This department specializes in providing many specialized diets to treat cases of autism according to each individual case and according to the degree and type of improvement in food after conducting special analyses. It consists of seven stages supervised by specialists in the field of therapeutic nutrition for autism. It begins with simple stages with the child and develops according to the child’s condition. The role of therapeutic nutrition in treating autism:

It increases digestion and absorption, thus treating deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Improve intestinal permeability.
Treatment of candida and fungi

Lifestyle and diet
Autism poses a significant health and economic burden on affected populations and caregivers, becoming an alarming global epidemic that requires increased attention and effort.

There is a need to understand the mechanisms involved in microbiome-brain interaction in the context of autism spectrum disorder. Neural, neuroendocrine, immune, and humoral pathways are potential mediators in the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain.Maternal contribution plays an important role in determining the early microbiome of the offspring, while environmental factors that significantly alter the maternal microbiome during the prenatal and perinatal periods influence the microbial composition of the offspring.  Abnormal transport and spread of pathogenic oral bacteria mediated by the olfactory nerve through the blood, disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the perivascular space and periventricular organs to the intestine and brain, respectively, are plausible mechanisms leading to neuroinflammation and metabolic disturbance in the brain, suggesting the influence of oral microbiota and bacterial imbalance in the pathogenesis of ASD.
Another plausible exchange pathway in the gut-brain axis has an important role in the pathology of ASD. Overall, the interaction between the microbiome and the brain in the context of ASD involves a complex mechanism and interplay between various genetic and environmental factors, some of which can be explained by epigenetic mechanisms involving short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs). .

The human intestine is the largest reservoir of bacteria in the human body that have essential physiological roles in metabolism, digestion, immunity, endocrine and neurological activities.  The gut microbiome interacts closely with many human cells and any imbalance in the microbiome, known as microbial imbalance, will have an impact on key physiological processes of the host and has a potential causative role in many health conditions. The enormous potential for the presence of intestinal microbes in human health has led researchers to highlight the importance of recognizing them as an individual organ system in the human body ✨

An interesting association between gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal mucus imbalance and gene expression, and autism spectrum disorder has been highlighted in a study that investigated the molecular mechanism involved in explaining gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder. They encode disaccharides and hexose transporters responsible for carbohydrate digestion and transepithelial transport.Intestinal dysbiosis (pre-existing impairment of carbohydrate digestion and absorption is manifested in gastrointestinal disorders with dietary carbohydrate intake leading to fermentation, increased gas production and osmotic load in the intestines of children with autism spectrum disorder.

* Not eating enough food. Children with autism may have difficulty focusing on one task for a long period of time.  It may be difficult for a child to sit down and eat a meal from start to finish.

* Constipation. This problem may be caused by a child’s limited food choices, low levels of physical activity or medications. It can usually be treated by gradually increasing sources of dietary fiber, such as bran cereals, fruits and vegetables, along with plenty of fluids and regular physical activity.

* Drug interactions. Some stimulant medications used with autism can reduce appetite. This can reduce the amount of food the baby eats, which may affect growth. Other medications may increase appetite or affect the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. If your child is taking medication, ask your health care provider about possible side effects.

Nutritional intervention should be practiced with caution to avoid malnutrition and undernutrition.  Vitamin D deficiency has been commonly reported in children with autism spectrum disorder, and low prenatal vitamin D has been associated with an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.

Clinically, patients with ASD are managed by a multidisciplinary healthcare team primarily by a child psychiatrist, paediatrician, clinical psychologists and other physicians according to comorbidities, although with regular follow-up and monitoring✨

People with autism can experience increased sensitivity to light, touch, sound, and taste. This can affect the variety of foods they eat.

