If you have a child with autism, you might wonder whether special foods such as acidophilus milk can help to reduce symptoms or improve behavior. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that acidophilus milk has any effect upon an autistic child's behavior, though there are other benefits to this food.
Autism
According to MayoClinic.com, autism is a developmental disorder in which a child fails to develop or loses the ability to communicate normally through language. Autistic children also often resist physical contact, can't see things from another perspective, and and may perform repetitive motions. Typically, physicians diagnose autism in early toddlerhood, though some children display very early symptoms and can be diagnosed as early as the infant years.
Adiophilus Milk
Acidophilus milk is milk that contains cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterial species that is native to the human intestine. Lactobacillus acidophilus thrives on lactose, which is milk sugar, and ferments the sugar to produce lactic acid. Allowed to ferment long enough, milk becomes yogurt or cheese and has the characteristic sour flavor of lactic acid. Fermented dairy is also lower in lactose than non-fermented dairy.
Acidophilus Milk For Autism
There is no scientific data that suggest acidophilus milk is a way to treat or reduce symptoms of autism. MayoClinic.com explains there are to date no studies that show any effect of diet on autism, either for better or worse. As a result, while you may wish to give your child acidophilus milk for its other health benefits -- including improved digestive function -- you needn't seek it out or avoid it if your child is autistic.
Treating Autism
There is no single treatment for autism that will resolve all the behavioral issues associated with the disorder. Once your child has been diagnosed with autism, however, there are many different therapies that your physician may recommend. These include exercises to help your child acquire language appropriately, and to learn to cope with social situations. Many autistic children, with appropriate therapy, go on to function normally in social and work settings.
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