Researches suggest that food plays a role in the development of autism and increase ASD symptoms. Some children with ASD may be sensitive to taste, smell, color and texture of the food. They may limit or totally avoid such kind of foods and even whole food group. The food that the child may not like may include strong flavored foods, fruits, and vegetables or certain textures such as slippery or soft foods. Issues, such as selective eating and nutritional deficiencies, are often seen in individuals with Autism.
For patients with autism, food selectivity can also increase other symptoms like deficiencies in multiple nutrients, including methyl B12, vitamin D, and folic acid. There is also an evidence in which it’s said that consuming certain types of foods may directly increase the symptoms of Autism. Some studies say that dietary Gluten and Casein are not properly digested in patients with autism. Not only can the resulting peptides interfere with regular bowel motility, but also can directly affect brain functioning and
development. Undigested peptides from Gluten and Casein protein crosses the intestinal wall and disturb the brain neurotransmission, which can increase behavioral symptoms in these individuals. The gluten-free and
casein-free diet is the one that has to be consumed. Gluten is also present in the grain of the wheat, and it’s how wheat gets processed. Some of the food that may contain Gluten are:
- Soya sauce
- Energy bars
- Candy
- Chips/ Flavoured potato chips
- French fries
Oats need to be certified gluten-free. Oats do not contain gluten, but may be contaminated with wheat during processing. A lot of children’s have known to have some sort of sensitivity to the presence of
gluten in their diet. It doesn’t mean that the child have Celiac disease, but they have some intolerance towards these diet. This is what is being found in some small studies and parents are reporting that
removing gluten from the diet can make a big difference in the child’s behavior and speech and language communication, and basically connecting as well. Some food that contain casein are:
- Baked foods (bread, pastries, pies)
- Non-dairy creamer
- Whipped Topping
- Soy Cheese
- Salad dressing
- Cereals.
The theory says that antibodies to gluten and casein actually can affect the opioid preceptors and children seemed to appear to be a little more zoned out or as they say antibodies may also be affecting the brain functioning and development. This is the hypothesis, but there is no back testing for it apart from the Celiac Disease, but we are supposed to do an elimination diet. Parents have to be particularly supported by this because children’s are very choosy and selective with their appetite, working with a nutritionist is important so that you do not lose out the adequate calories you need and you don’t develop other deficiencies.
