Speaking of Health & Wellness: The Podcast | Supporting Kids’ Picky Eating + Neurodevelopment

Speaking of Health & Wellness: The Podcast | Supporting Kids’ Picky Eating + Neurodevelopment

By Shandy Watters (formerly Laskey), M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTPHealth & FitnessNutrition
Download on the App Store

Speaking of Health & Wellness: The Podcast | Supporting Kids’ Picky Eating + Neurodevelopment episodes

  • 11. Traumatic Brain Injuries, Leaky Brain-Leaky Gut, and Picky Eating...What's the Connection?

    Traumatic Brain Injuries, "Leaky Brain-Leaky Gut", and Picky Eating...What's the Connection?

    You may have heard of "leaky gut - leaky brain" but have you heard it the other way around? "Leaky BRAIN - Leaky GUT"?

    In this episode, we're covering "leaky brain - leaky gut", primary and secondary brain injuries, a brief overview of the nervous system and the gut-brain connection, as well as the biochemical and neurobiological ways that complex picky eating can develop following a traumatic brain injury or even after a concussion that doesn't seem too significant or traumatic in nature.

    We'll explore some beginning nutrition and lifestyle tips and strategies you may want to consider, regardless of how long it's been since the traumatic brain injury took place (although, the sooner the better of course). We'll cover how and why individuals with TBIs develop food and environmental sensitivities and what you can do to help support them, especially when it comes to complex picky eating.

    If you're brand new to these topics of "gut health" and the gut brain connection, please visit Episode 6 titled, "How "Gut Health" Impacts Your Child's Health and Development" and then come back to this one. Episodes 6-10 are absolutely relevant to listen into if this resonates with you!

    Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? Please help spread this information to those who need it most by sharing this episode with them. Thank you so much for helping Speaking of Health & Wellness support more families and providers!


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.

    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    1 hr 11 min
  • 10. Could Your Child’s Physical and Behavioral Symptoms Be Caused By the Food They’re Eating?

    Could your child’s physical and behavioral symptoms be caused by the food they’re eating? There are a number of ways that foods can impact children's health, physically and bio-behaviorally.

    If your child struggles with complex picky eating, this one is for you!

    If your child has developmental delays or a known neurodevelopmental condition, like autism spectrum disorders, ADHDs, speech-language disorders, sensory processing disorders, etc. then this one is for you!

    If your child is struggling with a host of chronic health issue symptoms, this one is for you!

    Did you know that over half of American children and millennials today have a diagnosable chronic health issue? Food and environmental reactions are very much involved here...

    In this episode, I'm sharing an overview of the difference between food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerances. We'll cover the most common food allergies and sensitivities, as well as what physical and behavioral symptoms are seen in children with food reactions.

    I share what to do if you think your child is experiencing negative reactions to their foods, starting with "cleaning up the diet overall", then navigating food sensitivity testing, and guidance around food elimination/reintroduction diets for food reactions.

    Enjoy the episode! I hope that it's insightful and supportive for where you are on your journey!
    Mentioned in the show:

    Dr. Doris Rapp on The Phil Donahue Show 1989


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.


    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    1 hr
  • 9. Gluten Free, Casein Free Diets (GFCF) For Kids with Complex Picky Eating and/or Developmental Conditions - Answering FAQs

    Episode 9 builds onto the information shared in previous episodes re: complex picky eating and neurodevelopmental delays and disorders being whole body conditions, as well as holistic nutrition, gut health, gluten free/casein free (GFCF) diets... If you're new to the podcast and these topics, please go to earlier episodes in this Season 1.

    I'm answering frequently asked questions that parents of these children often ask me when they're considering or starting the GFCF diet trial...

    How do you know if they're getting or not getting the nutrients that they need? Can GFCF diets create deficiencies?

    We specifically explore zinc and calcium and related factors to think about with these nutrients when implementing a GFCF diet.

    Is the GFCF diet a lifelong change or temporary? How long until you see results? What would those results and improvements look like?

    And lastly, I offer some guidelines and general habits for families to consider embracing during their transition to a GFCF diet with the child(ren) and/or family.
    I'm answering all these questions and more. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to check out the resources linked below that I mention in the show!

    Mentioned in the show:

    My Accompanying Blog: "GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?"

    Organic Olivia Herbal Supplements Line - For Kids & Adults - I use these products personally and with clients for support!


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.


    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity


    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    56 min
  • 8. Is the Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF) "All or Nothing?" What Happens if They Eat a Little Bit?

    Episode 8 builds onto the information shared in previous episodes re: complex picky eating and neurodevelopmental delays and disorders being whole body conditions, as well as holistic nutrition, gut health, gluten free/casein free (GFCF) diets... If you're new to the podcast and these topics, please go to earlier episodes in this Season 1.

    I'm answering frequently asked questions that parents often ask me when they're considering or starting the GFCF diet trial...

    Is it "all or nothing?" What happens if they eat a little?

    How long will it take to see results? What results could you expect to see?

    Why do some people still say there's not enough evidence to support the GFCF diet for these demographics of children and individuals?

    What guidelines should be implemented to see the maximum benefit and potential of this transition, especially for families of children with complex picky eating?

