As the current President of the Xi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and former President of the Haitian Students Association I have raised awareness on many levels. I have conducted an autism awareness forum on the campus of LIU with a clinical supervisor from the LIU Speech and Hearing clinic. During that time I raised $500 dollars through the Haitian Students Association for an Autism Awareness Fundraiser to sponsor therapy, evaluations and so forth to one lucky child. Myself along with my chapter have consistently walked in the Autism Walk. And I am a strong advocate for including services for children with Autism to be covered by health insurance. I basically do whatever is needed when it comes to Autism, one day I will be able to help more on a grander scale when I am established in my career.

Nutrition is not an easy thing, especially for a child who has autism. I have seen with my brother. As an eyewitness to Speech Language Pathology professionals , aspiring students (know a lot of people that work or volunteer in this interesting field) I do believe that nutrition is something that a child with autism should "try-out." This is a difficult task for the family and most importantly the child who is going to go through it. But the one thing to take into consideration is what the child likes to eat. A parent must revolve the diet around the childs needs and wants as well as implementing the gluten free family where possible.

I also think that this will not hurt the child but can make the situation "better." Nutrition can enlighten ones mind. I read on something that one should put away the milk, lay off the wheat…. but why take away some of the things the child likes, y not just substitute some of those things with food that he MIGHT like that includes nutritional bases. A strict schedule is very important w/ a child who has autism therefore this should not be an issue. A well balanced diet is providing children with great nutrition.

There is a lot of time and effort that needs to be put into this nutritional plan that any parent would want to try-out. Nutrition are one of the keys to a brighter future for an autistic child.

I could go on for days, but if my brother could clearly speak he would ask to attend this event as well. I told him about it and he pointed and said please (but in his own way. A basic nutritional diet can deter mood swings, tantrums and outbursts by the child by a working margin. In turn, subconsciously assisting with the development of language and better communication not only with myself, the parent or any other parents, or loved ones, but his peers and people in general.

This is a long post and its all over the place. It could have been longer, but I hope we get the chance. If not I am going to have to find a way to attend at least one day because I know the information would be vital.

THank you for listening sorry for writing so much!!! Hope I am not to late and can still be considered for the free ticket.

gtiggeey13@msn.com

mms2219@columbia.edu