Get to Know Babo Botanicals #autism #autismdiet

It’s that time once again! Time to ‘get to know’ another amazing partner of ours. Today, we’re so excited to introduce you to our friends at Babo Botanicals. At Babo Botanicals, they offer your family non toxic and pure hair, skin and sun solutions created with effective natural or organic ingredients. From sensitive skin to families who face food or skin allergies. Babo Botanicals is the first, and always, driven by quality and safety standards. They deliver products which provide health, beauty and happiness to the family. It is the rich botanical ingredients that set Babo products apart and deliver high quality solutions to hair and skin.

We asked Erin Sesil, Babo’s Marketing and Communications Manager, to share with our community a bit more about Babo and why they should be in your cupboards!

AHA: How, and when was Babo Botanicals founded? 

Erin Sesil: Babo was founded in 2010 by founder, Kate Solomon.  A product developer for brands including L’Oreal, Avon and Redken, Kate was in search of a line of products that both stood up to her professional standards and felt safe and natural enough for her new baby.  With more children having allergies today, Kate created a line formulated with very clean, natural ingredients — her entrepreneurial spirit took over an Babo Botanicals began!

AHA: We love your line of sun care. What makes Babo’s one of the best on the market? 

Erin: Babo Botanicals is committed to making the best natural sunscreen that uses clear zinc oxide as the principal ingredient. Zinc is a workhouse nutrient and is the leading filter for UVA and UVB rays.  As a single ingredient, it protects against all rays and sits on top of the skin to form a formidable barrier.  Reef safe and free of oxybenzone and octnoxate, Babo’s sunscreen is rated #1 in safety by the EWG and is the first-ever sunscreen to be certified MadeSafe(R) 

AHA: Are your sunscreens safe for babies and young children?

Erin: Yes, all Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreens are chemical free and created with clean ingredients that are safe for babies, young children and anyone with sensitive skin.

AHA: Often, kiddos are sensitive to scents and textures. Is your SPF fragrance-free? 

 

Erin: Babo Botanicals offers fragrance free sheer spray, sport sticks and lotions which are all great for anyone with sensitive skin.

AHA: Babo is EWG Verified. What does that mean?

Erin: Yes, Babo Botanicals has many EWG verified skin and hair care products and plan to submit more including our sunscreen for approval this year. The Environmental Working Group is an organization that researches environmental issues, like toxic chemicals and advocated to protect everyday Americans and the environment.  The EWG Verified seal is awarded to any product that meets the EWG’s strict standards for verification including; complying with their ingredient requirements, good manufacturing practices and detailed product label. 

Learn more about Babo Botanicals HERE and make sure to ‘like’ them on Facebook, and follow on Instagram and Twitter!

 

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Remembering to Reconnect With You #autism #autismdiet

So my life for the last almost 15 years has been Autism. I have lost most of my friends that I had prior to the diagnosis. My world is surrounded by those that either I work with, those I have supported their work in someway, families that are going through the same thing I am, companies that I work with to help encourage them to help the families I have met along the way and so forth. There is really no one in my life on a regular basis that is just my friend that has nothing to do with Autism. I have learned these last couple years (from some) and yesterday was another reminder that some you support in Autism are ONLY your friend when you do all they want, when they want and if not then you were never really friends. This saddened me as we live in a society of individuals often only caring about themselves and taking for granted all you do for them. This lesson has been hard for me as it always hurts me. I give my whole heart to all and I am always surprised by those that you support often just have their goals no matter who they hurt. It’s a tough world out there! The politics just really suck! If you only knew! I could seriously write a book from behind the scenes and you would be shocked by some! Lol I might wait for retirement for that one!

So as I was leaving work driving to Barre Ballet I started to appreciate my workout classes on a whole new level. This is a new way for me to meet new people I thought. They ask nothing from me, they just laugh with me as we do something good for our bodies. I started to really ponder changing my buckets of time I allocate for those I work around in the Autism world. I wanted to create more balance and open the door for new friends. I got to class and let go of the hurt that someone bestowed upon me through email earlier in the day and just danced! I laughed with others, I sweated and pushed through soreness and let the music take me over!
I am starting to learn new names and people are saying hi to me and happy to see me in class. Which they have no idea how awesome that is for me. They have no clue what I do, or how hard my life is sometimes with my son, they just have a welcoming smile and wave.

