For autism spectrum disorder, nutrition always determines almost everything. In case your child’s diet is not adequate, it can dramatically increase the autistic behaviors and signs or make them worse.
At the same time, if your autistic child is getting the right nutrients, autistic behaviors and signs can be reduced and even can get improved. It has been seen that slight changes in the diet can majorly affect autistic behaviors.
You just need to cut down on some particular types of food and include some specific foods that can supply the right nutrients that your child needs.
The Best Foods For Autistic Children
According to a group of autism nutritionists, the following are the foods that you need to include in your child’s diet in order to help them with their autism symptoms along with overall health.
Fatty Fish And Eggs
These types of foods are especially stuffed with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid is particularly helpful for fighting inflammation along with improving brain functioning. Studies also state that lower consumption of this fatty is linked to ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, dyspraxia, and also autism.
Another study has found that hyperactivity along with ASD symptomatology can be majorly improved with higher intaking of omega 3 fatty acids.
You can start by including eggs into the diet of your child a minimum of 3 times a week. Fatty fishes are also some great food options. But if your child does not like the taste of fatty fish, such as tuna, trout, or salmon, it will be great to start with fish burgers, fish cakes, fish tacos, and fish sticks.
Grass-Fed Beef
This is another food option that is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, grass-fed beef also contains higher levels of healthy fats along with more beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E in comparison to conventionally raised beef.
For children with autism spectrum disorder, animal protein is particularly good as it is a rich source of Vitamin B12. This particular vitamin is crucial for overall health and also plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
As per a recent study, children with ASD showed improved behavior when they were fed grass-fed beef.
Beans, Seeds, Nuts, Shellfish
A considerable percentage of children with autism spectrum disorder mostly show zinc deficiencies as a result of a restricted diet.
Studies have shown that having a diet with an adequate amount of zinc consumption can really assist in improving not only autistic behaviors but also mitigate picky eating at a high percentage.
So, you should incorporate zinc-rich foods into your child’s diet. Here are some of the best sources of these types of food.
- Shellfish.
- Peas.
- Cheese.
- Yogurt.
- Chickpeas.
- Beans.
- Almonds.
- Cashews.
Food You Should Go With
In most cases, children with autism spectrum disorder lack the following nutrients.
- Folic acid.
- Zinc.
- Iron.
- Calcium.
- Fiber.
- Vitamin A.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin D.
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin K.
- Vitamin B6.
- Vitamin B12.
You either can opt for some dietary supplement that will cover the deficiency, or you can add the following food into your child’s diet.
- Rice.
- Avocado.
- Butter squash.
- Mushroom.
- Pumpkin.
- Sweet red pepper.
- Beet green.
- Citrus, such as grapefruit and oranges.
- Carrots.
- Tomatoes.
- Melons.
- Mango.
- Green peas.
- Oatmeal.
- Chickpeas.
- Chicken, turkey, and lean beef.
- Dark chocolate.
- Lentils.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Spinach.
- Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and kale.
- Edamame,
- Apricots and dried figs.
- Soy milk.
- Chia seeds.
- Seafood.
- Eggs.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Peanuts and peanut butter.
- Beans, such as pinto beans, black beans, and navy beans.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
When it comes to taking care of your autistic child, you are obviously going to have a lot of doubts and queries, which is completely okay. We are always there to help you. So, if you have any further queries or doubts, you can directly reach us for a reliable solution.
Till then, here are some most common questions people encounter with their autistic child. We believe these will help you.
Q1: What Foods Help Kids With Autism?
Fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts are really great food items to add to your child’s regular diet. Some particular foods might lead to gastrointestinal issues in autistic children. In some cases, you also can opt for some specialized diet, such as a casein-free or gluten-free or ketogenic diet for your child.
Q2: What Foods Are Best For Autism?
Here in this article, we have already given you the list of foods that you should include in your child who is suffering from autism spectrum disorder. You should ensure that your child is getting all the necessary nutrients either through their diet or an appropriate supplement from brands such as Simple Spectrum. And you should always avoid processed food for your child.