The Essential Role of Health and Nutrition in Supporting Children with Autism

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. While there is no cure for autism, various interventions and therapies can help children with ASD lead fulfilling lives. In recent years, research has highlighted the crucial role that health and nutrition play in supporting the overall well-being and development of children with autism. In this article, we will explore the impact of health and nutrition on children with autism and how proper care can make a significant difference in their lives.

The Link between Health and Autism

Numerous studies have indicated that children with autism often have certain medical conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies. These underlying health issues can exacerbate symptoms and affect a child’s overall quality of life. By addressing and managing these health conditions, we can potentially improve the core symptoms of autism and enhance a child’s development.

The Role of Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for all children, but it takes on added significance for those with autism. Nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, and gut-related problems are frequently reported in children with ASD. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and addressing any individual nutritional needs can contribute to better health, growth, and cognitive function in children with autism.

Key Nutrients for Children with Autism

Several nutrients have been recognized for their potential benefits in supporting children with autism:

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have been shown to promote brain health and cognitive function. Some studies suggest that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may improve communication skills and reduce hyperactivity in children with ASD.
  2. Vitamin D: Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to autism severity. Encouraging outdoor activities and exposing children to sunlight, along with adequate dietary sources or supplementation, can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
  3. Probiotics: The gut-brain connection has gained attention in recent years, with evidence suggesting that enhancing gut health may positively impact autism symptoms. Probiotics, found in fermented foods or available as supplements, promote a healthy gut microbiome and may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism.
  4. Vitamin B6 and Magnesium: Some children with ASD have been found to have deficiencies in vitamin B6 and magnesium. Supplementation with these nutrients, under medical supervision, has shown potential benefits in reducing irritability and improving behavior.

The Importance of Individualized Approaches

It is essential to recognize that each child with autism has unique nutritional needs and sensitivities. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dietary interventions. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian experienced in working with children with autism is crucial to develop personalized and tailored nutritional plans.

Conclusion

Health and nutrition play a crucial role in the lives of children with autism. By addressing underlying medical conditions, identifying individual nutritional needs, and adopting personalized dietary approaches, we can potentially enhance the overall well-being and development of children with ASD. To learn more about health and nutrition, visit https://www.mhe.ltd/health-and-nutrition

Read More →

Ways a parent can help their autistic child

It seems difficult, yet somehow you have actually crossed everything off your preliminary to-do list, and also your daughter or son is set. Maybe he is now strongly ensconced in a Very early Intervention program, and you have actually already reserved the 8 million school assessments called for to obtain him right into a pre-school program. Maybe your little girl is older and also has simply gotten in a class, invested a few weeks there and is doing well. You have actually dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s, and also for as soon as there’s no call to make, no consultation to routine. You’ve obtained the assistance your youngster requires.

As well as probably as you’re appreciating a latte (which I hope you are, you deserve it), you question what’s next.

First of all, make sure you enjoy the moment. Make the effort to celebrate your successful navigating of your state’s Early Treatment system or your school area’s IEP team, and also give on your own concerning twenty hugs and also get on your own a little something fun.

Then take a deep breath, gird your loins, and move on to the next phase of your life with an autistic child.

I remember going to that phase, with my eldest son who is significantly autistic being registered at three-and-a-half in a full day pre-school program as well as pregnant with my 2nd kid. While part of me desired seriously to being in bed all day and also enjoy “Sex and the City” re-runs, I knew there was still a lot to do that I would certainly delay while attempting to obtain the proper solutions for my child as well as managing our move to a new state. Here are 10 things I did (or wish I ‘d done) after the ink dried on my child’s IEP.

