Customer Reviews

Special Diets for Special Kids

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I disagree tremendously with the negative review listed for this book. The author never implies the diet will work for everyone and is the sole therapeutic answer. In my opinion, if you are even THINKING of implementing a gluten-free, casein-free diet for your child, this book is a must. Not only does the author provide a thorough review of the literature & studies done on relevant treatments for autism, & defines many of the terms so readily used, she offers a ton of GREAT, KID-FRIENDLY recipes (great for ANY kids that need to be dairy- and gluten-free, regardless of the reason). The author presents the information without bias, allowing the reader to form their own conclusions whether the diet would be helpful. And while, yes, the diet may be difficult to implement (since casein and gluten are so pervasive in our foods), it offers a SAFE, alternative approach that we have seen work for MANY, MANY people in conjuction with other therapies. And as a medical professional, I was more skeptical than most that there could be any link with food & behavior before I heard and saw it for myself over and over and over first hand. If I had a child with autism I would CERTAINLY TRY this. I would have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I'm a professional who works with autistic kids, and I can tell you from experience that what works for one child will not necessarily work for another. Some children improve so dramatically with this diet, and especially with this diet and the drug nystatin, that I encourage all curious parents to try it. However, don't invest all your hopes in it, or stop other therapies, whether they be ABA, or anti-anxiety medications, when you try the diet.

Autistic behaviors as well as degree of expression fall across such a wide spectrum, that I have always believed no one single cause would ever be found. I believe however, that this diet, and the theory of casiomorphins, glutomorphins, and yeast overgrowth, is the answer to one type of autism.

This diet, and its history of discovery by persistent parents, is no less than another tale of Lorenzo's Oil.

The only drawback to this book is Lewis' personal story. She talks in such vague terms of her son's behaviors and "improvements," that the reader has no picture of what is happening, and whether it's dramatic enough really to credit the diet.

However, the diet, the recipes, the resources are brilliantly presented. Everything a parent needs to start and maintain the diet is here. You won't find yourself, wondering, doubting, or second guessing, because the coverage of the actual diet is quite clear and complete. I wish there were some kind of Pulitzer for reference books, because I would nominate this one.

My eight year old son went on the gluten-free/casein free diet a little over a year ago. A member of my support group had highly recommended _Special Diets for Special Kids_ by Dr. Lisa Lewis. I'll always be grateful that she did! My little boy immediatley showed more awareness. Before going on the diet, we were unable to get him potty-trained; within two weeks of starting the diet, he achieved toileting control on his own. He increased some in expressive language, but in receptive language he improved tremendously. Dr. Lewis clearly explains the testing options available to help parents make an informed decision about whether the diet might benefit their child. She emphasizes that this diet is not a guarantee or cure but could possibly improve a child's life. Reading her book is like talking to another mother of a special-needs child who is offering the experience of what worked for her. After going on the diet, learning definitely become easier for my son. Dr. Lewis also lists every imaginable resource to help in the appendices. After reading the book and trying to properly implement the diet, we continue to receive support from ANDI, the group co-founded by Dr. Lewis. This group offers the latest information and new recipes to help with dietary intervention. The procedure has not always been easy, but seeing my son emerge as he has, has made it worth the extra effort.

I highly recommend Lisa Lewis' book, "Special Diets For Special Kids". The book offers a valuable overview of this dietary intervention which has helped to improve the lives of many, many children.

Ms. Lewis' book provides answers to many questions parents may have about the diet. It is a wonderful resource of information for anyone who is considering the GFCF Diet or has already begun. The book also contains over 150 wonderful recipes that are gluten and casein free.

Growing numbers of parents continue to report tremendous improvement in their ASD children. They are attributing the GFCF Diet Therapy as one of the most important interventions they have used to help improve the lives of their children. Whether you use this therapy alone or along with other interventions, this book is indispensable.

Judy DeHart/ Editor, GFCFDiet.com

I agree with the other positive reviews, which well outline the contents of this book. I almost considered not buying it myself. I figured it might be starting to outdate and I could find lots of good information on my own... THANKFULLY, I went ahead and splurged! I refer to the resource often and hope Lisa Lewis will write more.

I am the fortunate mother of a child who dramatically improved on this diet before other interventions could be put in place. There are strong indications that the GFCF diet, promoted by Lisa Lewis in her book, is propelling my child through the other intensive interventions he now receives. I don't recall the book promising it could be easy - it certainly is not. However, this book will help parents learn and hopefully implement the diet with motivation, creativity, and objectivity.

If you are interested in trying dietary intervention for your child's developmental delays, then this book is indispensable. I really enjoyed reading it, I learned a lot, and the recipes are terrific. My child has benefited enormously from this diet and I recommend the intervention. I have bought several copies for friends and family members.

Having a child recently diagnosed with autism, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone in search of the "how to" of a CFGF diet. Containing explanations of why this diet may be effective, tests and nutritional support, lists of foods the child can and cannot eat, recipes, and so much more! I especially appreciated the list of mail order food companies and web sites where you may obtain the food necessary for this diet. Every professional I have spoken with, including those who have seen my child, have highly recommended this book. It has became my salvation! I cannot thank Lisa Lewis enough for writing such a comprehensive book! If you are a parent with a child diagnosed with autism, this book is a must have!

This book fully explains the diets & reasons for them-with recipes too. In the back, author has listed Her web page e-mail address & many other contact resource addresses, phone or fax numbers-web pages- for everything from cookbooks to food companies, organizations, medical info...even alternative treatments organizations. Don't think I-nor anyone- could choose any better book. It's also a quick, easy read.MJJaegr

Parents of autistic children, ADD or ADHD kids - you have to do the GFCF Diet thing! IT IS TIME.
This book by Ms Lewis is a great how to get on this diet with excellent practical advice and good tested/yummy recipes for all the favorites including: CHICKEN NUGGETS, breads and food planning.
This GFCF Diet is not a fad and it is not a gimic but an excellent way to you help spectrum child feel, do, be the best they can be.
It all starts with proper nutrition and certain ingredient avoidances. Give it a shot! I highly recommend it and have seen enormous changes in my autistic son so much so that his ATEC went from 89 to 9 and he is now in kindergarten! I highly recommend this book (and Special Diets for Special Kids II!)

What are you waiting for????

Lisa Lewis really spells it out with great practical material. Unfortunately so many 'manuals' these days talk in generalities. Not here! This is a step by step method with lots of phone numbers, who to contact, etc. Go for it! Kids really benefit from this!