Dietitians play a significant role in advising and guiding parents on proper nutrition and diet for their children's behaviour. Their expertise extends to various health conditions, including autism. For registered dietitians like Suhana Shriyan, also a paediatric dietitian specializing in counselling and educating parents (online via zoom/ google meet) on improving nutritional health in autistic children to address symptoms caused by deficiencies, their role becomes particularly crucial. This blog is about Nutritional Support for Autism and Dietitians in India.
Why Dietitians for People with Autism in India?
Children on the autism spectrum often face challenges related to their eating habits. Some may have specific food sensitivities, while others might exhibit selective eating behaviours, making it difficult for parents and caregivers to ensure they receive a well-balanced diet.
For instance, autistic children may resist eating unless certain conditions—like sitting in a specific place, using particular dishes, or consuming the same food every day—are met. Even minor changes in routine can cause distress and lead to mealtime difficulties.
Research has shown that children with autism tend to have more outbursts during meals and can be extremely selective about their food choices. Additionally, they may consume lower levels of essential nutrients like calcium and protein, crucial for bone health and overall development.
Autism and Diet Plans
Given the link between diet and overall health, parents of autistic children often explore dietary changes to improve their child’s well-being. Some might consider removing gluten and casein from their diets (GFCF diet plan) to address behavioural issues. However, medical practitioners caution that such diets might lack vital nutrients essential for overall health.
While it's known that a significant portion of individuals with autism experience digestive problems, the exact reasons behind these issues remain unclear.
As the autism spectrum is diverse, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to diet. Consulting an autism dietitian in India is advisable to address concerns about nutrition and receive professional advice tailored to individual needs.
Food Plans and Dietary Concerns
There's growing concerned about the influence of food additives on behavior. However, current evidence doesn't conclusively support these claims. Dietitians can offer insights into the role of additives like food dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners in behavioural symptoms and recommend healthier, whole-food-based diets. Environmental toxins from fertilizers, heavy metals, clean products
How Can an Autism Dietitian Help?
Dietitians start with a comprehensive consultation to understand eating behaviours and aversions related to texture, appearance, or smell. They'll also explore health issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, sleep problems, weight, and skin conditions.
Biomedical testing may be suggested to identify food allergies, nutrient deficiencies, or gastrointestinal issues. Following this, an individualized diet plan, such as an autism meal plan, can be proposed, considering the person’s nutritional needs.
Dietitians may collaborate with occupational therapists or speech pathologists to design a mealtime program that supports a healthy diet, including an autism diet program. Involving children in their meal planning, guided by an autism dietitian in Dubai, can also be encouraged.
Accessing Dietitian Services for Autism in India
Dietitians work in various health settings, including private practices, hospitals, community health centres, and disability facilities. However, specialists in diet for autism or ASD might be less common.
Training and Ethical Practice
Qualified dietitians in India hold recognized bachelor's and master’s degrees in dietetics, accompanied by internships to hone their skills. They adhere to ethical standards in their practice.
Cost Consideration
The cost of consultations with a registered dietitian in India typically ranges from 700 to 2500 INR for an initial session.
In conclusion, dietitians play a vital role in supporting individuals with autism by providing tailored nutritional guidance, such as an autism ketogenic diet plan. Seeking their expertise can assist in addressing dietary challenges and improving overall health, contributing significantly to the well-being of those on the autism spectrum.
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