By: Cristina Martínez
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
We’ve all heard the phrase:
“You are what you eat.”
Studies have suggested that individuals with autism, or any other disorder on the spectrum, present with physiological alterations related to certain modifications in the gut microbiome. These alterations influence both the biochemical and sensory mechanisms involved in food processing and metabolism and can cause inflammation, increased permeability of the intestine, sensitivity, and food allergies.
Professionals in the field of behavior analysis have observed something referred to as “food selectivity” time and time again. This term refers to clients rejecting food and limiting the variety of food they will actually consume.
One would assume that addressing these issues with a nutrition specialist would be extremely beneficial to prevent nutritional imbalances for people with food selectivity. However, did you know that ABA therapists can also implement interventions to reduce behaviors associated with restrictive food intake? Feeding programs have been added to treatment plans for children with ASD for years, showing great success in reducing behaviors that prevent a child from consuming foods necessary for health development. Some of the behaviors typically associated with food selectivity include hyperactivity, stereotypies, non-compliance, verbal protest, and tantrums. When these concerns are reported by parents to clinicians, we are able to create an individualized plan for the client that can range from a systematic approach to more naturalistic teaching methods. This can have a positive impact on learning processes, language development, attending skills, and overall behavioral improvement.
There has also been much research regarding specific diets that may have an effect on behaviors and deficits associated with ASD. Currently, the most popular trend is the gluten-free casein-free diet, which recommends the intake of fruits, vegetables, and meats while avoiding products with gluten and casein. Studies suggest that these two proteins can be difficult for some individuals with ASD to metabolize, which may lead to discomfort. Sometimes, individuals with autism cannot appropriately express their discomfort due to language and communication deficits, which leads to maladaptive behaviors in place of expressing feelings. The ketogenic diet is another trend that recommends a diet based on meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and natural fats. Consuming foods in this category seems to have a neuroprotective and antiepileptic effect, which can prevent damage to the nervous system. The specific carbohydrate diet has been believed to restore the normal function of the intestine and prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Advisable foods for this diet include eggs, fish, fresh or frozen vegetables, etc. Finally, dietary supplements, such as Omega 3 and vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, and folic acid have been shown to improve cognitive processes.
Of course, we are not recommending any of these diets for any of our clients. The choice of diet is entirely in the hands of the individual and/ or their caretakers. Selecting an appropriate diet requires the guidance of professionals, including PCPs and nutrition specialists. We believe that gaining awareness of dietary trends and understanding how core characteristics of autism can be associated with food intake is crucial for parents to make appropriate decisions for their children. Understanding the root cause of a child’s food selectivity can help to achieve greater results for ABA treatment programs.
Our ancestors were wise in claiming that we are what we eat, and our main focus is to serve up a plan that helps our kiddos become happy and healthy.
Recommended Bibliography:
Recommended Bibliography:
Eloisa Arandia
M.S., LMHC, LMFT, BCBA, LBA
About the author:
ABS Clinical Director
She develops and coordinates ABA Program, by directly and remotely supervising cases, training staff and doing ongoing monitoring of services and individual/group supervision, according to BACB standards and Agency protocols. For more than 20 years she has supported countless children, adults and their families.
Eloisa Arandia
M.S., LMHC, LMFT, BCBA, LBA
About the author:
ABS Clinical Director
She develops and coordinates ABA Program, by directly and remotely supervising cases, training staff and doing ongoing monitoring of services and individual/group supervision, according to BACB standards and Agency protocols. For more than 20 years she has supported countless children, adults and their families.
