Dietitian and Nutritionist For Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A registered dietitian for ASD can help provide support in a variety of ways:

• Have your current diet assessed by a nutritionist and dietitian who works with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly paying attention to energy-dense foods with low nutrition.
• Provide strategies for those who are adverse to trying new foods, and particularly have dislikes to fruits, vegetables and whole grains–where many of our vitamins and minerals are acquired.
• Help monitor nutrient and antioxidant deficiencies.
• Provide strategies for getting in adequate amounts of micronutrients that may lead to improvement in the behavioural and cognitive challenges associated with ASD.
• Check for possible signs of malnourishment and being underweight.
• Work with a digestive health dietitian to help assess gut health–the microbiota, and its connection to behavioural outcomes in ASD management.
• Assess if there’s a cyclical impact of gut health on diet and nutrition. Example: Client with ASD is struggling with constipation and stomach pain, which reduces their appetite and willingness to eat.
• Work with a dietitian for ASD to help to reduce picky eating tendencies, optimize nutrient intake, and prevent obesity and metabolic disorders–all of which have the potential to impact the presentation and severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Seek guidance from a registered dietitian to help clarify which diets and/or supplements may or may not be appropriate for the ASD population, as there are several opinions to navigate in both the medical and social media worlds.
• Discuss with a registered dietitian various approaches and diets as they pertain to ASD. The ketogenic diet, gluten and casein-free diet, high-antioxidant diet and probiotic-rich diet are those that have some studies suggesting positive outcomes in the management of ASD, although the research is still up and coming.
• Work with a registered dietitian for ASD as the RD has the training and knowledge to make appropriate evidence-based recommendations on current research.
• Help with personalized meal planning.
• Receive personalized recommendations as every individual with ASD is unique in how their condition presents, and so having tailored guidance that is personalized to them can be quite valuable for the client and their family.
• Outline the limitations of diet as it pertains to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Unfortunately, there is a gap in research done on dietary interventions among adults with ASD–much of the research pertains to children. However, the studies we do have on diet and nutrition among adults with ASD suggest that structured meal planning can be a helpful tool, which is something that dietitians can provide as well. Please note: Diet alone is not a sole treatment for ASD, but in conjunction with medical care, therapy, socialization and physical activity, can contribute to more positive behavioural and cognitive outcomes, and overall health for this population.
• Receive the guidance of a pediatric dietitian for related matters.
• Provide follow-up sessions with a dietitian and nutritionist for ASD support to monitor progress, address additional concerns, answer questions and adjust the plan, if necessary.
• And more.