As we move further into fall and begin heading toward the holiday season, many parents start noticing changes in their children’s health and behavior.
Maybe your child seems more tired than usual. Sleep patterns have changed. Digestive issues are becoming more noticeable. Or perhaps you’re seeing more irritability, difficulty focusing, or challenges with emotional regulation.
And now, with cooler weather approaching, children spending more time indoors, and the holidays just around the corner, there are even more changes to navigate.
If you’re parenting a child with autism, you may already know how challenging it can be when your child isn’t feeling their best, especially if they have difficulty communicating exactly what’s bothering them.
One area I encourage parents to pay attention to during this time of year is immune health.
Our immune systems are constantly working to protect us. And while there isn’t one supplement, food, or natural remedy that can prevent every illness, there are several simple ways to support your child’s overall health and normal immune function.
Today, I want to share seven important areas to focus on, along with how these fit into the bigger picture of supporting your child’s health.
And if you’re looking for a clear, step-by-step roadmap that helps you understand how these pieces fit together, I also want to invite you to learn about my Autism Recovery Reset, where I explain the four stages of my holistic approach.
You can find the details, along with information about my membership program and holiday nutrition resources right here in today’s show notes.
Now, let’s look at seven ways you can support your child’s health as we head into the fall and holiday season.
1. Start With Gut Health
If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you know how much I emphasize the importance of gut health.
And there’s a good reason for that.
A large portion of the body’s immune activity takes place in and around the gastrointestinal tract. The gut contains an extensive network of immune cells that interact with the intestinal lining, the foods we eat, and the trillions of microorganisms that make up our gut microbiome.
This relationship between the gut and immune system is important for everyone, including children with autism.
Some autistic children experience gastrointestinal concerns such as constipation, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or food-related difficulties.
When a child is uncomfortable, it can affect their sleep, attention, mood, and behavior.
That’s why I encourage parents to pay attention to digestion.
Is your child having regular bowel movements? Are they experiencing bloating or discomfort? Are they eating a variety of foods that provide the nutrients their body needs?
Supporting gut health doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes overnight.
Start with the basics: adequate hydration, fiber-rich foods your child tolerates, and a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Remember, the gut and immune system are closely connected.
And this is why gut health and nutrition are the first stage of the four-stage roadmap I teach in my membership program.
I want parents to understand how digestion and nutrition can influence their child’s overall well-being, so they can make informed choices rather than constantly guessing what to try next.
2. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods
One of the most helpful things we can do for our children’s health is provide foods that supply the vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats their bodies need.
Certain nutrients are especially important for normal immune function.
These include:
- Vitamin C: Found in strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits.
- Vitamin D: Important for immune regulation and bone health. Sources include certain fish, and appropriate sunlight exposure.
- Zinc: Found in meat, poultry, beans, seeds, and other foods.
- Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, eggs, and other foods.
- Protein: Supplies amino acids needed for growth, tissue maintenance, and the production of immune-system components.
Of course, I understand that many children with autism have food preferences or sensory sensitivities that can make introducing new foods challenging.
You don’t need to overwhelm your child with a completely new diet.
Start with foods they already enjoy, and gradually explore additional options.
If your child eats a very limited range of foods, then you can start with my free food guide that also gives you options for help with picky eaters to get some nutrition in now.
Supplements may be appropriate when a deficiency or specific need is identified, but more isn’t always better. Excessive amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can actually be harmful.
The important thing is to understand your child’s individual needs...
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