I (Jason) am traveling in Asia, far away from the family. Skype keeps us all sane, I think. Jackson sits on Sara’s lap and looks right at the computer. It’s almost like eye contact. But it’s not the same, of course. Anyway, something about being away makes me want to post this story. Continue reading “Jackson’s Barter System”
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”
Saturday Morning Salmon Patty Pancakes (GFCF)
Jackson pulled me out of bed at 6:15 this morning, no Saturday morning snoozing for me! He was hungry and asking for the yummy GFCF oatmeal bars sitting on top of the fridge, “Bar? Bar?” In the early morning haze, I was tempted to just plop one on his plate and head back to bed, but knowing the bar would only buy me another 30 seconds in bed and it was coated in chocolate, I decided to actually make the little man a proper breakfast. Not cognizant enough yet to trust myself to leave a waffle on the iron, I open the cupboard searching for “Jackson approved” GFCF cereal. None to be had. Continue reading “Saturday Morning Salmon Patty Pancakes (GFCF)”
Happy contradiction
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!