Episode 69: Nurturing Neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD) in Kids with Natalie Pelto

Plant-Based Canada Podcast

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Natalie Pelto to chat about parenting kids with autism and ADHD.

Natalie has many years of experience in the healthcare field, with lifestyle-based practices being a more recent endeavour. She was previously a Medical Radiation Technologist in diagnostic imaging specialising in CT, Trauma and bone mineral density for over 20 years, but following a personnel experience, which she shares with us later in the episode, has changed her career perspective and purpose. As part of this transition, she has become a self-declared life-long learner, completing multiple certifications in lifestyle medicine and nutrition including advanced child brain development with nutrition, and more. Natalie´s main area of interest focuses on working with children with severe autism and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their families. From her personal experiences and learnings, she works to support all members of families with children with autism and ADHD. Her mission and vision are to see our future generations change and shape the world from a space of health and well-being.

In this episode we discuss:

• What are autism and ADHD?
• Diet/nutrition in autism and ADHD
• Plant-Based diet and autism and ADHD related concerns, myths, and misconceptions.
• Strategies to support children with autism or ADHD in achieving independence
• Supports for parents with children with autism or ADHD

Episode Resources:
Autism Canada
Autism Statistics Canada
ADHD Statistics Canada

Scientific Articles:
Truths, Myths and Needs of Special Diets: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27356007/
Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35311615/
Micronutrients in ADHD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35311615/

App:
ThinkDirty app (has a cost): https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/
Free alternative -> Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/

Books:
“Fiber Fueled” By: W. Bulsiewicz
“Power of Habits” By: C. Duhigg

Natalie Pelto´s Socials
Website: www.blueliferx.com
Webinar: www.blueliferx.com/autismwebinar
Instagram: @rebellespectrum (for free resources)

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram: @plantbasedcanadaorg
Facebook: Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/
Website: https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/
X (formerly Twitter): @PBC_org

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published.

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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