Many children with special needs have one thing in common: Sensitivity to gluten. Kids with Down syndrome or type-1 diabetes are most commonly connected to gluten sensitivity, formally known as celiac disease. Children with many other special needs might also benefit from a gluten-free diet. In a child with celiac, the small bowel is damaged because of exposure to gluten, which can be found in wheat, barley and rye.
Finding dining options that cater to this specialized diet can pose a challenge to parents. Give the chef of your house the night off and take your family to one of these local eateries that specifically offer gluten-free options and menus, according to the Lone Star Celiac GIG Support Group:
Asian MINT Dallas; 214/363-6655. www.asianmint.com
Fogo de Chão Addison; 972/361-6200. www.fogodechao.com
Kozy Kitchen Dallas; 214/553-0740. www.thekozy.net
Lavendou Dallas; 972/248-1911. www.lavendou.com
Spiral Diner Dallas; 214/948-4747. www.spiraldiner.com
Texas de Brazil Addison; 972/385-1000, Dallas; 214/720-1414. www.texasdebrazil.com
The Chocolate Angel Café Richardson, 972/234-8099; Carrollton, 972/267-2253. www.chocolateangel.com
Many chain restaurants — like Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Carino’s Italian Grill, Carrabba’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Boston Market, P.F. Chang, Rockfish Seafood Grill, Jason’s Deli and Wendy’s — have gluten-free online menus that can be found on their respective Web sites.
