No cure exists for autism in children, but you might try dietary changes to reduce the symptoms of the condition. Several diets and food restrictions or additions may help to improve behavioral problems in autistic children. You must consult your child's doctor before trying any of these special diets to discuss the safety issues for your child.
Description
Autism is a brain disorder that affects development in young children, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Autistic children commonly have trouble with communication and interaction with others, as well as repetitive or odd behaviors. Although the cause of autism is unknown, the condition appears to occur more often in boys, as well as children who have parents with autism, have a father older than 40 years of age and have other genetic disorders, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Foods to Avoid
Based on the idea that autistic children have more food allergies or sensitivities, you could try a hypoallergenic diet, says the University of Michigan Health System. Eliminating food allergens could improve behavior in autistic children, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition in 1990. Other common dietary restrictions for autistic children include foods containing yeast, casein and gluten, the Mayo Clinic notes. Casein is a milk protein and gluten is a protein in grains, and a gluten-free diet eliminates all grains including wheat. Gluten is also found in barley and rye, while casein is also in cheese and other dairy products, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Key Nutrients & Supplements
Giving your autistic child certain nutritional supplements could also improve his behaviors. Vitamins B-6 and C, magnesium, and glucosamine are sometimes recommended for autistic children, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Glucosamine may help to treat diarrhea in autistic children. Also, supplements of vitamins A and B-12, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids can help to treat autism symptoms, the Mayo Clinic notes. Adding probiotics, which are natural "friendly" bacteria, could also help. A preliminary clinical trial found benefit from high-dose vitamin C in reducing autism symptoms in children, according to a 1993 issue of "Progress in Neuropsycholparmacological Biology and Psychiatry." Other double-blind studies published in the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" and the "American Journal of Psychiatry" in 1981 found vitamin B-6 helpful for autistic children. Magnesium with vitamin B-6 helped even more than B-6 alone in a 1985 study reported in "Biological Psychiatry." Autistic children often have chronic diarrhea, and taking glucosamine helped relieve diarrhea in a 2004 study published in the "Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine."
Considerations
Very little medical research has been performed on dietary changes and their benefits for autistic children, so no conclusive scientific evidence exists indicating that diets work, the Mayo Clinic points out. In fact, a review of studies published in the "Annals of Clinical Psychiatry" found no benefit from special diets for autistic children, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. That's why it's so important to try out special diets only under the close supervision of a physician.
Warnings
Don't put a child on special diet without first consulting a doctor or registered dietitian, the Mayo Clinic warns. Likewise, don't give your autistic child any vitamins or supplements without asking a health-care professional beforehand, cautions the University of Michigan Health System. You shouldn't stop any medications or therapies prescribed for your autistic child in favor of any diet-based treatments.
