Help Needed: GFCF Diet Advice for Autistic Child

Updated on October 06, 2007
S.H. asks from Round Rock, TX
10 answers

We are trying the Gluten-Free Casein-Free diet with my son (who has autism) and I am having some trouble finding a decent variety of foods that he can eat that don't cost an arm and a leg! We recently shopped at Whole Foods, but found that 4 days worth of food costed about $50...So, has anyone else found a good place to shop for these special foods? I've been looking online, but with shipping the cost is much more expensive.

I would also love to communicate with others about their experiences in using this diet!

Any help would be great! Thanks Moms!!

1 mom found this helpful

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much! It is much more helpful to have the support of other moms! And you all gave me a lot of information that I didn't have before...so THANK YOU!!! We are currently trying to expand his diet...for the past 3 years he has only eaten chicken nuggets, french fries, and grilled cheese sandwiches. So, since we have started he has actually tried some new things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, applesauce, and waffles (all GFCF of course) and we're having some luck so far :)

Thanks again for the support and info! xoxox

Featured Answers

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B.S.

answers from Dallas on

Flower Mound Specialy Foods. http://fmspecialtyfoods.com/directions.html
It's on FM 1171 and Mary that owns it is the sweetest, most helpful woman alive. She eats gluten free bacause of celiac disease so she knows the challenges.

1 mom found this helpful

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K.W.

answers from Dallas on

if you dont mind cooking, its a lot cheaper than buying premade stuff at specialty stores. there are alot of great recipes you can make that are totaly gluten free - one of my favorite food blogs has a few good ones http://www.101cookbooks.com/gluten_free_recipes/
allrecipes.com and recipezaar both have GF sections too..
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Healthy-Living/Gluten-Free/...
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/gluten-free

2 moms found this helpful
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L.I.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,
I heard Jenny McCarthy talking about this on both Oprah and The View and found it fascinating. I haven't looked into myself, but I remember on The View they were talking about how expensive the foods are and I remember Jenny McCarthy saying saying that there are groups with special grants and assistance for children with autism specifically to help with the cost of this type of diet. I know it would be more helpful if I had the name of these groups, but I don't remember them. You may be able to get the info through the View's website? I hope this helps some and wish you the best with your son.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

I know nothing about htis diet or what you would need to by but have you tried sprouts at legacy and coit? I often can find there what is at whole foods but cheaper--it's sometimes a hit or miss tho' so go more than once!

Good luck! And remember that nomatter the cost--you are doing what is right for your child which is priceless!

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi S.,

There is a little Bakery/Grocery Store at Parker and Alma called Delicious N Fit/also known as Laura's Bistro. It is right behind the 7-11 on the Southeast Corner. They have wonderful baked goods and a little restaurant there that caters to Gluten Free, and also have a little grocery store in the back room that has many products that you can use to cook yourself. Great stuff, very good food at the restaurant too, in case you want to take your sweetie out to eat.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.E.

answers from Dallas on

I second the place in Flower Mound, she is VERY helpful. My daughter has Celiac and also can't have rice flour. She goes through everything with you and helps tell you what's good and what's not so good.
I also give my daughter lots of organic fruits, veggies and meats. Just stay away from seasonings. Keep it plain and simple. She is 3 years old and had this her whole life, and I just started buying the specialty foods, I keep it real simple and use olive oil to cook most of her foods. If we go to Wendy's cheese burger NO BUN and I specify she's DEATHY allergic so they don't put it on and take it off. I always check it before I leave though.
Also there are some old postings on here that I learned a lot from you may look back for them. I also learned that Homemade Gourmet has several Gluten free items that are easy to cook.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know much about it, but I am begining to research the issues because my daughter has processing problems. Jenny McCarthy has a new book out that is supposed to be really helpful. She was on the view and I was planning to go to a book store to get it.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.V.

answers from Dallas on

My entire family eats gluten free because we are all Celiac and I have a child on the spectrum. I am not sure where you are located but there is a store called Herb Mart at Coit and 15th in Plano that carries a lot of items and they are not too expensive.
Honestly, the best bread, pancake mix, cake mix, english muffins, bagels, brownies, choc. chip cookies, oreo like cookies, and GF flour is from Kinnikinnick. They only charge $10 shipping no matter how much you order and all of the food is made after you place your order and is freshly shipped to you. I have a wonderful recipe for pizza that we use and there are tons of products at the regular grocery store that are okay as well. Due to the new labeling laws you can see which foods contain what now. If you would like to email off line my address is ____@____.com this helps.
R.

1 mom found this helpful
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W.H.

answers from Dallas on

Not sure what you are buying, but we also shop at Herb Mart in Plano. It's a small store, but also has a lot of the same brand items as Whole Foods. I know I have seen a few GF items there, but not sure if it will be enough for you.

Herb Mart is on he SW corner of 15th and Coit in Plano, and their store entrance faces west.

Also, I have a friend who is on a GF diet and she pretty much shops at Kroger. She is committed to eating mostly fresh fruits and veggies, and stays away from processed foods altogether. Just another thought.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi Stephanie,
My son also has autism and we do not do the diet. ALthough many people I know are on the GF/CF. If you would like to join our yahoo group , you could get lots of info. The groups is SAINTS (support for autism in North Texas). Or another group is DFW -MAFEA (Mothers acatively fighting to eradicate Autism). I know a lot of moms get some food cheaper at Sprouts in Dallas & Plano. But the moms on these groups are amazing with SOOO much information to help. If you have any questions, email me.
:) L.
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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