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4 Steps to Understanding RAD Behaviors

It can be hard to understand and respond to a RAD behavior. Reactive Attachment Disorder is complex. 

There are times that you may question if you're seeing what's really happening.

In these moments it's always important to give the child the benefit of the doubt.

It can be so easy to think differently when you're the target.

Assume that your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder has the best of intentions.

There's always a chance that something else is going on.

When there are unsafe situations occurring, I follow 4 steps to understanding RAD behaviors.


4 Steps to Understanding RAD Behaviors


There are so many reasons a child may act the way she does.

And quite frankly all of the things mentioned in this post can be going on at once!

This is why I always follow these steps when things escalate.


4 Steps to Understanding RAD Behaviors


Warning: This post contains content related to Reactive Attachment Disorder that may be triggering to some.

 

Important: Children with RAD are victims of abuse and/or neglect. Behaviors associated with Reactive Attachment Disorder are due to how the brain forms while the innocent child is surviving trauma. It is our goal to support healthy and loving families where children with RAD can heal, if possible.


1. Seek Medical Attention


Our bodies are complex. We can't always see what's going on beneath the surface.

Seeking medical attention from a PCP or psychiatrist to eliminate the possibility of health issues is so important when seeing an increase in behaviors that could be related to RAD.

Sunshine's last mental health crisis was a result of her thyroid acting up. She needed an increase in medication. 

A thyroid that's not working properly can cause extreme irritability.

Sunshine also needed some med adjustments. 

With every new and reoccurring behavior, give the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder the benefit of the doubt. 

I can't tell you how many times Sunshine has felt sick with an ear infection, and I didn't know it, and that's why she wasn't okay.

When it comes to personal hygiene issues, check for infections first before giving consequences.

Don't always assume that behaviors are related to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Check in with a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or other professional to ensure nothing else is going on regarding the child's mental health.

A child changes as she develops and grows.

Meds may need to be altered with a growth spurt.

New diagnoses may come. 

Some diagnoses may be removed.

There may be a medical reason for the increase in behaviors.

Be sure to document behaviors in preparation for an appointment, so professionals or specialists have all of the information they need to help you.


How to Document Your Child's Behaviors for Professionals and Specialists

How to Document Your Child's Behaviors for Professionals and Specialists


If there are no medical explanations for an increase in RAD behaviors, move on to step two.

Remember no child has control over medical challenges going on with their body, and just like adults, these struggles affect functioning.


2. Meet Sensory Needs


A child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is human, just like everyone else.

She has sensory needs.

When sensory needs are not met, behaviors escalate.

Identify how your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder responds to the senses and how your child prefers to regulate those senses.

Is she hypersensitive or hyposensitive to different senses?

It is completely normal for a child to be hypersensitive to one sense and hyposensitive to another.

If you are unfamiliar with the 8 senses, I have listed them below.

Take the time to understand them and how they relate to your child.


List of the 8 Senses


  • Tactile (touch)
  • Auditory (sound)
  • Gustatory (taste)
  • Visual (sight)
  • Olfactory (smell)
  • Proprioceptive (have to do with deep pressure and feelings of internal muscles)
  • Vestibular (having to do with balance and the inner ear)
  • Interoception (having to do with how the body responds to pain, bodily functions, etc.)

Sensory Resources for Children Who Need To Chew


Sensory Resources for Children Who Need to Chew


Be aware that trauma influences the senses. 

Abuse, neglect, and medical procedures have a huge impact on how the body responds to the world around it.

Assume that sensory struggles are at play, accept that sensory struggles are real,  and work to meet needs, before thinking that behaviors are only related to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Help the child feel safe in the environment by meeting sensory needs.

Auditory Sensory Resources for Kids

Auditory Sensory Resources for Kids


Also pay attention to your own sensory needs. Be sure to meet those needs in the process, so you are better able to co-regulate.

Meeting sensory needs is the first step to helping a child with RAD feel safe. 

No matter what type of trauma a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder experienced in utero and during the first 18 months of life, sensory needs weren't met.

There is a chance that when those needs are met, that the child with RAD will feel safer and behaviors may diminish.

3. Provide Help with Emotional Dysregulation


Once you have checked into medical issues and met sensory needs, the behavior that is perceived to be related to RAD, still may not be about Reactive Attachment Disorder at all.

It could be about emotional dysregulation.

All of us have emotions.

When emotions become larger than a person can cope with, a person becomes dysregulated.

A child with Reactive Attachment Disorder struggles with regulating emotions even when life appears calm.

