Top Ten Brain Foods for SPD Children

After my daughter, Jaimie's, diagnosis with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) almost four years ago, we tried different therapies and treatments-or combinations of them-to find what worked best for her. Drug therapy on a toddler wasn't something we considered. We turned to more holistic, natural therapies for Jaimie. The most important of which was a "brain friendly" diet.

Because SPD is a neurological disorder, it's important to make sure children with SPD get a lot of healthy brain food, including "good" fats such as Omega-3. All children need the healthy brain foods but its essential for children with SPD for three important reasons: (1) The brain is about 60% fat. If we don't give the brain healthy fats, it'll get it anyway it can and that's when we turn to the naughty saturated fats. Children with neurological disorders, such as Autism and SPD, are susceptible to becoming junk-food junkies because their brains crave fat but they don't always choose the best ones; (2) Sensitivity to textures means "yuck" to food. Many children with SPD have a tendency to avoid many foods due to their sensitivity to smell and texture. This can lead to missing the crucial vitamins, minerals and fats their tiny brains need to cope with their symptoms. Learning how to sneak those brain foods into their fussy diets is a bonus; and (3) Reduce symptoms. Nutritionists who specialize in SPD and sensory sensitive children have discussed how making simple but important changes to the diet can dramatically reduce sensory symptoms.

Bearing all that in mind, these are the most important foods-in no particular order-one should try including in a child's overall SPD sensory integration diet:

(1) Oily fish such as wild salmon, mackerel and tuna are all packed with DHA (docosahexanoic acid-try to say that five times!), which is one of the best forms of Omega-3.

(2) Nuts, especially almonds, are a great source of fats, vitamins (B, E, magnesium) and minerals and, apparently, excellent for the brain's grey matter. In layman's terms, grey matter is an essential component of the central nervous system, which helps in the routing of sensory and motor messages throughout the body. The main target of SPD is the nervous system, particularly the autonomic system. So get those children nutty about nuts (if there's no allergy, of course.)

(3) Berries like blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants and help with coordination, memory and cognition. Sneak these luscious berries in a smoothie with some flax seed oil for a tasty brain-powered snack!

(4) Veggies containing antioxidants like C and E, such as bell peppers and broccoli. Yes, even children without sensory sensitivities protest broccoli but try it with cheese or healthy dips!

(5) Yogurt contains tyrosine, which is known to give you a little pick up and increase mental awareness. It's recommended to try Greek yogurt to avoid the extra sugar found in the flavored sorts. You can always add a child's favorite fruit for some extra flavor.

(6) Beans are an excellent source of B vitamins and fiber. Mashed up they can be a great addition to sauces, dips and soups.

(7) Flax seeds and oil are a fantastic source of Omega-3s. The seeds would need some getting used to but the oil can be mixed in with muffins, cookies, smoothies and other treats. It does have a strong flavor, however, so don't add as much of it to baking as you would other oils.

(8) "Smart" oils like walnut, flax seed, olive and avocado are all excellent sources of Omega-3. Cook with them, make salad dressings or dips with them. They all have a stronger taste, however, and a child with a more sensitive pallet may need to get used to them.

(9) Eggs contain a nutrient called choline. To get a bit technical, choline is needed to create acetylcholine, which is good for memory. Jaimie doesn't like the texture of eggs but we add Omega-3 rich eggs to her muffins, pancakes and baking treats.

(10) Tempeh is a fermented soybean cake similar to tofu. Yes, it sounds gross, and you'll definitely have to disguise it in other things, but it is such an awesome source of protein and B12. The great thing about it is it absorbs the flavor of whatever you cook it with so try adding it to stews, soups or stir-frys.

The most challenging thing in our house has been coaxing Jaimie to try anything new. Her pallet is so sensitive she's thrown up right at the table simply because something didn't feel right on her tongue. Her diet, for the longest time, consisted of plain pasta, green apples and bagels. We've gotten her to try muffins (that I've "brain-ified"), homemade pasta sauce (which I've added things too), chicken and, even pizza-all of which we've tweaked one way or another.

Patience is the key. Baby steps, high fives and lots of encouragement will inch things along. I consider any meal where Jaimie tries even just a lick of something new a huge success. And don't forget about the best bonus: you'll eat healthier too!

What can be better than that?