Is Your Child’s Diet Causing Their Diagnosis? Julie Matthews on Autism, ADHD, and the Food No One Talks About

Everyday Ancestral with James Barry

What if the rise in autism and ADHD isn't just better diagnosis but a warning sign from the body?

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Matthews, MS, a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published researcher specializing in personalized nutrition for complex neurological conditions, especially autism and ADHD. For over 20 years, Julie has worked with thousands of families, helping them uncover how food, toxins, and environment play a powerful role in their child's health. She received her master’s degree in medical nutrition, with distinction, from Arizona State University and is co-author of two research studies demonstrating the clinical impact of dietary interventions for autism.

Julie’s not here to sell a protocol. She’s here to empower you with a perspective you’re probably not getting from your pediatrician. We talk about the hidden links between behavior and biology, the foods that often do more harm than good, and why bio-individuality is the future of healing.

If your child has been labeled, and you're starting to question the story you've been told, this one is for you.

Key Takeaways

Food is the first medicine – Many behavioral symptoms in kids improve dramatically when irritants like gluten, dairy, and additives are removed.

Genetics is not destiny – Environmental stressors and poor detox capacity are triggering epigenetic changes that impact brain function.

The picky eater paradox – Children often crave the very foods that are harming them due to opioid-like effects from gluten and casein.

Not all autism is the same – A personalized diet approach, rooted in testing and bio-individuality, is key to long-term support.

Modern living is a mismatch – EMFs, pesticides, and hyper-processed foods are disrupting development in ways ancestral diets once protected against.

Community matters – Parents need support and connection just as much as protocols when navigating healing for their kids.

Where to Find Our Guest

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

Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope

BioIndividual Nutrition Institute: https://bioindividualnutrition.com

Join the Nourishing Hope Community: https://nourishinghope.com/program

Practitioner Training: https://bioindividualnutrition.com

Research Studies and Articles: https://nourishinghope.com/research

Links & Resources

Get 20% off Pluck Superfood Seasonings using code EA20 at http://www.eatpluck.com