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Early intervention and specialized nutritional strategies can help to cope with complex dietary challenges faced by children with autism spectrum condition (neurodevelopmental disorder).
A novel, observational case-control study in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics has highlighted the alarming rate of adverse food reactions (AFR), being overweight, and unhealthy dietary practices in children with autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
Based on the 'Nutritional Status and Adverse Food Reactions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (NAFRA)' project, this study evaluated the incidence of AFR in children with autism compared to healthy controls. It also examined food selectivity and adherence to a Mediterranean food regimen. The study involved 100 children with autism spectrum disorder and 100 healthy controls (aged 18 months to 7 years).
Results, gathered between October 2017 and December 2023, revealed that children with autism had a significantly higher prevalence of AFR compared to the control group (16% versus 2%). This was largely driven by a higher occurrence of food allergies (7% versus 1%) and food intolerance.
Additionally, children with autism were more prone to celiac ailment and obesity. Food selectivity was more common in the ASD group (26% versus 2%), and those with ASD were also less likely to adhere to a Mediterranean diet (28% versus 16%).
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Adverse food reactions and alterations in nutritional status in children with autism spectrum disorders: results of the NAFRA project
Serena Coppola et al.
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