Mealtime is a source of frustration for some parents of autistic children. Autistic children often restrict their food choices, and include food selection in their need for rigid routines. Parents report the challenge of ensuring that their autistic child receives adequate protein from the restricted variety of foods the child consumes. Gluten-free, casein-free diets eliminate many sources of protein in a diet. Consult your child's pediatrician if you suspect her diet is deficient in protein.
Role of Protein
Protein facilitates normal growth during childhood and adolescence, repairs cells in the body and creates new cells. The skin, muscles, organs and glands are primarily comprised from protein. Digestive enzymes enable the body to absorb the long strands of amino acids by dividing the long protein molecules into separate amino acids and peptides. Aptly named the "building blocks of life," the amino acids form neurotransmitters, antibodies, hormones and other substances crucial to the body. Balanced diets provide adequate protein for most individuals.
Evidence of Risk
Research indicates that autistic children are more likely to have essential amino acid deficiencies. A study that appeared in the 2003 "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" reports that the essential amino acid deficiencies suggest inadequate protein nutrition for autistic children. Although these results are significant, the small number of subjects in the study reveals the need for additional research. The rapidly evolving brains of growing children require protein for optimal growth and development.
Dietary Concerns
Some autistic children have gastrointestinal problems that compromise their ability to digest protein into individual amino acids. Researchers believe that a "leaky gut" permits undigested peptides to access the bloodstream and damage the central nervous system. Some parents believe that a restricted diet helps the symptoms of autism. Parents may initiate a gluten-free and casein-free diet to eliminate the proteins found in dairy products, wheat, rye and barley from their autistic child's diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends that you consult with a registered dietitian and your child's doctor if you are considering a restricted diet. Restricted diets administered by parents and the exclusion of some foods by autistic children represent concerns related to protein deficiency.
Implications
You should incorporate a 4 oz. serving of protein into your child's diet twice daily. Dietary sources of protein that contain all nine essential amino acids include animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. Products made from soybeans also contain all nine amino acids. Meanwhile, beans, nuts, peas, seeds and grain contain one or more of the essential amino acids. General amino acid supplements should only be given with a doctor's recommendation and supervision. If your child follows a gluten-free or casein-free diet, consult with your child's doctor and a registered dietitian to minimize the danger of protein deficiency.
References
- MedlinePlus: Protein in Diet
- Autism Society; Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism; James B. Adams, Ph.D.
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Plasma Amino Acids Profiles in Children With Autism: Potential Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies; G.L. Arnold, et al.; August 2003
- American Dietetic Association: Autism and Diet
