When it comes to finding proper nutrition for Autistic children, it is important to recognize that every child with autism is unique, and therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Nonetheless, scientific research indicates that certain nutrients may be lacking in children with autism, making it essential to prioritize foods that offer the greatest nutritional value. In this regard, let's explore some of the most vital foods that should be incorporated into your child's diet.
Nutrition with Omega 3s
Recent research has revealed that omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial for children with autism, particularly for managing hyperactivity. Children with autism often have insufficient levels of omega 3 fats, making it essential to incorporate foods that are rich in them. Some of the most excellent sources of omega 3's are fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, along with chia, flax, and hemp seeds, as well as walnuts.
Our household is half Japanese and half Italian and between my husband and I before having our daughter, enjoyed eating different types of fish. I was lucky enough that my daughter truly enjoys fish in any form. However like anything, things comes in waves and there were times she wouldn't eat fish. One of our favorites is putting in chia seeds or ground flax seed in her oatmeal during breakfast. We started off with a teaspoon of chia seeds and mixed it in with the oatmeal. Of course you can add other goodies like fruit to it too. Her preferred fruit is mashed banana in her oatmeal.
Nutrition in Nuts and Seeds
Almost all kids can consume seeds without any sensitivity issues, unlike nuts. Seeds are highly nutritious and contain vital minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc that are often absent in children's diets. These minerals are crucial for metabolic reactions that affect brain function and can aid in alleviating ASD symptoms and help with proper nutrition for Autistic children
I recently started giving my daughter nuts. Please note, that nuts and seeds are one of the main types of choking hazards for young kids. I started off with good ol peanut butter. Because I have severe allergies to food, we had already made sure my daughter wasn't allergic to nuts (though she is allergic to eggs). Another way we incorporated seeds into her diet was our favorite bread : Dave's Killer bread.
Nutrition in Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have numerous advantages for children with autism. They have potent antioxidants that decrease inflammation in the brain and are rich in fiber that aids in enhancing gut health. It is recommended to serve at least two portions of fruits and vegetables during each meal and one during snack time to enhance proper nutrition for Autistic children.
If there is one food group my daughter loves, it's fruit. In fact, I go to the store twice a week specifically to buy her fruit, especially pears, apples, and berries. Because my daughter has this adversion orange foods, I do try to get some oranges and put a small slice out on her plate; if she decides to try it that's awesome, if not i'll keep trying. Same thing goes with vegetables in which she loves broccoli. And that's pretty much the only vegetable she will eat. As a little baby, she did eat alot of veggies and then one day, she was done with them. But that doesn't mean I didn't stop encouraging her to try them.
Whole Grain and Legumes
One of the essential components for a healthy microbiome is fiber, which can be obtained from various sources, including whole grains and legumes. For children, who primarily consume grains, incorporating whole grains into their meals can significantly improve their nutrition, especially if they are picky eaters. However, it is crucial to opt for whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread, cereal, and crackers. Many packaged products labeled "whole grain" may contain refined grains and starches, so it is best to choose whole foods to ensure that you get all the fiber and nutrients from the entire grain.
If I looked at the list of my daughters favorite foods, rice is probably #3 on the list. I mean I love rice too. However she likes white rice and getting her to switch to brown rice has been tricky. I admit, i'm not a fan of brown rice either. However, I also grew up with something called "hapa" rice. "Hapa" is a nickname in Japanese that translates loosely to "mixed" or refers to someone that is partially asian or pacific islander. Anyway, hapa rice is half brown rice and half white rice. And so far my daughter eats it! Another thing she really likes is legumes and one of her favorite dishes is Madras Lentils. I also try to add some veggies in there and I serve it on top of rice.
Conclusion
Autism is a complex disorder that can impact a child's ability to communicate and interact socially. As you look for ways to improve your child's quality of life, it can be very helpful to make sure you're including certain foods and nutrients into their diet. It's important to work with a child's doctor to ensure that they're on an appropriate diet. Your child will likely benefit the most if you pick a diet that excludes processed foods and focus more on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Just remember, it will take some time to make these changes and even if you child picks up a new food, that is one step closer to them trying it.
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