Nutrition therapy for autistic children
There is growing evidence that nutrition therapy can make a big difference to children with autism.
Autism is a condition involving abnormalities of brain development and behaviour, which manifests itself before a child is three years old.
It is characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour.
Many autistic children have severely disrupted digestion, so restoring balance is a major focus.
Many parents have reported that their child received repeated or prolonged courses of antibiotic drugs for ear or other respiratory infections during their first year, before diagnosis of autism. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria in the gut, weakening the intestinal membranes. This can lead to leaky gut syndrome, in which large molecules that should not be absorbed through the gut membrane get through.
If your child has autism, restoring a healthy gut is vital. You can start simply, by supplementing digestive enzymes, and giving probiotics. The measures heal the digestive tract and promote normal absorption.
There is much overlap between hyperactivity and autism, so for autistic children who show signs of hyperactivity, improving blood sugar balance is crucial.
When a child regularly snacks on refined carbohydrates, sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, juices and little or no fibre , the levels of glucose in their blood will seesaw continually and trigger wild fluctuations in their levels of activity, concentration, focus and behaviour and affect brain function.
Deficiencies in essential fats are common and an autistic child is likely to need a higher intake of essential fats. It has been found that supplementing EPA, which can slow the activity of the defective enzyme and improve behaviour. Vitamins B6, C and magnesium supplements significantly improve symptoms. Keep a food diary and note your child’s behaviours and symptoms alongside all the foods they’re eating. This can help to identify which of the usual suspects they are sensitive.