Realising my daughter had a gluten allergy was both a relief and a challenge.
The relief? Yes, has this been part of her stomach pains all along? Then, how do I replace her favourite foods with gluten, and where do I find gluten free food? Medically diagnosed with cerebral palsy since birth, plus symptoms of ADHD and autism, Amber is a beautiful, bright, alert, 16 year old girl with deep, soul reaching brown eyes, huge sense of humour and a giggle that just touches your heart.
She cannot speak our language or walk and relies heavily on the love and support of her mum and dad, support givers and teacher aides to help her experience everything possible in our world.
Her favourite band is Hi 5 and every morning she loves to watch them before having breakfast and since being gluten free, she quietly watches Titanic while gently holding her favourite sock puppet "Mouseskee" before drifting off to sleep at night.
She sleeps on a special mattress and has a sleep system made up of eight pillows placed purposely around her body supporting her back, front and legs.
During the night she needs to be turned at least five times and I'll tell you the skill in this without waking her has definitely become an art through practice over the years.
She's been through some major surgeries and is very limited to what she can do physically but absolutely enjoys going for walks in her wheelchair, exploring anything and everything around her with her tongue and hands.
Stories and songs are a must at least once a day as is a cuddle and as for her "Dad" well he just loves hyping her up, you will see the excitement and anticipation in her eyes whenever she hears his voice and the noise well it just fills the house with love and laughter.
She is the youngest of four and absolutely adored by her older brother and two sisters who are making their own way in the big wide world.
Since birth Amber has always had problems with sleeping, among other things so sleep in our household is a luxury, but we knew something was going on with her body especially her stomach and put a lot of it to her condition and medicines she would be taking at the time.
Since trying the gluten free food way there has been a huge difference in her behaviour, attitude and sleep patterns.
We now get a decent night's sleep, she is much happier, energetic and very alert all made possible by changing to gluten free lifestyle.