If life has included hiccups, triggers, or changes recently, it could be that your child is emotionally dysregulated, unable to handle the emotions she is feeling.

She may be trying to express emotions in the best way she knows how in the moment. 

All behavior is communication.

When feeling emotionally dysregulated, a child's ability to communicate effectively and appropriately lessens. It may be absolutely impossible depending on the triggers.

Provide supports when needed.

How to Create and Use an Emotional Regulation Chart for Kids

How to Create and Use an Emotional Regulation Chart



Support may come in the form of co-regulation.

Visual schedules and social stories may help.


Family Routines: Our Visual Schedule

Family Routines: Our Visual Schedule


Sometimes tangible objects like sound blocking headphones, chewies, or other resources may be necessary. 

Visual Stimuli Resources for Kids

Visual Stimuli Resources for Kids


Necessary supports may be related to the senses.



Breathing exercises and visuals that express emotions may be helpful.

Breathing Exercises for Kids with Free Printable

Breathing Activities for Kids with Free Printable


4. It's a RAD Behavior


Once I have eliminated the possibility of all of the options listed above for a behavior, I will consider that the behavior is related to RAD, IF my child has a diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder that has been confirmed by two or more professionals and/or specialists.

Both of our girls have been seen by multiple professionals and specialists that have confirmed the diagnosis. 

We continue to see these professionals regularly to ensure that we remain informed on any changes.

If you do not have a confirmed diagnosis of RAD from at least two professionals or specialists, go back to step one of this list.

It is incredibly dangerous to assume that behaviors are related to Reactive Attachment Disorder without that confirmed diagnosis.

What Is A RAD Behavior?


A behavior triggered by Reactive Attachment Disorder is a behavior that has occurred because a child feels unsafe with the amount of love, affection, and/or attention she is receiving.

A child with RAD struggles with attachment. She is unable to attach to caregivers, which means she does not trust them to care for her.

A child with Reactive Attachment Disorder will do anything she can to push people away when she feels unsafe while others are trying to form secure attachments with her.

Reactive Attachment Disorder is on a spectrum. Some children with RAD do not display behaviors to the degree of others.

The Worst Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The Worst Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder


Treatment for Reactive Attachment Disorder looks so differently than other emotional and developmental diagnoses.

8 Differences Between RAD Fits and Autism Meltdowns

8 Difference Between RAD Fits and Autism Meltdowns


I will consider a behavior RAD related ONLY after I've done all I can to help my child with the three steps above.


Reactive Attachment Disorder: How to Address Behaviors


Reactive Attachment Disorder: How to Address Behaviors



This means listening to the advice of well intentioned professionals whom I trust.

Once I know a behavior is related to Reactive Attachment Disorder, I will treat it as such.

How to Discipline a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


How to Discipline a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder



Treatment looks different with every child with RAD. 

I have two daughters with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Their trauma experiences are opposite of each other.

Their responses to the world around them are opposite of each other.

What they need from me differs in every situation.

Responses to RAD behaviors will look different depending on the child.

There are definite responses that are not appropriate though.

What NOT to Do with a RAD Child


What NOT to DO with a RAD Child



I understand that it can be extremely challenging living with a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder, because behaviors can be so extreme.

It's so easy to say, that a particular incident is RAD related, without pause, because so many behaviors are.

When we do pause to take perspective, working through the steps above, before giving natural and logical consequences for actions, we are helping our child and ourselves.

Hang in there.

Behaviors related to Reactive Attachment Disorder can be scary and dangerous. 

Focus on safety!

Remember that the best treatment for RAD comes from the family unit.

RAD Treatment for Kids


RAD Treatment for Kids


I do believe over time that a child can heal, if she chooses, because I've seen it happen in my oldest daughter.

Never give up hope!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

6 Ways to Help a Family Going through a Mental Health Emergency Physical Boundaries and Consent Activities for KidsReactive Attachment Disorder Fits: Did I Do Something Wrong? I Hate My RAD ChildFour Prompts to Encourage Mindfulness in ChildrenMust Have Safety Resources When Parenting a Child with Reactive Attachment DisorderMorning and Bedtime Routine Visuals and Supports Chores and Practical Life Visuals and Supports Outdoor Visuals and Supports Meal and Snack Time Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids

4 Steps to Understanding RAD Behaviors


Halloween Candy: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, & Refined Sugar Free

Halloween is a nightmare for those with special dietary needs. 

I dread the holiday every single year because of all the events that include Halloween candy.

