Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 131:  Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities

On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

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New Ideas

A Note from Nicole: Finally Winter; The Autism Transformation

Idea of the Week:  People Puppy Chow

Feature Article: Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities

The Horizons Team Recommends:  Simple Solutions Video Series

Allergen-Free Recipe of the Week: Cheesy Rice Balls

Upcoming Events:
Horizons Events & Workshops

Hi Everyone,

It’s a bright, sunny, and freezing cold day here in Grand Rapids.  While we are normally used to really cold temperatures by this point in the winter, we have been spoiled with warmer than average days.  Now that it’s in the single digits and snowy it seems like a bit of a shock!  My oldest son isn’t complaining, though, as he got a snowboard for Christmas and has been waiting to be able to use it.  Between a lack of snow and a week of illness he hasn’t gotten much of an opportunity yet.  I’m betting this week will see him outside with it quite a bit!

This week I have very exciting news to share with you all about a new website we are launching this week.  We have been working hard to put together a new site called The Autism Transformation, and it is now ready for you all to see.  Our Horizons website is still a great source of information, but is geared more toward the clinical services we offer.  The Autism Transformation site will provide additional resources and information to families and professionals around the globe.  On the site right now is a brand new video resource I created for families called the “Simple Solutions Video Series”. This series of 5 videos will provide you with strategies and support you can put to work right now.  There is a great audio resource on there for professionals as well.  I encourage you to check out the new site and get your free resources at www.AutismTransformation.com.

Erin’s featured article this week is the second in her new series on nutrition.  If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities, then definitely take a moment to read the article and find out.  Thanks to everyone who has sent in great feedback on this article series thus far.  Next week we will run the next article in the series, so be sure to look for it.

Enjoy the week!

Looking to the horizon,

People Puppy Chow

What a yummy snack this is! In a microwave safe bowl melt ½ cup butter, 1 cup peanut butter, and 12 oz. chocolate chips for 2-3 minutes until it is smooth making sure you stir once while it is cooking. In another bowl put a 12 oz. box of Crispix or Chex cereal in the bowl and pour the melted mixture over top and stir until the cereal is coated. In a large plastic or paper food bag put 2-3 cups of powdered sugar in and then put the coated cereal inside. Shake the bag making sure it is closed so you don’t have powdered sugar everywhere. Once the cereal is coated with powdered sugar pour it onto wax paper to cool. Enjoy eating this wonderful people dog treat!

Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities

By: Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP

The topic of food allergies versus food sensitivities is one of the most confusing out there today. So many people use the words allergy and sensitivity interchangeably that it is no wonder there is so much confusion. With food sensitivities becoming increasingly prevalent in the population as a whole, and especially in children on the autism spectrum, it is important to understand the difference between allergies and sensitivities. While both can have a major effect on the health and well being of an individual, there are differences that need to be understood.

The first thing I try to do with when talking with parents about food allergies and sensitivities is to define the difference so that we can all be on the same page. So what is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

Read more …

“Cheesy” Rice Balls

Whether you have just started a special diet with your child or you have been following one for years, it can be difficult to come up with what to serve. We decided to try to make that just a bit easier by providing you with a new allergen free recipe each week.

While it is impossible to meet every person’s unique food sensitivity needs, we hope you will find these recipes helpful and delicious. Please feel free to adapt the recipes to meet your needs and taste buds; we do it all the time.  Enjoy!

“Cheesy” Rice Balls

Recipe taken from pages 76-77 of “Allergy Proof Recipes for Kids” by Leslie Hammond and Lynne Marie Rominger.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (330 g) arborio rice, cooked
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (132 g) canned pumpkin
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Get the complete recipe…

Please join us!

• Sibshop
  (for Everyone)
  January 15th from 10:00-2:00 PM
• Teleseminar

  9 Amazingly Simple Ways to Calm Your Anxious Mind with Food, Nutrients and Lifestyle Changes – with Trudy Scott.
  (Horizons Families Only)

  January 19th from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern

• Horizons Family Fun Event – Bounce Party

  (for Horizons client families only)

  January 29th

• Teleseminar
  Fitness and Movement for Individuals with Autism and Other Special Needs Teleseminar – Suzanne Gray from Right-Fit
  (Horizons Families Only)
  February 17th from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern
• Horizons Mom’s Day

  (Horizons families only)

  February 19th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 3 and 4

  Hosted by Horizons

  See http://www.rhythmicmovement.com for details

  February 24th – 27th

• Michigan Council for Exceptional Children annual convention in Grand Rapids

  Nicole and Erin will be presenting

  March 3rd & 4th

• It’s Your Time Conference at GVSU in Grand Rapids

  Nicole and Erin will be presenting

  March 5th

• Autism Society of Wisconsin Annual Conference

  Nicole will be presenting

  April 14th – 16th