Autism is a developmental disorder that manifests within the first several years of life. The Kids Health website reports that autism affects slightly less than 1 percent of people and this condition is significantly more common in boys than girls. Most people with autism experience delayed language development and have difficulty communicating effectively with other people. Before using diet and nutrition to help treat your teenager's autism, meet with his doctor to discuss the risks, benefits and limitations of this treatment approach.
Autism Information
Though the exact cause of autism is unknown, certain factors may contribute to this health problem, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information. They include genetics, mercury poisoning, diet, and sensitivity to certain vaccines. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of autism, including autism in teenagers, include an inability to adapt to altered routines, attachment to certain possessions, increased sensory perception, and numerous communication problems, such as the inability to maintain a conversation, and the use of gestures in place of words.
Dietary Approach
Eliminating potentially allergenic foods from your teenager's diet may help autism symptoms. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," the following foods may cause food allergies and thus should be removed from your teenager's diet: wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, citrus fruit, nuts, peanuts, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, and foods containing preservatives. Beneficial dietary inclusions for this health purpose may include salmon, herring, tuna, and breads and crackers made from rice and oats.
A Beneficial Food
Tuna may be a beneficial food for autistic teenagers. In his book "The World's Healthiest Foods," biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan states that tuna contains significant amounts of tryptophan, selenium, niacin, thiamin, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna is also a rich source of protein and is low in calories. Tuna has historically been used in treating numerous health problems, including autism, age-related macular degeneration, stress-related illnesses and atherosclerosis.
Considerations
Autism is a condition that may best be treated using a multifaceted approach, including diet and nutrition, prescription medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating your teenager's autism, meet with a healthcare professional who has advanced training in clinical nutrition. Certain foods that have historically been used in treating autism may require further scientific scrutiny to assess their true health effects on the condition.
References
- Kids Health: What is Autism?
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Autism
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
