Navigating the world of Autism can be frustrating and difficult. Parents have so many choices to make regarding different therapies that when you add diet and nutrition into the mix, it can become especially hard. To make things easier, I have compiled the following list of resources that I hope you find helpful.
Local Autism Resources in Maple Ridge
The Ridge Meadows Autism Information and Support Group (www.rmacl.org/childrens-
ASD Wonder Centre (www.asdwonder.com) is a multidisciplinary team of specialists in Maple Ridge offering early intervention for children with autism. ASD Wonder Centre not only offers ABA therapy but speech, occupational, and music therapy as well. It is run by director/owner Kirsten Turoldo, MEd., BCBA and employs many qualified behaviour consultants and interventionists.
Achieve Support and Development Inc. (www.achievesd.ca) offers parents a multi-disciplinary approach to autism treatment for children 6-19. Achieve has a team that includes a Behaviour Consultant, Speech-Language Pathologist and Case Manager. Together they work with schools, preschools, daycares, and any other member you have working for you to help facilitate a consistent, unified team approach. For more information, please call Amy @ 604-377-5512.
Chrysta Learning Centre (www.chrystaacademy.com) located in east Maple Ridge offers part-time and full-time Applied Behavior Analysis programs. Chrysta helps make learning fun by creating an enriched learning environment that helps motivate their students. By applying behavior analysis to learning, they provide unique opportunities which allows their students to reach their highest potential. To contact, please call 604-380-4455 or email: info@chrystaacademy.com for more information.
Discover Autism (www.discoverautism.ca) Adrianne Kmet, BScN (Hons), RN is a Certified RDI™ Consultant and the owner of Discover Autism. She provides meaningful guidance to families who have children with neurodevelopmental difficulties, such as Autism and ADHD. Understanding that every child and family is unique and utilizing an ongoing and dynamic assessment and intervention model, her services are personalized for each child and family at all times. She custom designs an intervention program and plan of action that fits with the family’s philosophies that includes slowing down and connecting. Her holistic approach is aimed towards helping parents feel empowered, connected and inspired to restore balance and an intuitive way of parenting. Adrianne can be reached at adrianne@discoverautism.ca
Zena’s Gluten Free Bakery (www.zenasglutenfree.com) is a nut free bakery dedicated to providing fresh baked gluten free products. They have a great selection of baked goods that can also be made available egg free, dairy free and vegan.
Zajac’s Ranch for Children (www.zajacranch.com) is a non-profit organization in east Maple Ridge that provides outdoor summer camp experiences to children and young adults living with special needs and chronic illnesses.
Roots Health Food Store (www.rootsnatural.ca) is a health food store and grocer in Maple Ridge. They specialize in certified organic whole foods and offer many healthy alternatives to conventional supermarkets. Roots carries a wide variety of wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, raw food, low sodium and sugar-free products. They also have a huge variety of healthcare products with a team of dedicated staff that are always available to help should you have any questions.
Vitamin Discount Store (www.valleyfairmall.net) is a health food store in Valley Fair Mall that provides a wide selection of natural products, multivitamins, herbs, sports nutrition, homeopathics, and natural skincare products. Their staff are also very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to natural health care products.
Autism Resources in the Lower Mainland / Fraser Valley Area
Pacific Autism Family Network (www.pacificautismfamily.com) The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) located in Richmond, BC, provides a large network of supports for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across the province. This network includes resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support that addresses the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD and related disorders.
Autism Community Training (www.actcommunity.ca) Autism Community Training provides information and training relevant to the autism community. This includes a wide-range of practical information on everything from diagnosis to different therapies as well as setting up programs and interventions.
National Organizations / Support Groups / Associations
Generation Rescue (www.generationrescue.org)
Autism Research Institute (www.autism.com)
Autism Hope Alliance (www.autismhopealliance.org)
TACA: Talk About Curing Autism (www.tacanow.org)
Autism One (www.autismone.org)
National Autism Association (www.nationalautismassociation.org)
Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org)
Cure Autism Now (www.cureautism.now)
Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (www.medmaps.com)
Recommended Reading for New Parents Looking for Personal Stories of Recovery
Unravelling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Development Disorder by Karen Seroussi
Recovering Autistic Children by Stephen M. Edelson, PH.D and Bernard Rimland PH.D
Let Me Hear Your Voice by Catherine Maurice
Turning Lead into Gold by Nancy Halloway, RN and Zigurts Straut, MD
Recommended Reading for More Experienced Parents Wanting to Navigate Diet, Basic Supplements, and other Possible Interventions
The Kid Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook by Pamela J. Compart, M.D. and Dana Laake, R.D.H., M.S., L.D.N.
Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell McBride, MD
Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions by Karen De Felice
The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism by Stephanie Marohn
Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall B.A.,M.S.c.
Can’t Eat Won’t Eat by Brenda Legge
Recommended Reading for Very Experienced Parents Wanting to Explore More Advanced Therapies, Interventions and Healing Modalities
Children with Starving Brains by Jacquelyn McCandless, M.D.
Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies by Kenneth Bock, M.D.
The Puzzle of Autism: Putting It All Together by Garry F. Gordon MD, DO, MD(H) and Dr. Amy Yasko PhD, ND, NHD, AMD, HHP, FAAIM
Genetic Bypass by Dr. Amy Yasko, PhD, ND, NHD, AMD, HHP, FAAIM
Healing and Preventing Autism by Jenny McCarthy and Jerry Kartzinel, M.D.
Diet Related Websites
Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet (www.gfcfdiet.com)
Specific Carbohydrate Diet or GAPs (www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info)
Body Ecology Diet (www.bodyecologydiet.com)
Nourishing Traditions (www.WesternAPrice.org)
Feingold/Phenol Protocol (www.feingold.org)
Parents Dealing with Autism and Cancer
Shannon’s Tool Box (www.shannonstoolbox.com) Shannon is an incredible mom who provides parents and families with many resources and advice concerning both cancer and autism. She writes the most beautiful blogs sharing her insights and wisdom that come from her own personal struggles and journey.