Brittyn Coleman: The Personal and Professional Journey
Brittyn Coleman, famously known as Brittyn the Autism Dietitian, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) whose professional path is profoundly shaped by her personal life. The inspiration for her work began with her younger brother, Barrett, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. Witnessing his struggles with severe sensory sensitivities and a restrictive diet was the catalyst for her career in nutritional sciences. Her firsthand experience with the challenges families face gives her a unique, empathetic perspective that resonates deeply with her clients and community members.
After completing her education, which included a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a thesis on food aversions in children with ASD, she founded her private practice, Autism Dietitian, LLC. Her career has been dedicated to closing the accessibility gap for specialized autism nutrition services, offering her expertise to families across the globe through virtual consultations and online resources.
The Philosophy Behind Her Sensory-Friendly Approach
At the core of Brittyn Coleman's work is her sensory-friendly feeding approach. This philosophy acknowledges that feeding challenges in children with autism are often rooted in sensory sensitivities, not just stubbornness. Instead of forcing children to eat, her method focuses on creating a low-pressure environment and gradually introducing new foods in a way that respects a child’s sensory profile. Her strategies are designed to build trust and positive relationships with food over time.
Her process is patient and rooted in small, incremental steps. Rather than a complete diet overhaul, she advocates for strategic adjustments that are more likely to be accepted by a child. Her method often involves:
- Exposure through play: Encouraging children to interact with new foods by touching, smelling, and playing with them, removing the pressure to eat immediately.
- Small variety introduction: Starting with a slight change to a 'safe food,' such as a new shape or a different dipping sauce, to slowly expand a child's comfort zone.
- De-emphasizing food as reward: Teaching parents to avoid using dessert as a reward for eating a meal, which can create unhealthy emotional attachments to food.
- Optimizing nutrient intake: Focusing on foundational nutrients like magnesium, Vitamin D, and Omega-3s, which are crucial for neurodevelopment and can be especially beneficial for individuals on the spectrum.
The Nourishing Autism Collective
One of Brittyn’s most significant contributions is the creation of the Nourishing Autism Collective, a membership community designed to provide extensive support and resources for parents. The collective is a comprehensive hub featuring a searchable library of articles, kid-friendly recipes, and guidance on navigating supplements and special diets.
Members receive ongoing support through features like:
- Monthly live Q&A sessions with Brittyn and her team of dietitians.
- Quarterly live guest experts, including pediatricians and therapists.
- An inner circle community for peer-to-peer support and encouragement.
- A personalized roadmap to help families navigate their unique nutrition journey.
Comparison: Sensory-Friendly vs. Traditional Feeding Approaches
Her approach differs significantly from more traditional feeding methods, particularly those that may not fully consider the sensory aspect of autism. Here is a comparison of her method versus a more old-school approach.
| Feature | Brittyn Coleman's Sensory-Friendly Approach | Traditional/Old-School Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Picky Eating Cause | Often sensory-based or rooted in underlying health issues. | Viewed as a behavioral issue, simple stubbornness. |
| Pressure at Mealtime | Low-pressure environment, focus on trust and exploration. | High-pressure, often involves bribery or force-feeding. |
| Food Introduction | Gradual, respectful exposure through non-eating interaction. | Immediate expectation to taste and eat new foods. |
| Goal | Expanding comfort with food varieties in a sustainable way. | Getting the child to eat the food as quickly as possible. |
| Parental Role | Supportive guide and a source of positive reinforcement. | Authority figure enforcing food rules and quotas. |
Conclusion: More Than Just a Dietitian
In essence, Brittyn Coleman is far more than just a dietitian; she is an advocate, educator, and a trusted resource for the autism community. Through her personal connection to autism and her professional specialization, she has carved out a vital niche, providing desperately needed support and practical solutions for families struggling with feeding challenges. Her work empowers parents to take a holistic, empathetic, and effective approach to their child’s nutritional well-being. By focusing on the root causes and respecting the individual sensory experiences of each child, she helps pave the way for better health outcomes, improved behaviors, and more peaceful family meals.
To learn more about her and her work, you can visit her website at autismdietitian.com.
