A REVIEW STUDY ON DIETARY IMPLICATIONS IN AUTISM

Syeda Bushra Fatima* and Maali Saud Alharbi

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism cases have increased during the past few years. According to 2008 statistics, the incidence of autism in KSA alone is 6:1000, and that in USA is 1:88. By 2010, these figures have escalated from 1:88 to 1:68, i.e. by 29%. The recent researches focus on the effect of dietary deficiencies on metabolic disturbances and developmental disorders. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have restrictive and ritualistic behaviors that affect their eating habits. Selective eating has high prevalence in autistic children than the non-autistic. To date, however, most studies lack the statistical power to arm physicians with evidence-based treatment recommendations for managing symptoms of autism with nutrition. However, it is increasingly important for pediatricians and other physicians who manage children with autism to become familiar with the evidence to date on various nutritional approaches. Objective: In the present study, we aim to study the role of diet and nutrition in relation to prevention, control and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conclusion: There are no specific dietary interventions as such that can cure autism, but certain foods have been found to reduce the symptoms in autistic children. Proper nutrition guidelines may play a role in managing the symptoms in these children.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD); Metabolic alterations in Autism; Gluten Free Casein Free Elimination Diet; Ketogenic Diet, Chanyi; Childhood Autism Rating Scale.