If you are the parent of an autistic child or a caregiver of an autistic person, you may feel helpless against this complex condition. The wide range of symptoms, which may include visual and sensory deficits, anxiety, obsessive/compulsive traits and lack of empathy, make this condition all the more confounding. Currently, the exact cause of autism is not fully understood. However, recent findings point to the increasing role of nutrition in relieving symptoms of autism, reports Food For The Brain.org. While some of these dietary interventions may be helpful, they are not considered a cure for autism. Consult a doctor prior to starting any kind of diet.
Step 1
Balance digestive enzymes. According to Food For The Brain.org, many autistic children have had the balance of their gut flora disrupted by antibiotic treatments early in life. Because antibiotics have the ability to kill "good" bacteria, this can lead to a condition called "leaky gut syndrome," in which a compromised intestinal membrane allows pathogens and toxins to get into the bloodstream. Food for The Brain.org cites a study conducted by Andrew Wakefield at London's Royal Free Hospital. In this study of 60 autistic children, the researchers found that more than 90 percent had chronically inflamed guts due to infection. Food For The Brain.org recommends supplements containing lactobacillus acidophilus and bifodobacter.
Step 2
Remove gluten and casein from your child's diet. According to AutismWeb.com, the removal of gluten and casein from the diets of autistic children may yield some degree of improvement in the child's speech and behavior. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, oats, barley, bulgur, kamut, spelt and other grains. Casein is a milk protein commonly included in dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and some margarine products. Although some parents are strong advocates for gluten-free and casein-free diets, the Mayo Clinic reports that there is no scientific proof that these diets are effective in addressing autism. Moreover, the strict nature of these diets may actually deprive a growing child of important nutrients, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Step 3
Regulate blood sugar. For kids with autism who also display hyperactivity, stabilizing blood sugar may be useful, reports Food For The Brain.org. Many children with autism have symptoms that overlap with those of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -- or ADHD -- and allowing an autistic child to indulge in excessive sugary snacks and sodas may result in extreme fluctuations in blood glucose and increasingly erratic behavior. Food For The Brain.org advises steering clear of refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks, and opting instead for whole-grain carbohydrates and plenty of fiber.
Step 4
Increase omega-3 intake. There has been much focus on the benefits of these healthy fatty acids recently, and these benefits extend to autistic children as well. According to Food For The Brain.org, people with autism often are deficient in omega-3s, and may therefore have more of a dietary need for them. Food For The Brain suggests that an autistic person eat fish twice a week, preferably mackerel, herring, sardines or salmon.
Tips and Warnings
- Enjoy gluten-free, casein-free foods. Although AutismWeb.com acknowledges that a gluten-free, casein-free diet is challenging, it doesn't preclude such grains as rice, quinoa potato, buckwheat flour and more.
