Judy Converse Author of Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn, and ThriveBy Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD
 
Many children with autism, Asperger's, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, or mood/behavior issues have nutrition problems stemming from malabsorption, bowel problems, and/or inadequate diet. These impede learning, growth, behavior, and functioning in all children—not just special needs children. Not surprisingly, when you address the nutrition problems of these kids, the symptoms of their disorder lessen and, in some cases, disappear.
 
The medical establishment is just now beginning to acknowledge the link between nutrition problems and learning and behavior disorders. Most physicians still regard autism or other learning and developmental diagnoses as brain problems, not whole body problems. They may resist the idea that nutrition supports apply to these conditions, seeing them as static, inflexible afflictions.
 
My clinical experience with hundreds of special needs children has proven differently. 
 
How to Engage a Reluctant Provider
 
If your doctor is not onboard with your interest in nutrition supports for your child, you might succeed with a few tactful efforts at bridging the gap. Here are some suggestions.

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Filed under ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Nutrition by More4kids

by Michelle Donaghey

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, there are several types of learning disabilities that are “neurologically-based processing problems”. “These processing problems can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing, or math. They can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, time planning and abstract reasoning,” notes the LDA.  

The types of LD are identified by the specific processing program. They might relate to getting information to the brain (input), making sense of the information (organization) storing and later retrieving information (memory) or getting information back out (output). Here is some more information on the different types of learning disabilties and what can be done to help. 

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Filed under Learning Disabilities by More4kids