Our neurodivergent son, Will, has been a restricted eater for as long as we can remember. We used to pack dozens of a specific brand of power bars every time we went on vacation, just in case, he wouldn’t eat in unfamiliar restaurants. He would eat pizza, but only one brand. He refused to try new things, and when he did, he’d quickly spit them out. Even though his list of foods was small, we managed, until he started maxing out on that list. One by one, his “safe foods” dropped away. Grilled cheese, once a favorite, was suddenly off the table. We didn’t want to bribe him to eat or hide healthy ingredients in his food. We wanted him to genuinely expand his palate and feel comfortable trying new things. That’s when we called Carol Elliott. To say we felt desperate is an understatement.

From the start, Carol positioned herself as Will’s compassionate and experienced advocate. He immediately warmed up to her, something that doesn’t come easily for him. She completely “got” Will: his quirks, his likes and dislikes, his need for predictability. Instead of pushing against those things, she worked with them. Carol was patient, encouraging, nonjudgmental, and incredibly knowledgeable.

The progress has been extraordinary. Will went from eating mostly carb-heavy snacks to enjoying edamame, carrots, Gouda cheese, turkey and cheese subs, cheeseburger sliders, ramen bowls, and more. We recently attended a family wedding and, for the first time, didn’t have to pack power bars. Will ate from the buffet! Carol truly changed his life (and ours). She has been such a gift to our family, and we’re forever grateful for her kindness and expertise.

Debbie, mom of Will age 13