There are no differences in nutritional requirements for people with autism and a balanced diet is important for good health

People with autism tend to prefer things that are predictable, as this can help reduce anxiety. Although some types of eating disorders, such as food refusal, are also common in the general population, their prevalence appears to be much higher in children with ASD. Autism spectrum, where rates range from 51% to 89%✨

Some common nutritional considerations associated with autism are:

* The need for a routine around meal times. This could include specific seating for you and the people you are dining with, or specific cutlery and plates. You may want to eat alone

* Sensitivity to smells, sights and sounds at mealtimes can affect eating

* Intestinal disturbance, including constipation, diarrhea, and stomach bloating

* Food hypersensitivity (when the body reacts poorly to certain foods)

* Eat a restricted diet – a small number of foods that are similar in color and taste

* Make sure you have a consistent routine around activities and meal times.  This may be reassuring and help reduce anxiety around mealtimes.

*Some people with autism may have special interests and can be used to help cope with any nutritional interventions.

* Awareness of sensory needs can be helpful in creating a calmer mealtime. This means reducing noise and odors at mealtimes.

* Change only one thing at a time. Trying or introducing similar foods can be helpful to increase the food range. Small changes, one at a time, are usually best.

* Increase the clarity of different foods. Increased awareness of food means that it has become more familiar. If your child has autism, have him participate in shopping or chopping vegetables if he’s happy with that, even if he’s not expected to eat them.

*Be patient. Taking small steps is important and may take time. If you are supporting someone with autism, offering lots of support and praise along the way helps.Children with autism spectrum disorder prefer foods with a high carbohydrate content, such as white bread, pizza, cakes, cookies, ice cream, or “fatty” foods.  These foods are generally sweet, while on the contrary, bitter or sour tastes are frequently rejected. This preference can lead to a higher percentage Blood glucose and triglycerides, leading to weight gain and obesity, or endocrine disorders such as diabetes, not to mention tooth decay, as correct and consistent oral hygiene is not always possible✨✨

Children with ASD, due to false myths, are sometimes subjected to unintentional and dangerous dietary restriction protocols (e.g., casein and/or gluten-free) based on a non-evidence-based attempt to improve behavioral disturbances or gastrointestinal symptoms

For children with autism spectrum disorder, a nutritious, balanced eating plan can make a big difference in their ability to learn, how they manage their emotions and how they process information. Because children with autism spectrum disorder often avoid certain foods or have restrictions on what they eat, as well as have difficulty sitting down during mealtimes, they may not get all the nutrients they need.

If you have a child with autism spectrum disorder, try the following feeding strategies.

Be prepared to be picky
Many parents find that their children’s sensitivity to tastes, colors, smells and textures are the biggest barriers to a balanced eating plan. Convincing your child to try new foods – especially soft and slippery ones – may seem almost impossible. You may find that your child avoids certain foods or even entire food groups. One of the easiest ways to deal with sensory issues is to address them outside of the kitchen. Have your child visit the supermarket with you to choose a new food. When you get home, look for it Together online to find out where it grows. Then decide together how to prepare it. When you’re done, don’t worry if your child doesn’t want to eat it. Simply introducing yourself to new foods in a positive, stress-free way can ultimately help your child become a more flexible eater.Make mealtimes a routine
A child with autism spectrum disorder will have to work harder at mealtimes because a crowded kitchen, bright lights, and even the way the furniture is arranged are all potential stressors. Making meals as predictable and routine as possible can help. Serving meals at the same time every day is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress. In additionSo, think about what concessions you can make to make mealtimes easier. If your child is sensitive to lights, try dimming the lights or consider using lamps or candlelight with adult supervision instead of overhead light. Let your child choose a favorite food to include at each meal. Or let your child choose a favorite seat at the table.

Seek guidance on special diets

You may have heard that following a gluten- or casein-free diet can improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Casein is a protein found in milk.  Proponents of this diet believe that peoplePeople with autism suffer from “leaky gut,” which allows bits of gluten and casein to leak into the bloodstream and affect the brain and central nervous system. They believe this may lead to autism or amplify its symptoms. However, controlled scientific studies have not proven this to be true, so research at this time does not support the use of these diets. Put in Keep in mind that restrictive diets require careful planning to make sure your child’s nutritional needs are met. Consult a registered dietitian before making any drastic changes to your child’s meal plan as there may be side effects and potential nutrient deficiencies when prescribed a gluten- or casein-free diet.