Autism or autism
spectrum disorder is a broad range of neuro-developmental disorders that
disturb the child by disrupting his/her ability to interact or communicate socially.
These disorders are associated with developmental delays that steer the child
towards severe physical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, sleep
disorders, mental health challenges like anxiety, seizures, depression, etc. To
reduce physical symptoms like GI, parents try alternative treatments along with
a specialized diet plan for autism.
Symptoms of autism
usually appear between age 2 or 3 in a child or sometimes even earlier. Parents
must consult the best physician to get the child diagnosed and to help the
child regain some of his/her skills and abilities. They can also approach a licensed dietician who can help them
in chalking out an autism diet plan
according to the child’s health issues and taste preferences. An early intervention can lead to
positive outcomes in the life of a child with autism.
Many
dieticians prescribes a gluten-free and sugar- free diet that are hazardous to
people with autism. They advise a diet of fruits, vegetables or nuts and to
avoid using packed or tinned foods as they, at times, contain traces of gluten
that are not mentioned in the nutrition label. A diet plan for autism also excludes
seafood as they contain toxins like mercury that tends to harm the person’s
immune system. Parents can also visit: HERE
A Gluten-Free Diet for Autism
An
autism diet plan is an alternative
treatment for autism. Parents are advised to adopt a strict autism diet plan, and avoid foods
containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye) and casein (dairy products) in the
child's daily consumption. At times the doctor’s advice ‘allergy testing’ to
confirm whether the child with autism is allergic to certain components found
in his diet.
Gluten
is a mixture of proteins found in the seeds and grains such as rye, wheat and
barley. According to the doctors, a diet containing gluten has an adverse
effect on the brain as the harmful proteins do not help in curing the condition
but worsen them. This adverse reaction leads a child to intense negative
behaviour.
When
on a gluten-free diet, the child with autism is advised an apt diet plan for autism which contains ample fibres, minerals, and vitamins.
At times supplements also help to make up for the absence of these nutrients. For information about professional dietician
in your vicinity, visit: https://www.autismconnect.com/nutritionists-dieticians
The
use of an autism diet plan reduces
the symptoms in a child with autism and improves social and cognitive
behaviours and also benefits speech deficiency in the children.