After class I was really grateful I had went. Often it can be hard to leave work for me as I can get swallowed up in emails and projects and lose track of time.

I made it to class with 2 min to spare, I slipped on my ballet shoes, stretched and just melted away the day.

Then the most amazing gift happened! I stopped at the grocery store to pick something up quickly before heading home and as I pushed my cart I hear “Hi Kristin! Do you live near here too?” It was a gal from my class! The feeling I got to feel what other people must get often was priceless! We stood in the aisle laughing and discussing the classes of the week. Just being two gals! I NEVER get that! She wanted nothing from me, expected nothing from me, asked me for nothing. Just friendship in the moment!!!

It truly was beyond awesome!!

Sooo glad I am doing these classes! It is giving me so much more than just workouts! It’s reminding me there is a world outside the Autism world and I am loving it!!
#NewPriorities  #mytruth

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Get to Know Cauldron Bone Broths #autism #autismdiet

It’s time to “Get to Know” once again! With Get to Know, our goal is to introduce you to our amazing partners helping make possible all that AHA does. Today, we get to know our friends at Cauldron Bone Broths. At Cauldron Bone Broths, they’re making some of the best quality bone broth on the market.

Northwest Chef, Gabriel Claycamp, created Cauldron Broths in an effort to utilize the whole animal and to bring great flavors back to a culinary staple. He was frustrated by the lack of flavor and nutrients on the market and set out to develop a better quality product.

Together with Angela Pifer, a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Cauldron brings incredible flavor together with nutritionally dense broths to not only provide the protein today’s foodie craves, but to heal the gut and treat a variety of symptoms.

If you have wondered what all this talk of bone broth is and why it’s said to be such a great addition to your diet, read on as we speak with Assistant HACCP Coordinator, McKinnon Dargan.

Get to Know: Cauldron Bone Broths

Autism Hope Alliance: When and how was Cauldron founded?

McKinnon: Cauldron was founded in 2016 when founder and Head Pot Jockey, Chef Gabriel started Cauldron Broths because he felt deep rooted responsibility to use the whole animal. Gabe helped to launch Jack Mountain Meats; which is a meat processing facility with a nose to tail philosophy.  When Jack Mountain decided they wouldn’t be using the bones, Gabriel knew he had to do something. This is when Cauldron Broths was born. Rounding out Cauldron’s team is Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Angela Pifer. She’s had a thriving private practice in clinical nutrition for the past 12 years; specializing in functional gut disorders. For the past four years Angela has focused solely on SIBO (small intestinal bowel overgrowth). Known as the “SIBO Guru,” she co-created GutRx Bone Broths, an innovative line of healing bone broths with Cauldron Broths, to help clients heal their gut.

AHA: What’s the difference from broth and bone broth?

McKinnon: Bone broth is a stock made by simmering bones for 24 to 48 hours, thereby drawing out the most protein (healing collagen) from the bones. Stock is similar but has less protein and mouthfeel in the recipe or end product. Cauldron Broths takes a traditional process of slow simmering of bones and trimmings and modernizes it with pressure kettles for less time to get the maximum nutrition and vibrant flavor out of each pot. This yields a clearer, brighter tasting product with more of the life giving nutrients than any other brand on the grocery market.

Rustic Chicken Soup

AHA: What are some benefits of adding bone broth to your diet?

McKinnon: Bone broth is made by gently simmering bones, which draws out healing collagen protein, trace minerals and electrolytes. Like a healing balm for your belly, our bone broths help to heal the gut lining, lowers inflammation and supports joint health. A healthy, easily digestible option for available protein, rich nutrients and amino acids proline and glycine that are easy to absorb.

AHA: Kiddos can be picky. What’s a good family recipe that includes your bone broth?

McKinnon: You can find recipes on the “Our Kitchen” page of our website: https://cauldronbroths.com/our-kitchen/
My favorite kid friendly recipe is the Rustic Chicken Soup!

