Personalized Nutrition for Autism & ADHD: Root-Cause Strategies with Julie Matthews
When parents are told their child has autism or ADHD, they’re often left with more questions than answers—especially when it comes to nutrition. In my conversation with Julie Matthews, certified nutrition consultant and author of Nourishing Hope for Autism, we explored how food can be a powerful ally in reducing inflammation, improving behavior, and supporting neurological health. Julie’s work offers hope and clarity for families navigating picky eating, digestive challenges, and overwhelming dietary advice.
The Power of Personalized Nutrition
Julie shared that there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for autism and ADHD. Instead, she advocates for personalized nutrition plans based on each child’s unique biochemistry, gut health, and food sensitivities. We discussed how inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to neurological and behavioral symptoms—and how targeted nutrition can address these underlying issues. By supporting the gut, balancing blood sugar, and removing problematic foods, many children experience improvements in focus, mood, digestion, and sleep.
Picky Eating: What’s Beneath the Surface
One of the most validating parts of our conversation was Julie’s compassionate insight into picky eating. She explained that picky eating isn’t simply willful behavior—it’s often rooted in biochemical imbalances, sensory sensitivities, or gut-brain communication issues. Some children crave certain textures or flavors because of nutrient deficiencies or opioid-like peptides from gluten and casein. Julie shared practical strategies for gently expanding a child’s diet without pressure or shame, helping parents understand the “why” behind the food refusals.
Core Nutritional Supports
Julie emphasized that even small steps can make a big difference. She recommends starting with foundational supports like multivitamins, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes. These key nutrients help shore up nutritional gaps, support digestion, and reduce inflammation—providing a more stable foundation for further dietary changes. We also discussed how families can prioritize food quality and reduce exposure to toxins like pesticides and additives.
Beyond Diet: Supporting the Whole Child
Our conversation also highlighted the importance of looking beyond food alone. Julie encourages families to address environmental toxins, support detox pathways, and consider functional testing when appropriate. We talked about how nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle—and how parental self-care, emotional support, and nervous system regulation are equally vital in creating a healing environment for both parent and child.
An Invitation to Nourish Hope
Julie’s work reminds us that food is not about changing who a child is—it’s about reducing suffering and supporting their fullest potential. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach helps families navigate the overwhelm with clarity, confidence, and grace.
🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
If you’re navigating picky eating, food sensitivities, or want to explore how nutrition can support your child’s health, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear in a typical doctor’s office.
Learn more about Julie:
🌐 Visit her website: https://personalizedautismnutritionplan.com
📖 Order her book: The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan (available via Amazon and major booksellers)
📲 Follow her work: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope/
Let’s keep empowering families with tools that nourish both body and spirit.