Despite how tired you are, get your youngster out in the area. It was a fight with us with Justin (I have the tiny little bitemarks on my body to show it) however obtaining him out so he can have a collection of leisure activities was vital to his joy as well as to our household’s. It established him up for a life time of being able to attempt various points, which will certainly establish him in good stead when I’m no more below to take him areas. Yes, I’m constantly planning.
If you haven’t already done so, join a parent group and/or your school area’s special education PTA. You will make vital links at both. Look for moms and dads of kids with your kid’s degree of autism as you’re making good friends. These individuals will be a wealth of details for you and also a lifeline.
If you can manage it, employ a supporter to look into your kid’s college program. A fresh set of eyes may see locations that require to improve, or may reassure you that they are doing all they can for your daughter or son. It’s constantly excellent to know one in case you require an advocate at an IEP meeting. If you’ve currently fulfilled you will not be clambering to discover one.
Preferably, volunteer at college functions or offer to be a class mommy. This is a fantastic way to get to know your kid’s teacher as well as your institution’s administrators much better. You may also make pals with other parents as well.
Regardless of exactly how hard your child can be, take any type of offer of babysitting you can as well as go out. You need a night off from autism occasionally. Even if it’s for a couple of hours, a break will assist.
Since your youngster’s program is set take on the large problems one at a time- maybe it’s sleeping, or consuming, or potty training. If your youngster is in an independent school there might be a BCBA on team who can aid you. Otherwise and you can manage it, consider hiring a BCBA from a company. Choose an issue and also focus on.
Enlighten your friends and family as to what’s taking place in your home. Perhaps you have actually been also tired approximately this indicate talk with individuals not in the “tribe” about what increasing an autistic youngster is truly like. It’s time to tell them and request for the support you require, even if it’s simply an ear to listen. My partner and I kept too much to ourselves, and if I might return in time I ‘d be more open with everyone in our lives.
Make those doctor consultations for yourself that you have actually been putting off. Just do it.
Obtain associated with an autism stroll in your community. It is so effective to fulfill a lot of households like (as well as unlike) yours. It will offer you stamina.
I can’t stress this one sufficient- take care of yourself, not simply your child. Autism is a marathon, not a sprint. You owe it to yourself and also your child to be whole, healthy and balanced, and also pleased. Do whatever it requires to arrive.

Read More →

How can we help?

Children and young people with communicative challenges should not focus on skills training but on training social understanding and social flexibility.
Offering structure is important, but should be a means, not an end in itself. In children with interaction problems, social skills are usually trained with a behavioral approach (repeating desired behavior), assuming that they can be applied in similar, new situations. Too often, this approach strengthens ritualistic behavior and memory, rather than social flexibility.

To become socially skilled, Inter-Acting prepares the children for the unexpected and focuses on the variation, the surprise. Key conditions for communicating meaningfully with more pleasure and less fear, ie with more confidence. As a rule, memory is already abundant in ‘special’ children, who – by being too detailed in life – often do not see the forest through the trees. Inter-Acting trains the interaction to show them the forest. Children grow in every way when they develop a bond with the other. Because communicating (“something in common”) you do at least with the two of you!

Theater techniques, such as drama and improvisation, are unique instruments for discovering and expressing feelings through voice, language and body. The Inter-Acting vision is to expose and develop their own individual motivations for each young actor, strongly encouraging relationships and creative play.

Read More →

Why are we here?

In addition to language comprehension, meaningful communication often also has feelers for non-verbal signals such as voice & volume, body language, and facial expression.

Asperger children, for example, are often good imitators who can act out parts of their favorite film or TV program almost literally and with a great sense of nuance, but often do not understand non-verbal communication in a 1 to 1 conversation. A nod of the head, a grimace, how you look, or a change of voice are misunderstood or not even noticed. Or words and expressions are absolutely taken. Word jokes are not for them. Playing with the language is foreign to them.

These children who have difficulty making contact and especially keep in touch with another person become more socially malleable if they feel that they can play a “role”. It is precisely the stage that offers them the safety to feel at ease and to open up to others. For most of us it is the other way around: the spotlight inhibits us to think flexibly and to communicate smoothly.

Apparently for these special children this is less confrontational “in the theater” than at home, on the street or at school in a direct and spontaneous – and therefore improvising – conversation. Because if you find it difficult to put yourself in the other person and you are hardly able to think about how you come across to someone else, then you know little “stage fright”. Inter-Acting literally responds to this. To quote Johan Cruijff: “Every disadvantage has its advantage”.

With the basic principles of improvisational theater, the professional actors and actresses, together with the supervisors of ChildCenter, work with the children. The children experience how they can work with others, how they can complement each other’s ideas and how they can learn from others with pleasure. Script behavior wants to transform Inter-Acting in the theater into meaningful interaction. From imitation via conversation to improvisation.

Read More →