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