Promoting Nutritional Status and Behaviour of Autism Children by Diet

Autism is one of the serious developmental disabilities affecting children world wide and is increasing in epidemic proportions. Research on these children has shown that dietary intervention results in tangible improvement in their nutritional status, behavioural pattern and also their well being. The biochemical parameters improved after dietary supplementation with autism friendly nutrients containing probiotics. There was a marked reduction in the atypical behaviours with a moderate improvement in food behavior. A significant improvement was observed in their functional skills. Nutrition education to the parents proved to be the need of the hour since they were not aware of the scientific basis of nutrition intervention. The supplementary foods developed were allergen free and additive free and were liked by the children and the parents. The parents were satisfied about the gradual improvement in the behaviour and functional skills of their child. The outcome of this research throws light on the path of this difficult subject in understanding the problem of autism. Such effort is hoped to leave an impact at national and global level in tackling the problem of autism children.

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Dr.M.V.Alli has specialised in Food Science and Nutrition and working at Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College,Trichy.She has undertaken this research with a social conscience to benefit the autistics world wide.Dr.S.Premakumari is the Professor and Head, Department of Food Science and Nutrition,Dean,Faculty of Home science at Avinashilingam University.