AHA: Do you make anything suitable for anyone following a meat-free diet?

McKinnon: We currently have an Organic Vegetable broth for those following a meat-free diet.

Learn More

Visit Cauldron Bone Broths HERE. And make sure to like and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

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Tips on Transitioning Your ASD Teen Into Secondary School #autism #autismdiet

It’s inevitable with age, but all children eventually transition from the carefree days of primary
school into secondary school. From this point on, they must put their nose to the books and,
largely, function academically without their parents’ assistance. If you’re facing this major
lifestyle change with your ASD child, you may be in for a rocky ride. Here are a few tips to help
you make the transition go smoothly.

Establish Routines Early in the Year

According to guidelines published by researchers at the University of North Carolina, the
structure of a learning institution is often challenging for students with autism. One of the biggest
problems is often a lack of ability to understand activities, schedules, and expected behaviors in
the classroom. However, many students on the autism spectrum thrive when they have a
predictable routine. Before your child begins school, talk with educators about the schedule.
Give him access to a written schedule and ensure he has plenty of notice if something is
expected to change, such as having a substitute teacher or an abbreviated day.

Inclusion Equals Success

Autism is a spectrum disorder — and it’s a wide spectrum. Many higher functioning ASD children
will benefit from an inclusion classroom setting. In the United States, some schools have taken
a proactive approach at providing inclusion and allowing ASD children to perform grade-level
work alongside their non-disabled peers. While this may not be the best approach for all
children on the spectrum, if your son or daughter does not have a co-occurring learning
disability, having the chance to attend classes with everyone else can be an effective treatment
method for autism.

Allow Your Child to Attend Their IEP Meetings

Your child has no doubt been provided with an independent education plan (IEP). Regardless of
what it’s referred to in your district, this is simply a plan of action that provides accommodations
for his or her disability. As your child transitions into secondary school, make sure he or she is
aware of the accommodations that he’s been given throughout primary school. This will put him
in a better position to take ownership of his strengths and weaknesses and give him an idea of
areas he must work on in higher grades. Keep in mind that colleges typically cannot include
parents in disability planning, so the sooner your child learns to navigate this aspect of his
disability, the better.

Provide a Safe Space Where They Can De-Stress

When most kids feel stressed, it’s pretty easy to shake it off. This is not so with children on the
spectrum. While they may have difficulty accessing a safe place or safe person at school, you
can help them decompress once they arrive home by making sure you have a clean and
comfortable spot they can call their own. Your autism-friendly home environment should include
soothing colors and minimal distractions. Keep his or her learning space separate and
organized, which will help them focus when it’s time to tackle homework. Also, let their
educators know what signs to look for that may indicate that he or she has had enough. Create
a plan of action in case your child becomes overstimulated/stress-out at school.

Consider Their Options

Not all children on the spectrum do well in a traditional learning environment, but this doesn’t
mean there aren’t options. According to RaisingChildren.Net.Au, technical and further education
programs, along with vocational education and training, are also an option for your teen. Talk to
school administrators to determine if this may be a more viable option than a traditional
classroom setting.

Remember, routine, organization, and inclusion are three components to successful transition to
secondary school. It won’t always be easy, but given the right tools, your child can survive and
thrive despite his social and learning differences.

About the Author

Jasmine Dyoco loves crossword puzzles and audio books, learning (anything!) and
fencing. She works with Educatorlabs to curate scholastic information.

(Image via Pixabay)

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Low-Price Leader ALDI Offers Healthy, Budget-Friendly Options #autism #autismdiet

You want the very best for your child, but as you’re navigating the aisles at the grocery store,
you realize giving your child the best might require a bigger investment than you expected. It’s
an all-too-common experience families on a budget face when shopping–having to choose
between saving money and making healthier choices. But what if you could do both? One
retailer that’s committed to helping you break unhealthy habits without breaking the bank is Aldi.

ALDI Doesn’t Break the Bank!

Below are some of the ways Aldi is bucking the high-price-for-health trend by ensuring that
healthier options are not only affordable, but sometimes even cheaper than the conventional
and/or processed alternatives!

