ASD and Food
- Casein is a protein found in milk and dairy products.
- Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
- Soy is a legume that is often used as a meat substitute.
- Food additives such as preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors have been linked to autism in some studies.
It is important to talk to specialists or your doctor who can suggest a test plan to rule out other medical conditions and also may recommend a special diet to help manage their symptoms. There are a number of different autism diets available. Some of the most common diets include:
- The gluten-free, casein-free diet eliminates all foods that contain gluten and casein. This is one of the most restrictive autism diets, but it has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in some children.
- The specific carbohydrate diet eliminates all foods that contain certain types of carbohydrates. This diet is also very restrictive, but it has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in some children.
- The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This diet has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in children with autism.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all autism diet. For example however, medical practitioners warn that a gluten/casein free diet can be low in fibre, B vitamins and calcium, which can affect overall health. The best diet for your child will depend on their individual needs and this should be done in conjunction with professionals as part of your care plan.
Researchers at Marcus Autism Center at Emory University School of Medicine found that children on the autism spectrum are five times more likely to have mealtime outbursts, be more selective about their food, or have ritualistic eating behaviours.
A dietitian will sometimes collaborate with an Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist to develop a program which can support a healthy diet and assist with mealtimes. This might include developing a specific mealtime environment that is practical for your family and routines, such as optimal seating positions, table height, or the removal or adjustment of distracting noises, lighting and smells.
Depending on age, children may like to get involved in their own menu planning in conjunction with their dietitian
and treatment can help to improve your child's outcome. **Links to Research Sources** * [The Autism Research Institute](https://www.autism.org/) * [The National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/) * [The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/) **Recommendations for Diet that Reduces Autism** * Choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed foods. * Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. * Limit your child's intake of sugar, saturated fat, and cholesterol. * Avoid foods that your child is allergic to or intolerant of. * Talk to your doctor about whether a special diet is right for your child.