    I'm answering all these questions and more. I hope you enjoy the episode!


    Mentioned in the show:

    My Accompanying Blog: "GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?"

    Organic Olivia Herbal Supplements Line - For Kids & Adults - I use these products personally and with clients for support!


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.


    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity


    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    54 min
  • 7. GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?

    We're covering the basics like what gluten and casein are exactly, the GFCF diet and exploring some of the research around it, as well as some thoughts you may want to consider before taking on a special diet for your child.

    I'm covering 5 connections to consider when thinking about gluten free / casein free diets (GFCF) for children with complex picky eating, developmental delays, autism, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

    Mentioned in the show, my accompanying blog: GFCF Diets, Picky Eating, Autism, & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders...What's the Connection?


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.


    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    1 hr 1 min
  • 6. How "Gut Health" Impacts Your Child's Health and Development

    "Gut Health", "The Gut-Brain Connection", "Gut-Brain Axis", etc. has been gaining more attention in the last decade, and understandably so! It's so important to our overall health and wellness, as well as children's development!

    In this episode, I discuss some introductory terms that you'll hear when starting to learn more about gut health (microbiome, dysbiosis, leaky gut / intestinal hyper-permeability, etc.). I share the signs, symptoms, and conditions that you may see when your child's gut health is in need of attention, as well as how gut health may be impacting children with complex picky eating, developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more.

    I hope you enjoy the episode! Take care!

    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.



    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity

    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    45 min
  • 5. Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions

    The title says it all! In this episode we're exploring autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders (like ADHD, childhood apraxia of speech, global developmental delays, etc.) as whole body conditions.

    We're taking a closer look at the overlapping co-morbidities and the underlying root causes and symptoms these children and individuals share.

    I discuss the rise of these childhood disorders in tandem to the rise of chronic illness across the board in children and adults over the last few decades, and we talk about what beginning steps families can take towards living a more holistic and low tox lifestyle to support their child's health, wellness, and development.

    Mentioned in the show:

    Accompanying Blog: Exploring Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Whole Body Conditions

    My favorite low-tox cleaner for my home: Branch Basics (discount code included!)


    ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.

    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    40 min
  • 4. Is Your Child's Picky Eating a Developmental Phase or a More Complex Issue?

    Welcome to Episode 4, where I'm discussing picky eating. We're covering what's "normal" vs. what's not, and when to know if your child's picky eating is a typical stage of their development or if it's a more complex issue. I introduce my "Picky Eating Paradigm" and share some starting strategies for all children with picky eating that you can put into action right away! I hope you find this episode helpful and supportive!


    Mentioned in the show:

    Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders by Dr. Kay Toomey

    Feeding Matters Organization 


    ⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠


    ⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠


    Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.

    JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
    INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness

    WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com


    © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

    53 min
  • 3. Holistic Nutrition and BioIndividuality: No "One-Size Fits All" Diet

    We're exploring the concepts of holistic nutrition and bioindividuality. I discuss the various nutrition professionals and their titles, and how varying nutrition paradigms and views exist. Lastly, we'll cover the beginning steps that you can take to start your journey using holistic nutrition to support you and your family's health and wellness. Enjoy!
    Mentioned in the show:

    • Environmental Working Group - Dirty Dozen List & Clean Fifteen List
    • ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


      ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


      Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.
      JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity
      INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness
      WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com
      © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

      49 min
    • 2. How My Chronic Illness Was a Catalyst to a Career Change...The Story of ‘Speaking of’ - PART 2

      Episode 2 is Part 2 of a two part story about how my chronic illness was a catalyst to career change, and how Speaking of Health & Wellness came to be! Be sure to listen to Part 1 first or you may be a bit lost... I shared my personal experience with medical injury and chronic illness. We're starting where we left off: with my experience with the "Mirena crash" and my path into true holistic healing, which ultimately led me to understanding autism spectrum disorders (and more) as whole body conditions and changed the trajectory of my career.

      EDIT: Towards the end of this podcast you'll hear me talk about the BioIndividual Nutrition Institute by Julie Matthews of Nourishing Hope. Please note: Nourishing* Hope, as I accidentally said Documenting Hope...


      ⁠⁠UPDATE: My online course for parents, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, is now available! LEARN MORE & ENROLL TODAY: www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com/picky-eating-course⁠⁠


      ⁠⁠[CLICK HERE] to grab your FREE Guide: The Dos and Don'ts for Parent of Complex Picky Eaters⁠⁠


      Hosted by integrative SLP/feeding specialist and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Shandy Laskey, M.A., CCC-SLP, FNTP of Speaking of Health & Wellness.


      JOIN OUR FREE FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofcommunity

      INSTAGRAM: @speakingofhealthandwellness

      WEBSITE: https://www.speakingofhealthandwellness.com

      © Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.

      1 hr 15 min

    About Speaking of Health & Wellness: The Podcast | Supporting Kids’ Picky Eating + Neurodevelopment

    From the publisher's feed

    Speaking of Health & Wellness: The Podcast is for parents of children with complex picky eating, developmental delays, and neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, Down…