Interview with the Community: Part 1 -- Holistic Nutrition

I am starting a series on opening the doors and breaking down the walls within the autism community. All too often, parents, providers, specialists, workers, researchers, advocates, and representatives for the community are unaware of what the 'rest' of the culture looks like. We are all in this together, Most importantly, it is often crucial in order for a child or adult to get better or maintain their achievements, to assess and monitor their lives in a well-rounded manner.. we should never neglect to evaluate natural health, socialization, family life, medical needs, strengths or weaknesses. So here we go, from all around the globe, and all walks of life, those who are making a difference in the lives of someone with autism, are answering the same or similar questions.. Let's open our hearts and minds, to listen.

(( All interviews were conducted through online correspondence, with the clear intention of being posted, unedited to this blog. Sharing of personal information is the choice of the individual, and this blogger is not responsible for any issues that may arise from this.))

*Introduction*

Tell us about yourself!

I am first and foremost a mother of two little ones a 4 year old and 21 month old. I try and spend as much time with them as possible and do about 80% of my work from home to be with them. My husband and I are tackling homeschooling for our first time with our 4 year old and enjoying it as a family. My outlet involves being creative, crocheting, sewing and crafts as well as my addiction to reading.

I am a Certified Natural Health Practitioner and registered under the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners.

I have also earned the designations as Certified Herbal Consultant, Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Community Health Adviser.

My education specializes in holistic health, herbalism, nutrition (specialization in vegetarian, sports & fitness nutrition), and environmental science. I have also successfully completed courses to facilitate lactation & smoking cessation.

I volunteer for the Sudbury District Health Unit in the Breast Feeding Companion program.

I am also co-founder of Sudbury Let’s Celebrate Breastfeeding.

Where are you from?

Sudbury, ON

What is your occupation?

Certified Natural Health Practitioner, Certified Herbal Consultant, Certified Holistic Nutritionist & owner of From the Roots Holistic.

What brought you to become active within the autism community?

I have been a child care provider for a few autistic children in the past and have seen the wonders holistic medicine has achieved for them. I myself was diagnosed at 25 years of age with Asperger's Syndrome, my son who is now 4 years of age was unofficially diagnosed as being on the spectrum also and we have and are addressing it holistically.

What do you strive to accomplish for your family and/or the community?

I hope to use my education and knowledge to assist my family and contribute to the ripple effect that is happening in Sudbury in regards to healthy lifestyle practices and a more holistic approach to health.

*Autism*

What services do you provide and how can one access your programs?

I offer various health classes one of which includes a class entitle “Nutritional Support for Children on the Spectrum” that educates parents and caregivers on how to approach Autism from the gut up, teaching them the importance of gut health, foods to avoid and foods to increase.

I also offer various consulting services, my primary service is Holistic Health & Nutritional Consulting where I assess my clients and create a program for them involving nutritional medicine as well as herbalism and other holistic modalities if required…. This is the service that would benefit those on the Spectrum.

One can access my programs by visiting my website www.fromtherootsholistic.ca or calling 705-586-1210.

Could you describe what you do?

In regards to the classes I offer, they are 1-2 hour long power point presentations offered to small groups of 5-10 people either at a set location on set dates where people can register to attend or for private bookings in home, clinics or places of business.

My consulting services require a client assessment so I can find what the clients concerns are pin point imbalances and nutritional issues and create a program that fits that individual and involves nutritional support, herbalism and other holistic medicines if requires.

What growth have you seen in your clients?

I have only been in practice since 2011 and only offered health classes at the time, since 2012 I have been taking clients. The clients I have been seeing have mixed progress and it all correlates to the commitment they make to our partnership. For some the progress is slower as they have a lot to change and the change can be hard especially when they have been practicing a damaging lifestyle for quite some time, for some their previous lifestyle seemed healthy in their opinion. These clients require smaller steps and education. Some clients are used to being given what they think is a magic pill and are now being asked to take responsibility in their own health and that is a major learning curve. For other clients the progress is much more impacting and fast as the client is committed to the program and ready to take responsibility for their own health. For a few the commitment is too much and they stop seeking my guidance or I let them go for ethical reasons.

What are your greatest concerns for the autism community?

I think my major concern is that all the therapies out there do not address the gut and nervous system relationship, in my opinion other therapies should not be started unless this is address then depending on individual needs certain therapies that are appropriate to that child should start if truly required. I also have concern where parents enroll their child in as many programs as possible without looking at the negative impact this can be doing with some therapies possibly negating others, ignoring their child’s individual needs and overwhelming them which will in itself negates these programs.