Nourishing Autism

In this week's episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn unpacks something every parent of a selective eater knows all too well: the mental load of feeding your child. She talks about the constant thoughts swirling in your head: preferred foods, burned-out foods, new ideas you hope might work, meal-planning for the whole family, and the fear of losing a food that used to be accepted. Listen in to learn why this feels so exhausting, why keeping everything in your head makes progress harder to see, and how small feeding wins (like tolerating a food on the table or helping prep it) matter just as much as actually eating it. Brittyn also shares her simple four-list system to help parents organize foods in a way that brings clarity and takes some of the pressure off when it comes to introducing new foods.  Don't miss these important tips to make feeding a selective eater just a little lighter this week! Join the Food Hopper Waitlist! Get early access to the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, updates, and launch details: foodhopper.co Enter the Food Hopper Giveaway to win one of three lifetime memberships: foodhopper.co/giveaway CLICK HERE to join Brittyn's Instagram Broadcast Channel - Food Hopper Insiders!  

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn shares all about how to understand why your child keeps returning to those same familiar foods. Instead of wondering why they only want beige and crunchy foods, this episode helps you see those choices as clues that can tell you a lot about what feels safe and manageable for your child's sensory system. You'll hear how textures, temperatures, and colors play a role in comfort and regulation, and why certain foods are easier for your child to handle than others. By the end, you'll walk away with a new understanding of your child's eating patterns and a more grounded place to start when thinking about introducing new foods without pressure, and without guessing. Join the Food Hopper Waitlist! Get early access to the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, updates, and launch details: foodhopper.co Enter the Food Hopper Giveaway to win one of three lifetime memberships: foodhopper.co/giveaway CLICK HERE to join Brittyn's Instagram Broadcast Channel - Food Hopper Insiders!  

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn is getting you ready for Halloween: sensory challenges, candy overload, costumes, excitement, and all. You'll hear all about blood sugar - why big behaviors around candy aren't "random", how low blood sugar can cause meltdowns or dysregulation, and simple ways to steady things with balanced nutrition before the festivities begin. You'll also hear about sensory-friendly ideas, from adaptive costume tips to alternatives to candy that still feel fun and rewarding. Whether your child thrives with a low-sensory trunk-or-treat, prefers helping hand out goodies, or wants to fully join in the neighborhood fun, you'll hear practical ways to make Halloween feel safe, predictable, and enjoyable. Have a Happy Halloween!! Join the Food Hopper App Waitlist HERE! Join the Food Hopper Insider Broadcast Channel on Instagram HERE! Learn more Halloween tips by reading the Autism and Halloween: 15 Non-Candy Treat Ideas Blog HERE! Join The Nourishing Autism Collective for ongoing support on sensory-friendly feeding and blood-sugar balance HERE!

👉🏼 Join the waitlist and get early access to the app HERE! In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn shares a very special announcement: she's launching her very own app for parents of selective eaters! 🎉 Introducing Food Hopper: the first-ever app that helps parents discover new foods for their child based on sensory profile AND nutrition needs!🥦 Listen in as Brittyn takes you behind the scenes of how the idea was born a decade ago, why she created it, and what makes Food Hopper unlike anything else out there. You'll hear how it will help parents like you answer the question "What food should I try next?" in just seconds, with tools to track exposures, log progress, and build your child's very own sensory-friendly food list. ✨ Plus, get the exclusive scoop on launch details, early access perks, and how to join the Food Hopper Insiders Broadcast Channel on Instagram for sneak peeks into the design process and feature voting! If you're a parent of a selective eater and ready to make mealtimes easier and more sensory-friendly, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Join the waitlist and get early access: foodhopper.co CLICK HERE to join Brittyn's Instagram Broadcast Channel - Food Hopper Insiders!

In this deeply personal episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn opens up about her daughter Nora's intense journey with eczema, from hospital stays and repeated flare-ups to the emotional toll of feeling unseen by conventional medicine. You'll hear the reality of navigating trial-and-error of diet changes, the search for answers in both functional and conventional healthcare, and the breakthrough moments that finally brought healing and hope. Brittyn also shares what actually worked - from gut-healing strategies and topical support to the emotional work it takes to keep going when nothing seems to help. If you've ever questioned your intuition or felt dismissed by providers, this episode is a reminder: trust your gut, keep searching, and don't give up. 📌 Show Notes & Resources:  Connect with Dr. Michelle Young, the pediatric naturopath who played a key role in Nora's healing journey, on Instagram: @dr.michelle_young Join the Nourishing Autism Collective for hands-on support with expanding your child's diet while honoring their sensory needs 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more! 

