I have a passion for helping parents, grandparents and caretakers of kids with behavior and/or focusing issues
The Beginning
Everyone has a story and I would like to share mine. It started nineteen years ago when my second son was diagnosed with autism. To be quite honest with you, I was happy to have a name for what was going on with my child. I wasn’t familiar with autism and didn’t know what to expect. I had no clue what to do next. I did what I knew and that was to pray. So…I said a little prayer.
Initially, I asked God to help silence the tantrums. My son had awful tantrums, he bit, slapped (mostly me) only a few times, but that was enough. He was nonverbal, and I know that contributed to the behaviors. He didn’t develop relationships with his siblings. It hurt to see him like this.
My Journey
Eventually, I attended a women’s health workshop at my church. To my surprise, the integrative doctor that was the guest speaker was a specialist in autism!! I couldn’t believe it! It was the beginning of an answered prayer. He gave me a list of things to do including changing my son’s diet.
I didn’t know where to start. He suggested I remove all wheat and dairy as well as limit the sugar. I spent several hours at night after my kids were asleep, researching. I read books on nutrition. I attended seminars on autism. I found another mom who had an older son on the autism spectrum who started a support group.
Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
When I decided to go back to school after 26 years, it was an intimidating thought! I honestly didn’t know if I could mentally, physically and emotionally handle all that would be expected to me. After all, it has been 26 years! Besides I have a husband and four kids now, and I’m almost 50!
At The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN), I feel like I have “come home." My initial interaction with the admissions counselor was warm and she was patient with me, answering all of my questions.
The program teaches that there are more things that nourish us "off the plate." IIN teaches that primary foods are more than just "food." It is relationships, careers, physical movement and spirituality. Food is actually secondary.