Hi, I'm Shandy
I help parents of children with neurodevelopmental differences, sensory sensitivities, and complex picky eating support calm, regulated, and confident kids through nutrition, play, and everyday routines.
My passion for holistic nutrition and low-toxicant living started when I developed a chronic illness while earning my graduate degree to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
I consulted multiple doctors and was ultimately presented with an option of being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia, and being prescribed pain killers and anti-anxiety pills.
Shortly after, I learned that there is no known cause or “cure” for these diagnoses…
While I believe medications and medical interventions can have their appropriate time and place, I did not want to be placed on daily medications that I could possibly become dependent on to manage my symptoms.
My intuition and connection to my body knew there had to be underlying root causes beneath the anxiety, adverse reactions to food, multiple chemical sensitivities, physical pain, and many other symptoms that I was experiencing…
My experience finally landed me in the care of a naturopathic doctor and a registered nurse/nutritional therapist, among others. With their guidance I learned my body was experiencing a toxicant overload, so much was out of balance, and my symptoms were my body’s cry for help.
When they learned I was earning my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology and planned to work with children, they both strongly encouraged me to look into autism spectrum disorders as whole body conditions vs. solely genetic and/or brain based.
Both of them… Separately.
To hear about the connections between nutrition and autism spectrum disorders from those I trusted to help me regain my own health left me feeling intrigued to further explore the "gut-brain connection" and benefits of low-toxicant living beyond my own healing.
My mind was expanded.
The course of my life and career were forever redirected.
What began as my own healing journey turned out to be my greatest teacher. Through targeted nutrition, low-toxicant living, and supporting my nervous system, I was able to restore my health, resilience, and well-being. This personal journey forms the foundation of my approach, shaping how I support families through coaching, guidance, and practical strategies for real-life challenges.
For more than ten years, I have immersed myself in the study of biochemical and nutritional connections, exploring how a low-toxicant lifestyle can support individuals with chronic health issues and a range of developmental conditions. These include autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, extreme complex picky eating, pediatric feeding disorders, PANS/PANDAS, Down syndrome, speech-language delays and disorders, learning disabilities, and beyond.
What I came to understand is that communication and development don’t happen in isolation. They are shaped by many parts of a child’s life and biology. By supporting digestion, gut health, nutrient status, blood sugar balance, sleep, and nervous system regulation, we help create the conditions for a child to feel regulated, connected, and supported in their development.
I have advanced certification in holistic and functional nutrition, as well as health and wellness coaching specifically for families impacted by chronic health issues and developmental conditions.
I am a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) through the Nutritional Therapy Association and a Documenting Hope Certified Health Coach & listed preferred practitioner. I am a student of the BioIndividual Nutrition Institute & Pediatric Nutrition Program by renown ASD and ADHD nutrition expert, Julie Matthews, MS of Nourishing Hope and the BioIndividual Nutrition Institute.
I am also proud to be a part of the Documenting Hope team as the Director of Community Development. Documenting Hope is a non-profit organization on a mission to create a healthier world and future for our children, and the first to scientifically study and document the impacts of the totality of modern living on children’s health. I am also a co-founder and one of the hosts of Documenting Hope’s online parent membership community, Healing Together.
Thank you for taking the time to read some of my background on why and how Speaking of Health & Wellness came to be. I have experienced and witnessed incredible improvements from the power of holistic nutrition and low-toxicant living.
Our bodies - our children's bodies - are truly trying to work for us.
Everyone, regardless of any diagnosis, is their optimal self when they are their healthiest self.
I am deeply passionate about bringing these critical topics to the mainstream awareness, as I believe this knowledge will continue to lead to innovation in helping these children and future generations.
Please explore the free resources here on my site to support your child and your family's journey. I have a blog, a podcast, a Facebook community group for like-minded parents and professionals, and more resources designed to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered.
If you are a parent navigating complex picky eating or other developmental challenges with your child, I offer support through my online course, Naturally Navigating Picky Eating, where you can learn practical strategies and step-by-step guidance at your own pace. For families looking for more personalized guidance, I also provide one-on-one coaching to help you implement changes, problem-solve challenges, and feel confident supporting your child’s health and well-being.
I look forward to learning and connecting with you!
Be well, friends
- Shandy Watters (formerly Laskey), M.A.,CCC-SLP, FNTP
Founder + CEO, Speaking of Health & Wellness, LLC
