Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diet and Alternative Approaches

Some parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) choose to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to support their child's general health and potential behavioural difficulties. An estimated 30 to 95 percent of children with ASD have been given some type of CAM approach. Not all CAM approaches have been fully researched. Many are safe and some may be helpful, but care is needed. Not every approach will work for every person on the spectrum, and what works for one person may not work for another. For this reason it is important to talk to your doctor before making changes to an autism spectrum disorder diet or to lifestyle.

The Autism Diet

Some doctors discuss an autism diet. This diet works by reducing or removing gluten and casein.

Gluten is a protein found in the seeds of some grains, such as wheat, barley and rye. It is found in many food products and can cause digestive problems.

Casein is a protein found in dairy products and can be another common source of digestive problems. Both gluten and casein are thought by some to be inflammatory, and it is thought that removing them from the diet could help general health and behaviour in people with autism.

Gluten and casein have been suggested as possible contributors to the following:

• Sleepiness
• Light-headedness
• Inattentive behaviour
• Aggression
• Self-injurious behaviour

Some autism organisations suggest that a gluten- and dairy-free diet can be tried with professional guidance. Some families trial it for a short period, such as 1 to 3 months, to see whether it makes any difference. If you want to try removing gluten and casein from the diet, you should try to remove only one at a time. Removing just one is the best way to see whether it has any effect, without taking out both food components at once.

It is important to make sure your child gets the nutrients they need, which can be harder to do on a special diet. Children who follow a dairy-free diet may need calcium to be looked at by their doctor or dietitian. You may also need to increase the amount of calcium-rich foods in their diet that are not dairy products.

A recent study ran a double-blind trial to assess whether following the autism diet really helps the behaviour or gut health of autistic children. The study found no evidence that the autism diet made a significant difference.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of good fat found in fish oils and in supplement form. They contribute to brain development and function. According to the journal Biological Psychiatry, some small, early studies have suggested that adding omega-3 to a child's diet might improve hyperactive and repetitive behaviours in people with autism. Other research published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology suggests that omega-3s may help improve social skills in children with ASD.

Some studies support omega-3 fatty acids, while others do not. A recent placebo-controlled study reported that children with autism tolerated omega-3s well, but that omega-3s did not help to improve behavioural problems. The study concluded, however, that the regular health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids still apply. Ask your child's doctor before using any supplement.

Alternative Approaches for Autism

Approaches for Sleep Difficulties

In autism spectrum disorder, bright light therapy is a potential approach for children with autism who struggle to sleep at night. With this approach the child is exposed to periods of bright light in the morning, which may help the body's natural release of melatonin.

Other approaches that may help your child to sleep more include:

• Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine or sugar before bedtime.
• Creating a routine that you follow every night.
• Turning off the television or video games at least an hour before bed, and helping the child relax by playing soft music or reading a book.
• Adding light-blocking curtains to your child's room to help stop outside stimuli from disturbing them.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy is designed to remove heavy metals from the body. It is used to treat poisoning from heavy metals such as lead or mercury. It is not an approved treatment for autism spectrum disorder.

There is no evidence that metals cause autism, and no evidence that this treatment works. It can even be dangerous for some people. The medicines used can potentially cause seizures, heart problems and organ damage. Although some people recommend it, the potential dangers are not yet fully understood. Speak to your child's doctor before considering it.

Relaxation Techniques

Behavioural difficulties are a common issue for people with autism spectrum disorder. Calming techniques such as deep pressure massage or wearing weighted clothing may help to settle agitation in people with ASD.

The specialist June Groden recommends the progressive relaxation techniques developed by Edmund Jacobson. This involves teaching people the difference between tense and relaxed muscles. In this technique people are taught how to tighten and relax their muscles, including those of the hands, arms and legs. The technique is done together with deep breathing and may help to ease stress and agitation.

This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.