Diet Chart For autism

Autism is the disability that affects more than 10 million children in India, with more than 1 in 88 children born with this disease. In India, there is a lack of awareness about autism amongst parents, teachers. Children with autism are less likely to exhibit social understanding and suffer inability in communication. They generally do not approach spontaneously or imitate and respond to emotions, however, they do form attachment with their caregivers. These children suffer more loneliness compared to non-autism children. Making friendship often proves to be difficult for those with autism.

Some of the classic symptoms of autism include unusual attachment to objects, repetitive behaviour, and language delay. Strategies like calm music can be used which will help anxious children with autism. There is no cure but a proper autism diet can be maintained. The autism diet includes gluten free/casein free food items. This diet strictly eliminates gluten items like wheat and barley along with casein items like dairy products. The autism diet might be able to reduce the symptoms and thus help in better communication and social interactions.

1. Dairy : When casein (one of the proteins in dairy) mixes with stomach acid, it produces something called an exorphin. Exorphins bind to the opioid receptor sites and can result in a myriad of troubles – brain fog, spaciness, inability to concentrate, and a numbness to pain.
2. Gluten : A mixture of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, gluten can increase inflammation when ingested. In fact, your body can create antibodies to gluten which can fire up, or inflame, your brain.
3. Corn : There is simply nothing truly beneficial and many potentially harmful things that can come from eating corn.
4. Sugar : Avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates and increasing lean protein can dramatically improve concentration and judgment, and decrease impulsiveness.
5. Artificial Ingredients : Avoid all additives, preservatives, dyes and artificial colors, artificial flavorings, and artificial sweeteners.

Do's And Dont's

1. Limit food/drink which is calorie empty or nutritionally unhealthy (junk food)
2. Offer appropriate serving sizes (not too much on the plate)
3. Make food attractive (try different shapes, colours)
4. Offer new foods early in the day (not when child is tired or already full)
5. Offer different/new foods when child is hungry / thirsty
6. Involve child in food preparation if possible
7. Grind vitamin and calcium supplements finely then add to food (e.g. can mix into peanut butter, jam without altering the taste)
8. Have a preferred toy at hand so that it is played with rather than the food itself

1. Milk Substitutes : Be sure the container states the product is casein-free, not just dairy-free.
2. Gluten-free Bread : These breads are made from rice or tapioca flour. The taste and texture are different from regular bread.
3. Cheese Substitutes : Check the ingredient list before purchasing any alternative cheese, as some brands that are labeled "dairy-free" may still contain the casein protein.
4. Meat : Prepackaged or frozen meat may contain spices that are not gluten-free, so it's important to check the list of ingredients.
5. Produce : Fresh fruit and vegetables are usually safe choices for gluten/casein-free foods.