Children with autism disorder have several unique traits that can make dietary changes difficult to implement. Children with autism have difficulty accepting changes to their routine or comfort zone. They also struggle with accepting new foods or new food textures.

These create unique opportunities and challenges for families looking to implement this diet. The most important thing to remember is to capitalize on your child's strengths and work together to overcome barriers. It may take multiple attempts and different trials in order to be successful. Be patient with yourself and your child.

Food Selectivity in Children with Autism

Multiple studies on children with autism have shown that they often limit the food that they eat. There are many reasons for this behavior. One of the features of autism is a limited interest in new experiences. Children with autism also enjoy repetitive behaviors. Both of these components of autism can lead to limited food selection.

Children with autism can also resist new experiences such as trying new foods. Furthermore, children with autism can have sensitivity to different textures, and this can limit the foods they accept. All of these behaviors can make it difficult for a child to meet his or her nutrition needs. It can also make it difficult to start and be successful with a very restrictive diet such as the gluten- and casein-free diet.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Studies have been conducted to try to identify which nutrients children with autism are at risk for deficiency. The studies have been conflicting. One study by Herndon in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showed that children with autism actually consume more vitamin B6, vitamin E, and protein that is nondairy. They also showed that children with autism take in less calcium and dairy than children without autism. Both children with and without autism in the study had low intakes of fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Of note, these children were not on the gluten- and casein-free diet.

Eliminating foods containing gluten and casein removes two of the main staples in the typical diet. It removes many of the grains that are frequently eaten in our culture and also dairy products or prepackaged foods that contain dairy protein.

By removing these basic components of the diet, it is important to look at what micronutrients are being taken out of the diet. It is important to note that typically much of our grain and bread products are fortified with iron and B vitamins; however, the gluten- and casein-free bread products are often not fortified with these nutrients.

Removing dairy from the diet also limits the most popular sources of calcium and vitamin D in the diet. Therefore it is important that your child take a gluten- and casein-free multivitamin each day to help meet his or her nutritional needs. Also, additional calcium and vitamin D supplements are often needed. When using a milk alternative, ensure that it is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Please meet with your doctor or dietitian to discuss what vitamin and mineral supplements would benefit your child while on this restrictive diet.