Selection of USDA Organic Products

In recent years, Aldi has continued to expand their affordable USDA certified organic offering in
stores. They carry a line of USDA certified organic beef as well as organic produce. There are several benefits to buying organic, like protecting your family from pesticides used on non-organic options.

Earth Grown

Earth Grown is Aldi’s foray into vegan cuisine, with a wide selection of plant-based burgers.
Rich in fiber and packed with a diverse set of up to 11 different veggies per patty, Earth Grown
is a perfect fit for a dairy-free, Autism-friendly diet. Give their black bean, kale, and quinoa
crunch flavors a try.

Live GFree

Dairy is not the only culprit; gluten has also been linked to poor health consequences. Aldi’s
LiveGFree line of gluten-free foods encompasses a wide variety of options that include pastas,
baking mixes, and granola bars. That way, you can cut out the gluten without having to cut out
your favorite bread products.

ECOS

Reducing exposure to toxins is a key component to any health-and-wellness journey, but
nutrition alone won’t solve the problem; limiting exposure to toxins in our homes and in our
environment is just as important. Earth Friendly Products®, the maker of ECOS, has spent 50
years perfecting their sustainably produced, plant-powered cleaning products to ensure they’re
not only effective, but safer and healthier for families. Plus, for every ECOS product you
purchase at ALDI in Southern California through June 30th, Earth Friendly Products® will donate
$1 to support Autism Hope Alliance.

Locally Grown Produce

Look for Aldi’s locally grown logo the next time you shop. Buying from local farmers not only
strengthens your local economy, it might also result in healthier produce. Research shows that
fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients after they’re picked; therefore, less travel time could
mean more nutrient-dense fruits and veggies for your loved ones.

Shop Today

Find your local ALDI store HERE!

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Autism Hope Alliance Newsletter July 2018 #autism #autismdiet

Dear Friends,

We are so thrilled to share with you what we have been up to these last several months!

Click Here To Listen To The Audio Version of This Newsletter

In January we attended the Fancy Food Show and in March Natural Products Expo West. Our goal is to connect with more companies that can help our mission to help even more families.

         

In April we then headed to Michigan where we helped with a staff training for Delta Airlines. We shared tips on how to make it easier for our families to fly.

 

We also launched our 3^rd Annual Autism Hope Summit, which reached over 9000 families and touched 168 countries. To learn more visit www.autismhopesummit.com

 

If you haven’t visited us on FB or Instagram you are missing out!

We have given away over $11k in products from our partners since January alone!

http://www.twitter.com/autismhopealli

http://www.instagram.com/autism_hope_alliance

https://www.facebook.com/AutismHopeAlliance

 

 

You still have time to get your Pamper Me Pantry order in as the next round ships out mid July! What is Pamper Me Pantry? Go to www.pampermepantry.com to learn more

We are honored to announce we now have 111 total Affiliates and Partners that are standing together with us to make a difference. Please help us welcome to our AHA Family: 

Autism Approved – Silver: 

 

Please check out their websites for more information:
Cauldron Broths
Coral LLC
Flax4Life
So Deliciously Dairy Free 
Healthy Hemp 
Relive Everyday 

AHA Affiliates: 

Please check out their websites for more information:
Feel Good Foods
Maple Valley Cooperative
Money Munchkids
Sunshine Burger
Yuve, Inc

Network Affiliates: 

Please check out their websites for more information:
Bakery on Main
Explore Cuisine 
Icy-Hot Hydration, LLC – Fifty Fifty 
Justins
Rhythm Superfoods
That’s It Nutrition!
Visi Cloudberry Gold – Health 4 Autism

AHA Friends:

Please check out their websites for more information:
Clean Label Project SENPA
Health Quest PodCast 

  

Shop for Supplements and Receive 25% Off!

Visit the Autism Hope Alliance Friends & Family Wellness Store. A portion of every purchase directly benefits the Autism Hope Alliance.

We all LOVE savings!

https://www.npscript.com/autismhopealliance

We at AHA wish you and your families a happy and healthy summer season!

