Presented by Henry Ford Health System

Recently, a report was released that provided additional evidence to conclude that special diets are an ineffective treatment plan for children with autism. This report also concluded that children with autism do not have a higher incidence of digestive problems.

Parents need to pay close attention to information generated from solid, scientific review. We are all often bombarded by media reports, information online, and various celebrities promoting treatment programs without having the necessary medical background to provide sound advice. While their child may have benefited from a special diet plan, another child may not have the same reaction.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, we have to understand that it probably evolves from a wide range of causes/sources and from differing neurobiological mechanisms across individuals. While this recent group studies report does not tell us how individual children respond to interventions, it does provide some data about treatments in general.

I was happy to see that the report made recommendations for parents to work with a nutritionist, who can help to assure parents that their child’s diet is meeting nutritional guidelines. At the Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, we offer nutrition consultations.

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