Comments on: VODcast: ONLY Peanut Butter??!? http://faqautism.com/2008/08/vodcast-only-peanut-butter/ a resource for practical ideas Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:28:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/08/vodcast-only-peanut-butter/#comment-252 cathy Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:04:40 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-252 Hello. I appreciate your thoughtful comments about peanut allergies. Please know that I do not advocate encouraging youngsters to eat items that are potentially harmful to other kids. In this case, we are working diligently to change this youngster's "food of choice." But the parents, teachers, and therapists have not yet had success in changing this sweet girl's mind about her obsession with peanut butter. In retrospect, the parents realize that - given her extreme attachment to that one food - they should have never allowed peanut butter into her life. Short of starving her until she "gives in" and eats something else, their only choice is to very gradually help her develop and tolerate different foods. Meanwhile, they have checked with her school and with parents of all children with whom their daughter has contact. None of those children have peanut allergies. Their goal is to have changed her obsession with peanut butter before she encounters a youngster who is allergic. At FAQautism.com, we realize that every individual with autism has a very unique combination of abilities, limitations, and needs, and that any strategy must be customized to meet those needs. As a result, none of the strategies we discuss are appropriate for applying "across-the-board." If you are willing to do so, I'm sure other parents and teachers would be interested in knowing your strategies for helping your youngster know how to avoid potentially harmful foods. Hope you have time to share that as well as any other observations and comments. + Cathy Knoll Hello. I appreciate your thoughtful comments about peanut allergies. Please know that I do not advocate encouraging youngsters to eat items that are potentially harmful to other kids. In this case, we are working diligently to change this youngster’s “food of choice.” But the parents, teachers, and therapists have not yet had success in changing this sweet girl’s mind about her obsession with peanut butter. In retrospect, the parents realize that – given her extreme attachment to that one food – they should have never allowed peanut butter into her life. Short of starving her until she “gives in” and eats something else, their only choice is to very gradually help her develop and tolerate different foods. Meanwhile, they have checked with her school and with parents of all children with whom their daughter has contact. None of those children have peanut allergies. Their goal is to have changed her obsession with peanut butter before she encounters a youngster who is allergic.

At FAQautism.com, we realize that every individual with autism has a very unique combination of abilities, limitations, and needs, and that any strategy must be customized to meet those needs. As a result, none of the strategies we discuss are appropriate for applying “across-the-board.” If you are willing to do so, I’m sure other parents and teachers would be interested in knowing your strategies for helping your youngster know how to avoid potentially harmful foods. Hope you have time to share that as well as any other observations and comments.

+ Cathy Knoll

]]> By: r http://faqautism.com/2008/08/vodcast-only-peanut-butter/#comment-251 r Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:19:58 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-251 It really bothers me that this site seems to advocate the one-two food diet. My son is autisitc and allergic to peanuts and treenuts. At 3.5 yrs old we have had to develop a program to teach him to avoid these foods since his special ed school is not nut free. Not make a big deal out of eating one or two things when one of them is highly allegenic to a large number of children is just not responsible.... It really bothers me that this site seems to advocate the one-two food diet. My son is autisitc and allergic to peanuts and treenuts. At 3.5 yrs old we have had to develop a program to teach him to avoid these foods since his special ed school is not nut free. Not make a big deal out of eating one or two things when one of them is highly allegenic to a large number of children is just not responsible….

]]> By: cathy http://faqautism.com/2008/08/vodcast-only-peanut-butter/#comment-244 cathy Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:07:14 +0000 http://faqautism.com/?p=730#comment-244 A regular FAQautism.com reader sent this message: Hi, a neighbor’s son is almost 15 and autistic. In the beginning, prognosis was good but lack of structure care Joey deteriorated. He is very strong and abusive. He lives with his single mother and grandmother (86). They own a milking farm and do not have a high education or the time to devote to Joey. Joey is sexually matured. He is abusive to family members, has no patience and destroys everything. His diet is non stop and not healthy, i.e. bottled ketchup, cool whip, and parmesan cheese. They reward him with food. He must be at least 250lbs. He needs more structure. The grandmother has suggested that Joe be put into a group home but mother feels as though she will be a bad mother if she does that. I know it is always easier to advise with out being in the same shoes. It would be nice if contact can me made with that family with advise for a family that wll have an adult autistic child. Thanks. L. A regular FAQautism.com reader sent this message:

Hi, a neighbor’s son is almost 15 and autistic. In the beginning, prognosis was good but lack of structure care Joey deteriorated. He is very strong and abusive. He lives with his single mother and grandmother (86). They own a milking farm and do not have a high education or the time to devote to Joey. Joey is sexually matured. He is abusive to family members, has no patience and destroys everything. His diet is non stop and not healthy, i.e. bottled ketchup, cool whip, and parmesan cheese. They reward him with food. He must be at least 250lbs.

He needs more structure. The grandmother has suggested that Joe be put into a group home but mother feels as though she will be a bad mother if she does that.

I know it is always easier to advise with out being in the same shoes. It would be nice if contact can me made with that family with advise for a family that wll have an adult autistic child.

Thanks. L.

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