Keep the Holidays Merry For Your Special Needs Child

Some tips on how to make the season bright:


Minimize anxiety by preparing your child well in advance of your
        celebration.

Avoid crowded malls and other overstimulating venues.

Keep to a schedule as much as possible -- it will be hard to get your
        child (and yourself) back on track.

Expectations – inform your child who to expect will attend social
         gatherings. View family photos beforehand; review their names.


Involve your child in holiday preparations. Decorate gradually if your
         child has difficulty accepting change.

Traveling during the holidays is stressful for everyone. Pack favorite
         toys/foods that can help calm your child.



Make sure the host/hostess offers foods your child can eat if
          he/she is on a special diet. Better yet, bring the prepared dish
          wrapped in a festive bow!

Educate those that will celebrate with you about your child’s needs or
          dislikes (i.e. hugs from relatives ).

Role play – practice opening gifts, waiting for others, courteous
          responses.

Recognize the signs of overstimulation – if you sense your child is
          becoming overwhelmed, direct him/her to a quiet area.

Your child is the most precious gift of all – see the wonders of the
          season through the eyes of your child and have a joyous holiday!

Latest news on the autism front: Researchers announce positive results on a new MRI scan that detects autism.

The new findings appear online in the journal Autism Research. For further reading, visit McClean Hospital.

The preliminary results are encouraging.  If the specialized MRI brain scans are proven conclusively to be accurate, those at risk or who are suspected to have neurological disorders can be objectively diagnosed early on.  For my patients, such scans will aid early development and implementation of therapy plans to target the child's specific area of dysfunction.  Commencing neurological therapies at an earlier stage provides those with autism a better chance to maximize their full potential.

 

Nutritional Tips for An Anti-Inflammatory Thanksgiving Feast

Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep inflammation and pain at bay today with the tips below:

Have as many foods as you can with Omega 3 fats on the table such as walnuts and winter squash.

Avoid foods you are allergic to like nightshades vegetables (i.e. potatoes, tomatoes) which may trigger pain flareups.

If you need a snack, choose pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. They’re loaded with good fats that are anti-inflammatory.

Keep calm. Don’t let small family dramas get you upset. Stress and anger cause inflammation.

Limit your intake of sugar today -- too much can cause inflammation and joint pain.

Try to eat as many raw, green leafy vegetables as possible.

Include plenty of fiber rich foods such as sweet potatoes, green beans, or brussel sprouts.

Eat a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits which provide plenty of antioxidants.

If you choose to drink alcohol  with your Thanksgiving meal, red wine is preferential. Moderation is key of course!

Never eat anything with Trans Fats! Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions have been associated with trans fat consumption. They are found in prepackaged pie crusts, ready-to-bake biscuits & cakes, etc.

Get outside! Go for a nice brisk walk if you can or do some other physical activity.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Tips for Special Needs Children

Tell your child in advance who's coming over or if you're going to
                           someone else’s home.
Have staple food available if your child is on a special diet.
Awareness- Make sure your guests know your child’s special needs.
Nonverbal children may need extra prompting in someone else’s home.
Keep healthy snacks your child likes handy.
Send home doggie bags so you don’t have “illegal” foods left over.
Get outside to burn off some energy.
Involve your child in preparations for the holiday.
Vegetables disguised with other foods is essential.   (Check out Jessica
                                 Seinfeld’s “Deceptively Delicious” for ideas)
Invite those who have been supportive to you.
Never compromise your routines; it'll be difficult to get back on track.

Gratitude – Remember to be thankful for your beautiful family.