Thankfully, I've been able to find fabulous options for those who follow gluten free, dairy free, soy free, corn free, and refined sugar free diets.

All of these recipes are Sunshine tested and approved!

Halloween Candy: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

Halloween Candy: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, & Refined Sugar Free


There comes a point when kids are no longer okay with Halloween candy substitutes that look different than their peers. 

They want the real stuff, especially the fun sized chocolate candy bars that never seem to be allergy friendly.

Sunshine is in this stage right now. 

I am so thankful for food bloggers who have tried and tested recipes, so I don't have to. 

These recipes are absolutely delicious and so much fun to prepare for Halloween, whether you:

  • Allow your child to go trick or treating and then trade candy out with items that are safe and diet-friendly
  • Hand deliver diet-friendly treats ahead of time to neighbors and relatives to give out when you take your child trick-or-treating
  • Opt to stay home and throw a party with diet-friendly candy and treats

10 Homemade Halloween Candy Bars: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, and Refined Sugar Free

10 Homemade Halloween Candy Bars: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free


Homemade Twix Bars


Who doesn't love a Twix bar? This is definitely one of my top three favorite chocolate candy bars. I love that Sunshine can enjoy them too.


Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups


I love the added pumpkin to these peanut butter cups, and they are easy to make without the pumpkin as well. 

If you can't have peanut butter, sun butter or almond butter work as well. 


Mounds Bars and Almond Joys


Almond Joys are some of my favorite chocolate candies. My kids also love anything with coconut. These are sure to be enjoyed by Sunshine and everyone else in the house.

Instead of using sweetened condensed milk, which can include dairy and sugar, try making your own with THIS RECIPE.


Snickers Bars


Snickers bars were a family favorite when I was growing up. Halloween wouldn't be the same without them. I'm so excited to share these with Sunshine!


Chocolate Peanut Clusters


Sunshine really enjoys nuts, especially peanuts and cashews. This recipe will work for both!


Butterfinger Candy Bar


I am personally not a fan of Butterfinger bars but my husband and kids LOVE them. I'm excited to provide everyone with the Butterfinger bar experience.


Kit Kat Bars


Besides Twix and Almond Joys, Kit Kats are my favorite chocolate bars. I'm super excited to bring this sweet experience to Sunshine.

We will be using our favorite graham cracker recipe


Rolos


My mother was a huge fan of Rolos. Dinomite also loves caramel. Sunshine really enjoys caramel flavor. These are absolutely delicious and definitely hit the spot.


3 Musketeers Bars


Princess loves 3 Musketeers bars and is so excited to share them with her sister this year. 


Crunch Bars


There's nothing quite as satisfying as a crunch bar when it comes to Halloween candy. Now Sunshine can have them too.


Store Bought Chocolate Candy Bars: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, and Refined Sugar Free


Finding chocolate that Sunshine can eat is always a challenges. These brands have proven to work well for her in the past.

She absolutely loves them.


Hu Chocolate Bars

Hu Chocolate Bars


This chocolate is my favorite when it comes to options for Sunshine and myself. There are so many flavor and options available.

The biggest thing to watch out for is the sugar alternative. 

These bars are made with coconut sugar. 

If you don't do well with coconut sugar for some reason, you want to be really careful with this chocolate.

Lily' Dark Chocolate Bars

Lily's Dark Chocolate Bars


We use a lot of Lily's dark chocolate chips in our baking as it's cheaper than Hu chocolate bars and doesn't contain coconut sugar. 

The hardest part about using Lily's chocolate is that every type of chip and bar has different ingredients. Some have dairy. Others have soy. 

You have to be really careful to read labels to ensure what you're getting is in fact diet-friendly.

Luv Chocolate


This little shop on Amazon is amazing! Each holiday season they come out with adorable chocolates in these cute boxes.

I have ordered them for Sunshine at Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. I can't wait to see what they come out with for Halloween.

Sunshine absolutely loves this chocolate!

Non Chocolate Halloween Candy: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free


As crazy as it may sound, not everyone likes chocolate. Others, like my husband can't eat it. (Chocolate gives him horrible migraines.)

Sugar Free Jelly Belly Candies

Sugar Free Jelly Belly Candies


You might think that jelly beans are an Easter Candy and not meant for Halloween, but you'd be wrong.

If you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll know that Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans are a thing, and absolutely perfect for Halloween. 

These are a great alternative to the fun candy, especially when you add in some of the sour ones


Zollipops


Zollipops Clean Teeth Lollipops


For the kid who loves Dum Dums and lollipops, these are the perfect alternative. They taste so good too!

