| Bright Tots information on child development - Diet - Choosing a diet |
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| Choosing a Diet |
There is a wide assortment of autism therapies, but results vary considerably for each individual
person. Advancement towards development of medical and behavior modification solutions have
been interrupted primarily because of contradictions over the nature and causes of autism
spectrum disorders. Parents of children more severely affected by autism or perhaps children
who are not showing improvement from the therapies available to them are trying controversial
nontraditional treatments. Although, these remedies are not recognized by medical authorities
many claim that special diets do actually decreased some of the ailments related to autism.
Autism treatment usually consists of a combination of behavioral therapy, language and speech
therapy, and special education in schools. Reports suggest that play-based behavioral therapies
and alternative treatments involving dietary restrictions and vitamin supplements are beneficial.
However, there is no documented evidence to support this. Complicating their behavioral issues
is that children with autism are afflicted by additional troubles like sleeping difficulties, anxiety,
or gastrointestinal problems. Speak with your of child’s health care provider for advice about
their behaviors, education, and treatment, practitioners should approach alternative therapies with
an open mind. Children whose parents pursue dietary interventions should have their overall
nutritional status monitored by a health care provider with expertise in nutrition. Given that
person. Advancement towards development of medical and behavior modification solutions have
been interrupted primarily because of contradictions over the nature and causes of autism
spectrum disorders. Parents of children more severely affected by autism or perhaps children
who are not showing improvement from the therapies available to them are trying controversial
nontraditional treatments. Although, these remedies are not recognized by medical authorities
many claim that special diets do actually decreased some of the ailments related to autism.
Autism treatment usually consists of a combination of behavioral therapy, language and speech
therapy, and special education in schools. Reports suggest that play-based behavioral therapies
and alternative treatments involving dietary restrictions and vitamin supplements are beneficial.
However, there is no documented evidence to support this. Complicating their behavioral issues
is that children with autism are afflicted by additional troubles like sleeping difficulties, anxiety,
or gastrointestinal problems. Speak with your of child’s health care provider for advice about
their behaviors, education, and treatment, practitioners should approach alternative therapies with
an open mind. Children whose parents pursue dietary interventions should have their overall
nutritional status monitored by a health care provider with expertise in nutrition. Given that
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children with ASD may have limited diets on the basis of self selection as well, dietary interventions should ideally be performed
with input from a nutritionist.
It is best to start the diet gradually since children with autism do not take well to changes, especially alteration in the food they are
accustomed to. Parent should slowly introduce the child to anything new. For one week make only dinner using the new menu,
then during the following week make dinner and lunch, by week three all meals and snacks will be completely following their
specific diet. Studies have shown that it takes several introductions of new food before the item is accepted. Eventually, the taste
buds adjust and begin to desire the new food. Keep a diet log, and look for a pattern between symptoms and foods eaten. This
can help to isolate food allergies or intolerances. Remember to be patient and your efforts will pay off.
Strict adherence to these particular diets is required. Foods required by the diets can be quite expensive. Often it is difficult for
families to adhere to the diet for the three months required to see any benefit. Many parents think that they don’t have to follow
the diet every day or all day and eventually give in and allow their child to eat foods not allowed on the diet. This is especially true
in families where other siblings are eating regular food items. While many of these diets might seem to be the answer to helping
deal with the aspects of autism, they are rather difficult to follow and can be expensive. Several studies have shown that these
diets may improve ASD symptoms, but the overall results are inconclusive. It’s best to consult with a registered dietitian and get a
full nutritional assessment of the child before starting any diet changes or modification.
with input from a nutritionist.
It is best to start the diet gradually since children with autism do not take well to changes, especially alteration in the food they are
accustomed to. Parent should slowly introduce the child to anything new. For one week make only dinner using the new menu,
then during the following week make dinner and lunch, by week three all meals and snacks will be completely following their
specific diet. Studies have shown that it takes several introductions of new food before the item is accepted. Eventually, the taste
buds adjust and begin to desire the new food. Keep a diet log, and look for a pattern between symptoms and foods eaten. This
can help to isolate food allergies or intolerances. Remember to be patient and your efforts will pay off.
Strict adherence to these particular diets is required. Foods required by the diets can be quite expensive. Often it is difficult for
families to adhere to the diet for the three months required to see any benefit. Many parents think that they don’t have to follow
the diet every day or all day and eventually give in and allow their child to eat foods not allowed on the diet. This is especially true
in families where other siblings are eating regular food items. While many of these diets might seem to be the answer to helping
deal with the aspects of autism, they are rather difficult to follow and can be expensive. Several studies have shown that these
diets may improve ASD symptoms, but the overall results are inconclusive. It’s best to consult with a registered dietitian and get a
full nutritional assessment of the child before starting any diet changes or modification.
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| How much do you need each day from each food group? |
Daily Food Guide
Calorie levels shown in this table are averages for the group. Calorie needs will vary for individuals
depending on age, gender, height, weight and activity level. Go to www.My Pyramid,gov to find out about
your personal calorie plan.
Calorie levels shown in this table are averages for the group. Calorie needs will vary for individuals
depending on age, gender, height, weight and activity level. Go to www.My Pyramid,gov to find out about
your personal calorie plan.
* pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their health care providers or a licensed dietitian /
nutritionist for information about their daily food intake.
nutritionist for information about their daily food intake.
| Here are the foods and amounts you can choose from each food group when following the daily food guide shown above. |
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| ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 Bright Tots® Inc. - Educational Toys & Resource Guide to Child Development - All rights reserved. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| Choosing a Diet |
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