Autistic children need special dietary advice

Islamabad

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often demonstrate limited food selection, strong food dislike, as well as difficulty sitting through mealtimes and not eating enough food. As such, they are predisposed to several health risks that can impede their development, necessitating expert advice from a dietician nutritionist. A healthy and balanced diet can make a great difference in the ability of autistic children to learn, to manage their emotions, and to process information.

Talking to ‘The News’ here on Thursday, consultant nutritionist at Shifa International Hospital Dr. Rezzan Khan shared important pieces of advice to aid parents caring for autistic children, whose number in Pakistan, according to recent research of the Autism Research Centre, is 350,000. Dr. Rezzan’s views were sought in view of her rich experience as a nutritionist. Moreover, March being the Nutrition Month and April 2 being World Autism Day provided the rationale for raising awareness about the nutritional needs of autistic children.

In addition to demonstrating limited food selection and strong food dislikes, someone with autism may also be sensitive to the taste, smell, colour and texture of foods. “They may limit or totally avoid some foods and even whole groups of foods. Common dislikes include fruits, vegetables and slippery soft foods. These behaviours may place them at risk for inadequate vitamin, mineral intake and constipation. Some stimulant medications used to treat autism can lower appetite and reduce food intake, which damages the child’s development. Other medications may increase appetite or affect the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals,” Dr. Rezzan shared.

Does a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet improve the symptoms of autism, Dr. Rezzan was asked. “Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley and foods made from them, for example bread, pasta, biscuits and breakfast cereals. Casein is a protein found in milk and foods made from milk, for example cream, yoghurt and cheese. Many parents of autistic children claim that the GFCF diet successfully helps reduce symptoms of autism; however scientific studies have not proven this to be true. Changing the diet may appear a safe choice but cutting out lots of foods can make the body miss important nutrients, lose weight; and not grow properly. If you are considering a GFCF diet, talk with your health care team, and ensure that that team includes a dietician nutritionist,” she advised parents.

Dr. Rezzan further shared that diets containing highly processed foods are scientifically proven to have a link with autism. These include foods with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), preservatives, pesticides, colour and flavour improvers, and softeners. “For example, HFCS causes mineral deficiencies, which prevent the body from getting rid of toxic chemicals. Basically, the longer the list of ingredients in a packaged food, the worse it is likely to be,” she hinted.

A dietician can advise on a nutritionally-balanced gluten and casein-free diet, recommend suitable alternatives and supplements, ensure that the diet provides the nutrients that the child needs, and help decide whether the diet is effective. He/she can also identify any nutritional risks based on how your child eats, answer your questions about diet therapies and supplements advertised as helpful for autism, and help guide your child on how to eat well and live healthy.

ASD is a complex developmental and neurological condition that typically appears during the first three years of life. It affects brain function, particularly in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Classic symptoms include delayed talking, lack of interest in playing with other children, not wanting to be held or cuddled, and poor eye contact. There is no known cause for ASD, but both genetics and environment are believed to play a role.

“At present, 1 out of 66 children is autistic; this number is increasing with the passage of time. According to Pakistan Country Report on Autism, 1 in every 50 children in Pakistan can be autistic; however, the actual number remains hidden due to under-reporting, misdiagnosis and social stigma,” she pointed out.