I love that this candy comes in so many different flavors.


Albanese Sugar Free Gummy Bears

Albanese World's Best Sugar Free Gummi Bears


These gummy bears are absolutely delicious and come in so many flavors. 

They may not come in individually wrapped bite size containers, but they can easily be wrapped as such.

Sugar Free Jolly Ranchers Hard Candy

Jolly Rancher Sugar Free Hard Candy


For those who love the flavors of Jolly Ranchers, these candies are fabulous. 

They even stick to your teeth, just like the real Jollly Ranchers do. Lol.

Cocomels Coconut Caramels

Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels


For those who may not be into fruity flavors, these caramels are fabulous. 

They are so soft and chewy and definitely get stuck in your teeth, just like real caramel.

Max Mallow Marshmallows

Max Mallow Marshmallows


These marshmallows are so yummy! Sunshine's favorite flavors are Birthday Funfetti and Mint Chip. She uses the plain ones when she makes s'mores. 

Again, these treats aren't wrapped up individually, but it is possible to do so.

No matter what special dietary needs a child has, there's no reason that she can't enjoy Halloween and all of the candy!

Whether you prefer making everything yourself or just putting an order in to Amazon, you can make Halloween happen!

For those who enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

10 Summer Desserts: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 40+ Summer Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 10 Fall Desserts: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 40+ Winter Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar FreeMeal and Snack Time Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids
Halloween Candy: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, & Refined Sugar Free



40+ Winter Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

This is our menu of 40+ Winter Dinners that are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, corn free, and refined sugar free.

Let's face it, finding variety in winter dinner meals that meet dietary needs can be extremely challenging.

Long gone are the days of fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, orchard or farmer's market.

Still, winter dinner meals can be enjoyable to prepare and delicious to eat. 

Trust me, you'll be so excited for winter with these delicious meals on the menu!

40+ Winter Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

Besides special dietary needs in the home, we also have several who struggle with sensory experiences related to food.

Our winter dinner meals always provide accommodations for sensory struggles, ensuring that everyone has something to eat at the table that they enjoy.

This may mean, not putting sauce on meat, until someone's plate is made. 

Other times it means not mixing foods together before plates are made.

There's always a way to help everyone enjoy dinner.

40+ Winter Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free


Below you will find a variety of dinner meals that include pork, chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and more!

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, there are so many options for you to enjoy as well. I prefer not to eat meat, so I always try to have an alternative to every meat meal on hand.

Winter Vegetarian Dinner Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar

Winter Vegetarian Dinner Meals


1. Chickpea Tikka Masala with Rice and Naan Bread


We usually cook Chicken Tandoori for kids who are allergic to chickpeas or don't eat chickpeas, when preparing this meal. A couple of our kids are not into sauces, but will go for marinades.


2. Creamy Thai Sweet Potato Curry with Rice and Roti


We usually cook Thai Peanut Chicken for the kids to go along with this meal to provide another protein option with or without sauce.

3. Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Kale with Cranberry Orange Bread


We usually cook pork chops for the kids to who are allergic to chickpeas or don't eat chickpeas, when preparing this meal.

I substitute honey and coconut sugar for white and brown sugar in the bread recipe. 


4. Fall Rotini Pasta Salad with Butternut Squash and Brussel Sprouts and Pumpkin Bread


We usually serve some type of sausage for kids who are allergic to chickpeas, or don't eat chickpeas, when preparing this meal.


5. Carmelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Rice


We usually serve this with Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin for the carnivores in the family.


6. Kale Pasta with Pine Nuts


Those who love adding meat to recipes will really enjoy adding bacon to this recipe.

When we prepare this dish, we cook and drain Tinkyada brown rice rotini

A bunch of kale is torn into small pieces and stripped from the stems. 

Kale is sauteed in oil, a little garlic, salt and pepper for taste. Pine nuts are roasted. Everything is mixed.

The kids love adding parmesan cheese and bacon to their plates.


7. Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas


We usually serve some type of meat or poultry with this meal for carnivore kiddos. It usually just depends on what I find on sale at the grocery store.


Most other meals on this list include a vegetarian or vegan alternative.


Winter Dinner Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free


Winter Chicken Dinner Meals


1. Oven Fried Chicken Wings with fresh vegetables, dips, and Onion Rings


I prepare cauliflower wings for myself when we have this meal as a vegan alternative.

All of the kids absolutely love chicken wings. Some like hot wings. Others like homemade diet-friendly BBQ sauce. 

