Caring for autistic children often requires more attention and patience from parents compared to caring for typical children, especially when it comes to nutrition for autistic children. A proper diet not only meets the nutritional needs for the physical health development of autistic children but can also help improve some symptoms in children with this condition. In this article, let’s explore with CentiUP the importance of nutrition as well as key considerations in the diet for autistic children, parents!
1. What role does nutrition play for autistic children?
Autism in children is a major issue affecting health and quality of life that we need to face. Particularly in the past two decades, the rate of children diagnosed with autism has been increasing rapidly. Although medicine has made significant advances, there is still no definitive cure for this condition.
Autism usually begins quite early and often lasts a lifetime, with symptoms worsening over time. Since this condition affects many aspects, from communication (language skills) to social interaction and daily behaviors, it requires a combination of therapies to improve. Nutrition for autistic children is one of the key issues that parents need to pay attention to when caring for their child.
Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that dietary interventions can greatly support autistic children. For instance, many children with autism suffer from digestive disorders, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. These issues can be controlled if autistic children follow a scientific diet, helping restore balance in their intestines and digestive system.
According to some studies, experts have indicated that certain components in food can make the nervous system of autistic children more sensitive and easily stimulated. An imbalanced diet may increase the frequency and intensity of irritability, agitation, anger, and even hyperactivity. On the contrary, a balanced and scientific diet for autistic children will improve their overall health, address physical issues, and promote brain development. The vitamins and minerals obtained through food also help soothe and balance the emotions of autistic children effectively.
Autistic children often have sensitive taste buds and rarely feel hungry. Therefore, establishing a reasonable diet for autistic children plays a very important role in their care and treatment. If a child’s physical condition declines, it can also lead to mental health deterioration, exacerbating language and behavioral deficiencies.
2. Dietary considerations in nutrition for autistic children that parents should keep in mind
According to the British Nutrition Association, there is not much difference between a healthy diet for most people and the diet for autistic children. However, parents should pay attention to some foods that autistic children should and should not eat, as listed below, to maximize the benefits of nutrition and support interventions for autistic children.
2.1. What should autistic children eat?
Foods rich in Omega-3
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that is beneficial for children’s health. Autistic children often have a higher need for Omega-3 compared to typical children. For the brain, Omega-3 helps promote development, repair, and restore damaged nerve cells. According to experts, regularly supplementing this fatty acid in nutrition for autistic children will help alleviate some symptoms that autistic children face, such as anxiety, stress, hyperactivity, aggression, etc.
In the long term, Omega-3 also improves intelligence, communication skills, and language development. Therefore, parents should supplement Omega-3 for autistic children through foods like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, cauliflower, soybeans, etc.
Foods rich in Vitamin D
According to research published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, experts have indicated that low levels of Vitamin D may increase the risk of autism in children. Vitamin D not only helps reduce symptoms in autistic children but also boosts their immune system, protects against DNA damage, reduces inflammatory cytokines, decreases stress, and balances emotions.
Thus, adding Vitamin D to the nutrition for autistic children is essential and cannot be overlooked in their daily diet. Some Vitamin D-rich foods that parents should include for autistic children are salmon, shrimp, eggs, liver, whole milk, etc.
Foods rich in Iron
Iron is an essential nutrient for the body, especially for autistic children. Autistic children often have a more sensitive nervous system and slower development than typical children. Iron-rich foods help promote cognitive, mental, and language development. Additionally, iron supports nerve cell protection and regeneration, red blood cell production, and boosts immunity in autistic children.
Iron can be found in foods such as beef, eggs, pumpkin, liver, beans, etc.
Yogurt
Digestive disorders, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome are common problems that autistic children face. This is why they should include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt in their daily diet. These beneficial bacteria help balance the gut microbiome, improve digestion, and allow autistic children to absorb nutrients better, enhancing their overall health.
Autistic children often prefer soft, easy-to-chew foods, so yogurt is usually a favored item in their diet.
Foods rich in Vitamin C
According to some expert studies, adding Vitamin C to the nutrition for autistic children can help reduce repetitive, stereotypical behaviors in children with autism. Although these studies have only been conducted on a small group of autistic children, they suggest that Vitamin C may have positive effects.
Vitamin C is abundant in fruits and vegetables, especially in pineapples, strawberries, oranges, grapefruits, acerola cherries, guava, etc. If children refuse fresh fruits and vegetables, parents can make juices, smoothies, or serve them with yogurt.
2.2. What should autistic children avoid eating?
In the nutrition for autistic children, parents should be mindful of certain food ingredients to avoid worsening autism symptoms and affecting the child’s physical health. Below are some foods autistic children should avoid:
Sugary foods
The diet for autistic children should limit sugar intake as much as possible. Children typically enjoy sweet, sugary foods and drinks. However, sugar intake increases dopamine in the brain, significantly increasing the frequency and intensity of hyperactive behaviors.
Gluten-containing foods
Gluten is a protein found in grains like barley and wheat. While gluten does not harm a child’s health, children with digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation may see their symptoms worsen after consuming gluten. Additionally, when gluten is not metabolized, it can trigger abnormal behaviors and emotions in autistic children. Therefore, eliminating gluten from the diet of autistic children is something parents should pay attention to.
Allergy-causing foods
Compared to typical children, autistic children often have more sensitive bodies. Experts note that autistic children are more likely to be allergic to certain proteins in legumes and seafood. To avoid allergies and protect the child’s physical health, parents should limit these foods for autistic children.
Clearly, nutrition for autistic children plays a very important role, and parents need to pay attention to their child’s daily menu. Each autistic child has different physical and taste preferences. In addition to noting which foods autistic children should and shouldn’t eat, parents should be patient and strive to create a suitable diet to help their child develop physically and improve their condition effectively!
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