The Hidden Link Between Diet and Diagnosis: How Food Transformed One Child’s Autism with Julie Matthews

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Matthews, a certified nutrition consultant and published researcher who’s spent over 20 years helping families address neurological conditions through personalized nutrition. She’s not here to peddle quick fixes. She’s here with research-backed strategies that are helping real families see real transformation.

Julie didn’t come into this work as a parent, she came in as a curious, outraged nutrition student who noticed something off at a kid’s fair: too many donuts and pizzas, too many signs of hyperactivity. That day sparked a career that’s now helped thousands. Including one young man who went from nonverbal, tantrum-filled days to college, writing awards, and Eagle Scout status. Yeah. Food can do that.

Why This Matters to You

Confused by conflicting advice on how to support your neurodivergent child?
You’re not alone. From well-meaning influencers to outdated science, the noise is loud and often contradictory.

So what actually works? Julie breaks through that noise with clear, science-based guidance on what truly moves the needle. If your child is struggling with behavior, sleep, aggression, or sensory issues, their diet may be a key driver. And yes, even if they’re “picky” or won’t touch a vegetable, there are ways forward.

What foods are helping and which are hurting? This episode shines a light on the foods that can harm (think artificial additives, gluten, and dairy) and those that heal (like liver and fermented vegetables). You’ll also hear why personalized plans, not one-size-fits-all diets—are what actually deliver results.

Do I have to go paleo overnight or spend a fortune? Absolutely not. It’s about smart, incremental changes rooted in what your child’s body actually needs.

Why isn’t this the first thing doctors recommend? If you’ve felt dismissed by conventional medicine, you’re not imagining it. Julie shares why nutrition still isn’t prioritized and how you can take that power back.

Actionable Advice

Start by cutting artificial additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can directly impact behavior and hyperactivity.

Use texture to your advantage: Crispy, crunchy vegetables often go over better with picky eaters.

Phase in ancestral foods: Try blending liver into burgers or making “chicken pancakes” for protein-packed meals.

Eliminate gluten and dairy for real: Even trace amounts can stall progress. Commit fully to see results.

Evolve the diet as needed: One diet won’t fit forever. Reassess based on what symptoms are present and how your child responds.

Julie Matthews began her journey in nutrition with a curiosity sparked by seeing children at a fair consuming highly processed foods. Though she didn’t have children of her own at the time, she was driven to understand the links between diet and neurological conditions like ADHD and autism. Over the next 20 years, she evolved from a nutrition student to a published researcher and author, developing personalized nutrition strategies that have helped children transform from severe developmental challenges to thriving young adults.

Links & Resources to Explore

Julie Matthews’ Website: https://nourishinghope.com

Julie Matthews’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope/

Listen to the Full Episode – Available now on   Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

It’s easy to feel powerless when your child is struggling. But this episode is your reminder that you have options, ones that are practical, evidence-based, and deeply hopeful. Tune in to hear the full conversation and walk away ready to try something new. Your child’s transformation might be one meal away.