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Diet for an Autistic Child

Autism is a condition that will affect approximately 1 in every 100 children, according to a 2007 report distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism appears during a child's first three years of life, and it is a complex developmental disability. More boys than girls are affected by autism. No specific cause for this disease has been identified.

  1. Symptoms

    • Autism manifests itself with specific symptoms. Autistic children rarely make direct eye contact and have little interest in relating with other children of their age. These children will often repeat the same thing over and over again and indulge in twirling and flapping objects. They will often focus on one object for long periods of time.

    Food Allergies

    • There is a direct correlation between autism and gastrointestinal health, according to the website autismweb.com. Eliminate gluten, which is mainly found in wheat, barley, rye, artificial additives, food coloring and oats; and casein, which is primarily found in dairy products.

      Dr. Robert Cade, a professor of medicine and physiology at the University of Florida, observed that peptide levels decrease as these foods are eliminated from diets. In a study, Cade found dramatic improvements in autistic children following the elimination of both casein and gluten. Get your child tested for any food allergies that may be present before making any dietary changes.

    Diet

    • Diet has become the number one issue in dealing with autistic children, from avoidance to adding healthy foods. Foodforbrain.com says that eating fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, is beneficial for autistic children. Omega-3 foods have been shown to improve speech, mood and imagination play as well.

      Many autistic children are hyperactive, and balancing blood sugar with small healthy meals each day has proved helpful. Look for gluten-free breads and cereals that are made with corn and rice.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • It is vital to make sure that that autistic children get all the necessary vitamins, supplements and minerals, especially with a limited diet. Vitamin A in its natural form can be beneficial for the autistic child, said Pediatrician Mary Megson from Richmond, Virgina on the website foodforthebrain.org. Many autistic children lack enough vitamin A, in her opinion. As well, many autistic children are diagnosed with Pyroluria, a condition that causes a deficiency in vitamin B6 and zinc.

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