Foods for children with autism

Nov 6, 2013

As a certified holistic health counselor and a mother, I’ve had my share of experience helping children with disabilities. Over the next three weeks, I will be featuring three disabilities that are increasingly prevalent: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Certain diets can help support these children with brain physiology, common physical symptoms, nourishing foods and foods to avoid.

First up this week is ASD. The most recent statistics indicate approximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S. are on the spectrum.

Autistic manifestations usually begin to appear between the first and second year of life and include delays or abnormalities in language and complex behavior, social interactions, repetitive behavior or unusual interests and preoccupations. According to The Autism Society there is no single cause of autism and most cases involve a combination of genetic risk factors, environmental factors and very early brain development.