| 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 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.
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 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.
|
| 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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