Autism Group Events

Some doctors who treat our autistic children do not support the idea of recommending gluten free diets for autism. They also have trouble understanding that children of all ages are able to learn. But a new focus is being added to this equation with more emphasis given to the development of children over 8 years of age.

In the past if these children had not responded to a typical therapy program parents had few alternatives. Fortunately now we have organizations such as Autism Speaks encouraging marches and other types of fundraisers with money being designated for more classroom space with the tools necessary to continue to help children who sometimes are left out of the loop. Autism Speaks has a great web site with lots of information about this problem. They list many locations participating in the March for Autism. You can be a contributor on any level, close to learn more about this disorder, be part of a walk or simply donate. I am sure if you wish to participate, there are many ways to make that happen.

Additionally, there are other interesting events with a different type of focus. Over the past several years Camp Ramah Daron has sponsored a special needs program for Jewish children and their families. This is one of the first breakthrough programs of this nature and is such a wonderful opportunity for children to have a chance to see and be with other children with the same disabilities. The children benefit as well as the family members and are able to learn from the staff and each other. Camp Yofi is in Clayton, Georgia about 21/2 Hours drive from Atlanta. There are also other camps in different cities. Susan Tecktiel originated this camp. If you’d like to participate in one of these programs,

Preparing ahead for Glutenfree cookies

One of the reasons I like the chocolate chip recipe I posted last week is not only the ease of preparing it but also the many ways to prepare ahead. I first made a mix of all the dry ingredients packaged as a cookie mix like you buy in stores. All I had to do was add the wet ingredients and the cookie mix was ready.

Then I discovered it was possible to make up the whole mixture to freeze without altering the texture of the cookies. But once they were baked and frozen the cookies were like fresh when thawed and served.

It is very easy to substitute ingredients in order to accommodate different food allergies. For instance many people have a problem with eggs. The powdered potato product, Egg Replacer, can be used successfully for most baked products. The directions on the package recommend 11/2 tsp for each egg. I found I get a much better result with 1full tablespoon per egg and I/4 cup of water for each egg. A normal egg will usually give ¼ cup liquid per egg. However don’t try to substitute for more than 3 eggs in one recipe because it usually does not yield a good result.

It is also possible to decrease the sugar intake by using brown Splenda or other sugar sources; that is sugar derived from concentrated fruits like, dates, mucadines, or molasses. These are still sugars but since they are so concentrated the amount can be reduced by half and still work well. Many children or adults on the gfcf diet do have issues with too much sugar.

Welcome to Great to be Gluten Free Blog

Welcome to the Great to be Gluten Free Blog. I'm Lillian Galler, a professional dietitian, who has been working in the Gluten Free area for over ten years. I enjoy helping others who need to find alternatives recipes due to food allergies and other conditions such as Celiac or Autism. I'll be sharing information, resources, and recipes that I've developed and would be glad to address questions on Gluten Free living.