No cutting corners for Nourishing Hope
Bookshelves and home libraries can be overwhelmed with countless books on each of the numerous aspects of autism and its treatment. If only there were one book that cut right to the chase—no side-stepping—and brought readers information with elbowroom to make their own decisions and draw their own conclusion.
Julie Matthews might not give all the answers. But she sure does try.
In her comprehensive guide Nourishing Hope, Matthews, a certified nutrition consultant, provides years of research and experience for the hopeful parent who takes an active role in their child’s life with autism. Matthews breaks the text down into three areas that build upon each other. 
In part one, Matthews delves into genetic, environmental and biochemical factors. While terms like methylation, sulfation and polymorphism might be uncommon topics for family discussion at the dinner table, Matthews delivers straightforward and concise explanations of the facts without watering down the science behind autism. Matthews acknowledges the apprehension many may have about learning of the nitty-gritty of autism’s “underlying causes and contributors” but firmly believes we need to fully understand the faulty processes and systems that lend themselves to autism and its traits.
Part two is titled “Compendium of Nutritional Strategies and Opportunity” and serves as a thorough manual detailing the vitamins, supplements and diets available to caregivers to improve behaviors and alleviate the common physical symptoms that often accompany autism. Matthews does not simply give the advantages of a particular plan; rather benefits, possible outcomes and pitfalls are all presented equally and are backed with the research and practice of medical personnel from around the world.
Lastly, in “Holistic Guide to Nutrition Intervention,” Matthews leads families through a 10 step process to “healing the gut.” Providing worksheets and easy-to-understand lists, Matthews loads families up on facts, percentages, calorie counts, detoxification phases and nutrients. Used in conjunction with the information from parts one and two, part three ensures that parents and caregivers are fully informed to make healthier moves in a healthier direction.
Matthews’s procedure does not cut corners. It takes time, effort and energy. It requires revision and changes along the way. But it seems Matthews would rather our energies go where they belong and not devoted to a wordy, long-winded text. While Matthews does not presume the reader is up to date on the latest information on ASD, she does not presume stupidity either. She does not apologize for the book’s language or construct. Kudos.
Families will not only appreciate Matthews’ smarts and experience, they will most certainly appreciate the thought Matthews put into the guide. Matthews thinks things through right down to the spiral binding, which is easy to hold and navigate for the busy parent. Nourishing Hope was also edited by a parent of a child with autism, showing further inclusion of the autistic community in her work. The preface of the book is written directly to each possible audience and states what Matthews hopes to accomplish for each. This mission statement of sorts and Matthews’s clear cut style reflect not only her dedication to her work but to anyone who seeks hope within the book’s pages.
GIVE US YOUR REVIEW!
