Digestive Topics:General Nutrition and Autism
General Nutrition and Autism
Children with autism can present with unique nutritional challenges and nutritional deficiencies have been described in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In addition to nutrition deficiencies, obesity has also been well-described to occur with ASDs. As a result, routine health maintenance with your family physician or pediatrician is essential to ensuring appropriate nutritional support for a child with ASD. Routine doctor visits allow for consistent measurement of weight and height; following these measurements over time and a detailed dietary history may help identify children with ASD who are at risk for nutritional problems.
Nutritional Deficiencies and ASDs
Various nutritional deficiencies have been described in children with ASDs. These can result from a variety of reasons such as narrow food preferences or specific food/texture aversions. In a study of 53 children with ASD between the ages of 3 and 11 years, food selectivity was common – including a limited food repertoire and food refusal. Frequent nutrient deficiencies were observed in the diet of these children with ASDs and included fiber, vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium.(1)
Other studies have reported poor protein intake, vitamin B12 deficiency, and iron deficiency in children with ASDs.(2, 3) Food selectivity has been shown to be an important risk factor in the development of nutritional deficiencies with ASDs. Children with a more restricted diet may be more likely to suffer from inadequate intake of nutrients and develop nutritional deficiencies.(1, 3)
ASDs and Obesity
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, children with ASDs are also at risk of excess body weight. Recent studies have demonstrated that children with ASDs are at least as likely as children without autism to become overweight or obese.(4, 5) Risk factors for obesity in children with ASD may include impairments in motor function that limit physical activity, as well as social impairment or rigidity to a specific routine that limits involvement in structured physical activity with peers. While food selectivity may predispose to specific nutrient deficiencies in the diet, it may also place a child with ASD at risk for obesity if calorie-dense foods are preferred.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Child with ASD May Have a Nutrition Problem
If you suspect that a child with an ASD may have a problem with nutrition, the first step you should take is discussing concerns with the child’s physician. It may be necessary to fill out an extended dietary journal to help identify areas of potential deficiency or excess of nutrient intake. Based on history or diet journal, the physician may be able to determine if specific vitamin or mineral supplementation is needed.
General Tips for Your Child with ASD and Food Selectivity
- If the child has a limited number of foods he/she will eat, try some of the following basic steps:
- Introduce foods with a flavor or texture similar to a favorite food
- Introduce strawberries if the child likes strawberry ice cream
- Try low fat frozen yogurt if the child likes ice cream
- Introduce fish sticks or fried vegetables if the child likes chicken nuggets
- Expose children to new foods gradually
- Place new foods on the table only for the first few times, then perhaps on their plate without expecting them to try the food
- Do not force your child to eat all of a new food, allow experimentation
- Allow only tastes, touch, or smell during introduction periods if needed
- Mirror desired behavior by eating new food as a family, talk about a new food positively
- Remember, changing behavior and/or accepting new things can take time, effort, and patience
1. Bandini LG, Anderson SE, Curtin C, Cermak S, Evans EW, Scampini R, Maslin M, et al. Food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children. J Pediatr 2010;157:259-264.
2. Buie T, Campbell DB, Fuchs GJ, 3rd, Furuta GT, Levy J, Vandewater J, Whitaker AH, et al. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASDs: a consensus report. Pediatrics 2010;125 Suppl 1:S1-18.
3. Zimmer MH, Hart LC, Manning-Courtney P, Murray DS, Bing NM, Summer S. Food variety as a predictor of nutritional status among children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2012;42:549-556.
4. Curtin C, Bandini LG, Perrin EC, Tybor DJ, Must A. Prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders: a chart review. BMC Pediatr 2005;5:48.
5. Curtin C, Anderson SE, Must A, Bandini L. The prevalence of obesity in children with autism: a secondary data analysis using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children's Health. BMC Pediatr 2010;10:11.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:This information from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.
Updated July 2014