Johnson, Handen, Zimmer, Sacco, and Turner (2010) executed a randomized and controlled study to examine the efficacy of a GFCF diet on children with ASD. They hypothesized that a GFCF diet would improve ASD symptoms and behaviors in children. The 22 children participating in this study were all preschool aged (3 – 5 years) with ASD diagnoses. The children were randomly assigned to a GFCF diet or a “healthy diet.” There were 8 children in the treatment group and 14 in the control. To further enhance the experiment, children in both groups were given changes to their diets in an attempt to control for structure. However, the parents were aware which group their child was in. The study design included an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule to evaluate each child for a baseline ASD diagnosis. From there, dependent measures were acquired before the start of treatment and at the end of 3 months of treatment. The 3 dependent measures were the Mullen Scales of Early Learning AGS Edition, Child Behavior Checklist, and Direct Behavior Observation Measure. Parents were also counseled by nutritionist on how to maintain a balanced diet for their children on the GFCF diet to supplement for the lack of calcium and vitamin-D.
At the end of 3 months the results for Johnson et al. (2010) were not statistically significant for the majority of measures for the children on the GFCF diet. The threshold for statistical significance was a P-value of ≤ 0.05. The only gains for the diet group were
Today, we are seeing a rising increase in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. What once used to be a rare disorder is now commonly recognized in the medical field as well as in the community. Not only is autism a health issue in itself, but many health issues come along with the disorder. This paper will discuss the description of the population, the top health issues and their relevance, and interventions and outcomes that can help reduce these health issues in this specific population.
The most recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2014). Children diagnosed with ASD often have difficulty with functional performance in several key areas including; social participation, communication, school based activities, motor performance and play. These impairments in functional performance are not exclusive to the child alone as the caregiver often assumes a great deal of burden in managing the symptoms of a child with ASD. Furthermore, these difficulties along with the rising diagnosis rate has pushed ASD to the forefront of clinical research and has raised issues regarding which Ayres
Autism has become an increasingly important public health concern as the number of yearly diagnoses of the disorder has increased since the late 20th century. The National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States are classified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (NINDS, 2009), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs children 's ability to learn and causes issues with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of ASD include delays in speech and language, issues with social interaction, and unusual behaviors/routines.
Over the years, more people are becoming aware of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD. The growing number of individuals who are affected by ASD have been increasing over the years. This could be do to the new DSM development of what is considered ASD or simply more children are being born with ASD. Either way, ASD is more predominate in our society today. ASD is defined in the DSM 5 as having abnormal social aspects, lack of social skills, non-verbal communications skills, deficits in development, lack of understanding of relationships, and self-stimulation through repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although these are not all of the symptoms caused by ASD
Children with autism spectrum disorders life can be challenging. In the article “Practice Pathway Address Problems Behaviors for Children with ASD” (Haelle, Tara 2016). Practice Pathway “is to describe the expected practice in relation to children whose needs may fall within the autism spectrum disorder” (www.leics.gov.uk). It’s a program put in place for children with ASD. A treatment not a cure, but the right treatment for their problems. Two main issues for children with ASD is irritability and behavior. This study defined the behavior, assessed it, treated it and sees how effective treatment is.
Influences other than the mutation in gene expression are that of environmental factors. These have an effect on the overall risk of ASD; however, they are not a direct causative factor (AutismSpeaks; 2014). In a study by Lyall et al 2014, into the maternal lifestyle and environmental risk factors for ASD, published in the international journal of epidemiology; an association was found between a higher intake of certain nutrients and supplements; such as periconceptional folic acid; and reduced ASD risk. The study also recorded a significant increase of ASD risk
Gluten is found in many grains and food starches. Casein is found in milk, products containing, and it can be added to non-milk products. Researchers have found that some children with ASD cannot properly digest gluten and casein, which break down into substances that act like drugs in their body. As with any drug, these substances alter an autistic child’s view on their environment (Cornish 2002). With new research geared toward the intervention of ASD through diet changes, parents are now taking steps to remove gluten and casein from their child’s diet. As another form of early intervention, parents are also encouraged to focus on stopping various behaviors.
Every case of autism is different. Symptoms and behaviors vary in severity and often change over time, thus, the method of treatment is specialized to the needs of that child or adult. It is said that early diagnosis can help these individuals develop to their full potential as the primary goal of treatment is to improve their overall ability to function. Individuals with autism positively respond to highly structured treatments that help improve communication, social, behavioral, and learning aspects of their lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that strategies such as; specialized therapies, behavioral training and management, medicines, and community support and parent training are the best ways to help individuals with
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to confirm and build on previous findings by addressing the following questions: (1) Do children the eating habits of children with autism differ from typically developing children? (2) If so, what are the kinds of food that children with autism usually eat or refuse to eat? And (3) is there a smaller range of foods available in the families of children with autism than in the families of children without autism? The authors of the study hypothesized that previous findings were correct in that the parents of children with autism identify feeding difficulties in their children more than those of children without
The participants in this study will be between the ages of 6 and 12 years old and will have a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder as described in the DSM-5. The maximum amount of participants per study will be two. The participants must be able to
Arsham and Ani are parents of an autistic child. Their son’s name is Ara, he was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Ara had never developed speech, had severe focusing issues, and he had trouble communicating. Speech therapy hadn't worked for Ara so when a mother of another Autistic child recommended the GFCF diet Ani jumped at the chance. Within four months of starting the diet, Ara had significantly improved. Ara was potty trained, had begun reading, speaking in sentences, and communicating with other children. Autism is a developmental disorder. It impairs a person's communication and interactive abilities.The diets for autism are effective in reversing the signs of autism. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has many signs and diets that
The article “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),” (CDC, 2017) published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses early interventions and treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS). Early intervention services help children with ASD learn important skills. Strategies such as behavior management, therapies, and medicines are used to helping children reach their
Children with autism or other developmental disabilities often have difficulty accepting solid or fluid due to their sensitivity to texture or taste. This is a significant problem for those whose physical health and well-being are at serious risk due to insufficient nutritional and caloric intake.
ASD is identified by three distinguishing primary impairments in language, social skills and behavioural flexibility, which are referred to as the Triad of Impairments (Happe’ & Ronald, 2009). Additionally, the primary characteristics that define ASD are often accompanied by various other features such as; learning disabilities, self-injury, aggression, repetition, ritualistic eating, drinking or sleeping behaviours and a compelling need for routine (Happe’ & Ronald, 2009). Diagnosis is often carried out using the Autism Spectrum Quotient or AQ (Baron-Cohen, 2006) and it consists of a fifty item
The neurodevelopmental disorders, according to the DSM 5, are a group of conditions with onset in the developmental period. The disorders typically manifest early in development, often before the child enters grade school, and are characterized by developmental deficits that produce impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is newly classified as such; it was once classified as “Asperger’s Syndrome.” ASD is a severe neurodevelopmental impairment. The disorder limits the functioning capabilities of children and their capacity to communicate as well as interact with others. ASD effects how children perceive the world around them; socializing with others happens to be the most vital piece of development. Onset for ASD can occur as early as infancy, some children, however, may develop normal and then begin to suddenly withdraw and become unusually aggressive with those around them, they also begin to lose vocabulary and language skills they’ve once had. Other medical conditions may be comorbid with ASD; for example, epilepsy, intellectual and structural language disorders, mental disorders, sleep disorders, and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorders, (DSM 5, pg. 59).