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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.
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.
Our bodies can react to foods in many different ways including food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Knowing the difference is important!
Hyperactivity is when there is increased movement both in the body and the mind, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate and short attention span.
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.
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.
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.
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Brain fog is not a medical condition but a term used to describe problems with attention, concentration, memory, and focus. Many children with autism experience mental fogginess that can make it difficult for your child to carry on conversations, complete simple tasks, or do homework.
Constipation is consistently among the most frequently reported GI symptoms. Constipation can cause irritability and moodiness, heightened stress and anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Using diet and supplements to address and manage constipation can help treat the root cause, not just symptoms.
Diarrhea is among the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. Severity of gastrointestinal symptoms has been shown to correlate with autism severity. Dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage, prevent, and treat short-term or chronic diarrhea.
Pica is an eating disorder of non-nutritive or non-food substances. Pica behaviors may be increased in individuals with autism and can indicate or cause underlying nutrient deficiencies.
Some studies report that up to 30% of children with autism experience reflux. It is commonly misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or hard to diagnose in children with autism.
Approximately two-thirds of children with ASD have chronic insomnia, which is 2-3x greater than children without ASD. Children with ASD and with sleep disturbances had lower performance in daily living skills, social cognition, social communication and intellectual development than ASD children without sleep disturbances.
Speech delay is when the development of language is slower than expected, when a child has not met typical speech milestones at typical age markers.
Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It often includes behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping, jumping or repetitive speech. When stimming interferes with daily activities and learning, then it is a symptom of autism.
Fish oil is considered a high-powered anti-inflammatory that can help with brain disorders, including autism. Children with ASD are at higher risk to be deficient in omega-3s, the primary fatty acid in fish oil.
Inulin is a naturally occurring fiber that fosters healthy intestinal flora. By boosting the number of friendly bacteria in the gut, inulin can protect against inflammation, toxic overload, SIBO, food allergies, eczema, stress, reduce constipation and diarrhea, and possibly improve other behaviors associated with autism.
Supplementing L-Glutamine may be a great option to support the immune system as well as help with leaky gut. However, some hypothesize that it may cause hyperactivity or anxiety in those with autism/ADHD.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that can be found in tea leaves and supplements. It promotes relaxation, sleep and improved cognition.
MCT oil is a fat supplement used to boost calories, manage weight, alleviate constipation, and control seizures. For these reasons, MCT Oil may be a food fit for some children with autism.
Children with autism who are selective eaters are more likely to have at least one serious nutrient deficiency. Multivitamins can be a great way to fill gaps in the diet and promote optimal nutrient status.
Prebiotics are a great way to supplement the gut with beneficial fiber. Many children with ASD do not consume adequate levels of fiber, so supplementation can be a great way to increase intake.
Probiotics are live bacteria or yeast that naturally live in and on your body. Gut health is a vital piece to optimal nutrition for autism, and supplementing with fermented foods or probiotics can help improve both gut and brain health, and potentially improve certain behaviors.
5-HTP is a chemical that is made in the body from the essential amino acid, tryptophan, and is vital for the creation of both serotonin and melatonin. Children on the autism spectrum have shown to have abnormal levels of serotonin and imbalanced 5-HTP conversion. Appropriate levels are important for sleep, mood, and behavior, implicating further research.
Avocados are nutrient dense with fiber helping the gut microbes stay fed and happy, leading to the brain being happy and in turn good behavior. There is a lot of evidence on nutrients found in avocados and autism, although there is limited research on avocados and autism itself.
Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar that has shown promise in its ability to help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, markers of oxidative stress, combat candida and fight off pathogenic bacteria.
Bananas are flavorful, carbohydrate-rich fruits that provide a variety of nutrients and benefits throughout each ripening phase.
Blueberries are small, sweet, blue or blackish edible berries that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Blueberries are one of the greatest sources of antioxidants that help benefit the brain, heart, cells, and reduce inflammation in the body. They are a common and convenient fruit that can easily be incorporated into various meals.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is a source of non-dairy calcium. It also contains sulforaphane which has been shown to help to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and promote detoxification in children with autism.
Chicken is an easily accessible, easy to prepare protein source that has become a dietary staple. Due to the high protein content, there are benefits in muscle growth, bone strength, healing, and much more[1].
Often touted for its claimed antibacterial and ailment healing properties, honey is a natural sweetener that has been around for centuries [1]. Some argue that honey is a better alternative to sugar because of the health benefits associated with it.
If your child is dairy-free, there are plenty of other choices! All milk alternatives will have different nutrient contents, so finding the right one for your child is key!
Despite being a vital nutrient, water is sometimes overlooked in the diet. Water is necessary for all of our organs to work properly. Insufficient water intake is a common cause of constipation in kids with autism.