Nutritional Alternatives to Autism

Autism is a severe developmental disorder affecting one in every 150 children born today. It is estimated today that $9 billion is spent studying, researching and diagnosing the cause and effect of autism.

There has been a growing awareness of this disease with the publication of the subject in books and magazines. The disease can be diagnosed as early as birth or as late as two and a half years old. Cases range from mild to severe. In each case the causes can be biological, environmental or genetic. The goal of nutrition therapy for autism is to "support the structure and function of the child's brain and body to perform at their optimum level."

Research studies have shown that nutrient deficiencies in the body is a major cause of autistic behavior in children. These deficiencies although complicated can help improve a child's development with basic changes in their diet.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

A deficiency most common in children with autism is Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Found in oily fish such as salmon and flaxseeds and canola oils.

• Components of cell membranes, helping to relay signal information from outside the cell to inside the cell,
• Research shows that it insulates the myelin sheath,
• Protects the chemical triggering messages to proceed to their target

"Deficiencies in essential fatty acids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a range of developmental and behavioral disorders. Fatty acids are critical for brain development and the maintenance of normal brain function."¹

Additionally, Vitamin B6 and Magnesium are critical nutrients that help improve development of a child with ASD.

Benefits of Vitamin B6

• Essential co-factor for a majority of metabolic pathways for neurotransmitters
• Activates amino acids and helps with energy production

Benefits of Magnesium

• An essential mineral
• Required for a wide range of enzyme catalyzed metabolic pathways
• Helps Vitamin B6 be absorbed

Gluten and Casein Free Diet

In the 1960's Dr. FC Dohan hypothesized that gluten and dairy foods might worsen behaviors in autistic children. Dr. Dohan beleived that a restricted diet could lead to significant improvement or recovery in this disorder.

Gluten is the mixture of the proteins gliadin and glutenin found in foods such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, cereals and most pasta. CASEIN is found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and pudding. The proteins from these foods consist of long chains of amino acids. Normally, proteins are digested by enzymes in the intestines and then are broken down into amino acids, and as this digestion is incomplete, short chains of these amino acids, known as "peptides," will be released.

A nutritional supplement program that is balanced and readily absorbed is vital to a child with autism. Advanced research has shown that a simple, yet powerful supplement called Now for Kids contains a broad base of advanced nutrients including DHA, an omega fatty acid, critical for the development of the brain, eyes and central nervous system. It also features Phosphatidylserine(PS) and Phosphatidylcholine(PC) which supports healthy cellular development, mental clarity, memory, learning and cognitive functions. Providing meals that are different from other family members can be challenging to a parent. An autisitic child will easily know that he is told to eat differently from his siblings and may protest it. Obedience to any diet requires serious commitment from family and friends. This product is simple to take and provides the necessary nutritional needs for growing bodies, developing minds, and mental performance. It comes in delicious chocolate or vanilla flavor that kids love to drink and it's Gluten - Free! Because autism is not curable, parents sometimes feel helpless and will resort to the internet and other uncreditable media sources to cure their child with their diet. Providing nutrition that is tasty and easy to take will help encourage all members of the family to participate and enjoy the benefits of nutrition builds wellness.

1. Cormier Elder JH. "Diet and child Behavior Problems: Fact or Fiction?" Pediatric Nursing. 2007;33(2) 138-143