Children with autism may have various underlying nutrition issues including gastrointestinal issues, nutrient deficiencies, food reactions, and picky eating.

If your child has autism, start here!

There is considerable evidence that individuals with ASD are at heightened risk for anxiety and anxiety disorders, which can cause persistent distress, and increase behavioral problems. Children with autism often experience anxiety surrounding disruptions in routine, social situations, physical symptoms, and communication barriers.

ARFID stands for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is an eating disorder in which the type and amount of food is restricted and the list of accepted foods often narrows over time.

ADHD is one of the most common coexisting diagnoses in children with autism. Kids with ADHD often have a hard time paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or being hyperactive. Nutrition and lifestyle can be especially important in managing ADHD.

Dysbiosis is a term for disruption or imbalance in the microbiome that has a negative effect on health, and generally refers to the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Research suggests that there is commonly dysbiosis in ASD children which may influence the development, behavior, and severity of ASD symptoms.

Roughly 10% of individuals with autism also experience eczema. In addition to autism, eczema has been linked to asthma, allergic rhinitis, staphylococcus infections, food allergies, depression, anxiety and behavioral disturbances.

Encopresis is the involuntary leakage of stool in children due to constipation. It is a common condition in children with autism due to the increased rate of gastrointestinal concerns, constipation, and withholding in this population.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition, often called ‘seizure disorder’, that results in unprovoked seizures. Children with autism are more likely to experience seizures or be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Our bodies can react to foods in many different ways including food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Knowing the difference is important!

Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene. This gene codes for a protein which is essential for normal brain development, and in Fragile X Syndrome, this protein is not made. Fragile X the leading known genetic cause of autism.

Hyperactivity is when there is increased movement both in the body and the mind, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate and short attention span.

Hypotonia is the medical term for decreased muscle tone, in which the muscle always seems to be relaxed, which makes coordinating movements difficult. This can lead to underuse and muscle weakness.

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that appears as tiny bumps on the skin, which may look like tiny pimples or goosebumps. It is associated with other conditions like atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition.

Leaky Gut, or intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions in your intestinal walls become inflamed and loosened. This may allow harmful particles to pass through, including bacteria, undigested food, and toxins, which can cause inflammation and increased immune response. Since children with autism have more detected chronic digestive issues, they are at a higher risk to develop Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Mitochondria take the molecules from the foods we eat and turn them into a form of energy that our bodies can use, called ATP. When the mitochondria aren’t working properly, they can’t create enough energy and this is called mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mold and mycotoxin exposure can cause serious health issues and neurotoxicity if not addressed. Research shows that children with ASD more mycotoxins in their body fluids than controls, and even with respect to their siblings that should share the same environment and food habits.

Children with ASD are genetically inclined to have at least one MTHFR gene mutation, especially C677T. This may affect their ability to activate B vitamins (especially folate and B12), detox appropriately, and have healthy neurotransmitter and DNA synthesis.

Children with ASD may be at higher risk to develop nutrient deficiencies from various underlying conditions such as picky eating, poor digestion, malabsorption, poor methylation, and restricted diets. Addressing underlying nutrient deficiencies can help children feel their best, and therefore perform their best.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people have recurrent, persistent thoughts that make them feel driven to carry out repetitive actions or behaviors. The prevalence of OCD is estimated to affect up to 37% of children and adolescents with autism.

PANS and PANDAS are autoimmune conditions caused by infectious or environmental triggers that cause a misdirected immune response and subsequent inflammation and sudden onset of OCD symptoms, anxiety, or behavioral regressions. Symptoms of PANS or PANDAS may overlap with autism, which may make it more difficult to diagnose or cause it to go undetected longer.

It’s common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to be selective eaters. Selective eating over months and years can cause higher risk for nutrient deficiency, gastrointestinal issues, or other health concerns if not addressed.

Phelan McDermid Syndrome causes developmental and speech delays, behavioral problems, and low tone (hypotonia). 75% of those with PMS are also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that often is characterized by abnormally increased appetite, low muscle tone, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PWS but there is treatment available to help with the difficulties and symptoms of PWS.

Children with autism have higher rates of sensory processing issues. This may cause severe picky eating or other feeding difficulties. Many children with SPD are sensory seekers, sensory avoiders, or a combination of both.

SIBO stands for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, which is an accumulation or overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. The bacteria interfere with digestion and absorption and are associated with damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Increasing levels of toxins are an issue for all of us, but can be especially troublesome for those who may be predisposed to have higher toxic loads and decreased detoxification, such as children with autism.

Yeast overgrowth may be found in up to nearly 60% of children with autism and in more than double than children without autism. It may exacerbate behaviors and other symptoms and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Addressing yeast with a combination of diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes is the most successful way to manage and prevent future overgrowths.