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Introduction to Nutrition and Autism

Category: Disability
Disability

Healthy eating brings many health benefits and is important at all stages of life from infancy through to adulthood. In Ireland, the Food Pyramid is used to make healthy eating easier. It shows the different food groups and how much of each we need in order to have a healthy or “balanced’ diet. There are two food pyramids, one for children aged 1-4 years old and one for adults and children over 5 years old. Both can be found on the Safefood Website at https://www.safefood.net/healthy-eating/nutrition

There are no differences in the nutritional needs of people with autism. However, features of the condition can make achieving a healthy diet more difficult. Research shows that approximately 80% of young autistic children are selective eaters, and 95% are resistant to trying new foods. This can cause families a considerable amount of worry and anxiety, and mealtimes can be an incredibly stressful time. 

Many people will meet their nutritional needs even if their diet lacks variety. Some will not get all the nutrients they need for good health. A very limited intake, for example less than 20 different foods, may lead to a deficiency in one or more important nutrients particularly if whole food groups (e.g. all dairy foods) are avoided. A registered dietitian can advise on a suitable multivitamin or single vitamin/mineral supplement to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. A GP or pharmacist may also be able to advise which supplements are suitable for you or your child.

Gut issues such as constipation are common among children and adults with autism and are often under recognised. In some people, gut issues can be directly linked to increased incidence of problem behaviours such as self-injurious behaviours, attention problems, aggression and sleep problems. Having plenty of water and a diet high in fibre found in fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains can help to promote regular soft bowel motions.

The following suite of resources have been developed to address the most frequent concerns and questions asked by parents of autistic children. They provide a range of ideas and suggestions, not all of which will apply to every child. 

  • Understanding the experience of eating through the lens of your child
  • How to help your child learn to eat new foods
  • Establishing mealtime routines
  • Does my child need a vitamin and mineral supplement?

For children who do not respond well to the strategies provided, or for more individualised advice tailored to the specific needs of your child, you should seek support from your child‘s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) or Primary Care Team.

In the meantime more advice, support and guidance around eating and nutrition difficulties in autism can also be found on The UK National Autistic Society website available at https://www.autism.org.uk/  and the SOS Parent Resource Library available at: https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/product/promoting-progress-for-problem-feeders/

A word on Elimination/Exclusion diets 

An exclusion or elimination diet involves purposely cutting out foods or food groups to see if it helps improve symptoms. The most common exclusion diet promoted online and via parent networks to help improve symptoms of autism is the gluten-free and casein-free diet (GFCF). Although some parents anecdotally report that a GFCF diet has helped their child, this is not scientifically proven. In fact, carefully conducted research has found that there is no evidence to support removing gluten and casein containing foods from the diet of those with autism at present.  Furthermore, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) warns against the use of exclusion diets such as the GFCF diet, as these can lead to weight loss or impaired growth, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and other negative health consequences. 

Click on the link below for a pdf of this article

 Autism_and_Nutrition_Introduction.pdf

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