Dietary Considerations in Autism: Identifying a Reasonable Approach

Authors:

Johnson, T.

Source:

Topics in Clinical Nutrition, Volume 21, Issue 3, p.212-225 (2006)

Layperson Summary:

There is no scientific proof that special diets help children with autism.

In this review article, the author: 1) summarizes basic information on autism; 2) describes popular diets used as therapies for people with autism; 3) reviews feeding behaviors that are specific to people with autism; 4) describes a reasonable dietary approach for children with autism. She begins by stating that many parents try unproven diets in hopes of helping their children’s autism. She notes that children with autism often have more feeding problems than typical children. These feeding problems are likely to last into adulthood and can be made worse by forcing a child to eat a more limited diet. She suggests that nutritionists be informed about autism in order to offer specific dietary suggestions to parents.

Scientific Abstract

page last updated 01/02/2007

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