October is Sensory Processing Disorder Awareness Month! In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn breaks down the real reason behind selective eating for kids with SPD. You'll learn how sensory overwhelm can lead to a narrow list of "safe foods", why that matters for your child's nutrition, and what simple steps you can take to create calm, low-pressure mealtimes that honor your child's sensory needs. Brittyn walks you through: What's really happening when your child avoids certain textures or temperatures How sensory overwhelm affects appetite and food variety Practical ways to make mealtimes more regulated and stress-free How to start expanding your child's diet using their unique food sensory profile Whether your child seeks out big sensory experiences with food or avoids them altogether, this episode will help you understand how to meet them right where they are. 📌 Show Notes & Resources: CLICK HERE to download your FREE Food Sensory Profile Workbook  Join the Nourishing Autism Collective for hands-on support with expanding your child's diet while honoring their sensory needs 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more! 

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn kicks off Season 3 with one of the most important conversations yet. In light of recent events, social media has been buzzing with claims that "Tylenol causes autism", but have we missed the point? Listen in to hear: A refreshing perspective on controversial news from a dietitian, mother, and autism sibling.  Why Tylenol is not the full story and what research actually says. The critical role of glutathione (our body's master antioxidant) and how it relates to autism and Tylenol use. What we know about Leucovorin (folinic acid), folate, and lab testing like the FRAT test. Practical ways you can support your child's nutrient status without blame, shame, or guilt. This episode is about zooming out and looking at the big picture. No matter if the headlines left you confused and overwhelmed, or reassured and hopeful, you'll walk away from this episode feeling anchored in clarity, compassion, and encouragement. 📌 Show Notes & Resources: Join the Nourishing Autism Collective community for hands-on support with expanding your child's diet while honoring their sensory needs 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more!  Past Sulforaphane Podcast Episode: CLICK HERE to listen!   Research Studies Mentioned:  [1] Prada, D., Ritz, B., Bauer, A.Z. et al. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environ Health 24, 56 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0  [2] Ji Y, Azuine RE, Zhang Y, Hou W, Hong X, Wang G, et al. Association of Cord Plasma Biomarkers of In Utero Acetaminophen Exposure With Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Childhood. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;77(2):180-189. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3259. PMID: 31664451; PMCID: PMC6822099. [3] Bobrowski-Khoury N, Ramaekers VT, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. J Pers Med. 2021 Jul 24;11(8):710. doi: 10.3390/jpm11080710. PMID: 34442354; PMCID: PMC8398778. [4] Frye RE, Slattery J, Delhey L, Furgerson B, Strickland T, Tippett M, Sailey A, Wynne R, Rose S, Melnyk S, Jill James S, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Mol Psychiatry. 2018 Feb;23(2):247-256. doi: 10.1038/mp.2016.168. Epub 2016 Oct 18. PMID: 27752075; PMCID: PMC5794882. [5] Source: Spillers NJ, Talbot NC, Luther PM, Ly GH, Roberts CJ, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Viswanath O, Kaye AD. Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure and its Associated Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Health Psychol Res. 2024 Nov 12;12:125267. doi: 10.52965/001c.125267.

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, join Brittyn for a very special and personal episode to wrap up the season. She sits down with her husband, Jack, to share the intense, raw, and incredible birth story of their first child, Sam, who is now soon to be a big brother! Listen in to hear all about Brittyn's 50-hour labor, what she's learned from it, and what she'll be doing differently this time around with baby number 2! ⚠️ Heads Up: We get pretty real about birth in this episode, so if you're a soon-to-be mom or have some anxiety around deliveries, you might want to skip this one. We're so excited to wrap up the season with this deeply personal story and can't wait to be back with more content in Season 3! Thanks for all your love and support – see you in 2025! 🎊

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes Anne Bragg, the inspiring mom and educator behind the Autism Supermoms community. Anne passionately shares her personal journey raising five daughters, two of whom are diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She offers practical tips and emotional support for parents facing challenges like selective eating, sensory sensitivities, and balancing caregiving with personal well-being. Tune in for heartfelt stories, invaluable advice, and a dose of much-needed encouragement for all caregivers. Episode Resources: Follow Anne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismsupermoms/ Keep up with Anne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismsupermomsmagazine/

