Nourishing Hope for Autism: Nutrition and Diet Guide for Healing Our Children [Perfect Paperback] 3rd Edition

Once I discovered that imbalanced biochemical pathways influence the symptoms of ADHD and autism and that food, nutrition, and proper supplementation can have significant impact on these disorders, I was drawn to learn and understand more. There are many people striving to help these children: parents, doctors, caregivers, educators, therapists, advocacy groups, nutritionists, researchers and research groups. If all of these people could better comprehend these factors and influences, we could use our collective knowledge to better help these children and their families. As I researched important subjects such as liver function, endocrine imbalance, the immune system, and food sensitivities, I would always ask the question, “How is this implicated in autism spectrum disorders, and how do we impact it through nutritional or supplemental interventions?”

Nourishing Hope is the culmination of seven years of research into and clinical experience with autism spectrum disorder and the affects of nutrition, environmental factors, and biochemical imbalances on these conditions. In this time, I have consulted with hundreds with children on the spectrum, read countless books and research papers, routinely attended (and now present at) leading conferences on the subject, interviewed leading-edge researchers, and collaborated with dozens of doctors and their patients. My work continues steadfastly. I consult with parents and physicians through my office in San Francisco, and clients across the world by telephone. I am driven to share what I have learned and continue to learn. We all must share what we know so that all children on the spectrum and their families may harvest the life-bringing energies of hope. I believe that all people are worthy of (and deserve) hope–it is an inherently human capacity that, when nourished always leads to some positive outcome.

To Parents: I hope this book will educate and empower your active role in choosing and co-creating with your health care practitioner the best path for your child. While we all need help and guidance, decisions regarding the direction to take with your child’s health are uniquely personal. There is new, changing, and controversial information and only you can decide what directions you are willing to go. My desire is that this book will assist you in discussing information and strategizing approaches with your healthcare practitioners. It is for you, the courageous parents, and your children, that I press on in search of answers and more ways to help.

To Doctors: I hope this book will inform you, your practice, and your efforts to help these children. You who are diligently on the front lines with these kids, their parents, and the many institutions trying both discover what is going on, and how to best provide help. I honor your work and intend to serve as best I can the continually emerging body of knowledge and practice that nourishes hope for parents, practitioners, and the children we love.

To Nutrition and Holistic Colleagues:I hope this book inspires interest in applying your knowledge of health and healing in even broader ways. We are in this together. There are many children and families out there who need our help. May this book (and my experience and research) help further your work. Your experience, thoughts, and suggestions are welcome.

Please feel free to write to me: I am also open to your feedback on where to clarify, add, or correct information. Thank you for your support. I wish you all the best on this path to healing.

My desire is that this book will help you physically nourish yourselves and your children toward health, and nourish hope within you that there is a way, there is a path to healing.

Julie Matthews