My guest this week is Suzie Carpenter, the author of On The Bright Side, a best selling memoir documenting the emotional journey of parenting a daughter with autism. After her daughter Kelly spent five years on antifungals, while also following the very restrictive Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Suzie learned a new approach to healing the gut through membrane medicine. She then began to incorporate this approach to help alleviate her own chronic health issues.  A pioneer in the grain-free and Paleo movement, Suzie has worked with hundreds of clients to strategize how to implement dietary changes with ease. While Suzie is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the dietary aspects of managing symptoms of autism, her true passion lies with lighting the spark within. Instead of being the food police, she transformed the necessity of eating healthy into empowering her daughter to be her happiest self.  In this episode, Suzie and I discuss tips and strategies for parents managing a child with dietary restrictions. Suzie offers encouraging, practical, and functional advice that assist parents as they work with and empower their children to find the best nutritional practices for their behavioral challenges. Children on the spectrum, with ADHD, ADD, anxiety and behavioral challenges experience vast improvements to their symptoms when addressing their specific nutritional needs. To learn more about Suzie Carpenter click here.   Episode Highlights Independence In Teenage Years  It is important for parents to be aware of their own triggers Ex. The need to be in control and making all the decisions Working and communicating with your child to understand the consequences of certain food choices will empower them to make the right choices when they are alone Understand that mistakes made by either the parent do not have to be roadblocks Have a “post” plan in place for any situation that has gone awry so that everyone has a course of action   Journaling For Parents and Children Journaling serves as a wonderful example of previous situations to help inform decision making in the future Use your phone to take initial notes and then take the time to write them down later in a physical journal  This can help emotionally process and engrave these notes into your memory   Suzie’s Most Helpful Tips  Keeping open communication with your child is key Being prepared and syncing schedules helps so meals don't get off track and less backtracking occurs Encouraging independent choices such as choosing their snack at school or helping to pack their lunch Getting to a place where you are no longer playing the role of the food police Teaching and working through mindset for yourself and your child   Where to learn more about Suzie Carpenter... Suzie's Book suziecarpenter.com Instagram: @suziecarpenterhealth Twitter: @suziecarpenter On The Bright Side Facebook Group   Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com   Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?  My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more.  Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior.  Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.