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes a very special guest, Jaclyn Pederson, the CEO of Feeding Matters. They dive into a topic that's crucial but often overlooked: Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). With her wealth of knowledge and passion, Jaclyn shares invaluable insights about what PFD is, how it affects children, especially those on the autism spectrum, and why early intervention is key. Listen to also get a peek into Jaclyn's personal experiences and the groundbreaking work of Feeding Matters! Episode Resources: Follow Jaclyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedingmatters Connect with Jaclyn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feedingmatters Check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/feedingmatters Learn more on her website: https://www.feedingmatters.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feeding-matters/about/ Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire: https://questionnaire.feedingmatters.org/ Family Support Map: https://www.feedingmatters.org/family-guide/ Provider Directory: https://www.feedingmatters.org/resources-support/provider-directory/

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, join Brittyn's refreshingly honest conversation with the host of the Daily Autism Podcast, Marc Orem.  Marc shares his journey raising his son Cal, the reason and inspiration behind his lifestyle channel Daily Autism. From the unexpected challenges of potty training to the invaluable support systems like Aeroflow Urology, Marc provides insights and practical tips for fellow parents. Discover how Marc balances family life, finds joy in simple moments, takes the chaos out of family restaurant dinners, and finds his community support. Episode Resources: Aeroflow Urology helps parents and those with special needs 3+ receive free, high-quality diapers, pull-ups, and wipes through their insurance benefits. See if your loved one qualifies in under 2 minutes by visiting ​aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism Your one-stop to all of Marc's resources: https://linktr.ee/DailyAutism Follow Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyautismpodcast/ Listen to Marc's Daily Autism Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-autism/id1605206469

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, join Brittyn as she discusses the challenges that come from overcomplicating mealtime for autistic children. Brittyn walks you through common mistakes that she sees parents making such as expecting kids to eat healthy foods right away, offering too many choices, and using tactics that backfire. She also shares tips on reducing mealtime anxiety and fostering long-term consistency and confidence in food introduction! Don't forget to grab your FREE spot to Brittyn's webinar, Selective Eating Made Simple, here: https://www.nourishingautism.co/webinar  

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism podcast, Brittyn welcomes Tara Phillips, a speech-language pathologist and founder of Autism Little Learners! With over 25 years of experience, Tara shares her extensive knowledge of social stories, which are essential tools for supporting autistic children through transitions and routines.  Join Brittyn and Tara as they unravel the magic and history of social stories! Listen in to gain valuable insights into how social stories can reduce anxiety and improve daily transitions, both big and small. Episode Resources:  Check out Tara's amazing resources, including the Social Story Library: https://autismlittlelearners.com/ Follow Tara on Instagram: @autismlittlelearners Connect with Tara on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/  Listen to the Autism Little Learners Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820 Get Your "How to Create Adapted Books" Guide: https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/dndv3ina1g Download the Tip Sheet For Cafeteria Workers:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VTcnuwa2ZakgIVmsvfksjSNs2z9Ud91B/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes Lauren Sharifi, a registered dietitian specializing in ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). They discuss the complexities of ARFID, its differences from picky eating, and the importance of specialized care. Lauren shares her journey into the field, the different subtypes of ARFID, and its strong correlation with neurodiversity, especially autism. They also talk about the challenges faced by those with ARFID, including food anxiety and the necessity of a supportive community. Listen to learn about the need for personalized care and the importance of understanding and normalizing the experiences of those with ARFID. Episode Resources: Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arfid.dietitian/ Visit https://laurensharifi.com/ for more information on how Lauren can support you!

In this informative episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes Katja Piscitelli, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). Katja explains how GLP differs from traditional language development and provides insight into the stages of GLP. She also shares practical tips on how parents can support their children who are Gestalt language processors. Their conversation covers the importance of rich intonation in language models, the role of AAC devices in supporting GLP, and valuable resources for parents seeking further assistance. Listen in to learn about new ways to engage and understand your child's unique communication needs! Episode Resources:  Follow Katja on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/ Connect with Katja on FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Boho-Speechie/100064823717157/ For free resources and to learn more about how Katja can support you and your family, visit: https://linktr.ee/bohospeechie    

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes occupational therapist Reena Singh all the way from India to discuss the intricacies of three lesser-known sensory systems and their impact on children. Reena shares her extensive experience working with autistic kids over the past 23 years and breaks down the significance of interoceptive, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses.  Listen to gain valuable insights into how sensory processing affects eating, sleeping, and daily activities, and learn about the connection between emotional states and sensory experiences. You'll learn practical tips to help your child feel more comfortable during mealtimes and how to create positive emotional associations with food.  Episode Resources: Download Reena's new app, Awetism Insights on iOS and Android: - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/awetism-insights/id6499340907 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.awetism.insights Awetism Insights is a treasure trove of support for families with children diagnosed with Autism. It has content curated from 24 years of experience and cutting-edge research. It features: 15 Masterclasses on topics like sleep challenges, toilet and potty training, sensory diet, oral motor challenges, visual supports, PECS, and emotional support scripts for parents 5 Detailed Courses on primitive reflex integration for emotional regulation, academic readiness, boosting oral motor and fine motor skills, and an Autism intervention roadmap Daily Insights from Reena Weekly Live Events hosted by speech therapists and occupational therapists including me Demonstrations of Over 100 Techniques for parents It has 3 levels of membership and a 14-day free trial! Connect with Reena on Instagram: www.instagram.com/awetisminsights Subscribe to Reena's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@awetisminsights Connect with Reena on Facebook: www.facebook.com/awetisminsights Check out more of Reena's resources and work with her: https://www.khushi.net.in/

