Useful Resources

When your child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum or when you have been prescribed a gluten and dairy free diet (or any kind of elimination diet), you will receive a ton of information from a number of resources. I was overwhelmed with reading materials let alone all the info that one can find on the Internet. I prepared this list with this in mind. My goal was provide you with a prioritized list. These are the books or other resources that I have read or reviewed and feel provided positive useful information for me. I have listed them in the priority that I would choose to read them if I were to do it all over again

Recommended Reading

Books on Autism

Act Early Again Autism
by Jayne Lytel

This book was written by a parent whose child was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. I loved her honesty and profound commitment to improving the life of her child.

Louder than Words
by Jenny McCarthy

This book was easy and quick to read. Jenny’s son had a scary journey with seizures so this book can be a little unnerving to read but I loved her commitment and passion to saving her son.

Healing and Preventing Autism
by Jenny McCarthy & Jerry Kartzinel. M.D.

This is an easy to read book that provides great info on diet and autism.

The Autism Book
by Robert Sears M.D.

What every parent needs to know about early detection, treatment, recovery, and prevention by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP: I love Dr Sears. This is a really good resource.

Nourishing Hope for Autism
by Julie Matthews

This book would have been overwhelming to me in the beginning of our autism journey but it has wonderful detailed info on the gluten and casein effect on brain function. This is a must read a little further along the journey but please don’t’ forget to read it.

The Yeast Connection
by William Crook

This is an older book but a great break through on the whole “yeast issue.” If you don’t solve your or your child’s yeast issues, you’ll continue to struggle with many issues. This is a must read.

The Food Allergy Field Guide

by Theresa Willingham



Unraveling the mystery of Autism and Pervasive Development Disorder

by Karyn Seroussi

This book was authored by a parent whose child is on the autism spectrum. She is very informative and speaks from the heart. This is one of the first books I read and recommend that you read it as soon as you can.

 

The Out of Sync Child, Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder
by Carol Stock Kranowitz M.A.

All my children (even the ones without autism) have sensory issues (as do I) so this book was very enlightening. It will truly help you understand yourself better and your child.

Health and Diet Books including GFCF

 

Body Ecology Diet, Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity
by Donna Gates

 

Breaking the Vicious Cycle, Intestinal Health through Diet
by Elaine Gottschall B.A., M.Sc

This book addresses the whole yeast issue.

The Ultra Simple Diet
by Mark Hyman, M.D.

This is a short little book that I read over night. I love Dr Hyman. He’s not an extremist but will definitely guide you in the direction of cleaning up your diet and your environment. This is the book and diet I followed when I lost 50 pounds.

The UltraMind Solution
by Mark Hyman, M.D.

Dr Hyman again. This book address autism and ADHD and how food/lifestyle affects these disorders.

Allergies, Disease in Disguise
by Carolee Bateson-Koch, DC ND

 

GFCF Cookbooks

The Ultra-Metabolism Cookbook
by Mark Hyman, M.D.

This book is full of great, healthy recipes.

The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook
by Cybele Pascal

This is my favorite baking book. It has a recipe for fabulous chocolate chip cookies.

Babycakes
by Erin McKenna

 

Recommended Videos

  • Food, Inc.
  • Food Beware
  • King Corn



  • Fed Up!
  • Food Matters
  • The Future of Food

Gluten and Dairy Free Living

Community Support

Autism support groups and chat rooms:

Child Care Links – Pleasanton   www.frnoakland.org

6601 Owens Drive, Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA

Support Group Description: When you have a child with special needs, everyday life can be overwhelming. No one quite understands what it's like...except another parent with a child with special needs. Check Child Care Links website for upcoming speakers: www.chilcarelinks.org. Refreshments will be provided.

Call Christy Samson at (925) 249-3908 or email csamson@childcarelinks.org for day and time.

Mother's Clubs of the East Bay Area

  • Pleasanton Mother’s Club (California) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) sub group
  • Iron Horse Mother’s Club (East Bay Area of California) Special Kids, Special Needs subgroup

GFCF support groups and chat rooms:

Autism Web sites: