One in sixty-eight children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) disorder each year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). ASD is a developmental disorder that is best recognized deficits in communication ability, social skills, and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The disorder impacts the ability of those diagnosed to function easily in society day to day. While ASD is a wide spread, pervasive disorder, we are only just beginning to uncover what might be its cause and have only a few effective treatment options that are empirically supported (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014; The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2014).
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In a 2015 study, Stewart et al. found that one-third of children that took supplements in the study still remained deficient for vitamin D and up to 54% for calcium. This shows that, in this particular study, children with ASD can struggle to get the nutrients they need. Some researchers, such as Winburn et al. (2013) are finding positive correlations between diet changes and behaviors. Winburn et al. found that, out of the 76 children that were on a gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet, significant behavior changes were noted by most parents. Some symptoms that were reported to be improved significantly while on the diet where included concentration, attention, communication, social interaction, repetitive interests and behaviors, and gastrointestinal symptoms. With results concurrent with the results of Winburn et al., Whiteley et al. (2010), found results that indicated that “dietary interventions may positively affect developmental outcome for some children diagnosed with ASD” (p. 87). In addition to these two studies, data showed that there was a significant decrease in autistic behaviors shown in the diet group, but not in the control group in a study done by Knivsbeng, Reichelt, Høien, and Nødland, (2003). Elder et al. (2006) conducted a similar study to Knivsberg, but no significant results were
In a 2015 study, Stewart et al. found that one-third of children that took supplements in the study still remained deficient for vitamin D and up to 54% for calcium. This shows that, in this particular study, children with ASD can struggle to get the nutrients they need. Some researchers, such as Winburn et al. (2013) are finding positive correlations between diet changes and behaviors. Winburn et al. found that, out of the 76 children that were on a gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet, significant behavior changes were noted by most parents. Some symptoms that were reported to be improved significantly while on the diet where included concentration, attention, communication, social interaction, repetitive interests and behaviors, and gastrointestinal symptoms. With results concurrent with the results of Winburn et al., Whiteley et al. (2010), found results that indicated that “dietary interventions may positively affect developmental outcome for some children diagnosed with ASD” (p. 87). In addition to these two studies, data showed that there was a significant decrease in autistic behaviors shown in the diet group, but not in the control group in a study done by Knivsbeng, Reichelt, Høien, and Nødland, (2003). Elder et al. (2006) conducted a similar study to Knivsberg, but no significant results were