Eating for Autism

Key Takeaways

1. Nutrition is foundational to autism treatment and overall health

Nutrition is the basis upon which all other treatments are built, and nutrition therapy should be a part of every autistic child's comprehensive treatment plan.

Holistic approach. Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain function, memory, learning, attention, mood, behavior, growth, and overall health for children with autism. It can protect against neurotoxins, enhance immune function, and support gastrointestinal health. Proper nutrition makes children more responsive to other therapies and treatments.

Common nutritional issues. Many autistic children struggle with:

• Poor diet
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Feeding problems
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Chemical sensitivities
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Exposure to neurotoxins
• Frequent illnesses and infections

Addressing these issues through nutrition therapy can significantly improve a child's symptoms and quality of life.

2. Eliminate harmful additives and prioritize whole, organic foods

Be sure to use safe oats when you make these cookies!

Harmful additives. Many processed foods contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners that can negatively impact behavior and health. Common culprits include:

• Artificial colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)
• Artificial flavors (e.g., MSG)
• Preservatives (e.g., BHT, BHA)
• Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose)

Whole, organic foods. Focus on:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats

Organic foods reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Transitioning to a whole foods diet can lead to significant improvements in behavior, focus, and overall health.

3. Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids

DHA is the major structural component of the brain.

Essential nutrients. Autistic children often have deficiencies in key nutrients that affect brain function and overall health. Prioritize:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Calcium
• Iron
• B vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Zinc

Omega-3 fatty acids. These are crucial for brain development and function. EPA and DHA, found primarily in fatty fish, are especially important. Benefits of adequate omega-3 intake include:

• Improved behavior
• Better focus and attention
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Reduced inflammation

Consider omega-3 supplements if dietary intake is insufficient, aiming for 650 mg combined EPA and DHA daily for children 7 and older.

4. Address feeding problems and expand food repertoire

Picky eating is a normal part of childhood development. Approximately 50 percent of children aged eighteen to twenty-three months are identified as picky eaters.

Feeding problems vs. picky eating. Many autistic children have severe feeding problems that go beyond typical picky eating. Signs of a feeding problem include:

• Eating fewer than 20 foods
• Refusing entire food groups
• Throwing tantrums when offered new foods
• Inability to tolerate new foods on the plate

Strategies for improvement:

• Work with a feeding team (e.g., speech therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian)
• Use positive reinforcement
• Implement food chaining techniques
• Create a structured mealtime environment
• Gradually introduce new foods
• Address sensory issues related to food

Expanding a child's diet can lead to better nutrition, improved behavior, and reduced mealtime stress for the whole family.

5. Heal the gut to improve behavior and overall well-being

Gastrointestinal problems involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon are very common among children with autism.

Gut-brain connection. Many autistic children suffer from gastrointestinal issues that can exacerbate behavioral problems and overall symptoms. Common issues include:

• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Reflux
• Inflammation

Healing strategies:

• Increase fiber and water intake
• Use probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria
• Consider digestive enzymes
• Identify and eliminate problem foods
• Address nutrient deficiencies
• Work with a gastroenterologist if issues persist

Improving gut health can lead to significant improvements in behavior, mood, and overall functioning.

6. Identify and eliminate food allergies and sensitivities

A large percentage of children with autism, Asperger's, PDD-NOS, ADD, and ADHD struggle with one or more of the following nutritional problems.

Types of reactions:

• IgE-mediated food allergies (immediate reactions)
• Non-IgE-mediated food allergies (delayed reactions)
• Food sensitivities
• Food intolerances

Common problematic foods:

• Milk
• Wheat
• Soy
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts

Identification methods:

• Allergy testing (for IgE-mediated allergies)
• Elimination/challenge diet (for non-IgE-mediated allergies and sensitivities)

Eliminating problem foods can lead to improvements in behavior, GI symptoms, and overall health. Work with a registered dietitian to ensure nutritional needs are still met when eliminating foods.

7. Consider special diets like gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF)

The GFCF diet is the single most common elimination diet recommended for autistic children.

GFCF diet basics:

• Eliminates gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye)
• Eliminates casein (found in dairy products)
• Based on the theory that these proteins may cause issues for some autistic children

Potential benefits:

• Improved behavior
• Better focus and attention
• Reduced GI symptoms
• Enhanced speech and communication

Implementation:

• Work with a registered dietitian
• Gradually transition to GFCF alternatives
• Ensure adequate nutrient intake, especially calcium
• Trial for at least 3 months to assess effectiveness

While not scientifically proven, many parents report significant improvements with the GFCF diet. Other special diets to consider include the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and the Feingold Diet.

8. Explore targeted nutritional supplements for symptom relief

If you want to see if supplemental OPC improves your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to his registered dietitian or physician about dosage before starting a one-month trial-response.

Common supplements:

• Multivitamin and mineral
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Probiotics
• Digestive enzymes
• Vitamin B6 with magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Carnitine
• DMG (dimethylglycine)

Considerations:

• Start with basic supplements before moving to more advanced options
• Work with a healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosages
• Conduct trial responses to assess effectiveness
• Monitor for potential side effects
• Don't rely solely on supplements; focus on a nutrient-dense diet first

Targeted supplementation can help address specific deficiencies and symptoms, but should be approached cautiously and under professional guidance.

9. Implement nutritional interventions gradually and systematically

Treating autism is like running a marathon—you need to start slowly and pace yourself.

Step-by-step approach:

1. Transition to a healthy, whole foods diet
2. Ensure adequate intake of basic nutrients
3. Add a multivitamin and mineral supplement
4. Increase omega-3 fatty acid intake
5. Address feeding problems
6. Heal the gut
7. Identify and treat food allergies
8. Consider special diets
9. Try high-dose vitamin B6 with magnesium
10. Explore additional supplements as needed

Key principles:

• Implement changes gradually
• Monitor responses closely
• Work with a registered dietitian or nutrition-oriented physician
• Customize the approach to your child's unique needs
• Be patient and persistent

A systematic approach allows for better assessment of what works for your child and helps prevent overwhelm. Remember that nutrition therapy is an ongoing process that may need adjustments over time.

Last updated: August 1, 2024

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