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As a parent of a child with autism you are probably all too aware that children with autism spectrum disorders usually do not like changes in their routine. Changing what your child eats can represent a significant change to their daily routine. As is true for any big transition for your child, your demeanor and attitude are very important. Your child will sense your overall attitude and will follow your lead. Children with autism may take longer than typical children to accept an unwanted transition, but they can do it.

Below is a series of tips that can help in making a smooth transition to E028 Splash:

• Keep calm. While implementing change can be challenging at times it is
important to keep a neutral demeanor.

• Present new foods, including E028 Splash, with little fanfare.

• Young children do not need to know why or agree with your choice to
introduce E028 Splash or any other food.

• Older or higher functioning children can be offered information as they ask
for it; let their questions lead you.

• Too much detail about autism, food allergy, or bowel problems is unnecessary
and may heighten a child’s anxiety.

• Present this change as you would any other needed change. Have confidence
in your decision. You are doing this for the right reasons and your intention is
to help your child.

• Some parents describe their child with ASD as being “addicted” to dairy
products, likely because of chemical reactions within the brain. Keep this in
mind while you take away foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

• Expect some defiance and tantrums. It is not uncommon for a child to reject
E028 Splash at first, especially those who use milk as a main calorie and protein
source or those still eating a lot of wheat and dairy foods. E028 Splash works
best when used in conjunction with an elimination diet such as the GFCF diet
or some other total diet strategy.

• Many children with G.I. issues associate certain foods with painful experiences.
It can often take multiple attempts before a child realizes that E028 Splash does
not cause pain and may actually make them feel better.

• Your child’s first attempt with E028 Splash should be at home when there are
few demands on either of you.

• E028 Splash comes in three flavors (orange-pineapple, grape and tropical
fruit). As with any child, predicting the favorite flavor is difficult, so try them all
to find out which is preferred.

• For many kids the drink box is convenient and a great feature. If for some
reason your child does not like the drink box, it is fine to put the contents into
their favorite cup.

• E028 Splash is best served chilled.

• If the introduction of E028 Splash is followed by unwanted behavior changes,
this may signal a need for antifungal therapy before using E028 Splash.

• E028 Splash is supporting your child nutritionally therefore there is no limit
to the amount your child can have each day. Some children use a lot of it at
first and taper off while others will use one a day as a compliment to their
regular diet. If milk was a primary food for your child, you can use the same
amount of Splash while you work on gradually introducing other foods and
protein sources.

Keep in mind that you know your child better than anybody else does. These tips
are a compilation based on experience and success but there is no cookie-cutter
approach. The key to success is being creative and working with your child to find
out what is best for him/her. Above all, be positive and committed to making this
change for the benefit of your child.