Some parents will be reluctant to introduce a strict diet due to the difficulties that may be experienced initially. Whilst having merit in themselves, it may be easier to consider the introduction of improvements to nutrition and mineral/vitamin supplements. Chilren with autism will often eat only a narrow range of foods, which makes this even more relevant. Organic foods have a higher nutrient content, without compromising taste.
Supplements that you might consider include:
Multivitamin
A general moderate-dose multivitamin has been shown to improve sleep and gastrointestinal problems. Specifically:
- Vitamin A helps fight infections, and an underperforming immune system is often part of an ASD person's problem
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) helps with anti-oxidation, and the removal of lead and other metals from the body
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacon)
- Vitamin B6: Bernard Rimland, the founder of the biomedical movement for theASD community, reported big improvements in children following high doses of Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12 is another deficiency which has been linked to early developmental regression in infants
- Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, levsls of which are depleted by an individual's detoxification requirement
Minerals
- Zinc difficiency has been reported and correlated with inattention in ASD children
- Magnesium, particularly in conjunction with Vitamin B6, given together, has been shown to improve behaviours in ASD children. Magnesium deficiancy decreases blood flow to areas of the brain
- Calcium: Because of frequently having a narrow, self-limiting diet, a calcium dificiency is a risk, and so supplementation may be required
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Several studies have shown improvements in children taking these supplements.
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