World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the world.
A study found that the most common nutrient insufficiencies in children with autism were fiber, folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, and B12.
Due to food preferences or obsessions, some children may have too much of one or two of these nutrients. Food avoidances mean that many autistic children don’t have enough of these vitamins and minerals.
Foods to Add to an Autism Diet
To help your child get the right balance of these important nutrients, try adding these foods to their diet with the help of their treatment team:
- Beans like navy beans, pinto beans, and black beans
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Sunflower seeds
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Chia seeds
- Soy milk
- Almonds and almond milk
- Dried figs and apricots
- Edamame
- Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli
- Spinach
- Fortified breakfast cereal
- Lentils
- Dark chocolate, as an occasional sweet treat
- Lean beef, turkey, and chicken
- Chickpeas
- Oatmeal
- Green peas
- Mango
- Melons like cantaloupe
- Tomatoes and tomato juice
- Carrots
- Sweet red pepper
- Pumpkin
- Citrus like oranges and grapefruit
- Mushrooms
- Beet greens
- Butternut squash
- Avocado
- Rice
- Onions and garlic
Many of these foods offer multiple nutrients, so combining them in different ways can help your child get high-quality nutrients, avoid foods that cause discomfort, and slowly add new experiences to your child’s eating habits.
Plan meals that contain several fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins, so there is a variety of options. Sprinkle in new foods with tried-and-true options you know your child will like.
Potential Foods to Avoid
If you notice a particular food results in stomach issues or negative behaviors, avoid it. These are common foods that may cause issues in children with autism:
- Milk and other dairy products
- Wheat products
- High-sugar foods
- Processed meats
Work with a nutritionist to determine the best foods for your child to eat. A behavior therapist can devise a plan to help you introduce new foods to your diet in an optimal way.
