Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders


Book Description

Given the increased interest in the relationship between diet and autism spectrum conditions, this is a timely publication which is both thorough and balanced in content. Parents and professionals alike will find this book of use by virtue of Ken's meticulous reviews of current scientific evidence for a variety of diets combined with practical advice on the application of such interventions.' - Dr. Paul Whiteley, Autism Research Unit 'Dr. Aitken provides a timely synthesis of diet interventions in autistic spectrum disorders set within a framework of historical and political references. This informative work offers invaluable assistance to the wider clinical team, further enabling effective support and guidance to the ASD community in its quest for a healthy future.' - Rosemary Kessick, former CEO of AiA (Allergy Induced Autism) Research in autism increasingly indicates the existence of different forms of the condition, and the possibility of dietary interventions having a positive effect on symptoms and behaviours associated with autism. The author explores the main dietary approaches that have been advocated in ASD. For each approach, the author explores the potential benefits; evidence for and against the diet and its relation to different genetic conditions; and information, where available, on relevant publications, web resources and support groups. The author proposes an approach, the Simple Restriction Diet (SRD), which he describes in detail, explaining how to implement this approach and how to use it to work out whether a dietary approach is of benefit. This book will be a valuable resource for families, individuals and professionals wishing to understand and explore the possibilities of dietary interventions and the benefits they can have for those on the autism spectrum.




Personalized Food Intervention and Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder Management


Book Description

The book focuses on implications of traditional and processed foods for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention and management. Numerous phytonutrients and pharmacologically active compounds in edible natural products and diet could influence and offer protection to neuronal dysfunction that occurs due to ASD. The neuroprotective effects of various fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds phytochemicals, and other natural bioactive ingredients against ASD and related conditions are discussed. Topics such as the possible neuroprotective mechanism of action of these foods and the therapeutic role of antioxidants in relation to ASD are addressed. This book also highlights the scope of using anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants to promote neurogenesis and improve other symptoms in ASD. It emphasizes personalized nutritional approaches with dietary management of neurodevelopmental disorders/ASD cases. Information in this book is relevant to researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine, nutraceuticals, neuroscience, agriculture, nutrition, and food science. This volume is beneficial to students of varying levels, and across multiple disciplines.




Why Your Child Is Hyperactive


Book Description

Contains detailed information by the doctor who first reported that hyperactivity in children is often caused by artificial food coloring and food flavoring. Includes the Feingold diet and how it should be applied.




Treating Eating Problems of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities


Book Description

A child's incessant screaming, spitting, and food throwing during mealtime are enough to frustrate any parent or caregiver Continuous resistance to eating not only leads to malnourishment, but physical and intellectual developmental become additional concerns. Invariably, the underlying reason(s) for refusing to eat will differ from child to child, so the focus should be on improving or resolving the eating problem. This is a two-part book written for caregivers and professionals who work with children with feeding problems. It presents behavioral interventions and approaches on solving a child's resistance to eating. * Part One was specifically written for teachers, parents, and caregivers with no prior professional experience or training on feeding problems. * Part Two was written for professionals, providing detailed information on how to apply behavioral assessment and developing individualized interventions based on a child's eating behaviors. The behavioral interventions and procedures presented in this book can also be integrated into oral motor or dysphagia therapy. Includes references and brief descriptions.




Autism 360°


Book Description

Autism 360 uses a hybrid and transdisciplinary methodology to identify mechanisms on how autism is prevented, diagnosed, treated and managed within personal and social constructs around the world. Adopting a lifespan approach, the book discusses lifestyle challenges and emphasizes issues relating to neurodiversity, individuality, best practices, and support of both people on the spectrum and their families. This book will help change population and individual attitudes and behaviors regarding autism. Its ultimate goal is to empower readers to become both agents of change and an integral part of the solution. - Covers topics from the prevention and treatment of autism and how to live with it - Adopts an integrated methods approach - Features field experiences - Provides valuable syntheses of scattered material - Compares cross-cultural learnings - Discusses the education and employment of those with autism




Food Chaining


Book Description

The complete guide for parents of picky eaters -- how to end mealtime meltdowns and get your children the nutrition they need Does your child regularly refuse foods or throw a fit at mealtimes? Are you concerned she isn't getting enough nutrition, or that that your child's pickiness might be caused by a hidden medical issue? For every frustrated parent, the food chaining method offers a medically-proven, kid-tested solution. Developed by a team of internationally known medical experts, Food Chaining helps you identify the reasons behind your child's picky eating habits -- be it medical, sensory, or because of allergies. Then, with a simple, 6-step method centered around taste, temperature, and texture, target foods are selected that are similar to the ones your child likes, gradually expanding to all food groups. Does your kid like French fries but won't touch veggies? Try hash browns, and slowly expand to sweet potato fries and zucchini sticks -- and then work your way to steamed vegetables. With helpful information about common food allergies, lists of sample food chains, advice for special needs children, as well as a pre-chaining program to prevent food aversions before they develop, Food Chaining is your guide to raising lifelong health eaters.




Magnesium in the Central Nervous System


Book Description

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.




Nourishing Hope for Autism


Book Description

"Julie Matthews, globally respected autism nutritionist, provides intense research and extensive clinical nutrition experience in this comprehensive guide. Readers are given given practical steps for dietary intervention and a roadmap for getting started, evolving, and customizing the varied approaches. This book is dedicated to parents and clinicians who relentlessly strive to help children heal and gives them reason to hope and preserve" --Cover, p. 4.




Gut and Psychology Syndrome


Book Description

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride set up The Cambridge Nutrition Clinic in 1998. As a parent of a child diagnosed with learning disabilities, she is acutely aware of the difficulties facing other parents like her, and she has devoted much of her time to helping these families. She realized that nutrition played a critical role in helping children and adults to overcome their disabilities, and has pioneered the use of probiotics in this field. Her willingness to share her knowledge has resulted in her contributing to many publications, as well as presenting at numerous seminars and conferences on the subjects of learning disabilities and digestive disorders. Her book Gut and Psychology Syndrome captures her experience and knowledge, incorporating her most recent work. She believes that the link between learning disabilities, the food and drink that we take, and the condition of our digestive system is absolute, and the results of her work have supported her position on this subject. In her clinic, parents discuss all aspects of their child's condition, confident in the knowledge that they are not only talking to a professional but to a parent who has lived their experience. Her deep understanding of the challenges they face puts her advice in a class of its own.




Autism and Diet


Book Description

Parents have been reporting a connection between autism and diet for decades, but for many years the science behind the connection was evasive. Today, we see a growing body of research to back up parental-reported evidence that certain foods and other environmental sources can affect the developing brains of some children, and trigger adverse behavioural episodes. Written by an autism expert who has witnessed in her own child the dramatic improvement that can be made through dietary intervention, this book offers an 'easily digestible' guide to the science behind the considerations; strategies for implementing a safe diet; a handy list of ingredients to be avoided; as well as a concise bank of essential resources and useful contacts. This book offers an accessibly concise guide to all aspects of dietary invention in children with autism, and is an ideal resource for parents, teachers and any other family member or caregiver who needs to know how to help implement a safe and healthy diet for an autistic child.