In Hope & Love,

Kristin Selby Gonzalez
President, Autism Hope Alliance
Mother of Jaxson (diagnosed with Autism, age 15)

“Providing Hope and Help for Autism Families Today”
-Autism Hope Alliance

 AHA Partnership Exclusive Spotlight!

                            

Quick Links & Resources:

 

AHA Partner Coupons

Autism Approved

Autism Resource Booklet

Contact Us

Active Partners

Autism Approved Radio

Gift of Hope

www.autismhopealliance.org 

Tax ID #26-4077150 501(c)(3)

 

Let’s Go Shopping DVD

Let’s Go Shopping:  Special Foods For Special 
Needs with Host Kristin Selby Gonzalez is a guide 
for parents on how to shop without frustration 
for their child’s special dietary needs. 

Click here to watch

 

 

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Get to Know Daiya Foods for National Cheese Day! #autism #autismdiet

Not only is it a new week, but did you know it’s also National Cheese Day?! We cannot think of a better AHA partner to ‘Get to Know’ today than Daiya. Daiya has been making cheese alternatives and an array of delicious foods with the vegan and dairy-conscious consumer in mind for nearly 10 years. Daiya cheese melts, stretches, and tastes just like dairy-based cheese! All of their products are free of dairy (casein and lactose), soy and gluten.

Friends for over 20 years, Andre and Greg share a passion for music, ideation and a plant-based lifestyle. The same passion inspired them to create a delicious dairy-free alternative made entirely from plants.

It started with a simple belief: plant-based living was better for your health, better for the planet and better for animal welfare. As it turns out, Andre and Greg weren’t alone in their dream. Millions of others were wishing for the same delicious outcome.

Their perseverance paid off and the Cheddar Style and Mozzarella Style Shreds debuted in 2009 at the Natural Products Expo West. Consumers raved — and plant-based dairy innovation changed forever.

Today, as millions more demand plant-based equivalents to their favorite foods, that spirit of innovation is still a part of the company’s DNA. In fact, thanks to their amazing R&D team, Daiya now have over 30 great tasting, 100% plant-based alternatives to dairy. And feel like we’re just getting started.

We checked in with Dave Savage, Daiya’s Manager for Medical Advocacy, to learn more about this dynamic Canadian-based company!

Get to Know: Daiya Foods

AHA:  How long has Daiya been in business?
Dave: We just celebrated it’s 10 Year Anniversary in 2018!

AHA: Are your cheese alternatives soy-free??
Dave: Daiya is free of many common allergens including soy, dairy (casein, whey and lactose), gluten, eggs, rice, peanuts and tree nuts (except coconut oil).

AHA: Why is a vegan lifestyle important to you and your health?
Dave:  There is increased interest in Vegan or Plant Based diets and foods.  Many people are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy-based products for themselves and their families.  For those families or individuals who cannot consume or choose not to consume Dairy or Soy, Daiya allows them to still enjoy some of their favorite meals again!

AHA: What are some of your favorite kid-approved products?
Dave: Definitely our Cheezy Mac is a BIG hit with kids of all ages.  The Daiya Shreds and Slices are very popular as an ingredient on Pizza or Pasta dishes.  Daiya Yogurts are very popular as tasty snack for kids.  The Daiya Cheesecakes are a wonderful dessert for everyone who is looking for a delicious, indulgent treat for dessert.

AHA: Besides cheese and pizza, what are some of your other products?
Dave: Our product line continues to grow and expand as the demand for our products grows.  Currently Daiya offers:  Original Shreds and new Cutting Board Shreds, Frozen Pizza, Slices, Blocks, Yogurts, Cream Cheese Spread, Cheesecakes, Cheese Sauce, Cheezy Mac, Dressing.  In 2018 we are launching Yogurt Duets, Burritos, Frozen Ice Cream Treats, and Cheese Sticks!

AHA: And, once and for all: Is it Day-ah or Dye-ah?
Dave: The name is pronounced “day – ah”, and arose from both a play on the word dairy and the Sanskirt definition for the word Dayaa meaning “loving, kindness, and compassion”.

Get Social

Learn more about Daiya Foods on their web-site, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

 

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