Cooking GF with My Autistic Son 🧩🍝
Last night Ayden and I made dinner together and I want to cry happy tears 🥹
He helped with almost everything — mixing, pouring, stirring — and the pride on his face was everything 💛
Here's what we made and WHY it matters for autism:
🍝 GF Spaghetti — made from peas, lentils and cauliflower. Higher protein, more nutrients than regular pasta and gut friendly for our autistic kids
🥦 Roasted Asparagus — prebiotic rich which supports gut health. The gut-brain connection is HUGE for autism and asparagus is one of the best foods for it
🍄 Sautéed Mushrooms — rich in B vitamins which support neurological function and mood regulation
Everything cooked in avocado oil — higher smoke point, anti-inflammatory, better than vegetable oils for our kids 🌿
The recipes:
Asparagus:
Drizzle avocado oil, kosher salt, pepper and lemon juice
425° for 12-15 minutes ✅
Spaghetti:
Boil water with avocado oil and 1 tbsp kosher salt
Cook noodles per package
Mushrooms:
Sauté in avocado oil with salt, pepper and lemon juice
Remove when golden then cook your sauce in the same pan 💛
Ayden helped with everything except cutting the mushrooms — safety first when you're 6 😄
This is what holistic autism support looks like in our house 🧩🌿💛
#holisticautismmom #autismdiet #glutenfree #cookingwithkids #guthealthtips
Cooking with my autistic son has become a truly rewarding experience, allowing us both to connect and learn through the process. Beyond just preparing a meal, it’s about fostering independence, boosting confidence, and nurturing a positive relationship with food. When we choose ingredients like gluten-free pasta made from peas, lentils, and cauliflower, I’m mindful of how these foods can provide higher protein and vital nutrients that benefit gut health—so crucial for many autistic individuals. The gut-brain connection can significantly impact mood and cognitive function, making diet a key part of holistic support. Roasted asparagus is a staple in our kitchen, thanks to its rich prebiotic qualities that promote healthy gut bacteria. I’ve noticed my son enjoys the tender texture and mild flavor, and it’s empowering for him to help drizzle avocado oil and sprinkle seasonings before roasting. Plus, cooking with avocado oil not only offers a higher smoke point, which is safer for cooking but also delivers anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health. Sautéed mushrooms bring additional benefits, packed with B vitamins that are essential for neurological function and mood regulation. My son helps by stirring the mushrooms gently as they cook, giving him a hands-on role without the risks involved in chopping. This cooking routine has strengthened our bond and given him pride in contributing to our meals. Sharing these moments is what holistic autism support means to me—fostering development through everyday activities infused with love and intention. For families looking to incorporate nutritious, autism-friendly meals, involving children in cooking can be a joyful, empowering step on your wellness journey.