When making onion rings, we use almond milk instead of regular milk.


2. Crispy Southern Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans


The boys usually request baked potatoes instead of mashed potatoes.

I prepare fried cauliflower for myself or some other cauliflower based variation as a vegan alternative.


3. Teriyaki Chicken and Extra Vegetable Fried Rice


We use coco aminos instead of soy sauce and use honey as the brown sugar substitute when cooking the chicken.

We use coco aminos instead of soy sauce when preparing the rice.

I prepare Teriyaki Chickpeas, Teriyaki Cauliflower, or add pumpkin seeds to my extra vegetable fried rice as a a vegan alternative.


4. Sesame Chicken and Vegetable Lo Mein with Egg Rolls


When preparing this meal we do not add chicken to the lo mein. 

Tinkyada Brown Rice Spaghetti is used for the lo mein.

We replace soy sauce with coco aminos and corn starch with potato starch or arrowroot

Before adding oyster sauce, we serve up Sunshine's plate to ensure the dish remains corn free.

I prepare Sweet and Sour Cauliflower or Sticky Sesame Chickpeas as a vegan alternative to sesame chicken.

I use honey and coco aminos as an alternative to kecap manis, and arrowroot is used instead of corn starch in the cauliflower recipe.

I replace soy sauce with coco aminos in the chickpeas recipe.


5. Maple Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples with Quick Bread


I usually prepare Roasted Cinnamon Maple Pecans to replace the chicken and add some Brussel sprouts and dried cranberries as a vegan alternative.


6. Baked Chicken Taquitos


When preparing this recipe for Sunshine, we use her tortillas. She chooses to add goat cheese or Daiya cheddar cheese. 

Winter Turkey Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free


Winter Turkey Meals


1. Spaghetti with Red Sauce and Turkey Meatballs and Bread


Depending on our mood, we may make oven baked meatball sandwiches using this gluten free roll recipe

Other times we may make spaghetti stuffed garlic bread using this Italian bread recipe. Sunshine uses Daiya mozzarella cheese or goat cheese depending on her mood. 

I tend to just eliminate the meatballs or make vegan meatballs as a vegan alternative.


2. Turkey Leg with Poutine and Vegetables


When preparing this meal, I usually just enjoy poutine with a few other add ins. My kids love their turkey legs!

3. Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans


When preparing this meal we use our own gluten free bread crumbs instead of panko, beef broth instead of milk, and coco aminos instead of Worchester sauce. 

We use Heinz No Sugar Added Ketchup and our own homemade BBQ sauce.

I use this vegan meatloaf recipe when I don't want to eat meat.


4. Asian Glazed Meatballs with Rice and Broccoli


When preparing this meal we use our homemade gluten free bread crumbs and diet-friendly homemade hoisin sauce. We use coco aminos instead of soy sauce.

I prepare Vegetarian Sesame Chickpea Meatballs as a vegan alternative. 

I either use the same sauce as others or use the sesame sauce in the vegetarian recipe, switching out coco aminos for soy and arrowroot or potato starch for corn starch. 


5. Chicken Fettucine Alfredo with Broccoli, Bread Sticks and Salad


When preparing this recipe we use Tinkyada Fettucine, Primal Kitchen Mayo, and the vegan parmesan cheese recipe linked in the post.

I will toss in chickpeas in place of chicken when eating this meal as a vegan alternative.


Duck Meal


1. Roasted Duck with Cranberry Sauce, Roasted Carrots, and Potatoes


When we prepare this recipe, we do not use fennel. 

I will usually prepare a stuffed acorn squash in place of the roasted duck as a vegan alternative, if I don't want to eat meat.


Winter Pork Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

Winter Pork Meals


1. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas


We leave out the lime and add that as a garnish to accommodate Bulldozer's citrus allergy. We make diet-friendly tortillas for Sunshine.

I usually mix some black beans with spices and use those in place of pork.


2. Baked Potato Bar


I make sure that I always have vegetarian options in the potato bar.


3. Tuscan Pork Stew with Homemade Bread


This meal is easy to make without the pork for those that are vegetarian. It tastes so good with gluten-free crusted bread.


4. Bacon, Brussel Sprouts and French Fries


This meal is easy to prepare.  

Cook bacon and break up into small pieces. 

Cook french fries. Prepare brussel sprouts( boil or bake). 

Mix together with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper over heat to desired taste. 

The paprika covers brussel sprouts and fries giving the meal a delicious flavor.


