Diet Chart For Autism
Autism affects over 10 million Indian children, and more than one in 88 are born with the disease. Autism is not well-known in India among parents and teachers. Autism is more common in children who are not socially aware and have difficulty communicating. They do not react to emotions or approach people spontaneously. However, they form attachments with their caregivers. These children are more lonely than non-autistic children. Autism can make it difficult to form friendships.
Autism is characterized by repetitive behaviour, unusual attachments to objects and a language delay. You can use strategies like calm music to help children with autism who are anxious. A proper diet for autism can be maintained, but there is no cure. The autism diet includes gluten-free/casein-free food items. This diet eliminates all gluten products like wheat, barley and dairy. The autism diet may be able to reduce symptoms and improve communication and social interaction.
Designing a diet chart for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves navigating a complex interplay of dietary preferences, sensory sensitivities, and potential nutritional deficiencies. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for ASD, thoughtful nutrition planning can play a pivotal role in supporting overall health and potentially mitigating some symptoms associated with the condition. By focusing on balanced nutrition, accommodating sensory needs, and addressing specific dietary sensitivities or intolerances, a tailored diet chart can help optimize physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being for individuals on the spectrum. This introduction sets the stage to explore the principles and considerations involved in developing effective dietary strategies that promote holistic health and quality of life for individuals with ASD.
What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also commonly referred to as Autism, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that typically first presents itself during early childhood and remains with them throughout their lives. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a broad range of challenges in three main areas: social interaction, communication and behaviour. Individuals diagnosed with ASD often struggle with understanding social cues such as facial expressions or maintaining eye contact while engaging in typical conversations or play activities. Communication challenges may appear as delayed speech development, difficulty expressing needs or emotions clearly or repeated use of language (echolalia). Behaviour patterns typically involve repetitive movements or behaviours, insistence on routines, and sensitivities to sensory stimuli like sound, touch or taste. Sensory sensitivities vary widely among individuals, with some experiencing increased sensitivity while others showing reduced response to sensory stimuli. Autism spectrum disorder is a complex and multi-factorial condition with numerous overlapping traits that manifest themselves differently for each individual, but many common characteristics help create its characteristic “spectrum”. While its exact causes remain unknown, early intervention, therapeutic support, and educational accommodations have all proven invaluable for improving outcomes and quality of life among those diagnosed.
Diet Chart
Sunday
Breakfast (8:00-8:30 AM)
- Oats pancakes (small 4-5 pcs) + Maple Syrup (two teaspoons)
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Banana Shake (one glass) for
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Mushroom and Herb Omelette (1 Serving)
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Dry Fruits
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)
- Kidney Beans Curry (1/2 cup) with 1/4 fresh Lemon
Monday
Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM)
- Boiled Veg Salad (2) with Egg Whites (1 cup) + orange juice (1 glass)
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Tender Coconut Water (1 glass).
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Quinoa and Veggie (1 Cup)
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Yoghurt Smoothie (one glass)
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)
- Bottle Gourd and Shrimp Salad With Grated Coconut (1 Cup)
Tuesday
Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM)
- Paleo Coconut Torte With Blueberries (1/2 Cup) + Pineapple Juice (one glass)
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Tender Coconut Water (1 glass) for
Lunch (2:00-2:30 pm)
- BBQ salmon n parboiled rice (1 cup).
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Fresh Lime Water (one glass)
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)
- Chickpea and Paneer Salad (12 cup)
Wednesday
Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM)
- Grape Fruit Smoothie (Banana, Lemon, Strawberry, Yoghurt) + 5-6 Almonds
Mid-Meal (11:01-11:30 AM)
- Cottage Cheese with Honey (2 tsp).
Lunch (2:00-2:30 pm)
- Baked Salmon with Coconut Milk (1 cup).
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- 4-5 Almonds + 5-6 Raisins
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)
- Avocado Shrimp Salad (1/2 cup)
Thursday
Breakfast (8:00-8.30AM)
- Quinoa and Apple with Walnuts (1 Cup)
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Grapes (1 Cup)
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Chicken Green Thai Curry with white parboiled rice (1 cup).
Evening (4:00-4:30PM)
- Yoghurt (12 cups) n Cucumber Strips(4)
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)
- Lentil Soup and Parboiled Rice (1/2 Cup)
Friday
Breakfast (8:00-8.30AM)
- Meusli n Strawberry Milk (1 cup).
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Tender Coconut Water (1 glass).
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Roasted Chicken and Quinoa Salad (1 Cup)
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Carrot Strips (4) + Coriander n Mustard Sauce
Dinner (8:00-8.30PM)
- Baked Fish With Spinach and Yoghurt Salad (1 Cup)
Saturday
Breakfast (8:00-8.30AM)
- Scrambled eggs(2) with baked tomato(2) + Mushrooms(1/2 cup) + green tea (1 cup).
Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30 AM)
- Pomegranate (12 cup) for
Lunch (2:00-2:30 PM)
- Simple baked salmon curry with parboiled rice (1 cup).
Evening (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Fresh Cut Tomatoes with Sprinkled Salt (2 med. sized)
Dinner (8:00-8.30 PM)
- Veg Salad
Easy Foods to Consume
- If you are buying milk substitutes, make sure that the label states that the product is dairy-free and not casein-free.
- These gluten-free breads are made with rice or tapioca. The taste and texture of regular bread are very different.
- Check the ingredients list before buying any substitute cheese. Some brands that are labelled as “dairy-free” still contain casein protein.
- Meat: Check the ingredients list on prepackaged or frozen beef. It may contain gluten-containing spices.
- Produce: Fruit and vegetables, especially fresh fruit, are generally safe options for gluten-free/casein-free foods.
Food Items to Limit
- Dairy: When casein, one of the proteins found in dairy, mixes with stomach acids, an exorphin is produced. Exorphins are opioid receptors that bind with the brain. They can cause a variety of problems, including fogginess, a lack of concentration, or a numbness in pain.
- Gluten: A mixture of proteins that are found in grains like wheat, barley and rye can cause inflammation when consumed. Your body can produce antibodies against gluten, which can inflame your brain.
- Corn: Eating corn can be harmful and has many potential side effects.
- Sugar: By avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as increasing lean proteins, you can improve your concentration and judgement and reduce impulsiveness.
- Artificial Ingredients: Avoid additives, preservatives dyes and colors, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Limit foods/drinks that are calorie-empty or nutritionally unsound (junk food).
- Serve the right amount (not too much food on a plate).
- Try different shapes and colours to make your food more appealing
- Offer new foods as soon as possible (not after the child has eaten or is already full).
- When your child is hungry or thirsty, try new/different foods.
- If possible, involve your child in the preparation of food.
- Add vitamin and calcium supplements to food by grinding them finely (e.g. You can add it to peanut butter or jam without changing the taste.
- Play with a toy rather than eating the food.
