Dietary interventions & Correct Feeding Practices In An ASD Child

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are commonly affected by eating disorders. Parents and loved ones of individuals with autism know only too well that autism often goes hand-in-hand with picky eating. Children and adults with autism may exhibit strong food preferences and aversions, making it difficult to give them a nutritious diet. 

This is a vicious cycle, because various nutrient deficiencies, suboptimal digestive function, and gastrointestinal problems—which many individuals with autism also exhibit—may exacerbate the behavioural aspects of the condition. Their preference for energy-dense food with low nutrition can alter their metabolism, leading to the accumulation of oxidative radicals, causing them to deteriorate mentally and physically. Although dieting and losing weight are now commonly seen in the general population, it has become hard to bring awareness to children with special needs about diet, nutrition, and obesity. Despite efforts, parents of such children usually cannot help control their eating because tantrums and behavioural problems are common.

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are the commonest population to manifest with an eating disorder when compared to the general population. Recent studies indicate that up to three percent of children or at least 23 in 1000 children in India may have autism and ASD with eating disorders. Many studies also indicate that parents of children with ASD have no formal education, belong to high socioeconomic status, have reduced sleep and affective problems that significantly contribute to their condition. Reports indicate that at least 30 percent of autistic children fall under the obese category. It is now imperative for doctors and parents to work alongside nutritionists and dieticians to help these children eat healthy to be fit and improve their quality of life. A trial and error of diets is a must to see what suits them best.

At Jeevaniyam it is our duty as doctors to educate parents to nourish the culture of eating healthy as children with special needs may not completely understand the concept and the benefits of healthy and nutritious food. We prescribe diet patterns which are rich in macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, acts as antioxidants and improves these children’s better functioning. This will help in improving the gut health thereby reducing the stress that is suffered by children.

Children with special needs, their immunity and Ayurveda

In part one of this series, we had talked about Ayurveda, immunity and children with special needs in a general, introductory way. Here, in part two, we will go into immunity and Ayurveda in this context in greater detail.

Children with special needs are those who, because of emotional, learning or medical problems need extra care in their lives, and they are put in an “Immunodeficient” category, susceptible to many medical issues, and that is what Ayurveda tries to correct.

This branch of Ayurveda is called Kaumarbhritya, a part of Ashtanga Ayurveda, and is concerned with the prevention and cure of childhood diseases.

Immunity is the “condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing the development of a pathogenic organism or by counteracting the effects of its products.” 

Human immunity is provided by two cooperating defence mechanisms called, NonSpecific Innate Immunity and Specific Acquired Immunity. 

NonSpecific repels all microorganisms equally, while Specific creates its response specifically to one particular organism. Both, thus work together to prevent harmful organisms from entering and breeding inside the body.

It is here that Ayurveda with its concept of whole-body healing; treating mind, body and spirit as one; becomes an effective method. It modulates or tunes or enhances the body’s immune responses by nonspecifically activating immunity using what are called Immunomodulatory Agents, often of plant/herbal origin. Ayurveda enhances the body’s natural resistance as a whole, rather than against one particular condition.

While medication, based on Brahmi, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi; and therapies like Shirodhara and Shirobasti, have been found beneficial, current research has found that a holistic programme, starting early, is most effective.

These include sensory integration techniques, music therapy, exercises for the brain and yoga. This integrated approach has been found effective in treating children with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities and hyperactivity.

Combining Ayurveda with physiotherapy and speech therapy also helps in developing fine motor skills, cognitive skills and functional skills.

Blog reviewed by:Dr Reshmi Pramod

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Confused Parents? Learn - "How To Control Sexual Behaviour In Autistic Children"

Autistic kids and their parents face numerous challenges throughout their growth phases and ADOLESCENCE is one of the tedious, yet beautiful phase of their lives. But, at times it becomes difficult for them to deal with the hurdles they face during this phase, especially when it comes controlling the sexual behaviour in the autistic kids. We, at Jeevaniyam, is here to help you understand the reasons, and the solutions to surpass the struggles you’ve been through with your autistic child.

Is it common for the autistic kids to show sexual behaviour?

        First and foremost, the most important thing to be understood, is that, like any other adolescent kid, autistic kids too will have hormonal changes, leading to sexual behaviours and sexual curiosity. It is absolutely okay if your kid shows sexual behaviour, but it has to be moulded to be controlled in public and among strangers.

Why does my kid not get along with the changes in him?

        As any kid without ASD, a kid with ASD also undergoes physical changes and maturation. The aggressive behaviour and the sexuality in them are accounted to the hormonal wave they might be through. But, the emotional plate or the sexual urge in them at a mental level might not be appropriate, and synchronous with the changes he feels.

When are their sexual behaviours inappropriate?

        At times, kids may tend to touch their own private parts unknowingly.  Due to the lack of knowledge, they may even touch others. Masturbation in public, obscene gestures or disrobing are all found to be done by autistic kids in the ignorance of adolescence and the norms they need to follow in public. It also counts when menstrual hygiene is not maintained, in cases of girls.

Should I suppress the sexual behaviour in my child as it is inappropriate?

        No! Controlling doesn't mean to suppress. Sexual behaviour is common and when it becomes inappropriate as in autistic children, it has to be controlled, not suppressed. Also, debarring them from sexual behaviour in public should not convey the wrong message of never involving in sexual behaviour. They must be taught when and where to do and not do sexual activities.

How can I teach my kid about appropriate sexual behaviour?

        A child before hitting the puberty should be slowly trained to be aware of the changes he/she will face. Diverting the child from conditions of inappropriate sexual behaviour is the first step. If he constantly touches his private parts, either restrict him from it or distract him from the action. When he is instructed not to do so, and then he does the same, do not forget to appreciate the good in him. Consistency in the teaching and training is very important in helping your child understand the “norms”.

What are the steps that can be done for my child?

        Autistic children must be brought to a condition where they can take a psycho- decision on their own. Psychological counselling on the sexual behaviour is found to have a positive impact on the kids. Sexual education has an important role too. Along with these, good training is ought to be given to developing social skills, self-care skills in the kids so as to perceive the education they receive regarding sexual behaviour.

How is society supposed to react?

    Understanding autistic kids and their behaviour flaws are very important. Like anyone else, they too will have the sexual maturity and show sexual behaviour. But, it is their medical condition disallowing them to distinguish between inappropriate and appropriate. Society must give a room for them too among us. Social acceptance can be the best medicine that you can provide them, so as to help them improve.

Jeevaniyam Ayurveda hospital and Research centre is popularly known as the best Ayurveda hospital in Ernakulam. We are mainly working for the special kids with autism. The best program for controlling sexual behaviour in autistic kids is provided by us.

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