Citric acid is an important biomolecule that your cells make in the process of transforming nutrients into energy. It also occurs naturally in some foods, and is a common food additive. There is no link between autism and consuming citric acid, either naturally occurring or added to food.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a small, carbon-based acid that has a very tart flavor. It occurs naturally in fruits, particularly citrus. Because it's sour, it's also commonly added to foods, particularly soda, both as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Your cells also produce citric acid during the chemical reactions they perform in order to transform nutrient molecules -- proteins, carbohydrates and fats -- into energy. The citric acid they make early in these reaction processes is then broken down in later reaction steps.
Autism
Autism is a complex behavioral disorder that isn't completely understood at the time of publication. According to Mayo Clinic, children are typically diagnosed with autism relatively early in life, even as early as infancy, on the basis of failing to acquire language normally or displaying odd social behaviors. Generally, autistic children don't appear to develop empathy, often can't communicate through language or respond to spoken language and resist physical contact.
Autism and Citric Acid
There is no scientific research that has established a link between consumption of citric acid in any form and the development of autism. Neither, explains Jay L. Hoecker, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, is there any scientific link between diet and improvement or worsening of autism symptoms in a child known to have the disorder. Scientists still aren't certain what causes autism; it may be genetic, due to environmental factors or a combination of the two.
General Guidelines
If you think your child has, or may be developing, autism, you should see your pediatrician who will probably refer you to a specialist. There's no evidence to suggest that you should limit citric acid in the diet to prevent or improve autism symptoms. Instead, a specialist can recommend specific behavioral and linguistic therapies that can help your child communicate with others and behave in a manner more in line with normal social function.
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