6 minute read
Dining with Daisi & Change The World For You Indy
Empowering growth, one step at a time
BY TIFFANY A. JACKSON
FOR MANY PARENTS, introducing their child to new foods is a challenge, but for parents of autistic children, it can be an uphill battle filled with sensory aversions, texture sensitivities, and an unwavering attachment to familiar meals. I know this firsthand as the mother of Daijah affectionately known as Daisi a bright, energetic, and wonderfully unique 13-year-old on the autism spectrum.
For years, Daisi’s diet consisted almost entirely of McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries. She held onto her bottle until she was four, drinking only Pediasure and milk. As a mother, I worried about her nutrition, her growth, and most of all, how I could encourage her to explore new foods without making mealtimes a source of stress. That concern ultimately sparked an idea that has now grown into something bigger than I ever imagined: Dining with Daisi—a movement that encourages food exploration in a fun, judgment-free way, designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum. What started as a personal mission to help my daughter develop a more varied diet has evolved into Dining with Daisi LLC, a brand that celebrates curiosity and the joy of trying new things. Through videos, events, and now a book series, Dining with Daisi aims to provide a supportive space where children and their families can navigate food challenges together. But as I embarked on this journey, I quickly realized that the challenges of raising an autistic child extend far beyond the dinner table.
This realization is what also led to the founding of Change The World For You (CTW4YOU), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting autistic children and their families through education, advocacy, and inclusive opportunities. Through CTW4YOU, we’ve organized autism awareness walks, inclusive community events, and educational programs that help parents and caregivers feel empowered in their journey.
But as I continued this work, I saw another critical gap that needed to be addressed—one that’s often overlooked, even within the autism community: puberty and periods in autistic girls.
Growing Up on the Spectrum: Puberty and Periods
One of the biggest and least talked-about transitions for young girls, especially those with special needs, is puberty.
As a mother, I knew it was coming, but when Daisi got her first period at just 10 years old, I wasn’t fully prepared. She wasn’t either. And how could she be? Menstruation, with its cramps, mood swings, and hygiene requirements, is difficult enough for neurotypical girls, let alone for those who struggle with sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and changes in routine.
At first, it was overwhelming. Daisi didn’t understand why she was bleeding or why her body suddenly felt different. She experiences intense cramps in the first couple of days of her cycle, and since she doesn’t swallow pills, finding the right pain relief was a challenge. She now uses Children’s Motrin, and we’ve built a routine around using pads and period panties to help her feel comfortable. But that didn’t erase the confusion or discomfort she felt each month.
That experience made me realize something: If I, as a mother deeply involved in the autism community, felt unprepared for this moment, how many other parents were struggling in silence? How many autistic girls were feeling lost, scared, or even ashamed of something that should be embraced as a natural part of life?
That’s when I knew Dining with Daisi had to be about more than just food. It had to be about growth in every sense physically, emotionally, and developmentally.
Daisi’s First Period: A Book for Every Autistic Girl In response to this need, I am thrilled to introduce a new book in the Dining with Daisi Presents series: Daisi’s First Period. This illustrated book is designed to help young autistic girls (and their families) navigate the journey of menstruation in a way that feels safe, supportive, and relatable.
Unlike traditional puberty books, which can feel overwhelming or overly clinical, Daisi’s First Period is gentle, fun, and sensory-friendly. Through bright,
engaging illustrations and simple, reassuring language, the book helps girls understand what to expect, how to care for themselves and, most importantly, that they are not alone.
The book features:
This book is more than just a resource; it’s a tool for open, judgment-free conversations—something I’m also expanding through my new “No Judgment Zone” initiative, a platform where parents and children can talk about puberty, periods, and body changes without embarrassment.
Change The World For You: Advocating for Inclusion Beyond Puberty
While Dining with Daisi tackles food exploration and body changes, CTW4YOU continues to advocate for autism-friendly spaces, inclusive education, and support programs for families navigating these critical transitions.
Change The World For You: Advocating for Inclusion Beyond Puberty
While Dining with Daisi tackles food exploration and body changes, CTW4YOU continues to advocate for autism-friendly spaces, inclusive education, and support programs for families navigating these critical transitions.
Through CTW4YOU, we’re working on:
• Consulting with businesses to create more autism-friendly environments.
• Developing an after-school program and eventually a school tailored for autistic students.
• Building community connections, like our recent partnership with Autastic Athletics to create inclusive sports programs.
Everything we do whether it’s Dining with Daisi, the No Judgment Zone, or CTW4YOU comes down to one goal: changing the world for autistic children and their families, one step at a time.
Creating a More Inclusive World for Our Girls
Too often, autistic girls are left out of important conversations about their bodies, simply because society assumes they “won’t understand” or “don’t need to know yet.” But the reality is,
they do understand they just need information presented in a way that makes sense to them. They need representation in books, media, and educational resources. They need parents, caregivers, and educators who are willing to have open, honest discussions without fear or shame.
With Dining with Daisi, No Judgment Zone, and Change The World For You, I want to create a world where our girls feel prepared, confident, and supported as they grow. Whether it’s trying a new food or navigating their first period, every milestone deserves to be celebrated.
Join Us on This Journey
Visit CTW4YOU.com to learn more about our mission, upcoming events, and the release of Daisi’s First Period.
Growing up is a journey. Let’s make sure every child— regardless of ability—has the tools they need to thrive.
Tiffany Jackson is on a mission to provide Autism Awareness and solutions for children and parents dealing with Autism. On November 30, 2015. Tiffany’s world was forever changed by her daughter Daijah Jackson being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder. Tiffany founded Change the World For You. Visit https://www.ctw4you.com/
