“This book is full of pragmatic and helpful information for families who are eager to learn the best principles of nutrition for the optimal health of their children."
- Elizabeth Mumper, M.D., Medical Director, Autism Research Institute

“Julie joins a small group of doctors, researchers and parents who believe there are reasons to be hopeful and interventions worth trying. This is an important addition to the library of "must read" books for parents of autistic spectrum kids and the doctors who treat them.”
- Lisa Lewis, Ph.D., Author, Special Diets for Special Kids

“Julie elucidates the nuances and biochemical imbalances involved in ASD with a clear understanding of how to use nutrition and natural supplements to correct these imbalances... read Nourishing Hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize the health and well-being of these truly special children.”
- Elisa Song, M.D., Pediatrician and DAN! Doctor

“One word sums up Nourishing Hope - fantastic! Julie has done a masterful job at breaking down the complexities of the various medical diets into an easy and understandable format. She is a great asset to my patients and the biomedical autism community at large.”
- Kurt Woeller, D.O., Medical Director for Stillpoint Center for Integrative Medicine

“Julie's written a comprehensive guide to understanding why there is hope for autism. Nourishing Hope helps me support my patients by providing both complex scientific information and practical steps for implementing a healthy diet for children with autism.”
- Nancy O’Hara, M.D., Board Certified Pediatrician

Parent Perspectives

"Regarding your book, I think it was one of the best I've ever read on the subject (and I've read them all). It was a lot of great information, so clearly and logically presented. It wasn't overwhelming like some books can be. I think it will always be a valuable reference for me."
- Kelly

"Thank you for producing such a brilliant book! It is very comprehensive and is really helping me to understand some of the biomedical issues better."
- Colette

"I have just started reading your book, Nourishing Hope. I am so excited... there have been a couple books that I found very informative but nothing like this. After purchasing close to 3 dozen books over the past 6 months, I am so thankful that I found out about your book."
- Kim

Since I began my professional studies in holistic nutrition and biochemistry, I have been particularly fascinated with nutrition for human development—that is, nutrition for children. From the onset, I investigated how artificial ingredients, low nutrient foods, and sugars were implicated in a wide range of newly epidemic disorders in children, particularly ADHD, type 2 diabetes (“adult-onset”), heart disease, and particularly autism.

Once I discovered that imbalanced biochemical pathways influence the symptoms of ADHD and autism and that food, nutrition, and proper supplementation can have significant impact on these disorders, I was drawn to learn and understand more. There are many people striving to help these children: parents, doctors, caregivers, educators, therapists, advocacy groups, nutritionists, researchers and research groups. If all of these people could better comprehend these factors and influences, we could use our collective knowledge to better help these children and their families. As I researched important subjects such as liver function, endocrine imbalance, the immune system, and food sensitivities, I would always ask the question, “How is this implicated in autism spectrum disorders, and how do we impact it through nutritional or supplemental interventions?”

Nourishing Hope comprises my seven years of research and clinical experience with autism spectrum disorders and the effects of nutrition, environmental factors, and biochemical imbalances on these conditions. In this time, I have consulted to hundreds of families with children on the spectrum, read countless books and research papers, routinely attended (and now present at) leading conferences on the subject, interviewed leading-edge researchers, and collaborated with dozens of doctors and their patients.

My work continues steadfastly. I consult with parents and physicians through my office in San Francisco, and clients around the world by telephone. I am driven to share what I have learned and continue to learn. We all must share what we know so that all children on the spectrum and their families may harvest the life-bringing energies of hope. I believe that all people are worthy of (and deserve) hope—it is an inherently human capacity that, when nourished, always leads to something better.

Julie Matthews

READ Mother Warriors by Jenny McCarthy for real life-stories of autism recovery and the positive impact of diet for autism.