DIETARY APPROACHES AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism is a neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder of unknown etiology whose prevalence is increasing year by year and occurs in early childhood. Some gastrointestinal problems are frequently observed in autism, which is thought to be based on genetic and environmental factors. There is strong evidence that gastrointestinal problems are associated with behavioral symptoms in autism. Some dietary approaches to alleviate behavioral symptoms and gastrointestinal problems in autism have been highlighted. The gluten-free casein-free diet, ketogenic diet, specific carbohydrate diet, Feingold diet, and low oxalate diet are some of the most prominent of these dietary approaches recommended for the management of autism. Some dietary supplements are also recommended to prevent vitamin-mineral deficiencies resulting from diet and to reduce symptoms. It is thought that diet and some nutrients may play an important role in the management of autism. The aim of this chapter is to draw attention to the effects of some dietary approaches and specific nutrients in the management of autism.