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An answer at last


So it took about a week longer for Jackson’s teacher to make her final decision on his placement for next year. Rearranging children, deciding the best for all, and a child dropping out of the morning class all contributed to the final outcome. Jackson will be attending the five day (instead of four-day) morning class with the understanding that if he’s too stressed and cannot hang with it or needs more support and and a slower pace, he’ll be free to move back to afternoon.

I am satisfied with this final answer and more determined than ever to keep him moving forward during the rest of the summer break. We cannot let him slide backward, he needs that consistent schedule and concerted practice to keep him on track, and we need it too.

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Peaceful Anticipation

Today Jackson’s teacher will tell us whether Jackson will be moved to the advanced 5-day morning class or stay in the 4-day afternoon class for his final year at his amazing school.

“I’m on the fence,” the director and head teacher tells me bluntly. “Jackson and another student are really in about the same place, and I only have room for one more in the morning. Do you have a strong preference?” Continue reading “Peaceful Anticipation”

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Hidden Potential


Rat, tat, tat, tat, chk, chk, chk, chk, chk, chk, chk, chk…Ahhh…all else in the house is quiet, but my pounding head is still not at peace since Jackson is not allowed to nap in order to protect the sanctity of nighttime sleep. Two packaged strips of fruit leather are madly flailing against the edge of the coffee table. Jackson’s arms are a blur. With incredible precision and endurance, he whips those fruit strips like his life depends on it. And I am faced with a decision: do I allow him to be lost in this repetitive movement, known in the autism community as flapping or stimming (Self Stimulatory Behavior)? Continue reading “Hidden Potential”

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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!

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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”