What are the symptoms and treatment of ASD?
The signs and symptoms of autism can widely vary and appear at different stages of life. Some children show signs early on in the first few years of life, while others don’t show any signs until adulthood. Because the severity and degree of challenges can vary within this disorder, autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder. Some of the common nutrition related symptoms include hypersensitivity to different tastes/smells/colors/textures, and intense reactions to small changes in their surroundings.
ASD treatment can involve a combination of therapies, depending on the individual's unique challenges. Possible treatment strategies for both children and adults include social skills training, speech-language therapy occupational therapy, specialized educational services, treatment of co-occurring conditions, and medications.
Nutrition and eating challenges associated with ASD
- Picky eating and rigid timing of meals with limited independent feeding
- High intake of a single food source (eg. packaged foods with consistent flavour and texture), which may lead to an imbalanced intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
- Food sensory hypersensitivities related to textures, smell, flavours, and food temperatures
- Autistic traits such as food avoidance and food sensitivities can lead to the potential development of anorexia nervosa and/or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is considered as extreme picky eating where individuals do not meet their nutritional needs, leading to significant nutrient deficiencies and comorbidities
- Distractibility during mealtimes around others and avoiding eating in social settings due to social anxiety and sensitivities
What are the researched nutrition strategies for ASD?
Food chaining: For individuals with food selectiveness/ARFID, food chaining is a technique that can be used, which involves introducing foods with different textures/flavors/smells/mouthfeels by chaining them to “safe foods”. This technique can make eating new foods easier. Speak to a dietitian for help with food chaining.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA): Generally, individuals should focus on a diet rich in omega-3 PUFA, EPA, and DHA food sources such as fatty fish, seeds (eg. chia seeds, flax, hemp), nuts, vegetable oils, etc.
It is important to note that while these nutrition recommendations have been researched for use in conjunction with other therapies for ASD, there is no strong evidence to suggest that they are effective as a sole treatment for ASD. Speaking with a dietitian nutritionist for autism can provide more information on nutritional strategies that may be right for you.
Let us help.
Change Creates Change is happy to offer online and in-person nutrition counseling and therapy to individuals across Canada. Folks do not need to have ARFID or another eating disorder or a formal ASD diagnosis. Discover if we are the right fit for you by booking a free consultation below!
