waffles
1 c. Garfava bean flour
1/4 c. corn starch or potato starch
1/4 c. rice or tapioca flour
1/4 c. Quinoa flour
1/4 c. ground flax seed
1 TBS sugar or 1/2 c. fruit to sweeten
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. canola oil
1 c. almond, soy, or rice milk
1/2 c. pumpkin puree, apple sauce, or one banana
Pour batter into waffle iron or on griddle as pancakes! Cook to desired crispness! Enjoy!
I’ve always wanted to be a science researcher, so my kitchen has become my lab. Some experiments turn out, and some don’t go over so well…but my waffle iron has become one of my most valuable pieces of lab equipment! Soooo…happy experimenting! Please post a comment if you come up with a good combination!
By the way, we’ve just launched another website, AutismInterventions.org, to demonstrate to other parents what we’re doing with Jackson. It will be less bloggy and more broad, aimed at giving parents of autistic kids practical ideas to help them communicate. We’re working with the experts at Jackson’s school to put together an Early Intervention eBook to sell on that site as well. All in all, we’re excited. So check out the site and sign up for the newsletter if you get a chance. Thanks!
Bread: the last GFCF stronghold
You cannot be born into this family and not be able to eat bread. Bread has been one of the hardest delights for Jackson to let go of. I enjoy making homemade cheesy breadsticks, tear off bread, monkey bread, muffins…yeah…now my mouth is watering. Since Jack has been on the GFCF (Gluten Free Casein Free) diet, though, I haven’t wanted to torture him with the rapturous smells of fresh baked goods he will not be allowed to taste–unless he happens to fish some leftover crumbs out of the trash, swipe them from his brother’s highchair tray, or lick them off the floor. Bread seems a little cruel. And the $5 GFCF breads I’ve bought so far have all ended up crumbled on the plate as Jackson licks the peanut butter off the undesired slices or moldy because I forgot to stick them in the freezer or freezer burned because I forgot to take them out. Continue reading “Bread: the last GFCF stronghold”
Victory in the bathroom
Three days ago, Jackson entered the bathroom on his own initiative, grabbed his potty seat, and placed it on the potty while singing in a soft, whispery voice, “Jackson put your poopies in the potty.” He proceeded to take the advice of Mommy’s soft-rock ballad created in a moment of desperation during our weekend “Potty Party” over a month ago. Continue reading “Victory in the bathroom”
Following directions through the haze of autism
We’ve worked long and hard at getting Jackson to connect with us and figured out several things that are rewarding and motivating. We feel like we’ve laid a great groundwork for getting Jackson to follow directions. This has turned out to be a bigger challenge than I ever imagined.
Reality began sinking in one day about a year ago when I looked up and saw that Jackson had left a trail of at least ten strawberry tops winding across the living room carpet. Not wanting to miss a teachable moment, I decided to have him pick each one up and feed it to the guinea pigs. Cleaning up and connecting with pets at the same time! Whoo hoo! Continue reading “Following directions through the haze of autism”