Hello everyone-

Kimberly here- mother of one amazing 11 year-old with autism. Keeping my son fed AND healthy has always brought its challenges, but I'm so excited to share with you how much life has changed for the better since going gluten-free.

Since I was a teen, I've tried to outsmart my genetics with diet. Heart disease and obesity run rampant in my family (my father died at age 40), which encouraged me to experiment vegan and vegetarian diets throughout my teens and adulthood. But it wasn't until I became a mother that I was faced with the biggest dietary wake-up call I could fathom.

As early as 6 weeks of age, my son (Andrew) had huge struggles with digestion- reflux and rashes were a regular occurrence. By the time Andrew was 3, he was diagnosed with autism. His behaviors had gotten so out of control, I left my career to research how to rescue my little boy from this rampant disorder. Nearly every success story I read about directed me to try a gluten-free, casein-free (GF/CF) diet for him. Reluctantly, I tried it.

Days passed, tantrums disappeared, health improved and sleep began to normalize. My son's diet was ABSOLUTELY impacting his behavior. The typical 3 hours of OCD related crying fits went from a daily basis to nearly non-existent, within a matter of weeks. His Speech and Language Pathologist reported, within the first month, my son's expressive language doubled. Proudly she encouraged, "keep doing what you're doing!"

Through my son's example, I decided to manipulate my diet as well. Primarily, I eliminated gluten from my diet strictly out of guilt. How could I expect my child to avoid things I eat on a regular? Surprisingly, my own health has benefited. I noticed less bloat, fewer belly aches. The ulcers I had fought in my twenties were no longer an issue. My eczema cleared up! Although I try to avoid any discussion relevant to my bowels... I'll say it- I no longer get constipated.

The frustration of hours in the kitchen, failed recipes, time and money wasted is now a distant memory. I am hoping to make some wonderful connections within the gluten-free community, and really desire the opportunity to make someone's path through their own journey less of a challenge. To healthy days ahead!