It's that time of year again! In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn shares 6 key tips to help your child transition smoothly back into the school year, focusing particularly on maintaining nutrition. We know that a change in routine can impact your child's eating habits, so listen to learn how establishing routines early, involving your child in meal prep, practicing eating in different environments, and more can set your child up for success during this big change!  Episode Resources: Get a FREE AngelSense Tracker: https://www.angelsense.com?ref=mtfhogz Austin Baby Co Silicone Bento Boxes: https://amzn.to/4c1Ofku

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn joins Charlie Beswick (@ouralteredlife), a mom to two twin boys, author, founder of SEND Gin & Cheese CIC, founder of the More Than a Face charity, AND teacher! She shares her unfiltered and heartfelt personal journey with her twin boys, Oliver and Harry. Harry was born with a rare craniofacial condition and later diagnosed with autism, while Oliver is undiagnosed autistic and dyslexic. Charlie discusses the challenges she faced, including personal grief and building a support system, and how she eventually founded S.E.N.D Gin and Cheese CIC to support other parents of children with special needs. Charlie offers valuable advice on finding your "village" and emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about perseverance, community, and the unique journey of raising children with special needs. Episode Resources: Follow Charlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouralteredlife/ Find Charlie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ouralteredlife/ Learn more about Charlie, her family & the resources she provides: www.ouralteredlife.com Download Charlie's Free E-Book: https://www.subscribepage.com/selfcareforbusymums Read Chapter 1 of her book, Our Altered Life for free: https://www.subscribepage.com/ouralteredlifechapterone Download Charlie's Free E-book "Worrier to Warrior": https://www.subscribepage.com/worriertowarrier Learn more about S.E.N.D Gin & Cheese: https://sendginandcheese.org/ Learn more about Charlie's More than a Face Charity: https://morethanaface.co.uk/  

Aeroflow Urology helps parents and those with special needs 3+ receive free, high-quality diapers, pull-ups, and wipes through their insurance benefits. See if your loved one qualifies in under 2 minutes by visiting aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism. Want to learn more about the Diaper Gap? Visit aeroflowurology.com/diaper-divide In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn spills her secrets about the common mistakes she sees parents make when introducing new foods to their children. Listen in to learn about the importance of considering a child's sensory needs when picking a new food, practical tips to setting your child up for success, making sure your mealtime environment is calm to avoid overstimulation, and more!  Download one of Brittyn's favorite resources, her FREE Food Sensory Profile Workbook to start implementing these strategies today: https://autismdietitian.ck.page/foodsensoryprofile It's almost time for enrollment to open for Brittyn's online membership, The Nourishing Autism Collective! Enrollment will be open to those on the wait list for a limited time from July 30th-31st! If you would like more individualized support from Brittyn, make sure to add your name to the waitlist here: https://www.nourishingautism.co/      

Aeroflow Urology helps parents and those with special needs 3+ receive free, high-quality diapers, pull-ups, and wipes through their insurance benefits. See if your loved one qualifies in under 2 minutes by visiting ​aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn is joined by Aleece Fosnight, a certified PA specializing in urology to discuss the challenges faced by families in affording diapers and other potty training products. This particular challenge has been identified as "The Diaper Gap".  Aleece shares how some families are even having to choose between affording diapers and affording groceries, or maybe forgoing certain helpful therapies for their child. This is why Aleece works with Aeroflow Urology, an incredible organization that helps families receive bladder control products for FREE through their insurance benefits. Join Brittyn and Aleece as they talk about topics such as varying timelines for potty training, especially for autistic kids, and the importance of normalizing conversations about the bathroom and bodily functions with your child.  Episode Resources: To learn more about the Diaper Divide: ​aeroflowurology.com/diaper-divide​ Follow Aleece on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosnightcenter/ Follow Aleece on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosnightcenter/ Learn more about what she does through her website: www.fosnightcenter.com