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Praised as a modern-day classic by celebrities and readers all over the world, the first edition of Special Diets for Special Kids has been helping children and adults with autism, ADHD, celiac disease, and other disorders since 1998. Special Diets for Special Kids Two followed up in 2001 by providing more recipes and updated research.
This 25th anniversary edition includes new cooking techniques (think Instant Pot), new recipes, and new research. Special Diets for Special Kids provides delicious ways to package the benefits food can provide for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Lisa Lewis' short anecdotes at the beginning of many of the recipes make for entertaining reading. Lewis' son has autism and has been on a GFCF diet for many years. The author has a talent for explaining the scientific basis of digestive and absorptive problems in autistic children in ways that are easy for overwhelmed parents to understand.
The first part of the book describes dietary intervention in detail, explaining the scientific rationale for special diets in understandable language. In a nutshell, certain enzymes are required to break down gluten and casein. If those enzymes don't function well, or are not present at sufficient levels, serious neurological problems can result. Studies have shown that children with autism have a marked deficiency of these enzymes, which may explain why GFCF diets have yielded positive results for many children.
Among many other helpful topics, Dr. Lewis explains:
The second part of the book is an easy-to-follow cookbook. This section contains nearly 200 revised and new gluten-free, casein-free recipes, including many you would have never thought possible on a GFCF diet, such as:
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: Why Dietary Intervention for Autism?
Chapter 2: Testing and Nutritional Support
Chapter 3: How and What to Feed Your Child
Chapter 4: Breakfasts and Breads
Chapter 5: Drinks
Chapter 6: Lunchtime
Chapter 7: Anytime Snacks
Chapter 8: Dinnertime/Main Dishes
Chapter 9: Cheap Eats
Chapter 10: Holiday Fare
Chapter 11: Desserts
Chapter 12: Odds and Ends
Resources
"Lisa Lewis' contribution to the understanding of biomedical aspects of autism have been considerable. . . . Her new book also concentrates on the practical applications of knowledge and understanding. It is well-researched, well written, and very much needed."
- Paul Shattock, Autism Research Unit, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, England
"The writings of Lisa Lewis have made a huge impact on the field of autism. As an educator and a parent, Dr. Lewis has been instrumental in describing the issues of gluten and casein sensitivities, and how these problems affect the behavior of autistic individuals. She has changed the lives of many autistic individuals and their families."
- Stephen Edelson, PhD, Director, Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, OR
"Special Diets for Special Kids has a prominent position in our allergen-free household! We all have various food allergies and this is one resource I won't be without. Each recipe thus far has been wonderful and surprisingly simple. The Baked Kibbe, Sloppy Joes, and Hamentashen have quickly become family favorites. Eating without gluten, especially, has changed our 'hyper' son's behavior drastically and he's no longer the fussy eater that he was. His teacher was shocked at the change for the better. Oh, and our dinner guests without dining challenges love this food as well. Thank you for this indispensable resource!"
- Tamara Dever, Creative Director, TLC Graphics, and mom of family with food allergies
