Dietary recommendations for people on the autism spectrum are generally believed to be similar to those for the general population. Recent evidence suggests that some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a higher than average need for nutrients due to digestive imbalances that may affect absorption. Recommendations for the five food groups, as well as tip sheets and interactive nutrition games, are found at ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Nutritional Needs and Recommended Guidelines

Growth, Nutrient, and Energy Needs

• Same as those for the general population unless there are digestive issues.
• Some people with ASD may be at nutritional risk due to their behaviors with foods and eating. Common problems include refusing certain foods and being unwilling to try new foods. Some individuals may prefer food that is a specific consistency, color, brand, or shape. This type of behavior can put them at nutritional risk, especially if entire food groups (i.e., vegetables or dairy) are avoided.

Common Health Concerns Related to ASD

• Food Sensitivities: Researchers have found that psychoactive peptides from improperly digested casein (milk) or gluten-based (wheat) foods affect brain function in some individuals with ASD. The treatment is a gluten-free, casein-free diet. It is important to consult with a physician and a licensed nutrition professional before eliminating foods from the diet.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: People on the autism spectrum may be selective eaters, which can put them at risk for some vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If a diet is high in overly processed foods, a person may be deficient in vitamins C, E, and B-6 and minerals such as magnesium, molybdenum, chromium, and selenium.

Recommendations regarding supplements and special diets should come from registered dietitians or licensed nutritionists and physicians.

If a person with ASD presents with any of the following, please consult with a physician or registered dietitian nutritionist to address nutritional concerns:

• A picky eater,
• Has extensive food allergies,
• Has problems with food texture,
• Is always tired and lacks energy,
• Has chronic diarrhea or stomach distress

Approaches for Healthy Lifestyles

Learning how to make food choices starts in childhood. Individuals with ASD have difficulty internalizing concepts, but are comfortable with routine. The basics of good nutrition can often be learned if repeated frequently over a long period of time. It is important to recognize that using food as a reward may contribute to weight gain and dental problems.

For all ages

• When trying to add a new food to someone’s diet, only introduce one food at a time and allow the person to get comfortable with that food over a span of time (1 week or so) before introducing a new food.
• Instead of a cookie jar, have a bowl of cut-up fruit in the refrigerator.
• Look for low-fat, crunchy alternatives to chips for those that crave foods with texture. Try baked chips, veggie straws, or nuts.

For Children:

• Avoid using food as a reward.
• Avoid offering food unnecessarily.
• Offer healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables, low-fat popcorn, cereal bars, and low-fat yogurt.
• Offer only water as a beverage with meals so the child does not fill up with high-calorie liquids and then reject food.

Getting involved in food preparation

Being an active participant in food preparation can teach a person with ASD skills that may be applied to other areas of life.

• Use visual cues like real food, photographs, or symbols to teach food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy). Visual cues are useful for people who are visual thinkers.
• Create a list of favorite foods.
• Arrange the list by food groups – this becomes a tool for menu planning and snack choices.
• Engage in food preparation, i.e., washing the vegetables or getting ingredients from the pantry.
• Stir batter or pudding.

 Ideas for increasing physical activity:

• Park farther away.
• Play “tag” for a few minutes in the park.
• Walk to the corner store or activities that are in the neighborhood.
• Use a push mower to mow a lawn – 10 minutes of pushing burns 45 calories.
• Rake a lawn – 10 minutes of raking burns 40 calories.
• Wash windows.
• Mop floors.
• Take stairs instead of an elevator.
• Connect with neighborhood walking groups.
• Join a group that does mall walking.