The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook.... Review & Giveaway

I was recently contacted by an online book marketing firm, FSB Associates, and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a book related to ADHD. Knowing my ever present desire to learn about all things ADHD, I did not hesitate when I said yes.

The book is titled The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook. It is written by Pamela J. Compart, M.D. and Dana Laake, R.D.H., M.S., L.D.N.

There are many forms of treating ADHD: medication, behavior modification, counseling, biofeedback. Another option is changing your child's diet. Food additives, coloring, sugar, and caffeine have all been shown to adversely affect the ADHD child. This is where this cookbook will come in handy.

If you are considering dietary changes as a treatment for your ADHD child, this cookbook is a must have. Don't think that just because it has "cookbook" in the title that all you're going to get are recipes. No way! In fact, the first seven chapters are dedicated to learning and knowledge. The authors use these chapters to fully explain what food reactions are and how to test for them; where the "culprits" (i.e. glutens, casein, soy, etc.) hide; improving your nutritional I.Q.; how to get started changing your child's diet and possible bumps you'll experience along the way; and common concerns about a "culprit" free diet. They have also taken the time to explain what ADHD and Autism actually are.

Once you've educated yourself about the ins and out of making a dietary change, the fun begins........... time to start cooking. Don't have time to devote to preparing a multi-course meal? Not to worry. The authors have included "Quick N Easy" versions of numerous recipes. These are perfect for the nights you have soccer practice, homework and a project due the next morning.

The recipe sections begins with beverages and health snacks. Then, they show you how to make your own condiments, dressings and sauces. After that chapter, you'll move on to breads, muffins, waffles and pancakes. The rest of the book is filled with main dishes, one dish meals, rice and beans, vegetables and side dishes, salads, soups, fruits, sweets and (the best) treats. As you can see, they've covered every meal category you can imagine.

They conclude the book with a four page appendix full of ADHD and Autism resources. You'll find other recommended cookbooks, magazines and newsletters, organizations and product sources all related to ADHD and Autism.

This is an extremely well thought out and well planned cookbook and resource all in one. If changing your ADHD/Autistic child's diet has even crossed your mind, this is one book you're going to want to have on hand.

This book is hardback and retails for $24.95. It can be found at most any national book retailer.

Want to win your own copy of The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook? I'm giving away my review copy of this book to one lucky reader. To enter just leave me a comment on this post telling me why you'd like to win this book. If you are not a registered Blogspot user, make sure you leave contact information in your comment (an email address is fine). You have until March 16, 2009 at midnight to enter. On March 17, 2009 I will use a random number generator to pick a winner. This is open to residents of the continental U.S. only. Good luck!