5. German Schnitzel, German SpaetzleSweet and Sour Green Beans, and Red Cabbage


When we make this meal, we usually also make German Soft Pretzels for those who don't eat the other sides.

I sauté mushrooms and make the mushroom sauce included in the spaetzle recipe instead of eating the schnitzel as a vegan option.


6. Kielbasa Sausage with Mashed Potatoes and Kale


When making this meal, we peel and cut a 5 lb bag of yellow potatoes, placing them in a pot of water to boil. 

Next we take a bunch of kale, taking off stems and breaking into small pieces, and place it in the water on top of potatoes. They boil together.

Last we place diet-friendly kielbasa sausage in the pot and boil until potatoes are cooked.

Sausage is removed and cut up.

Potatoes and kale are drained and then mashed mixing with diet-friendly milk and margarine. All three ingredients are served together.

7. Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash with cabbage and carrots


I usually switch out my favorite mushrooms with sausage in this recipe.


Winter Beef Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

Winter Beef Meals


1. Easy Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans


This is one of Sunshine's favorite meals minus the mushrooms and anchovy paste. 

To accommodate our autistic boys we prepare a plain patty served with a baked potato. 

I usually just omit the steak and enjoy the mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes and green beans. 

If I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll make a lentil patty in place of the salisbury steak as a vegan alternative.


2. Pot Roast with Rolls


I'm a big fan of mushrooms, so I usually just prepare mushrooms in place of the roast. 

If I want to go all out, this Jackfruit Pot Roast is a delicious vegan alternative. 


3. Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies


I enjoy the mushrooms in this meal. If I want something more I may roast chickpeas as a vegan option.


4. Sauerbraten, Hot German Potato Salad, and Creamy German Cucumber Salad


We use arrowroot or potato starch instead of corn starch.


5. Beef Stroganoff with Peas


When we prepare this recipe, I often use ground turkey instead of beef, but either will work. 

We use coco aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce. 

Tinkyada rotini brown rice pasta is used instead of egg noodles.

Kite Hill non-dairy sour cream is used instead of regular sour cream.

I often just enjoy the mushroom sauce without meat as a vegan alternative.


6. Barbacoa Burritos


I prepare black beans in place of barbacoa for myself as a vegan alternative.


7. Beef Brisket with Latkes (recipe from American Girl: Around the World Cookbook) and Applesauce


Everyone loves this meal. When I'm not feeling up to eating meat, the latkes and apple sauce are usually filling enough.

8. Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs with Stir Fry Vegetables and Rice


When preparing this dish we use coco aminos instead of soy sauce and potato starch or arrowroot instead of cornstarch. 

We make homemade diet-friendly gochujang and replace sugar with honey or coconut sugar.


9. Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry with Rice


When preparing this dish we omit oyster sauce for Sunshine. Soy sauce is replaced with coco aminos. We use potato starch or arrowroot instead of corn starch and honey instead of sugar.

I usually substitute mushrooms for beef as a vegan alternative.


Winter Fish Meals: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free

Winter Seafood Meals


1. Holiday Baked Salmon with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts


2. Lobster Rolls with Homemade Macaroni and Cheese and Vegetables


I use my original macaroni and cheese recipe when making an alternative for Sunshine, with a few modifications.

3 tbsp diet-friendly margarine

2 tbsp gluten free flour

1 tsp salt

Heat and mix.

Add 2 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk.

Mix until thickened. Stir often so it doesn't burn.

Add bag of Daiya cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

Stir until it melts.

Mix in 1/2 bag of cooked Tinkyada Macaroni.

Sprinkle with paprika.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.

3. Sheet Pan Almond Crusted Cod with Baked Potatoes


4. Cheesy Polenta with Shrimp and Chorizo



When preparing this dish we make millet polenta. Sunshine uses either Daiya cheddar cheese or goat cheese instead of cheddar cheese.

5. Fish and Chips with Coleslaw


No matter what dietary needs or sensory struggles may be present, everyone can enjoy meal time in the winter! 

These recipes are sure to please and are easy when accommodating those who don't enjoy sauces or foods mixed.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

10 Summer Desserts: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 40+ Summer Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 10 Fall Desserts: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free & Refined Sugar Free 4 Reasons Children Struggle with Table Manners How to Help a Child with Constipation How to Help My Child Want to Try New Foods Meal and Snack Time Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids Food Issues When Food is Your Child's Enemy Sensory Resources for Children Who Need to Chew

40+ Winter Dinners: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Refined Sugar Free