Hello! My name is Carolyn Lewis. I have always been passionate about food - especially after realizing that my son, Brian was reacting to most of the food he ate. Brian was diagnosed with autism just before his second birthday, and I began to research the various treatments for autism. One treatment that really stood out in my mind was the gluten-free and casein-free diet. I asked my husband what he knew about this specific diet for children with autism, but he didn't know anything about it. I was shocked to learn that my husband - a pediatrician - knew little about nutrition, and that doctors in general receive little training about nutrition in medical school. I took it upon myself to research the nutritional aspects for treating autism. Brian improved quite dramatically after removing all dairy and gluten-containing grains (wheat, oats, barley, and rye) from his diet. There were other foods that Brian tested allergic to, and I became passionate about finding good tasting and nutritious substitutes to feed our family.
     I began a support group in 2001 for other parents with children with disabilities as well as typical children with food allergies in Billings, Montana. This web site is a compilation of some of the information that I share with other parents. This web site is a work in progress, as I have limited time to put everything we have learned into words, it will appear in "pieces" for a time. My husband and I have invested in many important books on nutrition as well as alternative medicine, holistic medicine, and cook books for a healthier way of living. In the beginning I wondered what on earth Brian could eat, and I wondered what the rest of the family could eat around him. It has been extremely challenging at times, especially with Brian being such a picky eater - which is common for children in the spectrum of autism. Brian is allergic to wheat, oats, milk, eggs, corn, soy, tomatoes, basil, almonds, sesame seeds, lettuce, citrus fruit, apples, strawberries, and shellfish. Brian eats a variety of foods now, although we would like to see him eat more veggies. Each day is a step in the right direction - the lifesaving direction of more nutritious food!
     It is my hope that you enjoy as year learn from this web site! It has been reported that entire families are feeling better after implementing a healthier diet with whole foods that are free of gluten and casein. Much of the information at this web site is intended for adults as well as children - especially adults suffering from degenerative diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dietary intervention may be the answer for your optimal health!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Lewis