None of us have this problem, right?? I can tell you, in my personal experience, my son adjusted to food well after being breastfed. He tried just about anything; fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, the works. As he got older he stopped eating foods he use to eat. Now at age 9, he has gotten very picky and specific about food. He does not like fruit. In fact, just until a few years ago, he would eat bananas and applesauce, but he refuses those now. He's actually better at veggies and will eat broccoli, carrots, peas, onion (mixed in foods), string beans and corn. And forget about breads. Will not touch or eat and if someone is eating bread near him he has a disgusted look on his face! So I was excited for this topic. Here is some information I obtained at a recent support group meeting at CARD. I feel a disclaiming coming on....
This site does not provide medical advice. The content of the information obtained from CARD and shared here is intended for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your child with Autism. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you've read here.
Common Nutrition & Feeding
Concerns:
- “picky” eating behaviors
- Difficulty with transitioning to age appropriate diet
- Increased Sensory Sensitivity
- Short attention span
- Limited variety in diet
- Need for routine
Common eating preference:
- Preference to dry, crunchy food
- Refusal of soft, smooth textures
- A dislike for fruits and vegetables
- Preference to finger foods
- Preference to certain brands and preparation methods
- Preference for food of particular color(s)
- -some common foods that are preferred:
- Dry cereal, crackers, chicken nuggets, pizza slices, hot dogs and pasta
Impact on growth and development?
The majority of children with ASD
are of average height and weight, according to the Center for Disease and
Control (2012)
Other nutrition concerns that are
associated with diet:
-vitamin and mineral deficiencies
-gastrointestinal concerns (reflux,
constipation, diarrhea)
-food allergies
-drug nutrient interations
Drug Nutrient Interactions
Medication may increase of decrease
appetite and may affect vitamin and mineral absorption.
Examples for interactions:
-Ritalin decreases appetite and
stunts growth
-Risperdal or SSRI, may increase
appetite
-Seizure medications affect calcium,
vitamin D and folate metabolism and may need to be supplemented
What we know about Autism & diet
implications
- Studies have shown a difference in nutrient intake with typically developing children (CDC, 2012).
- Additional studies have shown children diagnosed with ASD eat less than the recommended amounts of: vitamin C, D, several B vitamins, iron, and calcium
Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet
-Leaky gut hypothesis; the gut allow
peptide metabolites of Casein & Gluten to cross into the blood stream and
then into spinal fluid.
-These peptides act as opiates in
the brain and interfere with CNS Function.
The central nervous system (CNS)
is the processing center for the nervous system. The two main organs of the CNS are the brain
and spinal cord. The nervous system
consists of the brain, spinal cord and a complex network of neurons.
Some argument have been made that
Autism may be influenced by Gluten and Casein diets
GCFC Diet: Studies and Implications
-A meta-analysis in 2008 showed
no-evidence for efficacy of a GFCF diet.
-2010 study of 15 children with
Autism (ages 2-16 years of age), showed no significant results.
--However, Parents and Caregivers
reported improvement in Autism related symptoms
--Indicate there is more of a need
for investigation and analysis within clinical trials
GFCF diet impact on families
-Extra time needed to buy and
prepare foods/meals
-Diet makes child “special” or
“different”
-Diet makes peer/social interactions
difficult by the introduction of this barrier
-High cost of alternative foods
GFCF Diet: Nutrition Implications
Children on the GFCF diet ten to eat
more fruit & vegetables, and less bread and cereals.
Common risks of nutrient
deficiencies:
Gluten Free diet: Iron, Zinc,
B-vitamins and Folate
Dairy Free diet: Calcium, vitamin D, Vitamin B2, and Protein
GFCF diet: What to do?
Weight the Pros and Cons and decide
if the diet may be an “option” for your child.
Start slowly. Start with a CF of GF diet first. Then make a few changes at a time, and observe
your child
Supplement Calcium and Vitamin D
Give a Children’s Multivitamin with
Minerals
Most importantly, talk to your
pediatrician or consult with a registered dietician.
Encouragement: picker eaters
Helpful guidelines
-Important to rule out any medical drivers
of food allergies that could be causing a dislike of particular flavors or food
groups. (Consult with
pediatrician/dietician)
-Its perfectly natural for a child
to be averse to eating a food that caused a bad tummy ache or a bout of food
poisoning in the past. Basic instinct!
-Avoid making food a source of
conflict with your family! Arguing over
a food item will not make any situation better—tends to make things worse.
7 Stops to trying new foods:
- Simply look at new foods items together
- Suggest to smell it and/or touch the food item together
- When you feel your child is ready, suggest licking or tasting the food item
- Sometimes it can help to mix the new food item with a familiar and preferred food for the first taste. (This gradual approach can decrease anxiety about new foods by increasing familiarity.
- Try and give your child choices so they can feel in control of their meals (provide 3 choices: Peas, carrots or salad -or- Providing a wide array of foods items, like a buffet.
- Make you child’s favorite meal, but add a “mystery ingredient” and make a game out of it
- Include your child in the cooking
process, and have him/her choose certain food items (encouraging choice and
control can help avoid argument/meltdowns and encourages a more varied diet)
It’s important to find solution with you child. The more fun, the better. Make faces on pizza with different vegetables and pepperoni. Paint with pasta sauce. Experiment with how food changes color or consistency when mixed together or cooked. Each of these activities will help a child become more comfortable around new and different foods, create opportunities for trying new tastes and keep food discussion positive. Make mealtime an opportunity for flexibility, education, choices, and most of all, fun and children will respond favorably, whatever their age.
source: CARD
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