Everyone who is on a restricted diet should consult with a nutritionist at some point about supplements. Of course, you need to find a nutritionist who understands the importance of a gluten free/casein free/soy free diet! This is the most difficult part about finding a nutritionist to work with.
Here are my recommendations for nutritionists:
Kelly Dorfman is in the Washington area. I consulted with her over the phone. She works with people all over the world and is very knowledgeable about children. You can read the articles about children online at her website or go to Developmental Delay Resources to listen to her speak. Although I can’t get my daughter to take the Thorne research effervescent calcium and magnesium supplement Kelly recommended I am grateful for the vitamin D drops that she suggested which my daughter does take.
Vicky Kobliner is in Connecticut. She works with Dr. Nancy O’Hara who is a top DAN doctor. I saw Vicky in person. She is very knowledgeable about the GFCF diet, as well as other healing diets. She wrote up a report on my daughter with a step by step treatment plan which included a detailed history. It’s great to have everything we discussed written down so I can share her treatment recommendations with other people–and I can return to it when I am confused about what I am doing.
Both Kelly and Vicky recommended similar treatment plans which seemed to confirm what the other one was saying. They both suggested going one step at a time and monitoring with each supplement introduction and most important, they both understood that kids can react differently to supplements and what works for one child doesn’t work for another. These top nutritionists can help you to heal your children through diet and supplements and give you more specific advice on what to feed your kids!
Our Family Is His - I was scared to death to try and find a nutritionist. I was so worn out from putting together the rest of my children’s team, I just didn’t have any energy left. Then, my oldest son’s SLP gave me a recommend. I figured I would call, eventually. Two days later I was at AWANAS (I teach the K – 2nd grade level) and this new Mom walks in. She is telling me about the things her child can and can’t have. I tell her it sounds much like my child’s diet so she will be in very good hands. We chat and she asks why my son is on this type of diet. I talk about Autism. She gets an odd look. I said my SLP told me about a nutritionist in the area and I really needed to call her. She gets an odder look. She said, “who’s your SLP?” I tell her. She said, “are you kidding me? I think I am the nutritionist she was referring you to.” I looked down at her card (which she had given me in case I needed to call her during AWANAS) and it was her! I made an appointment the next day. She is wonderful and very well versed in Autism and a child that has it’s special needs diet-wise. She has a whole host of things for us to test for (the common Autism tests), has helped us with supplements (and we will be adding more after test results return), and is helping with his very odd diet (GF/CF stuff, but you have to add in his sensory issues with food and his total refusal for almost everything protein). It’s good to be with the right professionals.
Naomi Hazel Brice - I agree, why can’t medical schools focus more on nutrition? There are some lectures, and student groups that try to bring people in to bridge the gaps left by the curriculum, but it really isn’t enough. We live in a society that is crippled by poor nutrition (contributing to obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and who even knows how many other health problems). Shouldn’t my $37,000 a year be enough to cover a serious course devoted purely to nutrition?
I’m glad you were able to find some good nutritionists.