| Diet For Autism | | | | strawberries, blueberries, raspberries - and any |
| Autism diet recommendations can be many and | | | | other berries that you can find and that your child |
| varied. Some experts will suggest gluten-free and | | | | enjoys - on hand for snacks. They can satisfy a |
| casein-free diets. Gluten is a substance found in | | | | sweet tooth and don't break the rules of most |
| breads and other grains and casein appears in milk | | | | autism diets. |
| and dairy products. The belief is that some people | | | | Sugar-free sweetening. You can still give your kids |
| with autism have trouble digesting such | | | | sweet things without loading them down with |
| substances, resulting in a decreased, foggy state | | | | sugar. Stevia can be an effective solution for this |
| of consciousness. | | | | problem. Readily available in health food stores, |
| Other autism diet suggestions include cutting out | | | | Stevia is a South American herb that's sweeter |
| yeast and sugars, and concentrating on consuming | | | | than sugar and is an excellent alternative, as long |
| larger quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables. | | | | as it is used in moderation. In most autism diets, |
| Each of these theories have solid research to | | | | other sweetening agents - sugar, honey, |
| back them up, but while adults may be able to | | | | molasses, maple syrup, jelly etc - should be kept |
| make dietary decisions for their children, it is not | | | | to an absolute minimum. Stevia can be used in |
| always as easily applied as they may wish. | | | | many of a child's favorite recipes such as in |
| Kids are still kids whether they have autism or | | | | lemonade and cookies. |
| not! They have individual tastes, and will prefer | | | | Use supplements. If you are worried that your |
| some foods to others. It is not always easy to | | | | child's diet isn't giving them all the nutrition they |
| remove the foods that they enjoy, and introduce | | | | need, speak to your doctor or naturopath about |
| those that don't typically appeal. | | | | supplements. When kids are off dairy products, |
| So the following are practical tips for parents who | | | | they may need calcium, magnesium and Vitamin |
| are aiming to introduce a healthy autism diet. | | | | D. Enzyme supplements can help aid digestion. And |
| Turn it into finger food. Some small children can | | | | there are a host of other beneficial supplements |
| be more likely to eat something when they know | | | | from fish oil to amino acids, Vitamin B12 to |
| what's in it, and often enjoy vegetables raw | | | | calcium, magnesium and zinc. Many come in |
| rather than cooked. A healthy diet should include | | | | child-friendly chewable forms but always check |
| generous servings of vegetables in at least two | | | | with a health expert first, as many of these |
| meals a day so try slicing up a selection of | | | | chewable vitamins come with a high dose of |
| vegetables like carrots, broccoli and sweet red | | | | sugar. |
| pepper into little sticks and serve them plain or | | | | As with any dietary change, make certain that |
| with a dip for dunking. Diet For Autism | | | | any decisions made are discussed with a qualified |
| Offer berries. Almost all types of berries are | | | | doctor, first. |
| nutritious and rich in antioxidants so keep | | | | |